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NASB | Matthew 6:9 ¶ "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:9 ¶ "Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. [Luke 11:2-4] |
Subject: Are we do pray to Jesus? |
Bible Note: Nolan, I am going to say somthing here, and I ask that you please consider it. My purpose is not to offend you, but hopefully to help you to be a more effective witness for Christ, in this forum, and in your life. The first instinct will probably be to get defensive, and come back and attack me. But I know you, and am confident that if you take some time to think about these things, you will understand my perspective and will be able to rise above that. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control, and there are times where certain posts of yours do not exibit this characteristic. I have seen several examples, which I could quote for you if it will help, but this is a good example here, and I would prefer not to pile them up on you. Just looking at this example, Steve asks a question about whom we should address our prayers to according to scripture. This is a question that I have heard other Christians ask me before. It was not that they questioned the Deity of Christ, but rather that it seemed to them that prayers should be specifically addressed to the Father. There is some biblical basis for this in that the Lord's Prayer (Jesus recommended example) is addressed to the Father. Also most churches teach that Jesus' purpose was to bring us to the Father, therefore, Jesus interceeds for us, making it possible for us to pray to the Father. That is why many people start prayers with "Gracious heavenly Father" (acknowledging who they are addressing), and end them with "in Jesus name, Amen" (giving credit to Jesus for making it possible). There are of course other scriptures, which do seem to indicate that it is appropriate to pray to Jesus also like Acts 7:59, where Steven prays to Jesus as he is being stoned. However, it is possible that Steve was not aware of these verses. In fact that is the whole purpose of this forum. To allow people to ask questions in a place where others may be able to help them find the answers in scripture. I therefore appreciate rextar?s response on this topic. Now contrast that with your own response. Instead of trying to see Steve's point of view, it appears that you make a very big assumption that he is questioning Christ's deity. Then instead of asking him to clarify his intentions, you immediately jump to the drastic recommendation of barring him from the forum. This shows an apperant lack of self-control, and is not treating him with dignity or respect. I realize that I'm new here, and possibly Steve has in the past made statements, which have strongly affected your perspective of him. However, even if that is the case, today is a new day, and this is a new post which seems to be genuine and potentially of interest to the community at large. In conclusion, Nolan, you are a strong defender of the faith, and have much wisdom to share with others (which I have seen in many of your posts). Please consider taking a little more time to wrap this in a package, which others will be willing to sign for. |