Christian Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
-
Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
-
-
Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
Read through the following study by Tenchi for more on this topic
https://christianforums.net/threads/without-the-holy-spirit-we-can-do-nothing.109419/
-
-
How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject
https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
-
Is God predictable?
- Thread starter Classik
- Start date
Jethro Bodine
Member
In regard to his promises you can hang your hat on them. In regard to how he accomplishes things, it's impossible to consider the multitude of ways God can bring about that which he ordains.
Consider the cross. How do you fulfill the just penalty for sin, but still reconcile condemned man to God? But God has done that in the wisdom and power of God expressed for us in the life and ministry of Christ and the cross. Foolishness to mere mortals. Pure, unadulterated genius to those whom God has chosen. And completely unpredictable. The Jews still think it impossible and unreasonable, let alone predictable.
Jethro Bodine
Member
"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" (Romans 11:33 NIV1984)
Christ_empowered
Member
I don't think God is "predictable," but I do think He is highly consistent. Take the life of faith, for instance. If I accept God as my creator and Christ as the God-man and my savior and Lord and act accordingly, I will benefit. The world may not appreciate the benefits (although there may be worldly benefits for some, maybe even many, Christians), but I will bear fruit and becoming godly and strong in character, like a tree planted by the river (I forget the address for this paraphrase). If I reject God and do terrible things, like engage in unrestrained sexual immorality and violence, I can expect bad things to happen, usually both on this earth and in the hereafter, but definitely in the hereafter. If I pray, God will listen. If I draw nigh unto God, God will draw nigh unto me.
These things don't indicate "predictability" so much as they show us a glimpse of God's character. Why does God reward the good and punish the wicked? Because He is just and He never changes. Why does God save the outcast and the pariah, 2,000 years after Christ walked the earth? Because God is merciful and "no respecter of persons." We know this because it is in His word and because, once our eyes are opened, we can see it happening all around us. But this isn't "predictability," because God is a mysterious Spirit who has chosen to keep many things to Himself for the time being. His ways are higher than our ways, as D4Christ pointed out.
I think calling God "predictable" seems a bit arrogant, but it could also simply be a case of poor word choice.
These things don't indicate "predictability" so much as they show us a glimpse of God's character. Why does God reward the good and punish the wicked? Because He is just and He never changes. Why does God save the outcast and the pariah, 2,000 years after Christ walked the earth? Because God is merciful and "no respecter of persons." We know this because it is in His word and because, once our eyes are opened, we can see it happening all around us. But this isn't "predictability," because God is a mysterious Spirit who has chosen to keep many things to Himself for the time being. His ways are higher than our ways, as D4Christ pointed out.
I think calling God "predictable" seems a bit arrogant, but it could also simply be a case of poor word choice.
D4Christ
Member
I agree it is arrogant but I also think for many preachers, in particular, prosperity preachers, it is exactly the message they want to get across.
Many of "money cometh" type teachers tell their congregations that if they pray a specific prayer (not in words or chants but in type) requesting blessings from God, then God will and has to follow up on His Word and bless them because God cannot lie. Of course these preachers also say God doesn't need our money, after all it belongs to Him anyway...but they tell people to plant a seed of faith (money that goes usually into their ministry) so that God can see they are faithful which will allow God to activate financial blessings into their life. Preachers will tell people God is not stingy with His money so they shouldn't be stingy with theirs, often prompting people to mail in huge sums they cannot afford.
I call this the Genie mentality...those who preach that God is like magic lamp...state your request, rub the lamp, and watch your wishes come true.
Blessings,
Dee
Christ_empowered
Member
Oh wow, D4Christ, I didn't know that's how the "name it and claim it" preachers operated. I was just reading some online information about a few of them--Randy and Paula White, Rev. Dollar, I think maybe a few others were included--and that stuff is downright infuriating. I obviously can't accept that a "servant of God" would manipulate and exploit his/her congregation (and whoever sees them on TV) that way. But I'm also angered by the many followers who believe in this system and use up needed money to get "blessings." I mean, OK, I understand that poverty and hard times can lead people to do things they ordinarily wouldn't, but a Bible can be had for very little money (often for free) and a little fact-checking could save these people a lot of their hard-earned money.
Right on CE many of the followers are waiting for the 'return' not so much the return of Christ but the return on the $$$