(July 22, 2013 at 3:10 pm)oukoida Wrote:(July 22, 2013 at 2:51 pm)Rationalman Wrote: Still didn't get an answer GC. Do you really hear God talking back to you?
Apparently, he does...
I did this too, back when I was a believer; I actually used to strongly concentrate on a single thing and to listen to what I thought I could hear in my mind regarding the subject. And since I could *hear* this voice inside my head telling me what to do, I thought it was god, the omniscient, omnibenevolent kinda guy. The one with the big hand that raises you up when you are down etc.
I think this is what GC does, even though we come from completely different Christian backgrounds.
Yet something like a year and a half ago I realized it was just me speaking to myself and there was no need for a god behind my own conscience. Nor there is a need for a god to strengthen a community, as long as there is simple survival instinct and love for each other.
When I pray I do not expect God to answer immediately, most of prayer is answered through scripture, for me this is the best way to confirm God's answers, what better than through His word. I have on occasion heard God, in my head so to speak, answer very specific prayer. No long sentences just a word or two that is always supported through scripture. I've always wondered why people don't understand God's word, but the longer i'm here the more I see that people think the Bible is nothing but stories and rules. The Bible is so much more, it is truly the way we come to know God and confirm His actions in and for our lives.
God loves those who believe and those who do not and the same goes for me, you have no choice in this matter. That puts the matter of total free will to rest.
