Is God in control?

[Droobie]

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?

[Didymus]

yes God is in control. i am not sure how free will fits in but i know we have a choice about what we do.

[Staind]

We have free will, but God also has some degree of control. It's a difficult concept to explain, but a person explained it to me like this; God does not necessairly control what we choose but he knows us so well as to what we will choose so in a sense I think God knows infinitely what will happen.

[Bulldog]

Three words:

God is soveirgn. :)

[jazzbird]

Three words:

God is soveirgn. :)

Amen, Bulldog!!

[Konnie]

Yes, He orchestrates everything.

[TrustNo1]

i dont think God controls everything in our lives. why would he want to know what we are going to do when he wants a relationship with us? if i wanted a serious relationship with someone i dont want to know what they are going to do or say because then there isnt any point to the relationship. I do believe that if God wants something done then he will use someone to do it like with Jonah and whoever else he used. But overall i believe he lets us do what we want without him prying into our futures. so which one do i vote for? :|

[Snowy]

I think..he controls everything but our free will

[†Neil†]

i believe that he has control if he wants to. we have free will no doubt but he doesnt interfere with that unless he wants to use us to do his work.

[Iron Sun]

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.

[Big C]

I believe GOD has controled all since creation. IRON SUN made a great point about choice, in that GOD wants our submission willingly. Many of the events (personally and globally) that I've seen take place (good or bad) can be traced back to an action (or lack thereof ) taken by some individual :scratch:. GOD has his ultimate plans which will be forfilled...we have free will to either take get involved/follow HIS plan, or to not contribute/rebell.

[Skrock77]

Yea, I believe he's in control of most things. :)

[Oblivious]

God has to control some parts of our lives. If not, then prayer would be absolutely worthless.

[Krystina661]

It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power.
Job 12:10

[jeffs_girl_2004]

I think he could have the control and does control most things but he also gaves us free will. I think that he does put us in certain positions though to test and see if we will make the right choice. I think God has his hand in everything.

[Snowy]

he could make us follow him..but I think he would rather us choose to then force us to and we not truly want to

[GodsGrl]

Three words:

God is soveirgn. :)

I totally agree with you Bulldog!!! :clap:

[Glorianna]

God knows everything, yet He still allows us to have free will. God's like a mother who knows her (His) children so well that she can predict what he will do in a certain situation.

[jeshohaia]

We have our choices. Yet G-D knows what will happen. And in a way he may, at times orchestrate to us His power, to make our decision easier.

[absosteele]

I don't think God is in control, in my humble opinion it defeats the purpose of free will. People are free to do what they wish, and they wish. Yes there are consequences with all actions and lack of action, but I think God allows us to have a choice in everything we do, even if that choice negatively affects another soul.


Also I do believe that God is all knowing and answers all prayers; sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes the answer is no, and sometimes the answer is not yet.

[wrtbooks]

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.God is soverign but he also gives use choices to worship Him. :bow:

[Bulldog]

God is soverign but he also gives use choices to worship Him. :bow:

And if it is we that have the choices, are we not soverign then?

[rubberduckie]

I am very glad God is in control of my life and not me :)

[97trsgl]

yes God is Soveriegn in all things

[Kuwanyauma]

We have the ability to choose to do whatever we want, but God already knows what we will choose to do, and he gave us consciences so that we know what we should do.

[Molly7]

I believe that we have free will. God can control what will happen to us, but he can't control us. I don't really understand how so many people can say that he completely controls us, and then say that non-Christians and sinners go to Hell. If its true that he controls us, then he controls what we believe and how we act, meaning that he chooses the people who will go to Heaven. If that's true, what's the point of religion?

~Molly

[Takesha]

I believe God is Soveirgn, however I think part of his Soveirgn will is that we have the freedom of choice. We have the choice of choosing His will or not choosing it...and then receiving the concequences or delights of that choice. Most would accept that it is God's will for all men to come to repentence and yet not all men do...this is the choice he has allowed.

I believe He does not our hearts and thoughts...even better than we ourselves do and he knows our plans. Since He is the AlPHA and Omega...he knows the beginning and the end.

I also think God had and ordered plan as far as the unniverse...end times...and the Coming of Jesus Christ.

Takesha

[jameseb]

We have total free will over our lives

[Blindfaith316]

he knows ahead of time what we are going to do, so I know he orchestrates everything, even though we have free will... he is a constant in our lives... JMO tho! ;)

[JCis4Me]

God ultimately knows what is going to happen and in control. It is up to us realize that fact and pray to him.

[PurplePichu]

God is in control over everything but he gave us free will so we can choose what we do with our lives. Unfortunately not everyone turns to him.

[Ainesis]

This is a very interesting question.

But it occurs to me...aren't the various options in this poll simply variations of one another? I mean if in His permissive will, God allows certain things to happen, then isn't he still orchestrating or in control of everything because it only happens if He permits.

And if we have a complete free will, wouldn't that only be because He permits it? And as stated above, if He has to permit it, then isn't He still orchestrating or in control?

I am probably thinking too hard! :-) But thanks for the question! I guess it boils down to the fact that no matter how oyu slice it, God is in control!!!

[Bulldog]

We have total free will over our lives

Really?

Romans 9:16

So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.

[Koolaly]

Well, we have free will, but only within the parameters that God has set. He does not make us do anything, but he can set the environment in which we make the decisions and sometimes he presents us with a decision. Often he intervenes in a situation which leads us to otherwise make a decision.

[TheMainException]

I think that he allows some things to happen because after Adam and Eve sinned, God gave the world over to Satan.

[openup4christ]

we can make the choice but GOD creates the outcome

[brotherChristian]

I said His permissive will; but I believe his is in coltrol. He doesn't orchestrate everything, for then what would our acceptance of salvation mean? He put the world in motion, knows what will happen, can intercede if He feels like it, but wants us to come to him of our own accord. IMVHO that is.

[MQTA]

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. That's an interesting way to say it. Never heard it put that way before.

[MQTA]

God has to control some parts of our lives. If not, then prayer would be absolutely worthless. Well, then.. interesting conclusion.

[MQTA]

I believe God is Soveirgn, however I think part of his Soveirgn will is that we have the freedom of choice. We have the choice of choosing His will or not choosing it...and then receiving the concequences or delights of that choice. Most would accept that it is God's will for all men to come to repentence and yet not all men do...this is the choice he has allowed.

I believe He does not our hearts and thoughts...even better than we ourselves do and he knows our plans. Since He is the AlPHA and Omega...he knows the beginning and the end.

I also think God had and ordered plan as far as the unniverse...end times...and the Coming of Jesus Christ.

Takesha


Yeah? Sounds a little circular and iffy to me. But I love you anyway :)

[MQTA]

he knows ahead of time what we are going to do, so I know he orchestrates everything, even though we have free will... he is a constant in our lives... JMO tho! ;) In the last 3 years I have a hard time with this, not to mention the last 6000.

It's real interesting seeing everyone's responses though.

[MQTA]

God is in control over everything but he gave us free will so we can choose what we do with our lives. Unfortunately not everyone turns to him.
Did he give all living, well, MOBILE, beings free will? Or just humans? All the others operate on programs without any choice(s) of their own?

If God is in control, then it doesn't matter who turns where, does it? We're all subject to the same laws as created. This is such a fascinating question, but all I see are carbon copy answers.

What does Control mean?

It's Either Control, or it's Not Control, no?? :confused: :confused:

[MQTA]

This is a very interesting question.

But it occurs to me...aren't the various options in this poll simply variations of one another? I mean if in His permissive will, God allows certain things to happen, then isn't he still orchestrating or in control of everything because it only happens if He permits.

And if we have a complete free will, wouldn't that only be because He permits it? And as stated above, if He has to permit it, then isn't He still orchestrating or in control?

I am probably thinking too hard! :-) But thanks for the question! I guess it boils down to the fact that no matter how oyu slice it, God is in control!!!
Ah, so, then the other side would be that Humans are Totally Out of Control? Or is that another question?

[MQTA]

I think that he allows some things to happen because after Adam and Eve sinned, God gave the world over to Satan. Where did you get that one from?

[MQTA]

I said His permissive will; but I believe his is in coltrol. He doesn't orchestrate everything, for then what would our acceptance of salvation mean? He put the world in motion, knows what will happen, can intercede if He feels like it, but wants us to come to him of our own accord. IMVHO that is.
Is all of creation like a wind up toy that runs on a track, or like one that has free reign?

So in theory, none of us should have to do anything at all. NO matter what we do, or don't do, won't matter, it's all controlled. Or is it that if we don't do anything, then we're being controlled not to, and we don't even know it?

Is the Prime Directive to not interfere? Any non-interference is non-control, is it not?

This is a really good question. Which ever the answer just brings up more questions.

[Kristi1]

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?

Below is how I see God with Control over my Life;

Darlins Love is all embracing; "God's infinite Wisdom". YaY! God is in Control even when I feel like I control things He says woe young lady, Stop remember Me, uh huh, Thanks for the reminder! One of the Greatest Attributes God gave me (everyone) is learning YaY. God might have given me the smarts, but He is in the drivers Seat!


Blessings Everyone! \o/

KristiAnn

[LadyBird]

I'm not really sure. I believe that God has a plan for my life but also that I have free will too...if that makes any sense.

[Centrifuge04]

Well, yes God is in control of my life but then I can make my own decesions because I know I do a lot of things that God wouldn't be happy about :(

[Canucker]

I don't agree with any of the choices. Because he is in control but things happen becasue of sin! So he doens't Orcasrtate everything, but he does use everything for his big picture. hmm....I'm stuck maybe it is but just how it is worded isn't correct!

[herev]

God is ultimately in control, but he allows free will to overrule even his will. If God were in control of everything, then he controlled it when Hitler killed so many Jews. Since this was evil, then God would be initiating evil doings. God is omnipotent, in that he is only limited by his own choice.

[MQTA]

I don't agree with any of the choices. Because he is in control but things happen becasue of sin! So he doens't Orcasrtate everything, but he does use everything for his big picture. hmm....I'm stuck maybe it is but just how it is worded isn't correct! When dogs do that, it's called chasing their tail. When Abbott and Costello do that, it's called Who's on First, I don't know, Third Base.

[JM]

Yes He is, see Rom 9. :clap:

[Turkwoyz]

God controls stuff but he bad things still happen because he gives us freewill. If he didn't give us freewill then our love for him wouldn't be true love, it would be love that has been forced.

[Emmy]

Yes,God is in control.His overall plan for us is total redemption,and God is working His Purpose out.God knows His Purpose,God can work His purpose out,and God WILL work His purpose out.Like a loving Father,His purpose will be Eternity with His loving Children.Sincere greetings from Emmy,a sister in Christ.

[CZzyzx41]

He is always in control. He IS omnipotent is He not? However we do have our free will and he does not interfere with that.

[Kimberly1984]

God is in control of everything. Yet it is hard soemtimes to believe that when bad things happen to us. I love the song that says,"sometimes he calms the storm and other times he calms his child." God could end or stop anything bad from happening but he knows the bigger picture.

[MQTA]

Are 55 and 56 just talking about Human interaction? Ok, forget about 9/11, WWII, WWI, Vietnam, Korea, the Middle East the last 50 years....

genesis 1:28 The Sharks aren't in our dominion, neither are lions and tigers and bears, or hawks, vultures, bees, wasps and mosquitos. Nor the micro living things, ecoli, other bacteria and viruses.

Well, then again... ezekiel 38:19-23

[Moros]

Yes. God gets the last laugh regardless of your choice.

[Neal]

He controls all. If He gave us something, He can take it away, can't He? After becoming saved, though, I gave my free will to Him. Now I'm His.

[just_dance]

He does control everything but we do have are own free will everything happens for a reason. For example everyone has a chance to except God if I didn't meet Katie she wouldn't have recived Christ and it is sad to say conitied suissied she once thought about it she even put a knife up to herself.

[wellab]

God can have anything He wants happens. But I believe he only intercedes in the going's on here when we pray for help, and when He sees fit. Otherwise most of the going's on just happen naturally, and the evil that happens is man's fault for disobeying in the garden of Eden. God gave us pain, death and a fallen nature. He cannot force us to do anything, we have free will. He can inspire us, he can give us gifls of the Holy Spirit, and he can do things in nature that affect our lives.

:holy:

[Kristi1]

God can have anything He wants happens. But I believe he only intercedes in the going's on here when we pray for help, and when He sees fit. Otherwise most of the going's on just happen naturally, and the evil that happens is man's fault for disobeying in the garden of Eden. God gave us pain, death and a fallen nature. He cannot force us to do anything, we have free will. He can inspire us, he can give us gifls of the Holy Spirit, and he can do things in nature that affect our lives.

:holy:


Hiya :wave: wellab :wave: warm welcome to CF Sis! :D



God is in Control, even when we think we are in control!! Everything through God is Possible. Doctors are wonderful for people like I am.. ;)


Love Always, \o/

KristiAnn
MsGuidedAngel

[FreeGrace]

Yes God is in control at all times its what is known as the Sovereignty of God Romans 9 a good place to start.:)

[k]

God is omniscient, but this does not mean God controls us. God created us as free-will beings because God wants Children, not Slaves.

Peace

[k]

Yes God is in control at all times its what is known as the Sovereignty of God Romans 9 a good place to start.:)
Sovereignty does not mean in "control."

sov·er·eign (sŏv'ər-ĭn, sŏv'rĭn) http://www.gurunet.com/content/img/pron.gif
n.

One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other governmental unit,

God being Sovereign means God is who we all answer to, but this is definitely not the same as saying God controls us.

Peace

[Les Grands Pieds]

Yes. God gets the last laugh regardless of your choice.hahaha, that's a good point.

I gotta tell ya, these results are amazing. I'm shocked to think that so many people don't believe in free will.

Just because God knows what we're going to do before we do it does not mean that he made those choices for us. I have an automatic and I know my car will shift gears when the engine reaches a certain amount of RPMs. That doesn't mean I'm shifting the gears myself, it just means I know what's going to happen. I don't know how I came up with this example, but I think it's pretty clever ;).

[Les Grands Pieds]

God can have anything He wants happens. But I believe he only intercedes in the going's on here when we pray for help, and when He sees fit. Otherwise most of the going's on just happen naturally, and the evil that happens is man's fault for disobeying in the garden of Eden. God gave us pain, death and a fallen nature. He cannot force us to do anything, we have free will. He can inspire us, he can give us gifls of the Holy Spirit, and he can do things in nature that affect our lives.
:holy:
That's a good way to put it. How about this:
When our will lines up with God's will, BOOM! Then big things happen! If we have God's will as our own, then he'll allow it to happen. It's so cool that we're given choices, they are a truly beautiful. Once you realize what it's like to have your choices taken away from you, you really start to appriciate the ability to make them for yourself.

[DAllen]

Okay I am going to settle this arguement once and for all

Free will is an issue of perspective:
1. From God's point of view He knows all, sees all, ever present and has infinite power. From His view predestination MUST exist because He knows exactly what is going to happen next and has the power to do something about it. Even if He chooses not to intervene, He is still doing something about it.

2. From our mortal perspective it's ALL free will because we are finite and have no idea what will to happen next.

Okay, I know that's a bit off of what was originally asked but it is worth addressing in this thread.

-DAllen

[JohnnyV]

God orchestrates everything, but our free will can hinder his plans.

[Kathy]

God is always in control...always! kathy :america

[Zach]

Hi all,

I came across this verse during my bible reading. This is from the Modern King James version.


(Gen 4:7 MKJV) If you do well, shall you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at the door; and its desire is for you, and you shall rule over it.We are lords/rulers by birthright that even sin must bow down to us (We are God's children, remember?). It is up to us to decide whether we want to exercise our rights.

I would rather think of life as a growing up period where we learn to exercise our own freewill. We are rulers in-training and God watches over us - like a parent who watches and follows his toddler learning how to walk. The toddler may choose to walk forward, turn right, or walk backwards but the parent is still in control.


(Mat 6:25 MKJV) Therefore I say to you, Do not be anxious for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

(Mat 6:27 MKJV) Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature?

(Mat 6:28 MKJV) And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil, nor do they spin,

(Mat 6:34 MKJV) Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow; for tomorrow shall be anxious for its own things. Sufficient to the day is the evil of it.

(Luk 12:26 MKJV) If then you are not able to do even the least, why are you anxious about the rest?

(Phi 4:6 MKJV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

[Raithlin]

We have free will; that much I do know. After all, how else can we glorify God by choosing His Way? That said, God knew/knows/foreknew the choices we made/make/will make, and is able to make all things work to the good of those who love Him - He orchestrates events, but the choices are still ours. I think the choices are a little limiting in that respect.

[kamahl]

I am not trying to be offensive, but I don't think that the options in this poll are that good.

I think that God is aware of everything that has happened, is happening and will happen. However He doesn't make our choices for us, He merely knows what we will do, because He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Not sure if that fits in with any of the categories, so I haven't voted.

[2Timothy2]

I'm not sure how I should vote here. Numbers one and three are true. They do not contradict each other. Although, I might have phrased number one a bit differently.

God is not subject to time as we are. He created time, how could He be subject to it? "One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, or a watch in the night." Add to that He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and it is plain that with Him "all things are possible". That we have free will is abundantly clear from Scripture, which shows us that we are responsible for our actions and choices. That God is sovereign is also abundantly clear from Scripture, He knows the end from the beginning, and "I have raised you up" and "no one comes to me except the Father draws him".

God is sovereign and we have free will. With us, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. We tend to have a small idea of who and what God is. We also tend to try to box Him in because of our finite minds. I do not believe it is an either/or proposition, God's sovereignty vs. our free will. This is one reason I am neither Calvinist nor Arminian.

Let the bashing begin. :D

[AdJesumPerMariam]

I think we have total free will, although God is in control!

[isaiah5213]

we have free will yes... ultimately, our free will, tho it may affect someone else if we make unwise decisions, will not keep others nor God from furthering the message of Jesus... we can't go too much out of control here....

[night2day]

Yes. And He works through both an active and permissive will.

[Hisbygrace]

Yes, God is in control of everything, but that doesn't mean that he won't allow things to happen in our lives. The good news is that when we trust Him alone, He will always bring good out of bad. Because God wants our love for Him to be given freely, He has given to us free will. Our God is not a dictator, He is a lover of His created, therefore He does not force His will on us. He lays out the facts in His word the Bible and gives us the choice to follow His plan or become His enemy. Our God is a merciful, loving, compassionate God, who wants to give all he owns(which is everything) to His children, but just as our earthly parents correct and discipline us, more so will our God for His plans are not about this world, they are about our eternal life.

[disciple73]

God doesn't orcastrate everything. He doesn't want us to be zombies, that is why he gave us free will. But he does allow everything to happen for a reason.

[Petrarch]

I do not think that God is in total control. I think that if that is the situation, then the sins that we all commit are His Will as well. I cannot fathom that notion. However, I also disagree with the thought that free will is total. The Father has a plan for each one of us. Hence, my choice for a Favourite Bible Verse in my profile.

[Roxa]

God has plans for our lives and He does have it all planned out for us, but it is our choice if we are going to follow what He has for us or if we are going to go our own way and do what we think we should. God gave us a free will to live like we want, but with the choice to follow Him.

[p_kitha]

I agree with Roxa

[draconus71]

God is always in control of everything:amen:

[gmedwards]

i agree that we have free will to follow God, live by his values etc. or not.

[GodFlute2]

God may allow Satin to do things to us, like in Job, but God puts a limit on Satin's powers. Therefore, God is and has control.

[Izzy23]

Amen...God is in total control.

[Bin Qasim]

Peace

the third option is for atheist I suppose ......... but I am the first option man.....

[DanielJamesSimon]

Yes, I believe He is in complete control and orchestrates everything, including predestining those whom He would save.

[Fonzy]

i think we have free will over our life.

[mary pukal]

God is in control in every think . We have the free will to follow God's .:groupray:

[dudeoffaith1]

When bad things happen, it's God's way to refine us, not bad things happening out of his control.

[Canucker]

If you people believe he orcatrast everything then you believe he is the creator of evil. He has to be if he orcatrast it doesn't he? I refuse to believe that he orcatrated my Uncle to be Murdered and my little cousins have to live with no Father and there mother is a druggy so they now live with my grandparents and they are 12 and 10. I refuse to say God did that because it was in his will. You know what I'll be damned if it was in his will because it broke my cousins heart she loved her Dad so much you can't even imagine. She is probably hurting right now and doesn't even know it hold some anger inside of her and she doesn't even know. And to say God did this I can't believe, because why would he do that to my cousin? So he could break her heart and break his? I dont' think so. It is because he allows things to happen, and also that there is sin in the world! that is why.

[Saruman]

If you people believe he orcatrast everything then you believe he is the creator of evil. He has to be if he orcatrast it doesn't he? I refuse to believe that he orcatrated my Uncle to be Murdered and my little cousins have to live with no Father and there mother is a druggy so they now live with my grandparents and they are 12 and 10. I refuse to say God did that because it was in his will. You know what I'll be damned if it was in his will because it broke my cousins heart she loved her Dad so much you can't even imagine. She is probably hurting right now and doesn't even know it hold some anger inside of her and she doesn't even know. And to say God did this I can't believe, because why would he do that to my cousin? So he could break her heart and break his? I dont' think so. It is because he allows things to happen, and also that there is sin in the world! that is why.Don't take this the wrong way, but God has a reason for everything that happens; we may just not see it. God may let those things happen for a higher reason that our Earthly minds just cannot see. Please don't get mad at me:pray:

Also, I believe He plans everything. I believe in His destiny. Sometimes we try to change things that we wouldn't have happen, but they happen anyway no matter how much we try to avert them, and God makes them happen. God himself said that He already knows what will happen.

[Canucker]

Don't take this the wrong way, but God has a reason for everything that happens; we may just not see it. God may let those things happen for a higher reason that our Earthly minds just cannot see. Please don't get mad at me:pray:

Also, I believe He plans everything. I believe in His destiny. Sometimes we try to change things that we wouldn't have happen, but they happen anyway no matter how much we try to avert them, and God makes them happen. God himself said that He already knows what will happen.
I know your type you Calvanist! I know he LET it happen for a reason doesn't mean he willed it!! I know what it was for now or what has been reveled to me. But God didn't do it. See now you contractied yoursefl "God may let those things happen" and then "I believe He plans everything" So what do you believe? I'm not mad I'm just disgusted with people that think God it the author of evil! He has power over evil but he isn't the author. YOu may disagree that you don't believe that. But if you believe he controls everything and created everything then evil he created and he is evil as well as good. Doesn't make sence to me because evil is a pervertion of good. Just want to make you think and anyone else who believes God orcatras everyting.

[twenty1blakjack]

I don't see how the first choice could POSSIBLY be it, if atheists and murderers exist. Did he want them to be those things?

[shasta12c]

i think id like to choose all of the above

[Carl Rapel]

same with me... all of them are true except for "not sure" he lets things happen but he orchestrates everything and we do have free will... it is a very confusing subject.

[okiemommy26]

yes he is in total control

[Utah Knight]

he gave us free will so we can either choose him or satan but he can take that from us just as easy so i would have to answer yes and no yes because he created all things and has everything propsied in the bible

[reformedfan]

he has to be in control of everyhting or His promises would be hunches or best guesses

[elm0]

I don't think God orchestrates everything, why would He give us the illusion of free will if everything that happens is because He planned it? It would mean that every decision everyone ever made was actually because God made them decide that.... which would mean God was lying when He 'gave' humans free will. Sure He has the ability to control everything, but He wants us to come to Him willingly, not because we're made to do that!

[Miss Spaulding]

Yes, of course he is.

[Quantum_Man]

Three words:

God is sovereign. :)

I totally agree.:clap:

[Ceccia]

There's a difference between *knowing* what's going to happen and *making* things happen. I think God certainly knows everything that will ever take place, but He gives us the ability to make choices. He of course knows what he will choose, and I believe that occasionally He will intervene and change circumstances, but as a rule, He did not make us as marionettes. We're given the chance to choose.

[die2live]

I think God orchestrates everything in such a way that if there is any possible way for someone to choose him, He will provide that way. It's a combination of free will and predestination. Kinda like he predestnes us to have free will. I'm just being confusing, so I'll shut up and show you what He has to say about it. See Acts 17:27-28, or thereabouts. If that isn't the exact verses, look around. They're in that chapter.

[AliceSOBEstudent]

I wasn't sure which answer best stated my opinion, but I voted: His permissive will allows things to happen
What I mean by that is that God is completely 100% in control. We have 100% freewill. Those statements are impossible together, yet the truth. Like many other things, it is not something my human brain can understand, but that is how it is.

[AphroditeFisher]

I believe God is in control of everything if you allow Him to be in control of everything. Meaning, if you give God the right to be in control of your life (this is where free will comes in) then God is in control...

We are too small to understand why things are the way they are, or work out the way they do, but:

[Romans 8:28][/And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose]

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

God knows all that will be, but He has given us free will.

[B®ent]

I voted "Yes, He orchestrates everything"

I am surprised the plurality agrees with me.

[B®ent]

God knows all that will be, but He has given us free will.

Show me where it says 'free will' in the Bible.

What I do see is this:

Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

[MQTA]

John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

1 Corinthians 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Philemon 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Those 3 came up with 'free will' in either the MSG, AMP or NASB



John 10:18 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=10&verse=18&version=65)

The Message (MSG)

No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father."

John 10:17-19 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=10&verse=17&end_verse=19&version=65&context=context) (in Context) John 10 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=10&version=65&context=chapter) (Whole Chapter)

1 Corinthians 9:17 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=9&verse=17&version=45)


Amplified Bible (AMP)

For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly and under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship and commission.

1 Corinthians 9:16-18 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=9&verse=16&end_verse=18&version=45&context=context) (in Context) 1 Corinthians 9 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=9&version=45&context=chapter) (Whole Chapter)

Philemon 1:14 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=64&chapter=1&verse=14&version=49)

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

but without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would [2 Cor 9:7; 1 Pet 5:2] not be, in effect, by compulsion but of your own free will.

Philemon 1:13-15 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=64&chapter=1&verse=13&end_verse=15&version=49&context=context) (in Context) Philemon 1 (http://biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=64&chapter=1&version=49&context=chapter) (Whole Chapter)

[freyajem]

We have free will period. What we choose and where we go is up to us. And if we take care of or destroy this world is for us to decide. And God is always there if we need Him.

[B®ent]

Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

I believe this is fairly obvious. We make decisions, but God will engineer the circumstances in order that His Plan will stand. You could call this 'free will' if you wish but God remains in total control. If He wasn't in control, then He wouldn't be God. :)

I believe in free will, just not when it comes to salvation:

Acts 13:48
When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

I also believe God would stop us from doing something really crazy, such as blowing up the whole world, etc.......

nd if we take care of or destroy this world is for us to decide.

Are you saying God would allow us to nuke the whole world? What about the prophecy in the Book of Revelation?

[freyajem]

If God gave us free will but then engineers how we are able to use it, it is not free will. If God is in total control, then we don't have free will. If God is in total control, makes no matter if we get out of bed in the morning. God is the only being I know of who doesn't try to control me in any way and I love God more than anything.

[blessedbythebest]

Amen!

[B®ent]

If God gave us free will but then engineers how we are able to use it, it is not free will. If God is in total control, then we don't have free will. If God is in total control, makes no matter if we get out of bed in the morning. God is the only being I know of who doesn't try to control me in any way and I love God more than anything.

You didn't really answer the question, but okay...

[B®ent]

Amen!

Amen that God isn't in total control? :scratch:

:) With all due respect to others, I think this discussion is bordering on heresy!

IF God were not in total control, and He cannot stop man from doing certain things, HOW IS HE STILL GOD? :) That's not the God I know!

[freyajem]

Amen that God isn't in total control? :scratch:

:) With all due respect to others, I think this discussion is bordering on heresy!

IF God were not in total control, and He cannot stop man from doing certain things, HOW IS HE STILL GOD? :) That's not the God I know!

I think the key word was free will and if we differ in the interpretation of free will, that does not mean we differ in everything. Perhaps you are right. It was just my interpretation and somebody agreed with me and it was nice to have company in my thoughts. It doesn't have to make any difference to you:)

[B®ent]

Hey no problem, I was just wondering...if humans had absolute free will, then there are a few things that need to be explained. Such as, what about the betrayal of Jesus? Did God send Christ to this Earth hoping that by a stroke of luck someone would betray Him? And what about the Book of Revelation -- if humans can to whatever they want, how will those things come to pass?

I don't know how Judas came long, but I don't think it was luck. The circumstances reveal a God who is in total control and can use anything to His advantage.

God bless everyone. :)

[~ Gig ~]

Yes, He orchestrates everything.

[ServantOrion]

I dunno, but I think He does have some say in what happens

[MQTA]

pick your own illusion, and you'll see it just how you wish

[freyajem]

I have been thinking about this because the thought of total control by God bothered me. Then I realized that there are different methods of control. One is hands on control, like holding a child back. Another is a leash type of control where the child is free but not to get into the middle of the street. Another is teaching the child what and what not to do so the child can make an informed decision. Another is repeating verbally correct behavior patterns that the child will remember and hopefully do. Another is by teaching by our own behavior. Another is instilling within the child a moral code of ethics which I would compare to our conscience which to me is God speaking to me as to what is right and what is wrong.

Perhaps God has whatever particular control that is needed at a given time, like a loving Father.

[B®ent]

freyajem, that is a sensible approach. I agree with it, for the most part.

God bless

[-Lily-]

I think we have free will, but He knows what we're going to do, because God doesn't have the same look on time that we have.

[blessedbythebest]

I think we have free will, but He knows what we're going to do, because God doesn't have the same look on time that we have.
Amen 2 that!

[B®ent]

But even if ALL things were ordained, what's so wrong with that?

Is God not the Potter and we the lowly clay?

Can't the Potter form the clay however He desires? :)

Romans 9:16-22 --

It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?

Futhermore, Romans 9:21 in KJV:

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

[freyajem]

But even if ALL things were ordained, what's so wrong with that?

Is God not the Potter and we the lowly clay?

Can't the Potter form the clay however He desires? :)

Romans 9:16-22 --

It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.

One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?" But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' " Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?

What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?

Futhermore, Romans 9:21 in KJV:

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

That sounds rather horrid. Like God saying, "Okay this one will be all good things, have all good things and this child here will be ruthlessly abused and not die but have to live the pain". Sounds gory to me. I don't mean that as a criticism in any way.....just that is how it sounds to me. I know I am missing something.

[Illuminite]

He puts everything together,we're the ones that either go with the flow,fight it and mess with things :) ESPECIALLY ME!! <-----points to self.

[SeenAndUnseen]

I think He knows everything and exists in all places and times, but I'm not sure where among the possible answers this would fall.

[Jessie87]

yes he is in control.

[halifaxhoney]

I believe he is in control.

[one way]

We have a free will, and sometimes we mess up God's plans by misusing it.

[one way]

However, God makes things right again, but not always in the ways we want him to.

[The Story Teller]

God has a plan for every one of us. It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. He will start you out on a path and you will get to it sooner or later.

[B®ent]

We have a free will, and sometimes we mess up God's plans by misusing it.

Are you suggesting men are more powerful than God?

Well, I know you don't believe that, but your doctrine does imply that. :)

[freyajem]

Why would God give us free will if He did not intend to let us use it or if He already decided that if we didn't use it the way He wanted, he would stop us? What is the purpose of giving free will if He is going to take it away?

I would think that like everything else, control for God would be different than control for us.

[belle_baby14]

god gave us a mind of are own but he is like are concence in the back of our mind and he really does care about us and he will protect us and guide us. that is whay i think he is in control of eveerything. god bless and have a great day.:thumbsup:

[JimfromOhio]

I love this one song wrote and sang by Twila Paris: God is in Control

This is no time for fear
This I a time for faith and determination
Don’t lose the vision here
Carried away by the motion
Hold on to all that you hide in your heart
There is one thing that has always been true
It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him
We know, ohh, God is in control
Ohh, God is in control

History marches on
There is a bottom line drawn across the ages
Culture can make its plan
Oh but the line never changes
No matter how the deception may fly
There is one thing that has always been true
It will be true forever

Repeat chorus

He has never let you down
Why start to worry now
Why start to worry now
He is still the Lord of all we see
And he is still the loving Father
Watching over you and me

Watching over you
Watching over me
Watching over everything
Watching over you
Watching over me
Every little sparrow
Every little king
Ohh, every little king

Repeat chorus

by Twila Paris
Copyright 1999 by Salem Music Networks, Inc,
a division of Salem Communications Corporation.

[Walks On Water]

We have total free will over our lives

[Alive again]

God is in Control and has allowed us free will (as the Bible teaches) and allows things to happen because of that. He has chosen this, thus ultimately He is in control, but He does not CAUSE everything, but allows it (such as suffering)

[RedneckAngel]

:) "Yes He Is":)



:mad:U Gotta Love This Angel:mad:

[Elect]

The sovereign Creator is in absolute control over everything and everyone. He does all that He desires in Heaven and here on Earth. No one can frustrate the work of God. All people in authority over us are ordained by God. God rules over the wicked and the just.

"And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" (Daniel 4:35)

"But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth." (Job 23:13)

"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." (Psalms 33:6-11)

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." (Proverbs 21:1)

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." (Isaiah 46:9-11)

"For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?" (Romans 9:17-24)

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" (Ephesians 1:11)

[SparkyMel]

I think that since we have free will, we're in control to some extent - to what extent I'm not quite sure. God must have some control over us because he answers prayers and engineers some situations for us for the better. It can't all be coincidence. :)

[Addict4JC]

He orchestrates everything.

However one thing He orchestrates that is up to us is our free will. If He forced us to choose Him, our acceptance would be in vain... if He never lured us to choose Him, we never would have.

God is a great God.

Many people try to say God contradicts Himself when they just don't realize that He loves us enough to let us choose Him.

However, if we change, He knows we will... if not He knows we won't... but He won't close the door on us until we have strayed to the point of no return, blasphemed the Holy Spirit, and/or die without Him.

[squirrelz_15]

God is in control, if you let him be of your life. He gave us humans free will

[Hobo[IG leader]]

Humans have free will.
God knows what will happen, but this doesnt mean he has orchestrated it (kind of like watching a movie you've already seen rather than watching a movie you've directed).
He also interferes as he wishes.

So yes we have free will but God can be in control all he likes.

[Elect]

']Humans have free will.
God knows what will happen, but this doesnt mean he has orchestrated it (kind of like watching a movie you've already seen rather than watching a movie you've directed).
He also interferes as he wishes.

So yes we have free will but God can be in control all he likes.
What if your free will collides will God's free will then who's will prevails? If you say God then you don't really have free will and if you say you then God cannot be in control when He likes. You cannot have it both ways. The power of the human free will that can tell God what He can and cannot do! To bad that my boss at work isn't God, he over rides my will all the time. Maybe bosses are the ones with free will and employees and God are stuck doing what bosses want. I sure hope the power of free will does not go to my head!
:wave:

[Hobo[IG leader]]

God can do whatever he likes. It's a part of his character which is also totally just and loving. What he does will be right! It can't be anything else!

And your boss isn't constricting your free will, you are by doing what he says. He cannot force you to do anything. It's your own fault matey!

[jacko50]

yes God has our lives planned out. but we still have free will to do whatever we want. if we are true christians then we will follow Gods plan but if we are not then we will do what we choose. i dont believe that He orchestrates everything, because if he did, and i decided to go out and sin purposly, that would make it Gods doing, and that is ridiculous. i believe we have control of what we do with Gods plan

[Mom Missouri]

Even though it seems like the world and our lives are totally out of control, we can be assured that God is orchestrating everything.

He can see the beginning to the end and if we cause changes to His perfect will He has and uses the power to get us and history realigned.

Romans 8: 28 We know God causes good to come from every situation if we love Him.

[MQTA]

guess that's another 50/50 split.

[Silent*Tears]

God gives us free will. He lets us do what we want. Now, I do believe that He has control over what ever happens in the world and when ever He says the wrod this whole world could crumble or become better. But he doesn't want to be controlling. He gives us free will. If He wants us to go left and he tells us, "Go left, it is a better road." We can choose whether we go left or right. HE won't MAKE you go the way He wants you too. Now, I believe that if we give our entire lives to Him that He will do things in our lives and He will make things happen in our lives and He will allow things to happen and He will also keep bad things from happening to us. But sometimes he lets us go through bad times. Even puts us through them. But that is called a TRIAL. And we need to go through them to get closer to God. But anyway, those are just my thoughts. By the way, I voted "God's permissive will lets things happen.

[mycatspice]

Only God knows. ^_^

[Interesting2me]

:thumbsup: God's always in control of everything, but we are also given free wills to do right or wrong, being in God's permissive will ever since 'the fall' in The Garden In Eden, less we be as the angels, or as robots and not in His image, or joint heirs with Christ! :amen: God Bless!

[lgintrnj]

we were placed here to love and pleasure our Lord, but He gave us free will to choose what we want to do. He dosent want a bunch of little robots, he wants us to freely love Him with all our heart

[AvgJoe]

God is in control. We have free will. Only God knows how that works together.

[Angeldove97]

His [God's] will be done on earth as it is in heaven. ^_^

[Waterhouse]

if he's not, someone's in trouble!

[lovinChrist4ever]

God gives us free will. He lets us do what we want. Now, I do believe that He has control over what ever happens in the world and when ever He says the wrod this whole world could crumble or become better. But he doesn't want to be controlling. He gives us free will. If He wants us to go left and he tells us, "Go left, it is a better road." We can choose whether we go left or right. HE won't MAKE you go the way He wants you too. Now, I believe that if we give our entire lives to Him that He will do things in our lives and He will make things happen in our lives and He will allow things to happen and He will also keep bad things from happening to us. But sometimes he lets us go through bad times. Even puts us through them. But that is called a TRIAL. And we need to go through them to get closer to God. But anyway, those are just my thoughts. By the way, I voted "God's permissive will lets things happen.

:amen: Very well stated ... I completely agree!!!

[thisreallyworks]

yes , he is overseeing every aspect of life as we know it

[AngCath]

i voted for permissive will. i think we are free to run our lives but God is always there watching, guiding, directing, and some times he's more direct (like in Jonah's case :))

[Lake]

He is of me,my life,everything.I'm the one that messes things up.

[The Story Teller]

God IS in control but allows us free will. However when we mess up He can take that and turn it into something good.

[ScarletWitch]

I believe that God creates everything and sits back and watches use live our lives and will change things along the way to make us better. Kind of like one really weird chess game with no opponent.

[Stacey]

Definately.

[ce58]

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 total control of my life. I'm not sure what the bilble verse is, but it says in the Bible that God knows our next step, thought, etc.

[freyajem]

To be in control whilst allowing people to make their own choices is something that only God has the wisdom and ability to do. And if you think that it is not possible, think again....it is not possible for humans, but it is possible for God.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

We have free will, but God also has some degree of control. It's a difficult concept to explain, but a person explained it to me like this; God does not necessairly control what we choose but he knows us so well as to what we will choose so in a sense I think God knows infinitely what will happen.[p]If God knows eveerything you are going to do before the world was ever created, then what you will do is already set in stone and determined. So, either God is in complete control or God doesn't know everything.

[freyajem]

If God knows eveerything you are going to do before the world was ever created, then what you will do is already set in stone and determined. So, either God is in complete control or God doesn't know everything.

I sure don't agree with that. Where is the point in getting up if that were true?

I would answer the original question "Is God in control" with another question "Would God want to be in total control"? What purpose would there be in anything if you could so to speak put a mouse in a maze and let it go only one way. Sort of loses its flavor.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I sure don't agree with that. Where is the point in getting up if that were true?

I would answer the original question "Is God in control" with another question "Would God want to be in total control"? What purpose would there be in anything if you could so to speak put a mouse in a maze and let it go only one way. Sort of loses its flavor.

What is the point in getting up each morning you ask?

For starters, God has commaned certain things of us. That should be enough right there.

Also, we do not know what is going to transpire, if we did, we probably would not want to get up, but "we are His workmanship, made for good works that God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."(Ephesians 2:10)

Those two should be enough.

[freyajem]

What is the point in getting up each morning you ask?

For starters, God has commaned certain things of us. That should be enough right there.

Also, we do not know what is going to transpire, if we did, we probably would not want to get up, but "we are His workmanship, made for good works that God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."(Ephesians 2:10)

Those two should be enough.

Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life.

[LILIVIWA]

We have free will, but God also has some degree of control. It's a difficult concept to explain, but a person explained it to me like this; God does not necessairly control what we choose but he knows us so well as to what we will choose so in a sense I think God knows infinitely what will happen.

I agree... God gave us the chose to let Him be in control of our lives, other wise He would have been another dictator. :)

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life.

And what does that have to do with the topic at hand?

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I agree... God gave us the chose to let Him be in control of our lives, other wise He would have been another dictator. :)

You have free will in the sense of choosing to follow your sin nature. However, as a fallen creature, dead in trespasses and sin, do not have the free will to chose God and initiating your own salvation.

Ephesians 1:
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

==========================================================

Ephesians 2
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
==========================================================
It is Christ who makes you alive, having been dead in trespasses and sins, and no hope of reaching out to God.

[The Story Teller]

GOD Is the Alpha and the Omega.... enough said..:)

[BeachBlonde]

:amen: perfectly said.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.

[freyajem]

freya
Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life
And what does that have to do with the topic at hand?

You wouldn't understand

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

freya
Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life


You wouldn't understand

And you know that, how?

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

:amen: perfectly said.

Not according to Scripture. See the Scripture posted above.

[freyajem]

Quote:Originally Posted by: freyajem f
Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life



You wouldn't understand

And you know that, how?


Because you quote scripture. Quoting scripture I suppose is okay but I thought we were supposedly talking with one another, learning from each other. For me, quoting scripture would be like hiding behind a tree while trying to get a message across.

[AngryNotice]

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 dont think he has it all planned out, otherwise we wouldnt have true Free Will.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Quote:Originally Posted by: freyajem f
Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life



You wouldn't understand

And you know that, how?


Because you quote scripture. Quoting scripture I suppose is okay but I thought we were supposedly talking with one another, learning from each other. For me, quoting scripture would be like hiding behind a tree while trying to get a message across.

Quoting Scripture is quoting God, which is speaking objective truth instead of subjective opinions.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I dont think he has it all planned out, otherwise we wouldnt have true Free Will.

Scripture describes humans in two states, one is either dead in trespasses and sin and a slave to sin, or, one is alive in Christ and a slave of Christ.

There are no inbetween states.

So, if you are either a slave to sin or a slave to Christ, where is your "free will"?

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Quote:Originally Posted by: freyajem f
Obviously you have not lived in total utter and complete desperation for any part of your life



You wouldn't understand

And you know that, how?


Because you quote scripture. Quoting scripture I suppose is okay but I thought we were supposedly talking with one another, learning from each other. For me, quoting scripture would be like hiding behind a tree while trying to get a message across.

I quote Scripture because you raised a theological question, which is answered by God in His Word.

Since a theological question is one concerning God(theos), don't you think it prudent to go to the source rather than offer my own opinion?

[freyajem]

I quote Scripture because you raised a theological question, which is answered by God in His Word.

Since a theological question is one concerning God(theos), don't you think it prudent to go to the source rather than offer my own opinion?

Sorry, I don't remember asking any question. I came into this thread because a question was asked and I gave my opinion.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Sorry, I don't remember asking any question. I came into this thread because a question was asked and I gave my opinion.

Since you do not remember, allow me to remind you.

The following is my post in which I quote you;


Augustine_Was_Calvinist
Regular Member


Quote:

Originally Posted by: freyajem



"I sure don't agree with that. Where is the point in getting up if that were true?

I would answer the original question "Is God in control" with another question "Would God want to be in total control"? What purpose would there be in anything if you could so to speak put a mouse in a maze and let it go only one way. Sort of loses its flavor."


Those are theolgical questions raised in your post.

Why are you being so obstinate?

[freyajem]

Since you do not remember, allow me to remind you.

The following is my post in which I quote you;


Augustine_Was_Calvinist
Regular Member


Quote:

Originally Posted by: freyajem



"I sure don't agree with that. Where is the point in getting up if that were true?

I would answer the original question "Is God in control" with another question "Would God want to be in total control"? What purpose would there be in anything if you could so to speak put a mouse in a maze and let it go only one way. Sort of loses its flavor."


Those are theolgical questions raised in your post.

Why are you being so obstinate?

Sorry, I have a very short memory. My first post, at least in this thought, was made in response to your quote of God's commands and all the don'ts and can'ts and mustn'ts and only thoses. I really shouldn't come in here because I tire of posters telling me what God commands of me because I have a brain and a mind and thoughts of my own.

This is a poll not a pulpit and I thought that in polls you gave your opinion, but of course I asked that question. I have nothing to prove, nothing on my agenda, nothing to tell you and as far as I am concerned, you are right for you and I withdraw any question or any threat I posed.

[The Story Teller]

24/7

[freyajem]

Hey Teller

What is 24/7? That a quote not quite quoted? LOL

[freyajem]

Quote by The Story Teller:
24/7

Hey Teller

me again.........is this it? http://www.24-7prayer.com/ good stuff............

I love surfing

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Sorry, I have a very short memory. My first post, at least in this thought, was made in response to your quote of God's commands and all the don'ts and can'ts and mustn'ts and only thoses. I really shouldn't come in here because I tire of posters telling me what God commands of me because I have a brain and a mind and thoughts of my own.

This is a poll not a pulpit and I thought that in polls you gave your opinion, but of course I asked that question. I have nothing to prove, nothing on my agenda, nothing to tell you and as far as I am concerned, you are right for you and I withdraw any question or any threat I posed.

Yes, you have a brain and thoughts of your own. Have you considered that your thoughts are terribly wrong, and are an offense to God?

You gave your "opinion", and in forums, opinions are apt to be responded to.

I suspect that you dislike Christians telling you what God commands because you don't want to do it God's way.

You want to do it your way.

God will allow you to do it your way, and will make sure that you have your way apart from Him for all eternity.

[freyajem]

Yes, you have a brain and thoughts of your own. Have you considered that your thoughts are terribly wrong, and are an offense to God?

You gave your "opinion", and in forums, opinions are apt to be responded to.

I suspect that you dislike Christians telling you what God commands because you don't want to do it God's way.

You want to do it your way.

God will allow you to do it your way, and will make sure that you have your way apart from Him for all eternity.

I surely want to do it God's way but I want to do what God wants me to do because I want to, not because He says I have to. When He says I have to, then I really don't have a choice. I do it or go to another place. I give myself totally to God to do with as He pleases and He tells me He wants me to do what I want and that He will be very greatly pleased if what I want to do is what He wants me to do. If I choose to do what He does not want me to do, He says He will always love me and that I am responsible for my actions and if my actions are against His laws, then I must atone in some way. But at no time have I heard, felt or other that I will go to the other place if I disobey Him.

These are just my personal thoughts and belief from my experience with God and in no way am I saying I am right and anybody else is wrong. This is my experience, that is all.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I surely want to do it God's way but I want to do what God wants me to do because I want to, not because He says I have to.

then you wnat it your way.

[freyajem]

I surely want to do it God's way but I want to do what God wants me to do because I want to, not because He says I have to.

then you wnat it your way.

No way. That is not what I am saying. If I do, go against what God wants, I have to atone for what I have done. I am not saying I want it my way. If I go against God's will, I have to atone for what I have done. MY WAY would be to be born innocent and stay innocent and live in paradise with no pain or hurting or fear or any of those things. We all know therefore that I am not saying I want it my way.

[freyajem]

No way. That is not what I am saying. If I do, go against what God wants, I have to atone for what I have done. I am not saying I want it my way. If I go against God's will, I have to atone for what I have done. MY WAY would be to be born innocent and stay innocent and live in paradise with no pain or hurting or fear or any of those things. We all know therefore that I am not saying I want it my way.

I consider it a far better thing to do something good because I want to rather than because I have to. If I do what God wants only because I have to, where is the love of God and the wanting to do what He wants. There is no great love in doing only what I have to.

Loving my fellow human beings because I have to, because God says I have to and for that reason only so I go to Heaven, I suppose that is one way. Perhaps I do not explain myself properly. When I say to do what I want, what I want is what God wants me to do simply because of my love for Him. I do not wish to disobey God because I do not wish to hurt the one I love, that comes from me, not because I have to.

[Ric]

God does not "orchestrate everything". An example would be that God did not send Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, LA.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

No way. That is not what I am saying. If I do, go against what God wants, I have to atone for what I have done. I am not saying I want it my way. If I go against God's will, I have to atone for what I have done. MY WAY would be to be born innocent and stay innocent and live in paradise with no pain or hurting or fear or any of those things. We all know therefore that I am not saying I want it my way.

So, after you have "atoned" for your own sin, then God will accept you?

Is that what you believe?

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

I consider it a far better thing to do something good because I want to rather than because I have to. If I do what God wants only because I have to, where is the love of God and the wanting to do what He wants. There is no great love in doing only what I have to.

Loving my fellow human beings because I have to, because God says I have to and for that reason only so I go to Heaven, I suppose that is one way. Perhaps I do not explain myself properly. When I say to do what I want, what I want is what God wants me to do simply because of my love for Him. I do not wish to disobey God because I do not wish to hurt the one I love, that comes from me, not because I have to.

Try this one on for size, those whom Christ has Redeemed from their desperately wicked state, deserving of eternal torment, do good out of graditude for Christ doing for them what they cannot do themselves, which is please God, and to pay for their sins, exchanging His righteousness for their sin.

His burden is light.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

God does not "orchestrate everything". An example would be that God did not send Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, LA.

Could God have prevented Katrina from striking the Gulf Coast?

If God could have prevented the hurricane, then God must have allowed the hurricane? Correct?

[freyajem]

God could cure all the ills of the world, every last one of them and make this world a paradise where everyone is happy and sin free and disease free and there are no tonadoes that we cause with what we put in the air, and no floods that we cause by cutting down all the forests etc., and no hurricanes which we probably do something to cause. He could make everything right and everybody super duper so smart and to know every thing.

So who would you talk to then. We would all know everything, no need to talk. Nothing to do. Everything would be taken care of. No lawyers. No doctors. No teachers. What would we do. Walk around and take in the beauty, oh no because we wouldn't know what beauty was because it would be all we know.

Want God to do everything? Want God to fix everything we have done. Go ahead. It's your bag.

I THINK THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL WORLD. They are suffering in New Orleans and I am sad and the entire world will come to their aid and help them rebuild and love them and care for them as much as possible and that is what it is all about. LOVE not sin

[Ric]

Could God have prevented Katrina from striking the Gulf Coast?

If God could have prevented the hurricane, then God must have allowed the hurricane? Correct?

God may of allowed the hurricane to happen, but He sure is NOT the cause of the hurricane!

Read the book of Job again sometime, you may get the hint. ;)

[Ladyday95]

My thoughts : God is in control of our lives if we allow Him to be but we have free will to accept or reject Him and His will.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

God may of allowed the hurricane to happen, but He sure is NOT the cause of the hurricane!

Read the book of Job again sometime, you may get the hint. ;)

I didn't say God was the "cause of the hurricane".

In response to your earlier post:


"God does not "orchestrate everything". An example would be that God did not send Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, LA."


If God allowed the hurricane, just as God allowed Satan to inflict calamity and sickness on Job, and God had a hand in that, for Satan had to have God's permission, so, God approved. However, God allows tests for our benefit, just as with Job. God's plans are not twarted by these things. In fact, God's Plan incorporates them and uses them for His purposes.

So, is God orchestrating everything? YES, either actively or passively in allowance. Nothing takes God by surprise. And it all works for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:28)

[freyajem]

I didn't say God was the "cause of the hurricane".

In response to your earlier post:


"God does not "orchestrate everything". An example would be that God did not send Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, LA."


If God allowed the hurricane, just as God allowed Satan to inflict calamity and sickness on Job, and God had a hand in that, for Satan had to have God's permission, so, God approved. However, God allows tests for our benefit, just as with Job. God's plans are not twarted by these things. In fact, God's Plan incorporates them and uses them for His purposes.

So, is God orchestrating everything? YES, either actively or passively in allowance. Nothing takes God by surprise. And it all works for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:28)

It is all in how you look at it. To call God passive as in passively allowing things to happen is a grave insult to the Superior Being that God is. God is is no way passive. Everything in the world has a sequence....from each thing that happens, another two things happen,....from those two... another two or four or one, makes no difference. For God to intervene and stop a happening in between other happenings would be for God to change the whole world. Do we want to take care of this earth that we have been given as ours, or do we need Daddy to take care of us all our lives. I think it is time for people to smarten up and take care of this world instead of destroying it and blaming God.

And by the way, not all those who are called, love God or know God or do His work as He would wish. It is very easy for human beings to get lost in themselves. All just my opinion, of course.

[Ric]

I didn't say God was the "cause of the hurricane".

In response to your earlier post:


"God does not "orchestrate everything". An example would be that God did not send Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans, LA."


If God allowed the hurricane, just as God allowed Satan to inflict calamity and sickness on Job, and God had a hand in that, for Satan had to have God's permission, so, God approved. However, God allows tests for our benefit, just as with Job. God's plans are not twarted by these things. In fact, God's Plan incorporates them and uses them for His purposes.

So, is God orchestrating everything? YES, either actively or passively in allowance. Nothing takes God by surprise. And it all works for good for those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.(Romans 8:28)

Well now, that sounds more acceptable to me than the way I understood your earlier post. ;)

[freyajem]

Well, a passive God sounds truly uninteresting to me so I will be off in a cloud of dust to be with God who loves profoundly and is not at all passive.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Well, a passive God sounds truly uninteresting to me so I will be off in a cloud of dust to be with God who loves profoundly and is not at all passive.

What is meant by "passive", is that by not acting directly, or moving directly, God passively allows something to happen that by acting directed He could have prevented or changed.

It's like you being faced with a situation, such as, someone being in your house, having a heart attack, and you sitting there and no nothing about it, not to even call emergency services.

By being passive, or not acting, they suffer.

Understand?

"Passive" in this case means, not acting.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

It is all in how you look at it. To call God passive as in passively allowing things to happen is a grave insult to the Superior Being that God is. God is is no way passive. Everything in the world has a sequence....from each thing that happens, another two things happen,....from those two... another two or four or one, makes no difference. For God to intervene and stop a happening in between other happenings would be for God to change the whole world. Do we want to take care of this earth that we have been given as ours, or do we need Daddy to take care of us all our lives. I think it is time for people to smarten up and take care of this world instead of destroying it and blaming God.

And by the way, not all those who are called, love God or know God or do His work as He would wish. It is very easy for human beings to get lost in themselves. All just my opinion, of course.

You brought up the example of Job, which is one where God allows Satan to have his way with Job, which was to not act on behalf of Job, which is to be passive.

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

To call God passive as in passively allowing things to happen is a grave insult to the Superior Being that God is.

Really?

Answer this then.

When Satan was tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden, what did God do?

Did God step in and tell Eve what was going on, and command her to not listen to that serpent?

Did God run the serpent out?

Or, did God allow the serpent to tempt Eve, who then tempted Adam?

[Augustine_Was_Calvinist]

Well, a passive God sounds truly uninteresting to me so I will be off in a cloud of dust to be with God who loves profoundly and is not at all passive.

I think you have some misunderstandings of how God works.

You do understand that Satan can do nothing without God's allowance and approval, right?

Or do you think that Satan is on equal footing in power as God?

[freyajem]

I think you have some misunderstandings of how God works.

You do understand that Satan can do nothing without God's allowance and approval, right?

Or do you think that Satan is on equal footing in power as God?

Can't do it. Can't resist. I do not think Satan is on an equal footing in power as God.

Satan is within God's control. Satan can only go as far as God will allow him. That is not a passive act on God's part. God will allow Satan/hate to test us. That is not a passive act on God's part. We learn and we grow from being tested and that is what Adam and Eve chose for us.....to learn and grow instead of living in God's paradise. Now I don't much like Adam and Eve for doing that, but like it or not, this is where we are and God is certainly in no way passive.....He is there for us when we fall.

Your ideas are different from mine and I am not, and have not, been trying to prove you wrong. I do not like the insinuations you are making, not at all. I like forums for sharing but you seem to be doing a lot of decision making for the whole world. I don't like your insinuations, not at all. You'll have to find someone else for that.

[PastorStephanos]

God is in Control But he gave us free will, it is us who chose to walk with him or against him.

[britishtankgirl]

"im little, Gods bigger, a little bigger than i can figure with his help little guys can do big things too."
God has free will too as well as us and choses when and where it is best to help, also he likes being asked just like we do. but then hes allso so much bigger than tht, and most proberbly has his hands in our lives more than we can see.

[The Story Teller]

God IS in Control..:)

[Ohiomom2]

I believe in free will but I do believe that God already knows ahead of time what we will choose to do and while He doesn't stop us and we use our free will He does grant us foregiveness when we truly repent and turn from sin.

[chokmah]

complete control

[Witness Of His Love]

He works both ways with me...he's in control of my life at times and at other times he permits me to do things on my own.

[godisgr8]

Yes

[Rome]

yes he is always in control

[4square]

we are not robots - God has given us free will :thumbsup:

[Sisof8]

i voted yes, but at the same time im not entirely sure of every detail like me having no control :)

[agyevesam]

Wow! Difficult question. I believe God knows everything and is in control of everything, but lets us have our free will (but knows long before we choose, what we are choosing) Does this make sense??

[azzy]

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?
Well if God is in control of my life,he sure has made a wreck of it.

If he is not in control of my life,then I guess I made a wreck of it,and im screwed.

[The Story Teller]

24/7:)

[Latreia]

Our thoughts about God seem to cast the Creator into differect roles:

Lofty Manipulator
Doting Parent
Super Santa
Best Friend
Fearful King
Strict Judge
Loving Spouse
Cheerleader's Dream Team Coach

All of the above reflect the search for the way to relate to the Divine. We each choose the way we can understand and, sometimes, use. Some try to manipulate perspectives of God, for themselves and others.

There are clues, hints, and some kinds of miracles of time and chance. We have experiences that can be easier to explain with these ideas of what God really is. However, it is a sad and tragic fact the concepts of God have been used to obtain political power, wealth, and manipulation of millions of human beings over the span of centuries. This is not confined to one religion.

But nobody alive knows exactly who or what God is. Perhaps mature attitudes are required to fathom this eternal mystery. In that I mean not relating to God as another with whom we have a relationship based on human terms.

With the idea of God as Creator, the first step is that we cannot know how that began, we cannot have been there at the time or the circumstances existed then. That alone reveals the immense distance between humans and the mysterious divinity of God. Whatever progress mankind has made in evolution or knowledge or technologies remains a testament to the order and laws of the natural world, which must directour sight back to the enormity of our origins.

When I voted that man has free will, that is a no-brainer, for indeed we all do. There were choices that were not really feasible to answer:

"Yes, He orchestrates everything" = Unknowable, only guesses

"His permissive will allows things to happen" = alternative to the above choice, still unknowable

"We have total free will over our lives" = Highly probable.

"Not sure"... Only of the previous choices.

The only answer is that all we have are our own answers. Our biggest challenge is what we chose in our lives. Our greatest duty is to seek the best and highest truths. Our worthiest contribution and tribute to the privilege of life is that we comprehend, appreciate, and honor life itself. That is our answer to our Creator, that is our reply and our prayer.

Against that there is no moral, ethical, vital, or legal law in existence.

[Tishri1]

It has been said that every Sabbath He rests after keeping everything going all week and if He ever quit creating each day the universe would explode... We should thank Him for giving us all each brand new day we have....:pray::amen:

[someone_else]

yes he is in control. when i became a christian i gave him control of my life and i said not my will but your will be done.

God knows whats going to happen. he has a plan for you and if you so wish you can chosse to not follow that plan. and he already knows if you will or not.