God does not answer prayers

[Clara Tea]

Good things and bad things happen, regardless of prayer. Desperate to prove religion, theists attribute good things to God.

 

[Brickjectivity]

I think faith leads to faithfulness, not backwards, because faithfulness implies staying in your faith, being loyal to your faith and Jesus healed many that were lacking faithfulness because of their sinns... Having faith is the first step, staying in your faith is the last step and it's called faithfulness.

How does it sound, your faithfulness saved you when you did not even had it in the first place? It does not make sense.

Everything arises from wtihin, the outside world is merely a projection of our inner world..

There is a lot of important stuff in there. Obviously I can't disagree with you that what we perceive internally drives all else. That is not what I am trying to do. Love comes first, always. Then faithfulness. That's how I see it. Beliefs and knowledge change all the time, partly because of what you have just mentioned. We have a projection.

On the subject of prayer I don't seem to have any control over outcomes. No mountains have bid me "Good day." For me if I need a mountain moved I have to use my shovel.

 

[Windwalker]

Is there a pattern that is correct? Yes.

I John 5: 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

If you can find His will in scripture... you can be sure He will answer.

I have a question about this. Are you saying, that in order to get what you want, make sure it's something he'll be alright with, and then find out what you need to do by searching scripture for God's will, and then God delivers? So follow that formula, and God answers?

On the opposite side of the coin, if God did not give you a covenant promise but you are asking for it, why would He be obliged to do it? Say... "God, I don't like my current wife, give me another one" - is He supposed to listen to that prayer?

What if that wife was horrible and damaging to your children's mental or physical health, but you knew you needed a wife who could support you and them? Is a covenant a covenant, and too bad for you, because the Divine has rules that must be obeyed? So are you saying, that because it says in scripture not to get divorced, God will not care about that person's request for a better mate?

Or must scripture be followed to the letter, lest God not be willing to help you, or you be considered outside of God's will?

James 1: 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

Faith is important. Because words, actions and results follow it

I've come to see doubt as the servant of faith. It helps break down erroneous beliefs, which negatively affects faith. But yes, I do agree faith is important, but I tend to see faith as more about one's intention towards a life of the Divine. It's about alignment with God, and less to do with things you think in your head and believe in, as ideas, concepts, etc. Would you agree that faith is different from beliefs, even though they intersect and overlap?

On the opposite side of the coin - If you were erroneously taught that God put the sickness on you to teach you something, then there won't be faith and, more than likely, you probably will stay sick believing until the natural body and antibiotics do their thing.

and others...

I think I understand what you're saying. Are you saying that if someone told you some idea, or opinion of what God is doing, that that will affect how that person hearing it will look at God and their situation, and it will hold them back from faith, or distort and cloud it? I think I understand what that is like.

 

[Kenny]

I have a question about this. Are you saying, that in order to get what you want, make sure it's something he'll be alright with, and then find out what you need to do by searching scripture for God's will, and then God delivers? So follow that formula, and God answers?

Let's look at it this way without using the word "formula". If you have an inheritance that says there is $10,000 for you at PNC Bank, you know that you can go to the PNC Bank and ask for the money. You wouldn't go to Bank of America, because you know that the stipulation was specifically at PNC Bank. You also would ask with confidence at PNC Bank because you know you have every right to claim and receive the inheritance.

If the Last Will and Testament (NT) says that you can inherit forgiveness of sins as per Rom 10:8-10, you can confidently ask and receive forgiveness because you found out what your rights and privileges are.

So, as you read the fine print of the NT and find other rights and privileges of your inheritance, you can ask for it and know that it is being worked on.

Does that make it clearer?

What if that wife was horrible and damaging to your children's mental or physical health, but you knew you needed a wife who could support you and them? Is a covenant a covenant, and too bad for you, because the Divine has rules that must be obeyed? So are you saying, that because it says in scripture not to get divorced, God will not care about that person's request for a better mate?

Or must scripture be followed to the letter, lest God not be willing to help you, or you be considered outside of God's will?

No. I am speaking generally under normal circumstances. (Forgive me for not being specific). If you are in an abusive marriage... get out of it. Get your heart healed and ask God for a better spouse (if you so want one)

Of course, I know what I was thinking and the context of what I was thinking, but I am not surprised that you didn't know what I was thinking since I wasn't specific. My apologies.

I've come to see doubt as the servant of faith. It helps break down erroneous beliefs, which negatively affects faith. But yes, I do agree faith is important, but I tend to see faith as more about one's intention towards a life of the Divine. It's about alignment with God, and less to do with things you think in your head and believe in, as ideas, concepts, etc. Would you agree that faith is different from beliefs, even though they intersect and overlap?

Again... it depends on what definition and the context of what I am saying (which no one would know if I wasn't clear). Certainly doubting what someone says is conducive to finding truth.

What I am referring to is (back to the PNC bank) - you believe, according to the inheritance, that you have $10,000. You get to the window with a withdrawal slip but then decide... maybe I don't really have it and you leave. Then you read the contract and believe you do have it, reach the window and the lady asks "how may I help you" and you say... "I might have the wrong bank and leave again".

So, in context "faith is knowing you have something that is yours though you haven't tangible got it yet" and you do whatever it takes to receive it. Doubt, in this case, is not believing something that is rightfully yours and then decide not to do anything about it.

Again, I hope that is clearer. I know you will help be become clearer by the questions you ask

I think I understand what you're saying. Are you saying that if someone told you some idea, or opinion of what God is doing, that that will affect how that person hearing it will look at God and their situation, and it will hold them back from faith, or distort and cloud it? I think I understand what that is like.

Yes. I "think" you got what I am saying. You could go to one lawyer and they will say you don't have a case (when you did). If we believe that, then we won't press in to get what is lawfully yours. So, if someone teaches you something that isn't true and you believe it... you don't receive what would rightfully be yours.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Please read my words again, I never said God does not help, I mearely said that He does not answer prayers. Your faith is the answer to your prayer, God only makes it happen.

Logically If the whole system is God's creation, then our ability to prayer and receive fulfilment of that prayer, is part of that God given system.

I see the system is set up for God's will to be done and not our will. Our choices, actions and prayer have ramifications, reflecting our harmony or disharmony with that will.

Personally I see the Messenger that is the mediation of the answers to all our prayers.

Matthew 6:9-13 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen"

So if the system is set according to God's Will, who else is answering the prayer?

Regards Tony

 

[PureX]

Your story is very similar with mine!! That's a very interesting sculpture, it's made by you? I write poems as a way to express myself.

Yes, years ago.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

So, what you seem to be doing is accusing those who prayed, of not being faithful enough, of not believing enough, of not having had the "correct" life journey -- is that right?

I think that's plain hooey, frankly.

Think about this: God is (as I am reliably told all the time) omniscient, omnipotent and omnibenevolent. So if something is happening that I don't happen to like, what ridiculous hubris must I have to think that I can ask God, to change that -- just for me? After all, if God is all those things, then God knew and knows, and has already approved, what I don't happen to want to happen!

It is really apparent to me that it makes zero sense to assume the omni-stuff God that so many believe in, and also to assume that prayers will be answered. That is just about the ultimate contradiction, in fact.

 

[Ancient Soul]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

One can pray to a smelly old sock and get the same 50-50 chance of having your "prayer" answered.

Instead of praying/talking to oneself for help, one should spiritually evolve enough to know how to actually get God's help.

 

[celest]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

I see everything as ' Cause and effect ' so never expect anyone to answer my Prayers. I have discovered during my journey that accepting what I can't change is more beneficial to me personally than constantly looking for reasons as to ' Why ' life can be so painful.
The Serenity Prayer comes to mind.

 

[Neuropteron]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

In his inspired word God tells us that he has certain expectations that have to be fullfilled before he is willing to answer our prayer.

For instance here is an extreme example:
If I think God is represented by a cow and pray to it (as the Israelite did in MtSainai), I should not be surprised if he doesn't answer my prayers.

Another one is that God only answers prayers through a mediator, namely Jesus Christ.

A person serious about approaching God would make sure that he approaches him in the proper manner, in that case he assures us that he does answer prayers.

 

[BlueSky95]

In his inspired word God tells us that he has certain expectations that have to be fullfilled before he is willing to answer our prayer.

For instance here is an extreme example:
If I think God is represented by a cow and pray to it (as the Israelite did in MtSainai), I should not be surprised if he doesn't answer my prayers.

Another one is that God only answers prayers through a mediator, namely Jesus Christ.

A person serious about approaching God would make sure that he approaches him in the proper manner, in that case he assures us that he does answer prayers.

This is where I must have been wrong and all those mothers and fathers who pray for their dying children to be saved, we were not meeting God's expectations!! So God must say: Let the child die, I don't care, meet my expectations and maybe then I care!

Is this the God in whom you believe? It's quite interesting, when Jesus helead those sick people, He just healed them, that's it, they had no test to pass and no expectations to meet, the simple act of asking for help was more than enough.

 

[BlueSky95]

So, what you seem to be doing is accusing those who prayed, of not being faithful enough, of not believing enough, of not having had the "correct" life journey -- is that right?

I think that's plain hooey, frankly.

Think about this: God is (as I am reliably told all the time) omniscient, omnipotent and omnibenevolent. So if something is happening that I don't happen to like, what ridiculous hubris must I have to think that I can ask God, to change that -- just for me? After all, if God is all those things, then God knew and knows, and has already approved, what I don't happen to want to happen!

It is really apparent to me that it makes zero sense to assume the omni-stuff God that so many believe in, and also to assume that prayers will be answered. That is just about the ultimate contradiction, in fact.

For sure I did not do that.

You said some interesting words, that's what it happens when people just believe and never question what they believe in.

 

[BlueSky95]

Logically If the whole system is God's creation, then our ability to prayer and receive fulfilment of that prayer, is part of that God given system.

I see the system is set up for God's will to be done and not our will. Our choices, actions and prayer have ramifications, reflecting our harmony or disharmony with that will.

Personally I see the Messenger that is the mediation of the answers to all our prayers.

Matthew 6:9-13 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen"

So if the system is set according to God's Will, who else is answering the prayer?

Regards Tony

If everything is of God and many religions do suggest this, where do we put the problem of evil, it must also be part of God, right? For sure everything we do has a ripple effect in this world, a word can heal and another can kill.

People are still not sure what version of Lord's Prayer is the correct one, does God lead into temptation? I know one god who does that, some people call it Satan, the Devil or simply, the Ego.

 

[Hermit Philosopher]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

Dear BlueSky95

I think you are right; it is unlikely that God will answer those sort of prayers. Not because they are trivial, unworthy, misplaced or selfish, but because one cannot pray away the often truly heartbreaking circumstances that alter someone’s everything for good.

As we go through them, we pray for strength when we are shattered and about to break down; for endurance when we think we cannot possibly go on and are tempted to abandon all our people and duties; for courage when our choices are so hard and frightening that we’d rather run away...

When all is lost, we pray for faith to remain so that we may pray for the humility we’ll need to turn cheek when we feel enraged and to forgive when hatred overwhelms us in our grief. We pray for sanity not to abandon us in lunacy and forsake us to drown in our sorrows; we pray that we find the will to live when death seems all that’s left for us to want.

And as we do all this ...and life mercilessly appears to go on ...almost as though without us, we will all have changed profoundly. Some, losing any faith we may have had and turning onto worldliness; others, trusting that someday (with God’s help) we’ll be able to make sense of the weight of our “cross” in a different, more meaningful way and perhaps be of comfort to others as the bear their own.

Humbly
Hermit

 

[Kenny]

Good things and bad things happen, regardless of prayer. Desperate to prove religion, theists attribute good things to God.

But more good things happen when you pray... and prayer can overcome bad things that happen.

 

[PAUL MARKHAM]

It would be miraculous if something that Men imagined was actually answering anything.

 

[Windwalker]

Let's look at it this way without using the word "formula". If you have an inheritance that says there is $10,000 for you at PNC Bank, you know that you can go to the PNC Bank and ask for the money. You wouldn't go to Bank of America, because you know that the stipulation was specifically at PNC Bank. You also would ask with confidence at PNC Bank because you know you have every right to claim and receive the inheritance.

If the Last Will and Testament (NT) says that you can inherit forgiveness of sins as per Rom 10:8-10, you can confidently ask and receive forgiveness because you found out what your rights and privileges are.

So, as you read the fine print of the NT and find other rights and privileges of your inheritance, you can ask for it and know that it is being worked on.

Does that make it clearer?

So prayer and our relationship with God is structured like a legal transaction? Can you say that when one becomes a Christian, they can now legally go to the bank of heaven and make withdrawals requests because you are a recognized customer with that bank?

No. I am speaking generally under normal circumstances. (Forgive me for not being specific). If you are in an abusive marriage... get out of it. Get your heart healed and ask God for a better spouse (if you so want one)

Of course, I know what I was thinking and the context of what I was thinking, but I am not surprised that you didn't know what I was thinking since I wasn't specific. My apologies.

I was making up an example. That's not my story personally. I do know there are some churches which teach that it's sin to get a divorce, and so when you said that your prayer has to be within God's will, and there are those who read the bible that would say it is not God's will to get out of that marriage, how do you really know, or can say with any word of authority, what God's will is from scripture?

My example was to show, that rather than it being legalistic, it's more relational, and therefore a lot more fuzzy as to what is considered God's will. You specified finding out what that was by reading scripture. Yet, in practice, doing that ends up not actually God's will at all, but someone's ideas of what God's will is, using scripture.

Is there a less legalistic, black and white, contractual obligation way of knowing what God's will is? ARe things that are called sin, always sin? How does the average person, let's say one who never reads the bible or is taught by human teachers, knows what God's will is? Would you say their own conscious could guide them instead as to what is sin or not?

Again... it depends on what definition and the context of what I am saying (which no one would know if I wasn't clear). Certainly doubting what someone says is conducive to finding truth.

What I am referring to is (back to the PNC bank) - you believe, according to the inheritance, that you have $10,000. You get to the window with a withdrawal slip but then decide... maybe I don't really have it and you leave. Then you read the contract and believe you do have it, reach the window and the lady asks "how may I help you" and you say... "I might have the wrong bank and leave again".

So, in context "faith is knowing you have something that is yours though you haven't tangible got it yet" and you do whatever it takes to receive it. Doubt, in this case, is not believing something that is rightfully yours and then decide not to do anything about it.

Again, I hope that is clearer. I know you will help be become clearer by the questions you ask

I can tell you are accustomed to using examples like this to teach. But the example doesn't really help to change that perception of a God as a transactional vending machine, as I began to see it years ago. Instead of getting a granola bar, you make a bank withdrawal. You still have to follow procedure and process as a legal transaction.

And that I think is the core difficulty I have with that view of God. It's legalistic, not relational. I had come to learn over the past number of years about how this view of God entered into Christianity. It can be traced back to the Norman King and theologian, Anselm of Canterbury. Are you familiar with the history of the legal view of God that became the norm through him?

God as the holder of banknotes, has that same feel to it. Are you sure that that teaching, doesn't affect faith negatively? Viewing the Divine, in terms of contractual obligations with one's King, does not exactly promote faith, IMO. It may promote conformity and compliance with the law, but not so much about finding God's will through that still small voice. That takes personal spiritual development and growth, not compliance with God as a legal entity. Can you agree with that?

Yes. I "think" you got what I am saying. You could go to one lawyer and they will say you don't have a case (when you did). If we believe that, then we won't press in to get what is lawfully yours. So, if someone teaches you something that isn't true and you believe it... you don't receive what would rightfully be yours.

Yes, teaching children certain view of God, such as a wrathful, angry God who reads their thoughts and they stand in judgement of hell, if it's weren't for the fact God is merciful and let Jesus die for them instead, can negatively affect one's faith relationship with God. I can think of a thousand examples.

 

[Kenny]

So prayer and our relationship with God is structured like a legal transaction? Can you say that when one becomes a Christian, they can now legally go to the bank of heaven and make withdrawals requests because you are a recognized customer with that bank?

I know you are smart enough to understand an analogy.

In a marriage... is it relational? Yes
Would you call it a transaction? Probably not.
Is it also legal? Yes
Is it a covenant? Yes
Are there requests that are met because of the relational, legal, covenant? Yes

I was making up an example. That's not my story personally. I do know there are some churches which teach that it's sin to get a divorce, and so when you said that your prayer has to be within God's will, and there are those who read the bible that would say it is not God's will to get out of that marriage, how do you really know, or can say with any word of authority, what God's will is from scripture?

My example was to show, that rather than it being legalistic, it's more relational, and therefore a lot more fuzzy as to what is considered God's will. You specified finding out what that was by reading scripture. Yet, in practice, doing that ends up not actually God's will at all, but someone's ideas of what God's will is, using scripture.

Is there a less legalistic, black and white, contractual obligation way of knowing what God's will is? ARe things that are called sin, always sin? How does the average person, let's say one who never reads the bible or is taught by human teachers, knows what God's will is? Would you say their own conscious could guide them instead as to what is sin or not?

Paragraph 1

"I want a new wife because the other woman is prettier." Do you think that qualifies? (Which is the point that I was making) But, to give you credit, it is harder on a grey issue of marriage of when it is right and when is it not right.

But on a more black and white issue... God wants people healed. Or, God wants to meet your needs. Or, God wants you to have peace of mind. Etc Etc Etc So, again, if you find a promise - you can be sure He hears you.

Paragraph 2

I agree, it is more relational and should not be legalistic because it is based on grace and not the law. Yes, there are churches that are legalistic. But what scriptural promise are you holding onto that is correct in its application? I thought we were talking about covenant promises

Paragraph 3

1) What is a better way to know what is right and what is wrong?
2) Why are you concentrating on sin? the promise is that sin is forgiven and not "I have a list of sins against you" Don't know why we are taking a left turn here
3) Every person has their own laws. I have no doubt that God's Spirit is trying to lead each and every person even if they haven't read the Bible.
4) Yes, a conscience can guide you. However, would you be able to say there also be people whose conscience have been seared and no long have good judgment?

I can tell you are accustomed to using examples like this to teach. But the example doesn't really help to change that perception of a God as a transactional vending machine, as I began to see it years ago. Instead of getting a granola bar, you make a bank withdrawal. You still have to follow procedure and process as a legal transaction.

And that I think is the core difficulty I have with that view of God. It's legalistic, not relational. I had come to learn over the past number of years about how this view of God entered into Christianity. It can be traced back to the Norman King and theologian, Anselm of Canterbury. Are you familiar with the history of the legal view of God that became the norm through him?

God as the holder of banknotes, has that same feel to it. Are you sure that that teaching, doesn't affect faith negatively? Viewing the Divine, in terms of contractual obligations with one's King, does not exactly promote faith, IMO. It may promote conformity and compliance with the law, but not so much about finding God's will through that still small voice. That takes personal spiritual development and growth, not compliance with God as a legal entity. Can you agree with that?

There is a saying "to the pure all things are pure".

It was a legal payment for sins born out of love. The benefit is that there is forgiveness and relationship available. A marriage ceremony is relational as well as a legal transaction. If you want to view it as a vending machine, then it isn't born out of love? I don't think so. Faith works by love and not by yanking a vending machine (your analogy - not mine)

I'm not sure why you want it to be either legal or relational. Why can't it be both with love as the underling pin?

I'm sorry if you took the banking analogy is its worst application. Just trying to give a concept. So look at it as a marriage. Both legal and relational.

A still small voice can still say to me "You know I said you are supposed to forgive because you are forgiven?" It is is relational but there is a legal aspect to it.

Yes, teaching children certain view of God, such as a wrathful, angry God who reads their thoughts and they stand in judgement of hell, if it's weren't for the fact God is merciful and let Jesus die for them instead, can negatively affect one's faith relationship with God. I can think of a thousand examples.

Yes... you can be legalistic in your approach if you want.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

If everything is of God and many religions do suggest this, where do we put the problem of evil, it must also be part of God, right? For sure everything we do has a ripple effect in this world, a word can heal and another can kill.

People are still not sure what version of Lord's Prayer is the correct one, does God lead into temptation? I know one god who does that, some people call it Satan, the Devil or simply, the Ego.

I see the system is God's and the Bible says in Isaiah 45:7 "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

The Light is the Messengers and the Word they offer. So all we choose that is not as per the Mesengers Life and Word, is darkness or Evil.

I see God allows our heart what it desires, that is free will. Satan is our own worldly self that chooses not to follow God's wisdom and laws.

Big topic, Regards Tony

 

[firedragon]

God has never answered prayers and will never answer prayers, why so? Ask yourself this, how does God decide to answer prayers?

Here we have a mother who prays day and night for her child that has cancer and eventually, the child dies, every day thousands upon thousands children die from horrible diseases. Here we have a young man who prays for finding a good job and he finds his dream job, giving thanks that his prayer was answered, I've read so many testimonies about this. Now, from time to time, we have testimonies of miraculous healings, but ask yourself, why there are so few and not more? This should ring a bell!

It is not God who answer prayers, from my own research, there are two main things when it comes to prayers - your faith and your life journey.

Remember what Jesus used to say to those who healed them? Your faith has saved you!

A question arises, where is God in this equation of prayers? God is the power that manifests the answer to your prayer but the answer does not come from God, it comes from your faith and your life journey. If you have faith and this is part of your life journey, then there's nothing to stop your prayers from being answered.

I am still not sure of the last thing, the life journey, because in my belief, we decide our life journey each moment.

Excellent.