Does God speak out loud?

What we call ”The Transfiguration” is one of the great events in the life of Jesus. It tells the story of our Lord going up a high mountain with Peter, James, and John to find a place to be alone and pray. Suddenly Jesus was turned a dazzling white and in that glorious light of eternity Moses and Elijah appear to discuss with him his coming death and resurrection. The three disciples had grown weary, but when this occurred they were shocked back to reality and Peter blurted out something abobuilding three shrines to commemorate the occasion. At that point God spoke from within the bright cloud, declaring Jesus to be his Son whom he loved and telling the three disciples to listen to what Jesus had to say (Luke 9:35). This last point is important because it identifies our source of authority. God told them, “Pay attention to what he has to say” (p. 120).
         So, it is clear that these three, who represent the growing church are to pay special attention to what Jesus has to say. That is why today in churches around the world the teaching of Jesus is awarded top honors in helping us understand God and carry out his will. He is the central source for learning what God wants us to know. If you stop for a moment and think about it, why would anyone consider any voice more important than that of God himself in the person of his Son? It would be impossible for him to say anything that was not absolutely true because if that were possible he would no longer be God.
         But now the question arises about the way God speaks to us today. We’ve established that a primary way is through the life and teachings of Jesus. But beyond that, how else does God “speak” to us in our day? We are aware of what C. S. Lewis refered to as a “sense of oughtness.” Call it conscience. For the Christian, the conscience is informed by normal maturing, but especially by the word of God. So when we hear, “No, no, that’s wrong,” is that not God speaking through an innate quality that he placed there in creation? I would l think so, but I sense it ought to be handled with care.
         That brings us to the question of God speaking out loud to us today. If he did, could it be recorded on a Sound Level Meter. Would it be what we call a “real voice?” There are numerous people who claim that God has spoken “out loud” to them. The occasion is usually connected with a personal need rather than being a prophetic declaration, such as that God is angry and is going to wipe out the entire town of Nottoogood. Did he actually speak? Frankly I do not know. But I do know this, and that is if he did speak, what he said would be in perfect conformity with what he had already said in Scripture.
         My conclusion to the question. Does God speak to us today? is Yes; in Scripture, through the conscience, and in times of special need. But what about speaking out loud? All I know is that when I was in the hospital several months ago, a black male nurse named Willie came by about midnight to “take my vitals.” His name was Willie (“that’s ie not y” he told me), a kind and compassionate angel/friend who I was told the next morning didn’t work there (i.e., didn’t exist). But he spoke to me very distinctly so he could not have been a mirage of some sort. Whether or not there were sound waves is beside the point; ­ I “heard” him. I even gave him a book (and the hospital staff couldn’t find it next morning). So if Willie, can ”speak,” so can God. Out loud? You make the decision.