The power of prayer: in action

removed by author.This message has been edited by Charles Knight, 10-28-2004 06:47 PM

We make laws and mete out punishment to influence behavior, and somehow free will survives just fine. Moreover, there's things I simply can't chose to do, because of the laws of physics. Somehow, restraints on our behavior don't mean we don't have free will, so why would this be any different? Free will means choice. It doesn't mean that the outcome you chose must be guaranteed. Guns misfire and knives break, but it doesn't affect your choice to have committed violence.At any rate, it doesn't matter. If we needed the capability to be bad in order to have free will, God would have created us that way. But according to your Bible, that's not how it went down.Even in the Garden, without the capability to know wrong, Adam and Eve had free will. There's an infinite number of ways to do the right thing. You don't need the choice to be bad to still have choice.

Why would it negate faith? I think it would completely enforce it.If God isn't willing to save the destitute and suffering himself, why not send a little good luck to somone who He knows will put the lottery winnings to good use?

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For example - confirmation bias will seem pretty darn irrelevant to a guy who has been healed of cancer - and therefore - if YOU had been - let's be honest, you'd have to be mad to not believe.
THAT is why I am irrefutable mike - - HAHAHA - eat that Shraff!

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Here's what someone who's cancer wasn't cured wrote.

They either were free to do what ever they wanted, even some the things we now consider bad.Or they at least knew the tree was bad. They just didn't know about all the other bad things.

To me that statement was his own inner self telling him that life does indeed go on. He just didn't want to accept it.

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I do not profess to know their life stories, or parental backrounds. I can only speak for myself on that subject.

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I have the same worries you do. That is why I feel a need to put an end to it.

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Huh? How does this answer my question?(Great. Another 25 post back-and-forth with Riverrat where he can't keep track of his own arguments)You made some comment about it being obvious that God watches over children because they get into all kinds of trouble when they are away from their parents that should get them hurt but don't.I then mentioned all of the children who get into trouble when they are away from their parents who ARE killed or maimed. I then asked you if God wasn't watching them like he watches the others.Why doesn't God appear to protect all children, Riverrat?

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I can give you an example. What is one of the reasons Musslims do not want Christianity in their nations. I'll give you a hint: womens rights.

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Yeah, and the Puritains, Calvinists, and Catholics were really great examples of progressive attitudes towards women....what with the witch burning and all.

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Unless you think you are capable of lying to yourself.

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Humans lie to themselves constantly. We are very good at it, especially to avoid emotional pain.They are called "personal subjective biases", such as "wishful thinking" and "self-desception".The ability to convince ourselves of what we'd like to be true instead of what is actually true is exactly the human trait that the scientific method and rational inquiry are designed to compensate for.

Schraf - don't forget today's Southern Baptists and Church of Christ....

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To me that statement was his own inner self telling him that life does indeed go on. He just didn't want to accept it.

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To me YOUR statement is your own inner self telling yourself the lie that you think you know what happens after you die, even though you have no idea and are actually terrified. You just don't want to accept it.

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Schraf - don't forget today's Southern Baptists and Church of Christ....

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Oh my, did I leave them out? Shame on me.I have to go submit to my husband's will now.

Ok, back to the subject at hand. I said I would try to put together something a little more for you, here it goes.John 15
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.Anyone realize just how hard this is to do?Romans 12
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.Testing statistically for results of God's answers to prayers is definatly of this world.His words are to abide in us, to become vital parts of our lives!Colossians 3
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.So prasing him is important, and teach his ways.Sometimes the answer is immediate:Matthew 1528 Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.The women was faithful.

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The answer is sometimes delayed:John 11
6 Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.
7 Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."Like I said before, God is on his own timeline, probably doesn't have time at all. But the world he created for us does. Is it his fault if we do not accept this? Its been explained to us.Sometimes the answer is no!2 Corinthians 12
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.Without weakness there is no strength. I know you guys will have a tough time with this one, but hey, its life, just look around to see that it is true.The answer is sometimes different from what you expect:Romans 5
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.With every battle there is a victory with the Lord Jesus Christ at your side! (Can I get an amen lol )
We learn the toughest lessons in our life through our mistakes and suffering. Without it, what would we be? Each one is a test, God sees how you go through each one.God answers all your prayers!
Not according to your wishes, but according to his perfect will.Psalm 61For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David.1 Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
3 For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.4 I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah

To me this is YOUR own inner self imagining that I am a nut case, and you think that what you really feel in your heart about dying is a lie.
When does it end, and who is right?
No-one, except the one that is always good.Thats right everyones a nut, except you. We are all scared little pip-squeaks, terrified of dying.

No I mentioned what Jesus said of the children.
I also feel like God watched over me when I was ignorant of him. I thank him for that, and I do not proclaim to have a full explaination for you.