When does God not hear us?

[tsth]

Gal. 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

do

(the word "do" is the same word for which the name of the Book of "Acts" gets its name. It literally means to "act" or to continue the practice of)

to exercise, practise, to be busy with, carry on

to undertake, to do

to accomplish, perform

to commit, perpetrate

to manage public affairs, transact public business

to exact tribute, revenue, debts

to act

I am in agreement with traveller.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[traveller]

Suzanne, what does the word "emulation" mean ?

[Crusader4Christ]

Emulation

1. To try to equal or surpass

2. To rival or vie with successfully

So, it basically means competitive, jealous maybe, to rival.

[tsth]

emulations in this verse means:

an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy

Oh and FYI, the word witchcraft interestingly enough means:

the use or the administering of drugs

poisoning

sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it

metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry

Applicable for today, isn't it?

Here's a link to see each meaning:

Just click on the word you want.

http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBibl...urrentChapter=2

In His Love,

Suzanne

[traveller]

Suzanne,

When I was trying to quit smoking I asked the Lord to help me see the harm of it. Not the physical harm, but the spiritual harm. He did alright! He kept bringing me to "sorcery" and "witchcraft." I was quite surprised when I found

the use or the administering of drugs

poisoning

sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it

metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry

I did a study on smoking and found the first known instance was in the temple during the worship of baal. The priests and priestess would inhale the smoke from the incense to blow up to the idol's face. (to get the smoke up there faster!) The enemy must really be laughing watching all the people smoking now.

[Guest Happy]

So you are all agree that there are sins that separate us from God and He does not hear us?

[eric]

Hi Happy, Sorry to be a latecomer to this thread, but I have noted all the responses, and I for one do not agree that there are sins one commits that would cause God not to hear us. The Lord promised that He would never leave us or forsake us. If you have humbled yourself before Him with a genuine contrite heart and called on Him to come into your heart and be your Lord and saviour, He will do just that. No-one is perfect, thats why in John's letter he said if you confess your sins He will be faithful to you and forgive your sins and cleanse from all unrighteousness. So you either believe that or you or you are saying that the apostle is lying. Do what Paul told us to do. Put on the whole armour of God, not forgetting the sword of the spirit, because the enemy is constantly on the prowl.

I hope this helps.

In Christ...eric.

[Crusader4Christ]

Maybe those verses refer to people who were polytheists?

Well, you're right Eric. It would seem strange if God would not hear us, if He

wants us to come to Him in repentance. That sounds contradictary, and God

ain't contradictary. Nope, not even close!

[Catsmeow]

I think that it is based on the condition of our heart Cats. Our Father certainly knows that we mess up. He knows far better than we if it is a fleeting mistake for which we are truly sorry, of if it is a way of life or a hidden desire that we have. You know? Like, what is behind the action. We should search our hearts regularly I think. Look in the mirror a lot. I have to.

Amen, Trav...I know. In fact, if I'm acting badly, it doesn't take much prodding...the Holy Spirit doesn't let me sleep at all...I just toss and turn.

[Catsmeow]

Oh and FYI, the word witchcraft interestingly enough means:

the use or the administering of drugs

poisoning

sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it

metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry

Suzanne:

I have a physical problem - one that causes me extreme pain and discomfort.

I take medications, oftentimes the doctor will prescribe a narcotic as well as a anti-inflamatory drug to ease the pain/discomfort. I have chronic fatigue and pain associated with Rhuematism, (runs in our family).

I feel so much better with the medication...it really helps a lot.

I don't get "high" on it at all but it does ease the discomfort a great deal.

Whenever I hear about this I think, "Am I sinning?"

I'm not getting high....I just feel normal; I can function normal...like today I did floors and fixed meals, etc. but I was taking a narcotic medication, which does make me feel much better.

I don't take street drugs....only what comes from the VA pharmacy.

So, how does this apply to people taking medications for relief of pain?

I'm sure Gary could tell you of his illness and that he also is open to say he takes medicine for pain also.

Your thoughts?