Hearing God's Voice: Learning to Listen and Obey

Based on the sermon delivered by Kim Bolino and Pastor Jerry at 238 Church

Date: January 2025
Speaker: Kim Bolino, with closing remarks by Pastor Jerry

This blog post is part of the "Sermon Summaries" series on 238church.com. In this installment, we recap Kim Bolino's heartfelt message on recognizing God's voice and acting in obedience, even when it feels daunting. We encourage readers to reflect on these insights, dive deeper into Scripture, and apply these principles to their lives.

Introduction: Walking in Obedience

Kim Bolino began her message by sharing her nervousness about speaking publicly, but she stepped up out of obedience to God. She recounted how she felt called to speak, even when it was uncomfortable, and how God prepared her for this moment. This theme of obedience and trust in God’s guidance is central to her testimony.

Through personal stories, scripture references, and reflections, Kim illustrated the importance of tuning into God’s voice and responding faithfully, even in challenging circumstances. Pastor Jerry later emphasized that this process of learning to hear God is ongoing and transformative for every believer.

Key Scriptures for Listening to God

Kim grounded her message in several key scriptures:

• Romans 8:26: "In the same way, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings."

• Philippians 1:6: "Be confident because he who started a good work in you will finish it."

• John 10:27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

• Proverbs 8:34: "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors."

• Romans 10:17: "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God."

Each verse underscores the significance of attuning ourselves to God’s voice and trusting in His ability to guide us through His Word and Spirit.

A Testimony of Obedience and Learning

Kim shared a poignant story from Father’s Day 2018 that deeply shaped her spiritual journey. While enjoying a day at the lake with her family, she experienced a series of spiritual impressions that culminated in tragedy—a young boy drowned despite an inner prompting she had received.

This heartbreaking event left Kim grappling with guilt, anxiety, and questions about her ability to discern God’s voice. Through prayer and worship, she found peace and clarity, learning to trust that God was using this experience to teach her to listen more attentively.

Kim encouraged listeners to reflect on their own experiences where they may have missed or questioned God’s leading. She posed thought-provoking questions: Has God ever spoken to you in a way you didn’t understand at the time? Have you ever missed an opportunity to obey?

Learning to Recognize God’s Voice

Kim reminded the congregation that hearing God’s voice is a learning process. Through scripture, prayer, fasting, and the counsel of others, we can grow in confidence that we are following His will. She emphasized:

• Testing the Spirit: Ensuring that what we perceive aligns with God’s Word and the fruits of the Spirit.

• Trusting God in Uncertainty: Even when unsure, stepping out in faith allows God to reveal His plans and purposes.

• Recognizing God’s Equipping: God provides pastors, teachers, and His Word to help us grow in discernment and obedience.

Kim’s testimony about her family’s move from Arizona to Wisconsin demonstrated how God provided miraculously for their needs. From securing housing to finding work, she and her family learned to rely on God’s provision and guidance in the face of uncertainty.

Pastor Jerry’s Reflections: Becoming Bold Witnesses

In his closing remarks, Pastor Jerry highlighted the importance of being witnesses for Christ. Just as a courtroom witness must speak boldly, Christians are called to testify about what God is doing in their lives. He encouraged the congregation to embrace:

• A Life of Prayer: Building a fervent prayer life that aligns us with God’s will.

• Biblical Engagement: Studying the Word to sharpen our understanding of His voice.

• Spiritual Boldness: Stepping out in faith, even when it feels risky or uncertain.

Pastor Jerry also shared personal anecdotes about moments when God’s guidance was clear but unexpected. These moments, he explained, build our trust and prepare us for future opportunities to obey.

A Call to Action: Are You Listening?

Kim’s final question resonated deeply: Are you willing to listen to God’s voice and respond? Both Kim and Pastor Jerry encouraged the congregation to seek God daily, cultivate a spirit of obedience, and embrace opportunities to be His hands and feet in the world.

Through prayer, fasting, and studying the Word, we can learn to hear God’s voice more clearly. As we practice stepping out in faith, we grow in confidence that He is leading us. God is speaking—the question is, are we willing to listen and act?

Conclusion: Walking in Faith Together

As 238 Church moves forward, the focus remains on fostering an atmosphere of prayer and Biblical teaching. Pastor Jerry announced plans to resume midweek Bible studies and emphasized the importance of creating space for God to move.

Kim’s message serves as a powerful reminder that hearing and obeying God is a journey. Each step of faith builds our trust and deepens our relationship with Him. Let’s commit to walking this path together, encouraging one another to listen, obey, and grow in faith.

Keywords:

Hearing God’s Voice, Obedience, Faith, Prayer, Bible Study, Spiritual Growth, 238 Church, Testimony, Trusting God, Discerning God’s Will

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