Is that you Lord? Hearing the voice of the Lord

In a world which places so much emphasis on the subjective, the professing church has largely succumbed to cultural pressures. In many areas of its activity it has elevated experience over scripture, while still claiming to submit to the authority and sufficiency of the word of God. GARY GILLEY challenges this trend. In an incisive and clearly-written work he calls us to re-examine our own practices. He exposes the inconsistencies which currently plague Evangelical Christianity and weaken its impact. Do I confuse my own wishes with God’s will as revealed in His word? Do I read meaning into scripture rather than take meaning out of scripture? Then this book is for me!

The chapter headings include ‘Pietism and subjective Christianity’; ‘The Lord told me – I think’; ‘God’s will – lost or found?’; ‘Impressions and Scripture’; ‘Freedom to Choose’. These chapters explain that claiming to understand the Lord’s leading through inner intuitive revelation is not founded upon scripture. The next chapter, ‘But what about?’ addresses some questions which are raised on this subject. Then follows ‘A Survey of Scripture’, ‘Biblical Guidance in practice, and, finally, ‘Confidence in the Word’.

In three sentences the author puts his finger on the reason for the drift towards subjectivity: b‘It was to this end that Paul told Timothy to “present yourself approved to God, as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of Truth”. Many are simply unwilling to do the diligent work necessary to accurately handle the Word of Truth, and are looking for short-cuts. The Lord does not call for short-cuts; instead, diligence is prescribed’. If, at times, the author appears to overstate his case, this reviewer is ready to forgive him, so vital is the issue which this book addresses.

[Our thanks to Ed Hotchin, Hucknall, Nottingham, UK, for this review]