Christians: How do you avoid being arrogant?

Question

I asked two questions tonight about prayer.

I was told God answers the prayers of Christians, but not the prayers of people of other religions.

Do you not find it amazing that when people of other religions ask to understand God better, your God doesn't answer them?

Do you not find it amazing you believe your God answers your prayers, and not Satan whom Jesus claimed was capable of deceiving "the very elect"?

Isn't faith an amazing thing, that it can tell you with absolute certainty that -you- are worshipping the right God and everyone who disagrees with you is wrong?

Do you -really- believe that the faith of people of other religions do not tell them with absolute certainty that -they- are worshipping the right God and it is -you- who are wrong?

How does your God expect anyone to pick the right religion when all people of faith are just as convinced as you that they are worshipping the "right" God?

Answer 1

Funny that you should mention absolutes since "minds" of your persuasion vehemently deny their existence (except, of course, when it fits your particular bias or willfully arrogant and woefully stupid interpretation of the Bible). And, once again, why are you so interested in anything concerning the Bible or what Christians think about anything" Why are you so self-contradictory??

Answer 2

Ok. Im going to try and answer/address each of you questions/statements. The scripture is John 9:31, where the bible specifically says a sinners prayer. If you have still living in your sins then God says he doesnt hear you. If you are not living by the will of God as far as everyday life, worshipping the right way according to the Bible, or worshipping other gods, basically doing what God says don't do, then you're in sin. This also goes for Christians. If we don't repent and confess then we are still in sin. How do you know God doesnt answer them. So, you can honestly say that you know that God doesn't answer them? If a person is truly seeking the truth then they can't sit around and expect it to drop in their laps. The Gospel is out there, there is nothing to hide. Yes, satan is powerful. More powerful than any man on this earth. However, that is without God. Read Philippians 4:13. Christ strengthens those who strive after righteousness so the "very elect" dont have to worry about satan. The thing is its not about who I say is wrong. Its about me studying the Word and living my life based on that. If you live contrary of the word then I can't tell you your wrong, the Bible already did. So, when you say I disagree with what your saying about how I must get my life right, you're not disagreeing with me...Please don't, who am I? You're disagreeing with God. I cannot judge anyones faith. The Bible is there, simple and ready to understand. Anything it says is wrong or dont do, then its wrong...Everyone has a choice to make. To follow him right or to not follow him at all. If you are confused about anything please go to this website

www.inglewoodchurchofchirst.org

or call [phone]

Answer 3

"Do you not find it amazing that when people of other religions ask to understand God better, your God doesn't answer them?"

Nobody prays to God for a better understanding of God. That would already indicate belief in Him, if not complete understanding (which I doubt ANYONE can really attain).

"Do you not find it amazing you believe your God answers your prayers, and not Satan whom Jesus claimed was capable of deceiving "the very elect"?"

Not at all. As often as Satan tries to weedle his way into our lives, no doubt he's as attentive to the prayers of man as God is (though probably on the lookout for more selfish prayers, which he can answer with his trademark evil seduction).

"Isn't faith an amazing thing, that it can tell you with absolute certainty that -you- are worshipping the right God and everyone who disagrees with you is wrong?"

Certainly YOU feel your faith is what's right while everyone else is wrong, otherwise you wouldn't even bother asking the question, especially targetting Christians. (And yes, Atheism IS a faith).

"How does your God expect anyone to pick the right religion when all people of faith are just as convinced as you that they are worshipping the "right" God?"

He must have SOME idea. If He didn't, we wouldn't command Christians to even TRY to spread the word. (And He's YOUR God too. Not "ours".)

Answer 4

I think we need to be careful how we stereotype, especially when it comes to religion. After 9-11, Muslims got a bad rap. But we all know that those who truly follow their Muslim religion would not feel or act the way those certain individuals do/did.

Christ set an example for his followers in the way that he lived. He taught all people, he loved all people, he invited all people to come and partake of the blessings He and his Father offered, regardless of race or religion or anything else. A 'true' Christian should understand and accept that God answers prayers of all faiths, because they are still his children.

I also like to remind myself that Adam and Eve practiced religion, and since we since Christians believe that we are all their children, then our religions today all have root in their religion, essentially. Meaning that if we spent less time judging one another or even just focusing on why our religion is superior, we might notice the similarities, realize that we aren't so different, even develop some understanding, appreciation and respect.

Answer 5

Whoever said that was mistaken. If God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, how could He not hear the cries of those who are in need and searching for Him?

Jesus did say that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man comes to the Father except through Him. I believe that is true: however, I also believe that God is infinitely merciful and compassionate. No one knows what happens after death, and no one can say to what lengths God can go to save one of His children.

Like the person above me, I expect to get plenty of thumbs-down from those who take everything in the Bible a lot more literally than I do. But Jesus spoke of the shepherd who had 100 sheep and left the 99 to go seek the one who was lost. I honestly believe that is a metaphor for the extent to which God will go to for even one soul.

Answer 6

I'm sorry you find Christians arrogant and I can see how it might seem that way. It's just that we have assurance of our beliefs from the Holy Spirit and I couldn't explain that if I had to. It just is. I don't believe God just answers prayers of Christians. After all, we weren't Christian when we asked Him to forgive our sins and become our Savior. I know He loves everyone and though He separates Himself from sin, He is still very conscious of the sinner and all his needs.
As for Satan answering prayers, this is true. Supernatural power comes from one of two sources......God, all powerful Deity, or Satan, the fallen angel who was created by the all powerful Deity, but not near as powerful. Yes, sometimes in our joy over answered prayer we don't discern that what we think is a good thing might not be good for us at all & may just be Satan giving us our desires. It comes from letting our will get priority and not God's will for our lives. But, if that's the case, it won't be long before God intervenes and let's us know what's happening. He does this, again, through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said Satan would fool the very elect " if it were possible." The very elect have an alarm system ( the Holy Spirit) to put them back on track with God. One of the perks of being a Christian. If It's(the H.S.) not working, you ain't a Chrisitan.
And yes, faith is an amazing thing. "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that (faith) is not of yourselves, it (faith) is the gift of God..." Even the faith it takes to believe is given to us by God. He enables us in every way to find Him.
As for other religions, you said yourself Satan can fool a lot of people. He has no Holy Spirit to confirm his god. In fact, as much as he tries to immitate the True Living God, he comes up short. He only has a limited amount of time left and he will be exposed and chained. I do believe there are many Christians who attend other religions for various reasons. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with God, the Father.
How does God expect anyone to choose Him? Because He will speak to your heart. You may be at a rock concert or you may be alone in the quiet of the night. If you diligently seek to know He is real......He will come to you.....and you will have no doubt........you will know that you know...that you know...you have met God, your Creator. You will grow weak with humility and awed by His Authority....but mostly you will cry with gratitude at His deep, deep love for you. You will know.

Answer 7

It's hard to explain. God is very real to me. I can feel His presence in my life in comparison to where I was before I became a Christian. I have also studied other religions, many of whom teach similar things to what Jesus has taught. This is the difference: In no religion has a God ever become man and actually given his life for all. Not just a loved family member, but the greatest enemy. He died for all. That is reason enough for me to believe that our Heavenly Father is the true and living God. It says in the bible that as a Christian we will be hated and persecuted. I expect that. I am not arrogant, as I have no right to be. I was not born a Christian but lived most of my life without God.

Answer 8

I believe that God answers all prayer that are asked seriously and with the right mind set. God loves everybody no matter if you believe in him or not. God wants you to be closer to him, he doesnt push anybody away. As for Satan, the bible says he is strong, but God is stronger. If you trust God he will not allow Satan to warp your mind without you knowing it. Satan will put you in bad situations you if you do not look to God for guideance.

How do I know Chistianity is the correct religion? It is the only one that makes sense. Should I be a muslim extemeist who belives God wants me to kill everybody, no. A Mormon who believes in things with contridict the bible, a book they believe in, no. Athiest who believe we all came to be by a miracle, which takes more faith than believing God created the universe. That is how I know.

Answer 9

I would rather be called arrogant by folks than forsake my faith. Christians believe in Christ, and Christ said that He is the only way to the Father and salvation comes from Him. Jesus told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel, so we do. Many people of other faith have become Christian after hearing about Jesus.

Answer 10

Who ever told you that God only answers Christians prayers is not right at all. They are wrong . And obviously very misled by their church, pastor or interpretation of the bible.God answers all peoples prayers who come to Him humbly and sincerely. One does not have to be Christian to have their prayers answered. God does not say to follow a religion, only Him and His Church. Religion is man made and not God made.

Answer 11

Jesus said "decieving the very elect, if possible", and He also said "I am the Good Shepherd. My sheep know My voice, a sytranger's they will not follow", so that implies He is referring to those who commonly fall away: with us, but not really of us.

God expects that you'd choose wrong. He makes it clear that sin is more alluring than righteousness. Your choosing correctly is to your benefit, and His, as souls are all God requires of man.

how do I avoid being arrogant? I draw my attention to what Jesus said to Peter: "you are Simon son of John (bar Jonah)"; basically, remeber who you really are and don't get cocky, in it's context. I may be God's child entitled to benefits and inheritance, but I'm also human, and need to encourage others into the family, work on exibiting Godliness to mankind, and clear up misconceptions that cause people to stumble/fall away/reject.