Does God really talk to us or are we schizophrenic?

[Religious Fanatic]

Is God really helping us to understand the scriptures?
How much involvement does he really even have, if any at all?
Both us and our fellow christians always state how the 'lord' got them to do something, but it's questionable whether or not it is actually being sent by God because of the inconsistency and subjectiveness of these experiences.
For example, somebody will say how God told them to do something that could be morally questionable while another person claims God's intervention for something totally contrary to that.

This is a major issue when it comes to the bible, as well.

They say the right way to interpret the scriptures is not only the context, but also the language.
Yet, we can have people read the original language and context of the passages and still have dozens of interpretations, some even considered critical to understanding salvation and/or living.
So if people are praying and honestly asking God to show them the 'truth', then why are there still so many doctrines and interpretations of scripture?

For example, one person will say:
"If you are a believer in the pre-tribulation rapture, I also intentionally insulted you by referring to “the rapture cult.” While rapturists find the term offensive and routinely suggest we should be more loving and diplomatic, they simply do not understand the present situation. The Lord led me to dub the doctrine as cultic."
...while others would disagree.

The worst and most ignorant people are the ones who state that whatever is 'mainstream' or the most popular [poop] of the moment is what must be true, but this highly questionable.
We see alot of televangelists promoting doctrines and beliefs that are under fire, and even the less-commercial authors or speakers.

You'd think God could have done a better job when having his followers write the bible so we wouldn't have to be subjected to this mother [love] [nonsense].

[Judah]

{clip} ... Is God really helping us to understand the scriptures?
How much involvement does he really even have, if any at all?
Both us and our fellow christians always state how the 'lord' got them to do something, but it's questionable whether or not it is actually being sent by God because of the inconsistency and subjectiveness of these experiences.
For example, somebody will say how God told them to do something that could be morally questionable while another person claims God's intervention for something totally contrary to that.

Those are good questions. I have my doubts about some of the things I hear from folks too.

I think it is reasonable to assert that God is an entirely consistent being, that He does not say one thing and then go against that by saying something quite to the contrary.

I think you can confidently use Scripture as an aid to discern what is Truth and what is not. God does not tell people to go against His word. So the person who said how God told them to do something that could be morally questionable has probably got it quite messed up.

Likewise, someone who claims to be at peace with God yet is cheating on his wife is quite likely to have turned the volume down, or probably right off, on that wee still voice within that is said to be the Holy Spirit speaking to us. His peace is more likely a form of numbness instead.

Ask yourself if that person's life displays the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galations 5:22-23 If these things are truly in evidence then such a person is more likely to have a genuinely close relationship with God.
Where these things are greatly lacking, and the person is practising a clearly sinful lifestyle instead, then you might be wise to consider his testimony less credible.

We all need to grow our own relationships with God and then through prayer ask for guidance, wisdom and discernment. That way we come to a better knowledge of what is Truth and what is not.

Schizophrenia is something totally different again, and claiming that God speaks to us does not, in itself, indicate a psychotic condition.

[Fisherman]

I don't doubt that God speaks with people. Most of the time, people don't listen or let God finish talking or they just make it up.

Someone walked up to me after a service years ago and said, "God told me that you have to (insert some thing or favor here)" and I told him, "Hold on brother! God told you so why don't you do it? If He wanted me to do it, I think He would have told me. Don't ya think? Now, if you want a favor, just ask me. Ok?"

Has this ever happened to anyone else?

I have witnessed the real thing and know that God is involved in everything. Praise Him!

[IRQ Conflict]

2Ti 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskillfull in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat, belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

God has in fact spoken to me at least on one occasion that I am aware of. About 10 years ago, He simply told me the name of a stranger at church and asked me to tell him that He loved him and said his name (which I forget).

At the time I wans't sure that I heard what I did, so after church I asked the mans name and sure enough it was as He said. So I had confirmation as to the fact God indeed was talking to me, so I told this man that God wants you to know that He loves you.

The man replied with a rather gruff 'he loves everybody' so what? kind of an attitude, which made me feel oddly enough good. I think It was a test of obiediance mabey?

I'm not quite sure but just saying that to that man really stirred something inside him.

I do believe the Holy Spirit talks to people occasionally or a lot, depends on thier walk with the Lord, thier willingness to listen, and Gods plan for the indavidual.

Although there are also 'ministring spirits' (Angels) that are charged also with ministring to our spirit as well, I am not sure how far they go or are allowed to go with this.

But whatever you do, try the spirit(s) and see if indeed it is of Godly origin or not.

God Bless.

Edit: Jer 3:13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.