Christianity and Baby Psychic Readings

[KatCarney]

Actually, *NO WHERE* in the Bible is "Scripture alone" found to be the model. Not one instance. Since, of course, in the earliest days of the Church, tradition was passed on orally, or on rare occasion, by the letters we have remaining (thanks be to God's grace!), those first Christians heard to gospel passed on by word of mouth...some--nearly all, in fact, could not read at all, a written gospel would have been only mildly useful. But as those first Christians, the Apostles, began to pass on the knowledge, some of it was written down (even they talk about the things that they have taught those the letters are being written to at the time..not by that letter, but in person, or that have been taught by their representatives...). It is very important to realize that while Scripture is important, very much so, it is only one piece of the puzzle...

I completely agree.

That said, I'd be curious to see how others justify the model of 'scripture only' (which would mean the exclusion of prayer).

[Ajani]

Prayer is definitely a very important part of the life of a Christian. It is not where we find truth, however. God's word is our source of truth. Prayer is our conversation with Him. At least, that's how I've always known things to be. Anything revealed through prayer that doesn't line up with scripture isn't truth. I've heard a lot of false prophets who go more by feeling and "revelation" than God's word. So that's where my comment was coming from. Not discounting prayer, but not seeing it as having anything to do with being another source of truth.

[MWpuravida]

I completely agree.

That said, I'd be curious to see how others justify the model of 'scripture only' (which would mean the exclusion of prayer).

It's funny, for someone to find something that justifies the use of scripture only, they would have to look OUTSIDE of scripture.
I don't know why I find that as amusing as I do... maybe I didn't get enough sleep last night.

Ajani- good clarification. Scripture teaches that anything anyone says (including our pastors) that is contradictory to God's word cannot be God's will. Again, badly worded. For the second time in this thread. I am sorry guys!

[KatCarney]

Prayer is definitely a very important part of the life of a Christian. It is not where we find truth, however. At least, that's how I've always known things to be...

Based on what?

(Not trying to argue...just trying to understand from a scholarly or scriptural standpoint the reasoning behind the implication that people will not find any truth through prayer...)

[Ajani]

I'm not sure where you're coming from, Kat. We may be saying the same thing, but I don't know.

I see prayer as conversation with God. Scripture is His word to us. Any revelation, any "truth," anything gleaned from prayer has to line up with scripture or it's not from God. So scripture is our ultimate authority and all that we believe needs to line up with what God has already said.

I know that there are churches and preachers who don't believe this. They're all about "new revelations" and "God told me _________ while praying," (the ______ being something not in line with scripture) and whatnot. I don't follow or believe in them. There's nothing wrong with presenting the gospel in a new way, so long as it's still THE gospel.

[dakotabluebaby]

I see the bible as truth and prayer as guidance.

What I mean is God's word is the never changing truth and when that does not answer my need, (like whether to do foster care can not be found in Corinthians) I pray. Prayer gives me an answer of direction and aid in decision making, but does not ever contradict the Word.

Does that make sense?

[KatCarney]

I'm not sure where you're coming from, Kat. We may be saying the same thing, but I don't know.

I see prayer as conversation with God. Scripture is His word to us. Any revelation, any "truth," anything gleaned from prayer has to line up with scripture or it's not from God. So scripture is our ultimate authority and all that we believe needs to line up with what God has already said.

I know that there are churches and preachers who don't believe this. They're all about "new revelations" and "God told me _________ while praying," (the ______ being something not in line with scripture) and whatnot. I don't follow or believe in them. There's nothing wrong with presenting the gospel in a new way, so long as it's still THE gospel.

I appreciate your effort present your 'personal' point of view, however, I'd also be interested in some type of scholarly support for it.

What struck me as VERY odd about this thread is that no one suggested to the OP that she also pray about her situation, and some appear to be arguing against the idea that scripture and prayer are a valid combination for seeking answers to issues of faith (which is the ONLY point I was making.) It's kind of a simple point, so I don't know why you 'don't know where I'm coming from.'

I respect (but don't understand) a perspective that doesn't value prayer in combination with scripture as a helpful suggestion when someone is in need of an answer, and I'd like to see more on that line of thought (again, from a scholarly perspective.)

If you could post some links to some resources, that would be great - thanks. (That's where I'm coming from - at this point.)

Prayer gives me an answer of direction and aid in decision making, but does not ever contradict the Word.

Does that make sense?

Sure, but it's Ajani who brought up issues of prayer 'contradicting' scripture. That isn't my issue.

Mine is one of the value of prayer in combination with scripture, as opposed to scripture with the exclusion of prayer.

What I mean is God's word is the never changing truth and when that does not answer my need...

That's interesting...

My guess is that some would argue that scripture can answer every need.

Again, I'd be interested in seeing scholarly support for either pov. Not to provoke an argument, but to foster learning.

[dakotabluebaby]

Ok fine you can find all answers in the WORD but they point you to PRAY to God. It does not say anywhere in the bible that Rebecca should adopt a child in 2009, but it does say.....


Proverb 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert

Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours

1 Peter 5:8Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.

Matthew 6:9-13
9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name. [1]
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done, [2]
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread, [3]
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. [4]

[KatCarney]

Ok fine you can find all answers in the WORD but they point you to PRAY to God.

That isn't directed at me, is it? (and if so, why?)

[B]It does not say anywhere in the bible that Rebecca should adopt a child in 2009...

I'll ignore what I assume is sarcasm...

Just because you didn't find the answer to the question you were asking, doesn't mean the answer wasn't there...

What I mean is God's word is the never changing truth and when that does not answer my need...

To be honest, when people start talking about 'my needs' and how His word doesn't meet them, rather than 'His will', I think that's kind of a slippery slope, and probably not anything that needs to be debated among us (at least it's a debate I'm not willing to have).

[randi_80]

This is an interesting thread. I am marking my spot because I want to keep up with this conversation. I don't know how much I will have to add but I find it very interesting.

Kat I think that Dakota was giving evidence in support of your position that of scripture plus prayer. (my 2 cents)

[KatCarney]

This is an interesting thread. I am marking my spot because I want to keep up with this conversation. I don't know how much I will have to add but I find it very interesting.

I agree. (and I don't have anything more to add, either.)

Kat I think that Dakota was giving evidence in support of your position that of scripture plus prayer. (my 2 cents)

[dakotabluebaby]

That isn't directed at me, is it? (and if so, why?)


I'm agreeing with semantics.....


I'll ignore what I assume is sarcasm...

Just because you didn't find the answer to the question you were asking, doesn't mean the answer wasn't there...

My point is the answer was there, the answer was to pray and lay it at the feet of God.


To be honest, when people start talking about 'my needs' and how His word doesn't meet them, rather than 'His will', I think that's kind of a slippery slope, and probably not anything that needs to be debated among us (at least it's a debate I'm not willing to have).

My need was to know the will of God....


I think we agree but you are coming across from a different direction. This is what my DH and I like to call a blue balls argument. I am telling you that I see a ball and you are coming back and telling me it is blue. I agree its blue, but it is also a ball.

[KatCarney]

My need was to know the will of God....

Got it

I think we agree but you are coming across from a different direction. This is what my DH and I like to call a blue balls argument. I am telling you that I see a ball and you are coming back and telling me it is blue. I agree its blue, but it is also a ball.

LOL! When I first started reading this, and saw 'blue balls', I thought, "Where is THIS going?!?!"

[MWpuravida]

I think we agree but you are coming across from a different direction. This is what my DH and I like to call a blue balls argument. I am telling you that I see a ball and you are coming back and telling me it is blue. I agree its blue, but it is also a ball.

Fantastic approach. I think I am going to have to apply to my marriage more often. Plus, it was the funniest thing I have read all day. Although when I tell my husband about it, I might change the color up a bit...

[EmmeLou]

divinations and such, if they are not Holy Spirit Prophesy, are from the evil one.

Now, the Holy Spirit may speak to you or to someone in your church and prophesy about something to happen in your life.
A good example...
My pastor received a call from a lady in our church and she told him that the Holy Spirit was prompting her to tell him that he should go to his daughter in the hospital because she needed her daddy. He left his meeting and drove down to the hospital (2 hour drive) and his daughter was having a really hard time of things and the first thing she said when she saw him was " I need my daddy"
It was cool

So, do not go seeking prophesy or the like...the Holy Spirit will send it to you in His time.


God Bless,
EmmeLou