Silence Of God
The "Silence of God" in the Bible refers to periods when God seems unresponsive or absent during times of human suffering, prayer, or uncertainty. This theme is prevalent in various biblical narratives and poetry, particularly in the Psalms, where the psalmist often cries out for God’s intervention but feels abandoned. For instance, Psalm 22 begins with the poignant cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), expressing deep anguish and a sense of divine silence. Theologically, the silence of God can be understood as a test of faith, where believers are called to trust in God’s character and promises despite their feelings of abandonment. For instance, in the Book of Job, Job experiences profound suffering and confusion, feeling that God is silent in the face of his plight (Job 30:20). Ultimately, God’s silence does not indicate His absence or inactivity; rather, it can serve as a backdrop for deeper spiritual growth and reliance on faith. Such moments compel believers to seek God earnestly, as illustrated in Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Thus, the silence of God is a profound aspect of the faith journey, inviting believers to explore their relationship with the divine amidst trials.
Silence Of God3
When God Answers No More
By Jack Hyles1.2K46:391SA 15:22PSA 51:17PRO 3:5MAT 7:21In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Saul from the Bible. He starts by describing a blind and bound man grinding at the mill, emphasizing the importance of obeying God completely. He then highlights Saul's disobedience and lies when he spared some animals instead of following God's command to destroy everything. The preacher points out that Saul's sins led to a decline in his character, with pride, weakness, vengeance, and selfishness creeping in. Ultimately, God departed from Saul, and he spent the majority of his reign as king without God's favor.
When God Hides His Face From the Righteous
By Jack Hyles1.2K36:13PSA 27:9PSA 42:3PSA 119:105MAT 28:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses why God sometimes turns his back and hides his face from us. One reason is that God wants us to learn to depend on Him more. The preacher shares a personal experience of preaching a powerful sermon and realizing the importance of relying on God's hand and blessing. He also uses the analogy of playing sports and confesses that he is not an expert in any of them, emphasizing the need for God's guidance in our lives. The sermon concludes with a touching story about a father and son grieving the loss of their wife and mother, highlighting the comfort and assurance of God's presence and love.
When God Quits Speaking
By Chuck Smith2.7K38:14PSA 10:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and obeying His commands. He warns that there may come a time when God stops speaking to us if we continually ignore His instructions. The preacher uses the example of Saul, who had presumed upon God's mercy and went too far in his disobedience, resulting in God no longer speaking to him. The sermon concludes with an invitation for the listeners to respond to God's voice, make peace with Him, and commit their lives to serving and obeying Him.