How to Hear God | Interview with Tania Harris - Part 2
May 7, 2024
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Tania Harris, founder of God Conversations, discusses how to hear God's Voice, the importance of discernment in church history, and creating space for evangelism growth. She explores the shift in communication from the old to the new covenant and emphasizes the significance of having an open heart to hear from God.
Balancing human leadership with Holy Spirit guidance is crucial for collective decision-making in the church.
Community testing of prophecy is essential but may require additional methods to ensure accuracy.
Personal experiences play a vital role in discerning God's voice, prompting individuals to recognize authentic encounters with the divine.
Deep dives
Understanding the Dynamics of God Speaking and Its Impact on Individual and Church Structures
Throughout history, there has been a recurring pendulum swing between spirit experiences and institutional leadership in the church. Challenges arise when individuals claim to hear from God without proper discernment in the community. The New Testament model highlights the need for balancing human leadership with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to make decisions collectively, as seen in Acts 15's affirmation of the Holy Spirit's leading. The confidence in hearing God's voice must be balanced with humility to accept potential error and the necessity for communal discernment.
Testing Prophecy and the Role of Community in Discernment
Testing prophecy involves running it through the community for discernment, aligning with the New Testament practice of corporate decision-making regarding spiritual matters. This process, while valuable, is not foolproof, as seen in Paul's decision to go to Jerusalem despite contrary advice from the community. Community testing is essential but may need supplemental methods to ensure accurate discernment of prophetic messages.
Personal Experience in Discerning God's Voice and the Importance of Authenticity
When seeking to discern God's voice, personal experiences can play a crucial role. Authentic encounters with God may challenge individuals in unexpected ways, prompting responses that are out of character but align with a deeper spiritual impact. Through personal experiences, individuals can recognize the authenticity of God's message by distinguishing it from their own thoughts or inclinations, illustrating the profound impact of genuine encounters with the divine.
Understanding God's Voice: Clarity Through Posturing the Heart
The podcast delves into recognizing God's voice and distinguishing it from personal thoughts. It highlights the importance of posturing one's heart to follow God's commands even when they may seem challenging. By setting aside personal agendas and desires, individuals can create clarity to hear and discern God's voice effectively. The key lies in the willingness to seek God's guidance and obey His instructions, ultimately removing confusion and facilitating a deeper connection with God.
Embracing the Supernatural: Rediscovering Prophetic Gifts
The episode emphasizes the significance of embracing prophetic gifts and creating opportunities for their expression in the church. It discusses how an environment conducive to practicing these gifts can lead to spiritual growth and deeper connection with God. While grounding in biblical teachings is essential, allowing space for the Holy Spirit to work through individuals is crucial for authentic prophetic revelation. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning with Jesus' model of prophecy delivery, driven by love and building up others.
How do you hear God? Join us for a second interview with Rev Dr. Tania Harris, the founder of God Conversations and author of the book The Church That Hears God's Voice. With a passion for understanding how God speaks and the impact it has on the church, Dr. Harris embarked on a profound journey. Her exploration delves into questions that have intrigued theologians and Christians for centuries: Does God still speak to us today? How does God speak? How do we hear God's voice? And what significance does it hold for the church?
Drawing from her extensive research and experiences, she offers a comprehensive theology and pastoral strategy to help all sectors of the Church connect with the Spirit's voice.
Here is our 1st interview with her: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3KY3uXFrCg