Does God Really Speak to Us? | Forgiveness, Repentance & Understanding the Bible

Does God still speak to us today? How can we tell the difference between God's leading and our own desires? And when someone claims to have repented, how do we know whether they've truly changed?

On today's episode of The Steve Marston Show, we're tackling these questions and more as we continue our daily journey in learning how to live more like Jesus.

Here's what we're talking about:

Forgiveness, Repentance, and the Legacy of Jim Bakker

Steve reflects on the controversial legacy of televangelist Jim Bakker and the lessons Christians can learn about failure, forgiveness, repentance, and restoring trust. When someone who has hurt us says they're sorry, how should we respond? Jesus taught that we can recognize people by their fruit, but only God truly knows the heart.

Christian, Explain Yourself: "God Told Me"

Christians frequently say things like "God told me to do this" or "I feel God leading me." But what does that actually mean? Does God still speak to His people today?

Steve shares a personal story about a time he believed God was prompting him to do something uncomfortable—and the unexpected lesson he learned about obedience. Plus, three practical ways to evaluate what you believe God is telling you:

• The Scripture Test: Does it agree with God's Word?

• The Counsel Test: What do spiritually mature Christians think?

• The Motive Test: Are you seeking God's will or your own desires?

Understanding the Bible with Tyler Marston of 1189

Steve welcomes his son Tyler, creator of the YouTube channel 1189, a free Bible study resource designed to help people understand every chapter of Scripture.

They discuss why the book of Acts ends so abruptly, why Jesus remains the central figure throughout Acts, and how the book of Joshua demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises. Tyler also explains why you don't need a seminary degree to study and understand God's Word.

Discover Tyler's free Bible study videos by searching 1189 on YouTube.

Plus, stories you may have missed:

• The controversy surrounding Greta Gerwig's upcoming Chronicles of Narnia adaptation

• Skillet frontman John Cooper on finding hope through life's struggles

• Zachary Levi and Neal McDonough bring a classic redemption story back to the big screen

• The Dad Joke of the Day

• Faith Between Our Ears: Lamentations 3:22–23 and God's mercies that are new every morning

Your Next Step:

When someone comes to you seeking forgiveness, remember that you can extend grace without pretending you know their heart. Trust God to judge what only He can see, and seek His wisdom as you move forward.

FREE RESOURCE: Want to get more out of your time in God's Word? Download Steve's free guide, Five Tips for Bible Study, at https://stevemarstonshow.com.

The Steve Marston Show is a daily Christian radio show and podcast helping you live more like Jesus through biblical teaching, Christian discipleship, faith and culture conversations, interviews, encouragement, and a little fun along the way.

Listen on 99.5 The Word in Little Rock, AM 630 The Word in San Antonio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

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