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Chris81

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The discussions on these Creation threads always end up becoming so weird. Prayer is not about commanding God to perform miracles to cure people of incurable dieseases. Christ already knows of our petitions before we even ask them. We do not pray such that we can bring something new to Christ attention and therefore effect the future to our benefit. The point of prayer is to draw closer to Christ, it is in the correct application of prayer we learn that we are dependent on Christ, that we seek to do as Christ desires of us, and last that we care for those that Christ cares for. Prayer is not so much about telling God anything as it is about listening to what God has to say to us.
 
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futzman

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The discussions on these Creation threads always end up becoming so weird. Prayer is not about commanding God to perform miracles to cure people of incurable dieseases. Christ already knows of our petitions before we even ask them. We do not pray such that we can bring something new to Christ attention and therefore effect the future to our benefit. The point of prayer is to draw closer to Christ, it is in the correct application of prayer we learn that we are dependent on Christ, that we seek to do as Christ desires of us, and last that we care for those that Christ cares for. Prayer is not so much about telling God anything as it is about listening to what God has to say to us.

Well, at least you admit it's ineffectual and that's refreshing. I never cease to be amused when a Christian says "Well, I prayed for him to be healed but he wasn't. It must be God's will." Win-win for God as I see it.
 
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Greg1234

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Simple -- they were writing mythology, because nobody lives 500+ years.

Now, prove your claim.

Thought so.

I don't adhere to materialist doctrine and beliefs. Neither is the manbeast competence depicted in Darwinism applied.
 
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Chris81

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Well, at least you admit it's ineffectual and that's refreshing. I never cease to be amused when a Christian says "Well, I prayed for him to be healed but he wasn't. It must be God's will." Win-win for God as I see it.

I wouldn't say that prayer is ineffectual, other than in the mistaken belief that in prayer we have the power to direct God in such a way that he fulfills our wishes. Often too many people mistake God for Santa Claus as though in order to get what you want, you merely have to send him a wish list. No that is not how God works, but I know from personal experience that prayer is very important and effective in the ways in which God works to shape our lives and the people around us.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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The discussions on these Creation threads always end up becoming so weird. Prayer is not about commanding God to perform miracles to cure people of incurable dieseases. Christ already knows of our petitions before we even ask them. We do not pray such that we can bring something new to Christ attention and therefore effect the future to our benefit. The point of prayer is to draw closer to Christ, it is in the correct application of prayer we learn that we are dependent on Christ, that we seek to do as Christ desires of us, and last that we care for those that Christ cares for. Prayer is not so much about telling God anything as it is about listening to what God has to say to us.
How does god speak to you? Is it an audible voice, only in your mind, a feeling you get?
 
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Chris81

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For example, if a ten year old steals a piece of candy from a 7-11, then feels guilty for it, that's god talking to him?

In a sense yes, although it is not merely the feeling of guilt that would be reflective of God acting in the conscience of the child, God would likely also act on the conscience to repent for the theft, by the action of returning the candy to the store and admitting guilt, and seeking to correct the past transgression.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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In a sense yes, although it is not merely the feeling of guilt that would be reflective of God acting in the conscience of the child, God would likely also act on the conscience to repent for the theft, by the action of returning the candy to the store and admitting guilt, and seeking to correct the past transgression.
What if this ten year old boy is from India, and is a practicing Sikh?
 
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Chris81

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What if this ten year old boy is from India, and is a practicing Sikh?

I think I see your point. You are making a valid point that one must not necessarly be a practicing christian necessary to act morally. That is true! Yes, the ten year old boy from India would likewise have the influence of God acting on the conscience to do what is right. There is also no reason not to believe that the Indian boy would likewise not choose to take responsiblity for his actions and return the candy.

The problem is that even though we may know what is right we often find ourselves choosing to do what is wrong necessary to fulfill our own selfish desires. It is through faithful obedience in Christ that we are able to break free of the sin, a little bit at a time, and live a selfless life in service to God and our fellow men and women. In none Christian language, you learn to live your life more in tune with your conscience.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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I think I see your point. You are making a valid point that one must not necessarly be a practicing christian necessary to act morally. That is true! Yes, the ten year old boy from India would likewise have the influence of God acting on the conscience to do what is right. There is also no reason not to believe that the Indian boy would likewise not choose to take responsiblity for his actions and return the candy.

The problem is that even though we may know what is right we often find ourselves choosing to do what is wrong necessary to fulfill our own selfish desires. It is through faithful obedience in Christ that we are able to break free of the sin, a little bit at a time, and live a selfless life in service to God and our fellow men and women. In none Christian language, you learn to live your life more in tune with your conscience.
Yes, but this doesn't account for the millions of people who do not believe as you, who at this very moment, overcoming the desire to be selfish (sin) a little bit at a time. I personally seek to live my life with integrity and honor, and I do not have "faithful obedience in Christ." I too, am learning to live my life in tune with my conscience, no deity needed.
 
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Chris81

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Yes, but this doesn't account for the millions of people who do not believe as you, who at this very moment, overcoming the desire to be selfish (sin) a little bit at a time. I personally seek to live my life with integrity and honor, and I do not have "faithful obedience in Christ." I too, am learning to live my life in tune with my conscience, no deity needed.

I did not mean to imply that only Christians seek to live a life of selflessness honorably serving their fellow men and women. Forgive me if that was what you read from my reply. I know many good people who eagerly seek to do right in their life and in the community, who are not Christians. From my own personal experience, leading a good life is hard but made easier in a devotional life to Christ. Peace be with you.
 
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LifeToTheFullest!

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I did not mean to imply that only Christians seek to live a life of selflessness honorably serving their fellow men and women. Forgive me if that was what you read from my reply. I know many good people who eagerly seek to do right in their life and in the community, who are not Christians. From my own personal experience, leading a good life is hard but made easier in a devotional life to Christ. Peace be with you.
Fair enough. Peace be with you as well.
 
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