Is it suppose to work this way?

you are only to wish for things that can be obtained by simple means not wealth

Because of our animal-bodies. When I say we have 'animal-bodies,' I don't mean to say that our bodies are not human; but rather that our bodies' LOGIC is 'less than human'---i.e. that it only believes what it can physically sense; that no matter how many times our human minds tell these bodies that 'all this will pass away' and that there are all thes plans for rebuilding the world in the future, our bodies can only live in this current moment. Our bodies feast on the roadkill on the highway, even if the highway is leading us directly to the High Palace's gourmet feast. So we need tales of the gourmet feast to give our minds the power to pull the hungry body away from the roadkill on the highway. Sorta like when Jesus said to save up your treasure in Heaven (for wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also). You save treasure in Heaven by giving it to your brothers-&-sisters under 'god' (whichever god you-&-they both believe-in).

I want to respond to this discussion and to a response I read. To the response I read: Things not only look different from the outside, but also from the inside. Even people who describe themselves as Christians are often at odds as to what scripture means, what Jesus means for them or does for them, etc. How lucky a person must be that their particular way of viewing religion is the right way of viewing religion and everyone else, the other 6+ billion people, are wrong. And to your discussion specifically: I've heard many Christians contend that the power of prayer works and that, if genuinely asking Jesus to appear to you, he will. So if Jesus is one's personal lord and savior, I don't see where a trade-off is out of the question to an extent. I mean, it's already a trade-off. There's no disputing that in Christianity. Take Jesus into your heart as your personal lord and savior, become saved. That's the ultimate in trade-offs. According to many Christians I've personally spoken to, Jesus has healed them or their loved ones, helped them beat addiction, helped them pay bills, etc. And, of course, this was always in exchange for something, if only for loyalty.

no, it is not suppose to work that way. Mankind is like a spoiled child. Expecting the parent to give whatever they ask. Jesus taught that we are to ask everything with faith, and to be sure what we ask is within the will of God - sometimes the answer is no, or wait. Jesus taught that we are to expect trials and tribulations, he said to 'take up your cross and follow me'. We are to give more than we get. We are to love others more than self. Our hearts must be free of pride, and other sins if we are to expect even to be heard. We are to forgive all evil against us before we even come in prayer before his throne. So, if there is ANYTHING we must give up it is our pride and our sin. Then we will be heard. HEARD...not coddled.

It is a step ahead if we consider that ancient jews were sacrificing animals for the same purpose.

I have three opinions about this: Yes and No Yes if its in a right notion. For example we have to give up our sin (and repent) by asking Him to forgive us (1 John 1:9). God won't hear us if we keep on sinning (see Isaiah 59:2). God won't answer a prayer without hearing it yet. We also have to give up our doubts (Matthew 21:22). No if its in a wrong notion. For example I have to give up my $5000 to for God to give me $500000. We were warned by James to be careful in our prayers in James 4:3. I've seen some Christians vowed to God to give their something like 90% income to the church offerings and mission and only keep %10 if God will make their business successful (i.e. Quaker Oats, Colgate, Ford). I believe this could be but I've never seen any Bible story which is identical to this. Anyway, this is between them and God. We also have to understand that the world (outsider) don't see us the way wee see ourselves and God. I think Jesus is more than just a wishing well. In 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." We don't wish to Him, but we pray to Him and there's a big difference between a wish and a prayer. God bless!

For me it doesn't work that way...for me you believe and live your life like He wants you to...your heart is filled with joy from having faith...and you spread the joy. Being thankful everyday is another part....thankful for what you have...

It has long been a christian and catholic belief that sacrifice is a way to open communication channels with the christ figure...The catholics used to wear "hair shirts" to create constant suffering and thus make themselves closer to the christ figure...They also used to flog themselves...same purpose. Same sects still do these things. Lent is a classic time of penitence where christians give up things they like to do penance for their sins and to get closer to the christ figure.

others so called christians use that to get more members because more members means more money for them.avoid people using God with promises of good life or betterlife,more blessings and anything that coincides with money. there is more to God than any wishes.

Jesus is not a genie. Jesus in fact said that we must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all this things shall be added unto you. I think that we must do God's will first, and God will be the one to shower the blessings that we need, not the ones that we want.

Thats what I mean about religion. None of it makes any sense. What can one give up that would give them a better shot at going to so called heaven? Do what you want. After all, we will all be in that box at some point. Enjoy now, because you may never get another chance.

We may be doing something that is not good for us and against God's will. He may not answer us until we overcome what we are doing that is against His will. We as parents may do the same thing with our children.

you recieve what you believe... that is the way the universe work. If you think that way so you are right and will get result from that. opposite of that also is true... some people believe in things which bring luck for them and they really recieve even if that thing does not have any luck power... they recieve because they strongly believe it works for them... that is all depends on our believes and thoughts.

I highly doubt that Jesus grants any wishes whatever you give him something in return or not. Thinking that way would be very naive of Christians. However Jesus watch over people and they have the right to pray for his protection. It's more like spiritual support than any material hepl though. And you don't have to give up anything for Jesus if you don't want to. If you're living peacefully your life and don't cause others any harm then you should make it out to Heaven. At least I belive so.

Sometimes things look different from the outside all the best, urban

I think I run around with different Christians. Even the messed up Christians I know aren't that dumb.

Hi sarahruthbeth, There are many different beliefs within Christianity, and yes some believe that Jesus will grant them special favours if they do certain things. Others feel that they have to do nothing but believe in Jesus. There are however, Christians who try to live in peace with everyone, knowing that we are all one regardless of what we believe. Blessings.

I hate that kind of thinking. I hate it because I had been infected with that and thankfully I had learned to let go of that. People who believe that probably don't know that we can summon abundance if only we put our heart and soul to it.

what you believe and follow you will receive that. it is all depends on our thoughts and believing things... some people they believe to something very commong and useless bring luck for them and they really get luck. Is that simple thing make luck? of course no but their thought and strong faith makes that lucck for them. I think that is also same. it is all about the way of our strong or weak believness.