This powerful exploration of Psalm 95 reveals a profound truth we often overlook: worship isn't just about what we offer to God, but about positioning ourselves to hear His voice. The psalmist's call to bow down and kneel before our Maker transitions beautifully into the declaration that we are the flock under His care, and then makes this stunning statement: 'Today, if only you would hear his voice.' This teaches us that gathered worship saturates us with God's truth through songs, Scripture reading, preaching, baptism, and communion. We see this principle alive in Acts 13, where the early church was worshiping together when the Holy Spirit spoke, commissioning Paul and Barnabas for their world-changing missionary work. The message challenges us to worship in both spirit and truth, avoiding the pitfalls of empty emotionalism on one hand and dry legalism on the other. When we gather with humble, contrite hearts, we position ourselves not just to hear God's voice, but to respond with immediate obedience. The warning against hardening our hearts like the Israelites at Meribah reminds us that hearing without responding leads us into spiritual wilderness. This isn't about waiting for audible voices, but recognizing that God speaks powerfully through His Word as we worship together, calling us to transformation and mission.

What if God wanted to meet you right in the middle of your stress, doubt, or decisions by speaking through another person? In this message from our “Hearing God” series, we talk about prophecy — not fortune-telling or hype, but God using ordinary voices to bring real strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. If you’ve ever felt nervous about 'God told me' moments, you aren’t alone. We’re looking at how to stay anchored in the Word while staying open to the real encouragement God has for you.

HDC Young Adults is a community of 18–28 year olds gathering every Thursday night to be anchored in truth and aimed at God’s presence — a space to chill, build real friendships, grow in faith, and bear fruit in everyday life. If you’re local, you’re invited to join us in person: worship with us, open Scripture together, and step into a family that values participation over program and learning to hear God together.

Primary passages in this message: 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22; 1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–2, 15; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 John 4:1–3; Matthew 7:15–20; John 10:27.

Key takeaways:
• God speaks primarily to mature us and make us more like Jesus, not to promise comfort, success, or control over the future.
• New Testament prophecy is Spirit-led speech from one believer to another for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort — it is always submitted to Scripture and never equal with Scripture.
• We must not “quench the Spirit” by shutting down prophecy because it’s messy or unfamiliar; instead, we test everything, hold on to what is good, and reject what is evil.
• Before sharing a word, we ask: Is it affirming (building up), is it biblical (aligned with God’s Word), and is it Christ-like (true to Jesus’ heart and voice)? We share it with both courage and humility, knowing we can be wrong.
• When receiving a word, we test the content (does it point to Jesus?), the contribution (does it build up the church?), the character of the person sharing (what fruit shows in their life?), and we weigh it together in community.
• When God speaks through someone at just the right time, it cuts through our defenses and reminds us how personally and deeply He loves us.

0:00 Welcome & Worship Overflow
2:00 Series Recap: Why God Speaks
6:15 Don’t Quench the Spirit: Prophecy in 1 Thessalonians 5
11:50 What Prophecy Is (and Isn’t)
18:55 How to Share a Word: Affirming, Biblical, Christ-like
26:30 How to Test a Word: Content, Contribution, Character, Community
35:20 Story: A Prophetic Encouragement at Winter Camp
41:10 Why Prophecy Is Worth the Risk
45:00 Closing Prayer & Response

Hearing God isn’t just about quiet times and private moments – God often speaks through people He’s placed in our lives. This message leans into what it means to be anchored in truth and aimed at His presence by inviting godly leaders to speak into our blind spots, call us out of self-deception, and help us actually grow and bear fruit. If you’ve ever thought “it’s just me and God, I don’t need anyone else” or felt scared to be honest about what’s really going on, this is a space to slow down, chill, and let God reframe how you see leadership and community.

HDC Young Adults is a community of 18–28 year olds gathering Thursday nights to be anchored in God’s Word and aimed at His presence. We’re not chasing hype or just running a program – we’re building a place where you can be known, ask real questions, and walk with Jesus alongside others. If you’re looking for somewhere to belong, be real, grow in your faith, and see God produce real fruit in your life, come join us in person on a Thursday night.

Primary Scriptures: Ephesians 4:11–13; Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 11:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9; James 5:16; Hebrews 12:11, 13:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1.
Key takeaways: God gives leaders as a gift to His church to equip us and build us up, not as a random part of church programming. You grow at the speed of your honesty – you can’t be healed from what you hide or discipled through a disguise. God uses leaders because they can see what we can’t see in ourselves and lovingly call out where Jesus is missing from our decisions. The goal of all of this is maturity: the Christian life is personal but never meant to be private, and inviting godly leadership into your life is part of becoming more like Christ.

0:00 Welcome & Series Setup
2:05 Voices Growing Up & Why People Matter
6:58 “Just Me and God” and the Danger of Isolation
12:40 God Gives Leaders as a Gift (Ephesians 4)
20:15 You Grow at the Speed of Your Honesty (Proverbs 27, James 5)
28:30 Blind Spots, Counsel & Many Advisers (Proverbs 11, Ecclesiastes 4)
34:45 Discipline, Submission & the Goal of Maturity (Hebrews 12–13, Ephesians 4)
41:20 Following Leaders as They Follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)
44:10 Invitation, Response & Closing Prayer