Why knocking is so important.

[Drich]

And there are many of us who did presuppose it, and convinced ourselves that we had found god, but eventually realized that we had not. I know that the response to this is that I did not do it correctly (or something similar to that). But that reminds me of the explanations when people want to believe that god always answers prayers.

actually no. The answer is not that you did something wrong nor is it that God did not answer your prayers.

God answered your prayer. The result was the storm that took your religious beliefs away. (Just like in the parable of the wise and foolish builders) Why? Because again if God answered your prayers with what you believed in place, it would support the corrupt picture of God you already had. If God came to you and was radically different then you thought He should be then you would assume it was satan trying to fool you, thus further supporting your corrupt version of God.

As outlined by the parable of the wise and foolish builders. God sends the rains (trials of life) those who have a strong foundation, meaning those who have built their religious works and beliefs on an accurate picture of God will stand firm as Christ says this is akin to building on a solid rock foundation. Those who build their religious beliefs and works on tradition or some other religious work or view has built their house on the sand. Now when the rains come (in your case you prayed for them) it washes away your belief.

This act can be viewed one of two ways. As a point to start over and have God help you build on the Rock, or as a point to live apart from God. The condition of your heart will determine which path you take.

I think that it relies on the idea that god is not inclined to reveal himself to us. And I never found that to be a satisfying concept. It works against what the bible says he did (revealing himself to people frequently, sometimes with amazing displays of power) and what the bible says he wants (for each of us to find him and be saved). It does not seem sensible to me.

God is simple not in the business of revealing Himself to us on our terms. As that act would be very destructive to our faith. Rather God reveals Himself to those who have the where with all to Handel such a revelation.

Here in luke 11 tells us where and how to get the where with all needed to receive God.

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I asked for two years and got nothing, when I couldn't make myself believe anymore.

God is not asking you to believe out of a vacuum. As with what I told to us in my last post. Apart of the reason you met silence is because God is not in the business of supporting a corrupt view of Himself. Meaning if you believe God is supposed to be XYZ, and He is Really 123, then by showing Himself to you while you hold an XYZ system of belief supports an inaccurate version of Him that will have you support this corrupt version rather than God Himself.

To not support your beliefs, had you abandon your old faith. This was by design. Again, this is what or the reason for the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Chirst told us this would happen through the course of our life. So that we maybe prepared for these storms and challenges to our system of belief.

The only faith we are required to expend is that of a mustard seed. If your religion of choice asks any more of you it holds an incorrect view of God. This mustard seed of faith is all it takes to A/S/K. If you can do this without a preconceived expectation as to who God is and How He is to answer you, then you will be given a measure of the Holy Spirit. (What better proof of God is their than God Himself?) if you are faithful to the measure of the Holy Spirit that you have been given, you will be given more. More means a greater interaction with God through spiritual fruit and gifts.

So, you're saying I have to ask for some undetermined number of years until I get the answer you think I should get, and that this somehow counts as proof?

no. What I am saying is whatever time line you put on your effort it will always require a little more. In short once you humble yourself before God and the idea that You will wait on God no matter what it takes.. God will show up. (That means if it takes a life time then In Your heart you are good with that.)

Sounds like an ad hoc assertion to let you move the goal posts around as long as you'd like. I think I'll pass.

you guys all act as if I made this stuff up. Read luke 11. This is what Christ Himself says it takes. All I am adding is that what it took for me.

Drich, have you ever wondered why your god isn't obvious, and why he must be continually seeked for an unspecified number of years before he can be "found"? Does it ever trouble you when other people find different gods?

God is so 'obvious' one has to be blind to not see what is in front of you, and they have to be deaf to not hear what has been said over and over again.

As far as why people find other gods is because at some point in life they stopped knocking, and settled with what they had. It saddens me, but it does not trouble me because I am doing my part to try and show people the way.[/quote]

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You didn't answer my question. I said I knocked, got a response, but that I don't find the response credible due to lack of corroborating evidence. My own personal experiences are subjective and faulty.

What other evidence so you have to indicate that a God does exist? Why should I trust that the answer I got was reliable?

I have answer this question at least a dozen times now. Maybe read what I wrote to Robbie or tonus