Is God in control?

[destinyhope]

yes god is in control

[gal4God]

yea

[Godslilgurlalways]

I picked the second one God gave us the free will he allows us to make choices if he made all of them for us we would never do wrong:)

[Godisgr8r]

He allows us to make our own decisions, but he knows what decisions we will make. He steps in when we ask him to.

[seeking_His_truth]

I'm not really sure, however I do believe we have Free Will, and that God knows everything that's going on, regardless of whether or not he orcistrates it that way. In one way I sometimes question why bad things happen to people, but I also know that adversity build character. I have a feeling He is in control of our lives, and since He's God he knows what were going to do. In all it's best to just trust in God, and have Faith.

[B®ent]

He allows us to make our own decisions, but he knows what decisions we will make. He steps in when we ask him to.

He also steps in when it's good for us, whether or not we ask Him.

[runner_4_jc]

God is IN Control!!!!

[Christian_Babe234]

Is God in control of everything? Does He know what you're going to think/do next? Has He planned it all out? Where does our free will fit into all of this?
Droobie,
When God created you he had a reason for you to be here on earth. Of course God is in controle he holds your future in the palm of his hand. When you do something wrong and you ask God to forgive you he takes that sin and throws it in the sea of forgetfulness.
I had the same questains when I am little I am 14 and I am the childrens church pastor here at our church.
God created you and he will bless you for the good things you do for God and others.
Do you fear God though? Read in the bible the whole chapter of Job.

[firestar]

We have free will, but are accountable for the choices we make, and in the end God's plan will always prevail

[jerek]

I have struggled with this idea for years. If God is complete control then we do not truly have free will. If we have free will how could he be in control. My theory is that God, and the Devil for that matter point us in certain directions or are whispering in our ears. Sometimes you can feel it in your stomach. You know you should do something but you do it anyway. If God is a merciful God why are the so many bad things in the world (child abuse, rape, war, drugs ) Just a thought

[Pariah83]

Total free will. I marked it hoping that I would be the only one to sellect it. Sadly I am now one of 77 who may actually believe it. How can we have total control over our lives? I don't even control where i'm going to be tomorrow! Even if God is only partly acting on our lives, how could he not act at all? In that case, why Pray?

[diana_ch]

Is God in control of everything? Does He know what you're going to think/do next? Has He planned it all out? Where does our free will fit into all of this?
I think it's really hard to separate them, He is in control of everything as He knows begining and end, but He also allows us the free will to choose how we get to our predetermined end... Too hard to explain, but I understand it in my heart....

[handmaiden97]

God is in control, and yet He has held himself back from overiding the free will He has given us. In that sense He allows things to happen but does not nessicary set them in Motion himself.

God is good, All He does is good....the bad things that happen on this earth I dont beleive are orchestrated by God, but sometimes allowed

[ChavaK]

Yes, He is in control although we still have our free will.
He transcends all time and is not limited to our past/present/future and therefore knows what we will
choose even though we are free to follow our own course of action....

[Elana]

I believe God is in total control of everything.

[Kims]

God is in control.

[Kolya]

Yes , God is in control. Praise God!

[cygnusx1]

if God isn't in control ............. forget prayer!

[Bunko]

People have complete free will.

[housewife]

I hope God is no controller.
God is my hope, happiness, religion :amen:

[cygnusx1]

People have complete free will.
#
then praying is a complete waste of time :D

[pplmpeacock]

God alows things to happen, just the way he alowed Lucifer to fall, he knew it was happening but he alowed it, he allows bad things to happen to prove the devil wrong, Majority will reign in heaven, what i mean by that is more people will go to heaven than go to hell, because if more people loose there souls than gain life, then the devil would win the battle. We have free will, becuase God is timeless, he knows all things, in otherwords, he can see all paths including the paths we do not choose. everything is known, it is up to us on what path to take.

[DUSTINtheCHRISTIAN]

Yes I believe so.

[The Story Teller]

Yes, HE is..:)

[Harlan Norris]

Is God in control of everything? Does He know what you're going to think/do next? Has He planned it all out? Where does our free will fit into all of this?
God is in control.If he weren't he wouldn't be God.In our Bible there is a pretty clear cut sequence of events.Matt:24.

[Gimpy]

We have to have free will totally and completely, otherwise our chosing to follow him would be meaningless. What God controls is the choices presented to us.
Well said, AMEN. God does orchestrate according to predictable actions and reactions of those people, environments and circustances around us. Our part is to use our will to measure, analyze and to act or react according to that which Christ in God would have us react despite our feelings.

[schwarzes_schaf]

We have total free will over our lives!

[Crystal~Rose]

We have to have free will totally and completely, otherwise our chosing to follow him would be meaningless. What God controls is the choices presented to us.


I agree completely

[JM]

Enjoy!
(Reprobation)



Psalm 7:11 God is angry with the wicked every day
Psalm 11:5 God hates the violent one
Genesis 6:5-7 God's determination to destroy the wicked
Genesis 19:13 God's destruction of the wicked is on account of their wickedness
Deuteronomy 31:17 God's anger is kindled against the evil doer because he is wicked
1 Samuel 3:14 Eli's house shall not be cleansed with sacrifice or offering forever
Psalm 81:11-12 God gives people up to walk in their own counsel - hardening
Isaiah 6:9 Hearing without understanding and seeing without perceiving
Isaiah 6:10 Judicial hardening of non-responsive
Isaiah 29:9-12 Lord has closed the eye of those he will punish
Jeremiah 6:30 Reprobate silver is rejected - so these are
rejected by God.
Jeremiah 7:16 Do not pray for the reprobate
Hosea 5:6 The iniquity of the people is such that God has withdrawn from them
Matthew 13:14-15 Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled in not understanding God's kingdom
Mark 3:29 Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is never
forgiven
John 10:26 They believed not because they were not of
Christ's sheep
John 17:12 The son of perdition was lost in order to fulfil Scripture
Romans 9:21-22 some vessels are fitted for destruction by the
potter
Romans 11:7 the rest were blinded (literally hardened)
2 Thessalonians 2:11 God will send strong delusion, causing the wicked to believe a lie,
so that they might be damned.
Jude 4 men ordained to condemnation
Isaiah 19:14 The Lord led Egypt astray
Exodus 9:16 Purpose of Pharaoh being raised up
Proverbs 16:4 God created the wicked for the day of evil
Luke 8:10 parables spoken so that some will not see and
thus be hardened
Psalm 28:5 God will destroy those who refuse to understand his word


- Compiled by Richard Bacon

[Happygal]

Of course God is in control of everything

[AmishBoy]

While I'm very tempted to just say yes God controls everything I also believe that we are in control of our on lives and we choose to be or not to be a part of God's plan. I do believe he influences everything to give us the most chances to become a part of his plan.

[chadders]

I am not going to argue with anyone about this matter :P. But I believe God has given us free will for a reason and this is why we choose our own path to Heaven. God simply lights the path for those who are willing to see the light.

[ChrisCountryGirl]

I beleive that God is in control of everything.

[ambassador4Christ]

Is God in control of everything? Does He know what you're going to think/do next? Has He planned it all out? Where does our free will fit into all of this?
A difficult choice to make here since at times God has purposely planned certain events to occur such as the crucifixion of Christ, hardening Pharaoh's heart, etc.

There are also situations in which God permitted but did not desire for it to be so such as King David's plotting of Uriah the Hittites death, Saul of Tarsus killing Christians, etc.

God knows all the thoughts of a person. He knows what you're going to do. Think about when Peter said he would not deny Jesus, but Christ said he would deny Him three times before the rooster crows.

Being under the authority of another does not necessarily mean the person cannot freely do what one desires.

For example: God does not desire or want anyone to abuse their bodies with alcoholic beverages, drugs, etc.
When a Christian, who has the Holy Spirit residing within, desires to try drugs, God does not keep the person from doing it. He speaks to the person's conscience against such desires. He allows a person to act according to his/her decisions; however, the person may reap health problems, etc. from such actions.

God is sovereign and all-powerful. Being in control of all that exists, He allows others to control with limitations. For instance, no one can ever control God but can control others. He is the Authority above all authorities everywhere. By His supreme authority, He gave free will for all to choose to do what is right or to do what is wrong. He gives free will to all to do whatever one possibly can do throughout each day. There is accountability to God for what one does whether consequences come now or later.

God who is in control gives authority to others.

Examples:

1 John 5:18, 19 “We know that those who have become part of God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the power and control of the evil one.”

Luke 9:1 “One day Jesus called together His twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases.”

Luke 10:19 Jesus said, “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…”

John 19:10, 11 “ ‘You won’t talk to me?’ Pilate demanded. ‘Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or to crucify you?’ Then Jesus said, ‘You would have no power over Me at all unless it were given to you from above….’ “

Psalm 8:4-6 “what are mortals that You should think of us, mere humans that You should care for us? For You made us a little lower than the angels, and You crowned us with glory and honor. You (God) put us in charge of everything You made, giving us authority over all things…”

Colossians 2:8-10 “Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He (Christ) is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.”

Romans 13:1 “…All governments have been placed in power by God.”

Scripture states that God is in control and gives power and authority to others. Remember though, that there is accountability to God for what one does whether consequences come now or later.

[Harlan Norris]

If God did not orchestrate all things,he wouldn't be God.We can choose to do good,or evil.Our choice places us in with the group that does those things,to fulfill God's will.We can choose to accept salvation,which is the only way to cover those sins we are bound to commit.

[ambassador4Christ]

If God did not orchestrate all things,he wouldn't be God.We can choose to do good,or evil.Our choice places us in with the group that does those things,to fulfill God's will.We can choose to accept salvation,which is the only way to cover those sins we are bound to commit.
Dear Harlan Norris,

I understand about God's will, but I'm not certain what exactly is meant by orchestrated. Does it mean He planned for it to happen and made it happen? Does it mean He didn't plan for it to happen but took course of action against it? Would you please help me to understand? I'm in no way being sarcastic or trying to be difficult. I am just not understanding.

Sincerely,
ambassador4Christ

[CavFan]

God is ultimately in control. I think He kind of sits back and lets us do what we want though. He intervenes when He feels it is necessary. We had this discussion in Sunday School this morning. Those times He intervenes are usually what we see as miracles.

[Harlan Norris]

Dear Harlan Norris,

I understand about God's will, but I'm not certain what exactly is meant by orchestrated. Does it mean He planned for it to happen and made it happen? Does it mean He didn't plan for it to happen but took course of action against it? Would you please help me to understand? I'm in no way being sarcastic or trying to be difficult. I am just not understanding.

Sincerely,
ambassador4ChristWhat I mean is the affairs of the world are the will of God.God causes all things to happen according to his plan.All things in heaven and earth obey God's will.Of course no one knows just how this all comes about.Take for instance the story of Job.Job was in the dark about what was happening to him.Still, he remained true to his faith and remained obedient through his trial.He trusted God,and God reworded that trust by blessing his life.I believe we will all be tried in a similar fashion,in the not to distant future.If we hold fast to our faith and trust God,we will be saved.We are saved by faith.

[If Not For Grace]

I will give the best analogy I can to what MHO is: It's like we are children in a big fenced in playground -- there are toys at our disposal which are designed with a particular use in mind, some for individuals some for groups. We elect in what we will participate and how we will use to equipment. There are swings, sand boxes, baseball diamonds and equipment available as well as instructions some of which are written, but there is a coach provided. Some games have rules and actions and consequences, some are designed to build strength, some are just for fun or amusement, some are give to see what we create or do and we are observed and encouraged to play together, not to take unnecessary risks and we live under the spiritual and natural rules (gravity, seed and harvest) that God has put into place, but indeed we get to make the ultimate choices, and reap the benefits or consequences--like where and when or whether to participate or to watch, we can play by the rules or not, listen to the coach or ignore him all together. But God sets play time and it has an end, and then there is a next level---.I think you get my take on it...

[Willseeker]

God gave us free will, so i believe that when you're a Christian, he makes what you chose it work unto good though...

[spinmonki12]

Yes.....God is in control. He has a plan for everything and has a reason for everything that happens. We may not like what happens, or dont get why some things happen to us. But God will never give us any challenge we can't handle.

[The Story Teller]

You better believe it..:thumbsup:

[plum]

His permissive will is an important part of free will and why "bad things happen to good people" and a lot of other problems some folks have with G-d

[smiledaily]

free will

[krys4ever]

yes

[4EverBlessed]

I said "His permissive will allows things to happen", He is in control, but because of our free will we often deny ourselves His best.

[NostalgicGranny]

Completed the poll.

[ysl_75]

I believed He is control of everything

[JPPT1974]

I believed He is control of everything

Amen to that!:amen:

[DougLDS]

Total free will

[BlessedMommy05]

I'll add my 1cent in.. I think God is permissive, he allows things to happen for a reason.. Maybe because he dont mess with free will of man.. So some times its man's choices that he knows what will happen but he cant interfer with man's choices so therefore it happens.. Now if you were to ask is God in control of the things that happen to the world like Earthquakes, Hurricanes and things like that then yes he is in control of those things.. But the things of man he is permissive.. I hope that makes sense... At least it does to me and yes God is Soverign....

[KJmom]

I think that God allows things to happen. He did not orchestrate the Fall, Adam and Eve chose to disobey.
We have the choice a thousand times a day to bless or curse, chose sin or love.
I think God uses those choices and can redeem us from our sin but he lets us choose the path we take and lets us suffer the consequences for our actions many times.

[T3mpt3d]

I believe the only time God gets involved with us is when we ask Him to. Why else would He have given us free will? We must go to Him willingly and seek His help without His having to make us do it. Now I also believe God sent His Angels to earth to give us nudges in the right direction and to offer protection from Satan's attacks.

That is not to say that God didn't put certain rules in place, like preventing us from blowing up the world and evething in it. If He would allow that to happen it would have already happened.

[cygnusx1]

Total free will


yes God does have it , He does whatever He wills none can stay His hand or obstruct Him ! :D

[Sabertooth]

I believe God allows us to exercise our free wills within certain limits. These limits would be those parts of our lives over which we have no control.

By this means, our plans which He allows to succeed contribute to the moving forward of His "big picture" plans and those that He restrains are kept from interfering with them.

Being such an unfathomable God, :bow: this is probably an oversimplification of the idea...

[T3mpt3d]

Being such an unfathomable God, :bow: this is probably an oversimplification of the idea...
I like to think that man's sense of humor is not a curse of satan, but a gift from God. Laughter scares away all negative feelings so it must be good. So, if He gave us laughter it only seems fitting that God Himself has a healthy sense of humor. He did create the platypus! Well, it must be sidesplitting for Him to listen to us trying to figure Him out the way we do. I also like to think that I've given Him quite a few laughs in my lifetime. :D

[meh]

yes

[krew]

ummm.,you have control,and are responsible for your OWN actions./!

[""]

God is the Creator, and the Judge of all mankind. He has the ability to give life and to take life. He can do all things, but sin. He will not tolerate sin in His presence, for sin cannot exist in His presence.

God created this world and all the living beings in it: humans, plants, animals, sea life.

However, there is another that is the "god" of this world in that his powers and principalities have dominion here, and that is because he is the author of sin, and the seeker of destruction therein. It is he that creates the evil here, but it is through us, humanity, that much of this evil comes to fruition.

In the study of greek mythology we learn of "muses" and do not find it all that difficult to imagine a muse whispering ideas, or being the source of ideas that come to mankind. There have even been many films and books that interject the idea of muses into the plot. In considering this concept, it becomes easier to understand how demonic forces could enter into the formation of idea's and plans, brought forth by mankind. If we come to understand that we can be easily influenced, then within our own reasoning we are also able to comprehend the need for protection from evil influences over us. To accept that there is protection for us, we are also able to understand that our actions can also be influenced by the God that created us, either through Him (Holy Spirit) or His messengers (angels). There are many Christians who could share such instances, and who have.

Through prayer, meditation on God's word, and focusing on obeying God's commands (and the Lord's commandments for us), we are less likely to succumb to the tempations set before us. However, human nature is such that we are drawn to sin like a magnet to metal.

So in short: Is God in control of everything? He knows all things. He does not make all decisions. We have been given the ability to make our own choices, including belief in Him, serving Him, and accepting the Salvation given to us by Him. Does that make Him permissive? Hardly. Does this mean that we have total and complete free will over our lives? To say such a thing suggests that God is not present therein, and that there are also no outside influences, so the answer to that one is complex. We can ultimately choose, but God can change the effects of our choices, when He is asked to do so by us, or others.

So I cannot answer your poll. You haven't provided adequately for those who believe as I do. It was a thought provoking question though, so thank you for it.

[gal4God]

deffo

[Sam48]

God permisses things to happen~without us knowing the reasons but we can grow stronger in Him.

[cygnusx1]

yes even the hairs on your head are all numbered , God shows no signs of quitting the throne.

[TCat]

God is in control ulimately. He does allow us to choose right from wrong, sin from righteousness, and allows us to suffer from the consequences of most of our choices.
Like any good Father he does not always stop the bad things so that we may grow and learn and lean on Him.

[cygnusx1]

just imagine the wind and the sea if God isn't in control !

[AdamB]

God is omnipotent and controls everything. He exists outside of time and thus know the entire course of history before it occurs. Thus, we have no control over anything, it is in God's hands.

[Demi4God]

He must sit back at times but knows all and allows things to happen.

[Followers4christ]

We all have total free will to accept or not to accept his undying love.If we did not have free will and everything is planned out then what would be the purpose of us evangelizing if the ones who are going to be saved will be saved regardless of what we do.The truth is we all do have free will and we must do what is commanded of us on our own free will.God Bless

[JPPT1974]

God wants us to know that
He is in control and that
Things happen according to
His control and will
We need to remember that
Whatever He says goes and rules
Regardless of how they turn out.

[VictoryNGrace]

I belive God is soverign (SP?) and that he is also permissive he allows things to happen and knowing man makes the choice good or bad (free will) comes in .. God cant over-ride free will of man..

[Sabertooth]

I belive God is soverign (SP?) and that he is also permissive he allows things to happen and knowing man makes the choice good or bad (free will) comes in .. God cant over-ride free will of man..
Proverbs 19:21 says,

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."

[DoesAnybodyHearHer]

Not sure

[DefenderOfJesus]

Hey,

Free will is from God! God gave man free will hence the reason the world is the way it is! :-(

However, God is in control of my life and i would NOT have it any other way!!

In His Service FOREVER!
Kev <>< †