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Does God answer the prayers of unbelievers? Does he honor the faith of those...

Discussion in 'Free-For-All Archives' started by Lynne H, Oct 25, 2003.

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  1. Lynne H

    Lynne H New Member

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    who don't know him?

    I just finished watching a interview that Elizabeth Smart's parents did. Knowing that they are Mormon has brought these questions to mind. My brother and his family are also Mormons and I've read some (from a Christian perspective) about the things they are taught and believe. I know that their god isn't out God.

    Mr and Mrs Smart say that God answered their prayers. And indeed it appears as though He did. They're saying that during the 9 months that Elizabeth was missing (and even thought to be dead) that their faith sustained them.

    I don't want to be misunderstood even for a moment. God is by all means merciful and compassionate...and He was while we were yet sinners and separated from him. It's because of the fact that He loved us first that we can even have salvation through Jesus Christ.

    But since Mormonism is a false religion and their gospel is not the true gospel how is it that God honors their faith?

    It's not that I have anything against Mormons. It certainly isn't the unforgiveable sin. But they have been deceived by Satan. So does Satan have a hand in this too?

    It's also not that I think further harm should have come to Elizabeth. I'm grateful that she was found and returned to her family. Please don't misunderstand that either.

    But I would think that as people read the Smart's book and see their interviews on the TV they may be drawn not only to God but to Mormonism too...and this doesn't seem to be of God.

    What do you make of this?
     
    #1 Lynne H, Oct 25, 2003
  2. Watchman

    Watchman New Member

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    First, let me say that what is happening to children, them disappearing and usually winding up dead is a great tragedy, no matter what the spiritual state of the family.
    However,to say that, just because something very good happened to the Smarts, it follows that God honors their faith is a stretch. The sunshines on the righteous and the wicked, and the same is true for the rain. Very bad things can happen to the redeemed and very good things can happen to the lost. But that is in THIS life.
    The reason that I don't resent the wicked from having wealth, prosperity and good things happen to them is that this life, right here, is all they are ever going to have. Mormons, and the other cults have another god, another christ, another gospel. They are climbing up another way and are thieves and robbers.
     
    #2 Watchman, Oct 25, 2003
  3. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    God so loved THE WORLD…

    I don't have any contact with Mormons. Here in the Northeast they are rare.
    God listens to all who diligently seek Him. I praise Him that saves even those who were not so diligent like myself.

    In Acts 10 we read about the heathen Cornelius,
    Peter said in Acts 10:34. “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

    Paul writes in Acts 17:26-28
    The family may be deceived, they will eventually regret the Mormon witness they give, but hopefully if they are seek truth, they will find it. May we be the witness that gives them the light.

    Rob
     
    #3 Deacon, Oct 25, 2003
  4. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    Non elect are the children of Satan (Jn 8:44) so when they pray to their "father", they unwittingly are praying to the devil.

    Elect, even before they believe, are still "sheep" and the Father knows them and hears their voice.

    So when I prayed, my Father heard me. One day I called out in repentance and faith and He heard that, too. And still hears.

    But God has never promised to hear the prayers of goats. They have their father, Satan, and he hears.

    BTW, I am in Mormon territory and these are wonderful, devout, religious people. Deceived, sadly, but high quality folks. God is not their father, however.

    (As for Elizabeth being returned, I am thankful for such a "miracle". Think it ironic that it was a Mormon who abducted and abused her. But the rain falls on the just and unjust; good things will happen to Mormons. God set up laws of nature)
     
    #4 Dr. Bob, Oct 25, 2003
  5. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Prayer is essentially communion with your Father, God.

    You may talk with my father, but you cannot claim him as your father. That requires a special relationship. So it is with God. He will hear what the unsaved have to say, but does not respond in kind as He would to His children.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
    #5 Jim1999, Oct 25, 2003
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