"God cannot..."

[unfinishedclay]

I hear statements too often that begin with "God cannot" or "God can't". It's unsettling.

When I hear, "God can't help you if you...God cannot interfere with human will. - (the last one I read online somewhere)", I wonder if such statements reflect lack of faith in God's actual power?

How is it that we as believers, who often quote "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me," are able to limit God by stating He CANNOT do something? I know that Scripture tells us He cannot lie. But it's not in the context of inability but more in context of His absolute choice. Ex: "I cannot bring myself to lie to my kids." It's not that I have no ability but I strongly choose not to and stand by that."

When we very casually say God can't, don't we contradict our belief that God is omnipotent?

 

[Serving Zion]

I hear statements too often that begin with "God cannot" or "God can't". It's unsettling.

When I hear, "God can't help you if you...God cannot interfere with human will. - (the last one I read online somewhere)", I wonder if such statements reflect lack of faith in God's actual power?

How is it that we as believers, who often quote "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me," are able to limit God by stating He CANNOT do something? I know that Scripture tells us He cannot lie. But it's not in the context of inability but more in context of His absolute choice. Ex: "I cannot bring myself to lie to my kids." It's not that I have no ability but I strongly choose not to and stand by that."

When we very casually say God can't, don't we contradict our belief that God is omnipotent?

The thing is that God is not the only one who has a hand in the world. In fact the default status of the fallen, is to oppose Him (that is, to work against Him). This means that those who are called to repentance are still brushing shoulders (and indeed, even going under the yoke of sinful Christians), and this means that they pick up some corruption in their dealings (1 Corinthians 15:33). This is what underlies the likes of James 4:4, 1 Timothy 2:5 and Philippians 2:12.

Historically, Israel had failed to obey and serve God to the extent that His hand was turned against them (Isaiah 5:4-6). Jesus warned that Christians would do this too.

 

[R. Hartono]

God can if He wills.

 

[W2L]

I hear statements too often that begin with "God cannot" or "God can't". It's unsettling.

When I hear, "God can't help you if you...God cannot interfere with human will. - (the last one I read online somewhere)", I wonder if such statements reflect lack of faith in God's actual power?

How is it that we as believers, who often quote "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me," are able to limit God by stating He CANNOT do something? I know that Scripture tells us He cannot lie. But it's not in the context of inability but more in context of His absolute choice. Ex: "I cannot bring myself to lie to my kids." It's not that I have no ability but I strongly choose not to and stand by that."

When we very casually say God can't, don't we contradict our belief that God is omnipotent?

God can do anything, but will He do anything?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Christianity is mistakenly outlined as do this and do that to be a christian. When in fact it is a 'can't do' that is biblically outlined. Prolly why evidence of Christianity is hard to identify. Like taking God's name in vain isn't about swearing it's about faithfully representing Him in thought, conduct and faithfulness. The invisibleness of a gentle spirit.

 

[unfinishedclay]

God can do anything, but will He do anything?

No, He won't do just any thing. But it's not due to any inability within Him. He honors His Word and He does what He chooses to do.

 

[faroukfarouk]

No, He won't do just any thing. But it's not due to any inability within Him. He honors His Word and He does what He chooses to do.

"Is any thing too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18.14)

 

[Dave-W]

When we very casually say God can't, don't we contradict our belief that God is omnipotent?

Absolutely. I find most do not truly believe HE is all powerful.

They believe HE is subject to time, (which He created) logic, (which He also created) and usually they also believe HE is subject to the laws of physics/nature.

I think the problem is that we unconsciously limit God by our own understanding and experience.