Sunday Service – 06/085/2025

“How to Hear God’s Voice and Direction for You”

by Pastor David Greene

Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

SUMMARY:

This Sermon by Rev. David Green discusses various methods through which God communicates with individuals. He references biblical passages like Revelation 3:20 and Psalm 119:105 to illustrate that God “knocks” on the door of our hearts and that the Bible is a lamp for our path. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, including interpreting a painting based on Revelation, being prompted to offer a ride to a stranger, and asking for a sign like Gideon did in the Old Testament. Other avenues mentioned for hearing God’s voice include Christian music, church sermons, other people, creation, dreams, circumstances, inner peace, and prayer, with Rev Green emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is a primary guide, though God will never contradict scripture. “Not everyone hears God in the same way, but God will make His wishes known if you ask“.

Hunt created two more versions of the painting due to its popularity. A larger, life-size version, painted between 1900 and 1904 (assisted by Edward Robert Hughes), is on display at St Paul’s Cathedral, London. A smaller version (painted in pastels) is located at the Manchester Art Gallery. The painting illustrates the biblical passage from Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me”.
The door has no handle, representing the human soul that must choose to open itself to Christ from within. The overgrown door symbolizes neglect and the passage of time. The lantern Christ carries represents the light of conscience and the light around his head symbolizes salvation. The painting’s symbolism and emotional impact have made it a widely recognized and influential work of art.