Jesus Speaks
Learning to Recognize and Respond to the Lord's Voice
by Leonard I. Sweet & Frank Viola · Thomas Nelson · 2016
Book summary
A practical theology of listening that argues Jesus continues to address his people through Scripture, Spirit, community, creation, circumstance, and sanctified attention.
Chapter & section guide
Introduction
Hearing begins with recognizing the voice that is already speaking.
The Speaking Christ
Jesus is present and communicative, not merely a figure of the past.
Scripture
The biblical text becomes living address when read in relationship with Christ.
The Spirit
Discernment attends to the Spirit's inward prompting without confusing impulse with revelation.
Community
The voice of Jesus is tested and clarified through the body of Christ.
Creation and Culture
God may use signs, beauty, art, and ordinary events to awaken attention.
Silence
Listening requires stillness, patience, and freedom from compulsive noise.
Testing the Voice
Christlike character, Scripture, wisdom, and communal confirmation guard discernment.
Responding
Hearing becomes complete through obedience, love, and concrete action.
Editorial note: these are original thematic summaries prepared as a research and reading aid, not quotations from the book itself.