Re Gino audible voice

http://www.fivedoves.com/letters/may2013/gino57-1.htm

All indeed is subject to the Word of God. Any supernatural or secondary manner of receiving direction from the Almighty must conform to the message of His Word. Some believers do have “spectacular” experiences, others have more subtle experiences. In every case we must check the leading as conforming to the Word of God. My personal experience, individually and of observing others, is that God prefers to communicate as softly and quietly as possible; ie “Be still and know that I am God.” This notion also fits God’s preservation of our “free will”. I embrace the balance of your message as we see the evermore revealed plans of evil in this world. We should always remember to underpin all things with the Word.

I have reservations on two counts:

First, by way of giving example you have suggested that those searching the original manuscripts attempt to place themselves in a superior position, or prioritize their findings over the common reading of a verse. On the contrary, in my observation those seeking a deeper understanding are most often more humble regarding their findings. And, they would not seek to weaken another believer. This is the difference between the “milk” of the Word and the “meat” for those with more experience. There is an excitement in finding additional layers to the Word. When searching the Word we continually find greater depth and breadth of this “mountain”. We can maintain a childlike faith because we are ever more aware of the size of the “mountain” which stands before us.

In other cases, there are instances where a translation seems to put a verse out of context, modifies punctuation, or disagrees with another translation. Naturally, one seeks to resolve the uncertainty. The motivation to do this is akin to a desire to move closer to God. This leads to my other observation.

From 2 Peter 1 you included these verses:

19 ¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Your commentary has focused on the Word (of prophecy) as seen in verse 19. You never mentioned the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit as the source of the inspiration of the prophecy and words of Paul. He did mention the HS as the source. So, we as believers have also received the Holy Spirit. Our very ability to believe comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Likewise, the motivation and desire to search the Word for deeper understanding comes from the Holy Spirit, so we should not be prideful. It is the Holy Spirit that opens our eyes as Paul’s eyes were opened. Without the Holy Spirit we can read but not receive internally an understanding of what we read. Over time we may be directed to see a verse in a new light or how it may reflect on other parts of the Word. This is the work of the Holy Ghost/Spirit as a believer grows in experience or circumstance.

So, I would like to endorse your message of the Word, but without assigning motives to others. The voice we should most seek to hear is that of the Holy Spirit which opens our eyes and speaks to us internally regarding the Word of God. If anyone wants to hear God, read the Word and see what He will say to you.

With thanks and in Love,