Belief in God

[characteristics]

A young child has his intellect and spirit of equal worth, unlike adults.

Thus why they are easily fooled.

Just a word of caution, don't expect a booming voice over the canyon.

I don't just expect it; I demand it. Human minds are prone to delusions and biases. I can interpret anything set in front of me as a sign that relates to my life somehow. And if I'm basing my beliefs on a small, nearly indiscernible voice in my head which requires me to focus intently to hear it, I'm most likely just talking to myself.

 

[amadeus2]

I don't just expect it; I demand it. Human minds are prone to delusions and biases. I can interpret anything set in front of me as a sign that relates to my life somehow. And if I'm basing my beliefs on a small, nearly indiscernible voice in my head which requires me to focus intently to hear it, I'm most likely just talking to myself.

As long as you continue to demand, you are likely to receive nothing. What do you suppose it was that instigated you to come here to this forum in the first place? There are really some people, who are members of this forum that have had real experiences with God. They can testify to you what is in their hearts, but as long as you are demanding proof, it will not be forthcoming. Their testimonies will be seen as completely empty to you.

If a person is satisfied with all that this world has to offer, or is not satisfied, but is unwilling to step out in faith toward something invisible to the natural eye, that person will received nothing. Jesus told the doubting, mocking Pharisees as much when they asked for a sign. The only sign they were to have was that of the prophet, Jonah. The sign is there and can be seen, but it is not to be seen simply because someone demands it.

Who is the man and who is the God? If you don't believe that He exists, then go search the world for answers... If you do believe that He exists, or would like to believe, then you cannot begin with making demands.

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Notice that the verse doesn't say you must know that he is!

 

[Francis Drake]

Thus why they are easily fooled.



I don't just expect it; I demand it. Human minds are prone to delusions and biases. I can interpret anything set in front of me as a sign that relates to my life somehow. And if I'm basing my beliefs on a small, nearly indiscernible voice in my head which requires me to focus intently to hear it, I'm most likely just talking to myself.

Characteristics, if as you clearly believe, human minds are prone to delusions and biases, why on earth are you trying to use your mind to discern something which is outside the mind's capacity?

It is your mind which is the enemy of your spirit!

Going back to my previous comment, it was Adam who decided that his own mind, to the exclusion of God, was to be the source of good and evil (right or wrong) decision making for the created order of the earth. That was, and is the essence of the whole problem. It is the essence of your problem too.

So, demand as much as you like, it just won't happen. your human mind alone will not give you the answer.

Until you climb down a little in your demand that God conforms to your intellectual requirements, you will never discern anything of the Spiritual realm. The human mind is blind to all things spiritual. Only the human spirit can see and hear the dimension of the spiritual world, but you, like most people have kept your spirit under the boot print of your intellect. If you would permit your spirit to function, it will then communicates what it discerns to your mind. Sometimes it can be hard to draw a divide between the mind and the spirit, but with exercise it becomes clearer.

God truly loves you, but like with the prodigal son, God will not force his demands on you. To know God's love, you have to accept Him on His terms.

As I suggested before, start asking God for help to change. Ask him for help to understand these things. But at the same time understand that he cannot help if you are not prepared to let go of some of the demands you keep making. I challenge you to start talking to God about what you are thinking. I challenge you to start that dialogue!
It truly is worth surrendering to the one who created all things, and who loves you.

Characteristics, you should know that I personally cannot stand the religion of Christianity. All the rules and dogmas of an institutional system that for centuries has perverted the gospel to keep certain people in power. That is a perversion of what Jesus came to bring.
There is however another totally different side of being a Christian, that of personal relationship with God, based on what Christ has done. That personal experience of the intense and tangible love of Christ dwelling within my heart. That of knowing the deep peace of God which passes all human understanding.
Please don't let your independence make you miss out on something so wonderful.

 

[christbased]

Hi Characteristics, I would say, from personal experience. You NEED the Holy Spirit to believe in Jesus Christ. Someone could fill you up with all sorts of scripture... and that is good, but IMO it really does not make sense (meaning we can't understand it) without the Holy Spirit guiding you. I know I am talking about spiritual stuff..., but I think that is the key.
I would try this, sit down in a quiet place by yourself and say "Lord Jesus, I don't know WHO you are. I hear stuff about you, I want to believe in you... . Please fill me with the Holy Spirit, and guide me not only now, but through my entire life, so that I may know who you are. Amen"

Then let Jesus do HIS work. This is not so much about you, but more about him, seriously. BTW, you will like the Holy Spirit It's like peace you have never felt before... and just keep inviting the Holy Spirit in,... invite,... keep inviting...

Also, from an authority point of view, when you pray the kind of prayer above. You are telling anything spiritually that might be "blocking" you from feeling and knowing who Christ is, to get lost! You are actually declaring something at a spiritual level, kind of to give you a direct connection to heaven. You are placing authority directly to Christ (kind of like handing the keys to the cop, and asking him to open the door).

Um... I am praying for you right now, because that is where the authority should be