If I'm reading that right, it means that I can't ask for a sign. Why not? I'm more than willing to believe, but I've never been given an undeniable, no doubt about it sign that God is real.
I'll be open with you all, I never wanted to become atheist, but life left me no choice. Does this sound familiar to any of you?
2007-10-11 19:54:26 · 9 answers · asked by Red 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Actually it sounds more like you are just trying to 'bate' Christians. You state, ' I'm more than willing to believe'. If that statement was actually true then you would just believe. You would not 'require' a sign. Also you state, 'Life left me no choice'. We all have choice but it is how we use those choice that lead us on our journeys. One choice impacts another, which impacts another, and so-on. But God gives us free will to believe or not to believe. So you are exercising your right. Peace
2007-10-12 00:13:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
In context, that passage (Mat 12:39) is referring to those who asked for a sign that Jesus was the real messiah. Apples and Oranges my friend.
Ask for your sign as you would ask for wool to be dry on a morning when you knew there would be dew (look that one up!), but keep your eyes peeled for it! It may come in a form you do not immediately recognize.
I see that this is a question of whether or not to have faith? If I understand that correctly, it seems like a good analogy to this would be calling the president and asking him to call you back, to make sure he is the president. It seems confusing when you look at it that way (and I'm not trying to make you look dumb - not at all).
I remember when I first asked for confirmation. It took a long time to get it, but I will tell you that when it came, it was undeniable! Wait for it. Be patient. Take the time to stop, look, listen. If you believe it CAN be done, it will be!
Scratch that last line. I believe it can be done, and that it will be done, so consider it done (in Gods time, not on your schedule)
2007-10-11 20:08:24 · answer #2 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's your sign man:
Mat 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Repent and be saved.
2007-10-11 19:59:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason why is that even with a sign, you must still believe. If someone is unwilling to believe, they will still be unwilling even with a sign. Scriptures say signs follow those that believe. This means faith first, then comes the confirmation of the belief.
Remember the story Christ told of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus was a leper and died and went to heaven. The rich man died and suffered because he denied helping others in life. He begged for someone to go back and warn his family/kin but was told even if someone from the dead went back to them, they would still not believe.
2007-10-11 20:11:15 · answer #4 · answered by Someone who cares 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you stand corrected. It isn't the Bible which says what you quoted above. It is what Jesus replied to the devil when the latter tempted Him in the desert.
Enlightenment, conversion and conviction don't happen overnight but at least you are opening yourself up to insight into what has been an unfamiliar territory to you all your life. I wish you well in your journey to find where you belong in the areas of faith, much as Saul did on the road to Damascus.
2007-10-12 02:03:11 · answer #5 · answered by Lance 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The type of "sign" that God is real may not be what you expect. I suggest you ask God to show himself to you in some way that you can understand. Ask for the wisdom to see the truth when He reveals it to you so that you will not miss it. I believe God will answer that. He wants you to know that he is real.
2007-10-11 20:03:12 · answer #6 · answered by out of the grey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the Holy Spirit asks me to do something God wants me to test the Spirit so He shows me identical things that tell me what the Holy Spirit told me is right.
2007-10-11 19:59:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Star for you!
God Bless You!
God Be With You Always!
2007-10-11 20:00:01 · answer #8 · answered by white_painted_lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother (or is it sister), allow Jesus to come inside you. You'll have your proof then, because it feels SO good!
2007-10-11 20:32:11 · answer #9 · answered by Tea 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋