How can we know that god exists?

(adren@line;45014)
lol.I find it amusing that you make grandiose comments on Buddhism when you do not know anything about it and then accuse me of not "digging deeper", or "lacking research".The fact is that no-one in their right mind thinks that Buddhism is a plagiarism of the OT. This is a wacky conspiracy theory akin to other wacky conspiracy theories.The only difference between your theory and those theories is at least those theories have some some-what reasonable arguments and some evidence, although ultimately flawed. You, on the other-hand, have a statement, an un-informed opinion, and no evidence. I find it amusing that you try compensate for your lack of scientific, religious, and philosophical knowledge by mentioning something about the civil war. Sorry, but that doesn't work. You may indeed know quite a bit about the civil war, perhaps more than I. But last time I checked, we are on a religious forum discussing religion, philosophy, science, and religious history.
You are right, I do know alot about the Civil War, much more than the History books contibute. I have already shown you that much of what makes up Buddhism is found in the OT. It is not necessarily the faith of the OT, but it is found there. I showed you the evidence and you ignore it, do I need to quote the OT to make my point? Come now, it is there if you are willing to look. I wasnt trying to compensate for anything, I was trying to see your willingness to actually do some research. Your answer would have told me you level of ability in deserning truth from fiction. I will give you a hint, It wasnt slavery. Yes that was a small part but not the main reason.Seriously, lets do some research together. You pick the topic, and I will research it if i dont already know anything about it. And by the way, I was a Buddhist and it didnt work for me, that why I tell you to dig deeper there is more there that what you think.

(RobinD69;45017)
You are right, I do know alot about the Civil War, much more than the History books contibute. I have already shown you that much of what makes up Buddhism is found in the OT. It is not necessarily the faith of the OT, but it is found there. I showed you the evidence and you ignore it, do I need to quote the OT to make my point? Come now, it is there if you are willing to look. I wasnt trying to compensate for anything, I was trying to see your willingness to actually do some research. Your answer would have told me you level of ability in deserning truth from fiction. I will give you a hint, It wasnt slavery. Yes that was a small part but not the main reason.Seriously, lets do some research together. You pick the topic, and I will research it if i dont already know anything about it. And by the way, I was a Buddhist and it didnt work for me, that why I tell you to dig deeper there is more there that what you think.
You havent provided anything. Again, and again, and again, Buddhism has no god, no soul, no afterlife, preaches in reincarnation and karma. NONE of this is in the OT. I have already addressed karma in Buddhism. You arent giving me specific passages and scripture from the OT nor are you comparing to any Buddhist text or source. As far as claims of being a Buddhist, thats fine. So-far, you have demonstrated to me no understanding of Buddhism. Perhaps you do know something about it and intentionally choose not to elaborate, and if that is the case then it doesn't really help your case.BTW, I know about 5 people off-hand who were classic "religion-shoppers". They hopped around from one religion to another, immediately leaving one if it did not provide the emotional comfort they were seeking. And because they were simply looking for something to make them feel good, "understanding" a religion on the grounds of logic and philosophy was never their goal. And IMO, this is the trend of people who jump from religion to religion. If you indeed did spend years reading the Pali Canon, dissecting all philosophy and writings from the various Zen masters, studying the intricacies of Buddhist metaphysics, it would reflect in how you write about Buddhism. Your writings would come off with eloquence and with a sense of authority. But they do not. Its quite easy to tell by how someone writes about a topic if they actually know anything about it.

(Cybella;42636)
But could we not also argue that we are here because of natural selection and a gradual evolution?
How could you defend natural selection in the following case? Say I found a wristwatch in a field, I would not assume that it just appeared out of nowhere or that it had always existed. Based on the watch's design, I would assume it had been designed and if designed I would be inclined to look for the designer. The same would be true if I found an encoded message, I would seek out a cryptographer to break the code for me so that I could understand it and that is what God does in his instruction book for mankind (the bible).If we just throw up are hands and say "I guess that all this I see around me just happened and so I choose not to question why or how it happens to be here" then fine God is perfectly willing to allow you to do so, He will never force anyone to except the fact that He was/is the designer of it all, but in the book of Romans (1:20) He lets you know that He was and goes on to say so again in (Psalm 19:1)Let me ask you this if you believe that we have all evolved from our closest relative, the ape, how come we still have apes and probably will have as long as this world exists. They may bacome larger or smaller through evolution but I don't think they will turn in to a different specie as God stated that every thing He created had it's seed in it'self, to reproduce its self.Everything we have is a result of what God created in six days, all man has done is rearange that which God has given him into various material products,plants,and foods.Proof of that is in a story about a sientist who approched God and told him that he appreciated all he had done but that He (God) was no longer needed due to the fact that sience had developed to the point where they could create there own humans and asked if God would like to watch him do so?God said "Yes , I think I would find that interesting" so the scientist scooped up a handfull of dirt and God says "NO,NO,NO" the scientist says "What!" and God replies "You have to use your own dirt"

Cybella, Are you serious? this is really happening to you? (And thanks you other 2 who replied back...Great to me that Dad gave in at the last! You can have great peace in knowing that! And I do believe he did. And yes, my other brother, my Phil had a radiant glow in his eyes, on his face, as he stared at who he saw, and kept saying, I have to sleep awhile because "He's" gotta do some things in me, and after he did he awoke on his feet and well. And then his face did still shine and his eyes, and his conversation was with a New intimacy about Jesus. But even so, what we can know and feel in our heart today is no less awesome or amazing, even without seeing.Cybella....if this is true, this kinda thing does happen I know...satan is real....and we can be tormented even here...I have felt his dark presence before and know that it's real...you can rid yourself of his presence and torment by calling on the Lord...satan does not enjoy the presence of God and will flee...."Every knee will bow to the Name of Jesus Christ" and that includes every imp of darkness...There is power in the name of Jesus...."Perfect love casts out all fear"....If this is real it aint a joke...actually even if we didn't experience this today in a dream it's still real...but you are getting a glimpse today....of what exists where God doesn't...and we don't none of us want to be where God isn't ultimatley...His spirit is present in this world today even if we are absent in spirit....but the time will come when if we are absent, we will be where his spirit is also....and it aint gonna be good. Cause your will to call on the Lord and be set free and translated into the kingdom of light...it's a far more wonderful journey. love Kim

(Cybella;45026)
Over the past few days, I have been having more unusual dreams. These again are sharp, but there is no voice, no more numbers in them. Only pain, horrible,terrible, horrendous pain. And the screams, there are always the screams. I think I might be driven positively insane by just the sound of the screams alone. They are almost as bad as the physical pain, which feels as if my body is being stabbed and ripped by scorching hot knives. The screams are frightening and sad all at once. There is so much pain, so much dispair in all of the voices. I don't think I can take it anymore. I do not know if this is related, but I am finding red marks and bruises on my body when I wake up that I know (or think) were not there when I went to sleep. Many of them look like bitemarks, others are just bruises. I don't know what's happening, but I am afraid to go to sleep. I can't tell anyone else, because I know they will think I am crazy. Maybe I am crazy. Maybe these are all just normal dreams, horrible as they are, and they will go away after awhile. All I know is that I don't know what to do.
Cybella these are not normal dreams. If you are willing, the Lord will heal you of this but you must be willing and believe that He can and will. I have been reading through this thread and following along with your posts and believe that you are being shown what hell will be like. You are being called out of the life that you are living Cybella. Answer the call...What to do? Cry out to Jesus! I used to have horrible dreams too, albeit not as horrible as you are experiencing. It took strength, a lot of strength, in my dreams to find a voice to cry out "Jesus be with me" And He did. He destroyed the demons who were attacking me and trying to take my life. And I believe that what you are experiencing comes from an influence, either accidentally or intentionally invited into your life that knows you are on the verge of leaving them and they are doing everything they can to keep you locked into their bondage.....pray and ask the Lord to help you find the strength to call His name. Even just calling His name will cause the demons to flee, for they know and believe. Go beyond what they know and take His offer to be under His protection. He will help you I promise, but you have to ask Him.Do you believe in Christ? If yes, then call on Him and He will come. If no, call on Him and He will come, He will show you He is indeed very real and He will bring you to beautiful faith and rest in Him. The dreams may not end altogether for a while but the more you call on Him and see what He is doing for you the stronger your faith in Him will become and the weaker the demons will become until they have no power or authority over your life. Their goal is to kill, steal and destroy. What better way to do it than to give you dreams that weaken your defenses and letting you wake to find they truly were attacking you!In the name of Jesus Christ the Lord God Almighty, I rebuke and command these demons to leave you and never return. I cover you in the Blood of the Lamb, I request that the Lord place a standard of warring angels around you that keep these defeated demons away from you in wake and in sleep...AND I dress you in the armor of God. Put on the helmet of salvation (knowing you are saved by Christ) the breastplate of righteousness (not the righteousness of man but the Righteousness of Christ who defeated death for you), the belt of Truth (word of God) the sword of the Spirit (word of God and the Holy Spirit discernment, our Helper), the shield of faith (faith and belief that Christ is the Son of God and was resurrected by God, your faith in Him to keep you and protect you) and the shoes of peace (walking in your armor you have peace from the enemy Satan and his minions for they no longer have power over your life)....Oh Lord God, you tell us what is bound on earth is bound in heaven so I ask you to bind these demons and give rest to your child who appears to be seeking Your shelter...and what is loosed on earth is loosed in Heaven. Oh Lord God, loose the binds around this child of Yours and grant her the freedom from death by the enemy...and then Lord God, show her that you ARE the I AM! Mighty, The Creator of ALL who has authority over all, Powerful, Wonderful, Gentle, Savior, Shelter, Abba, who loves all of His children and would that none should perish. Bring faith to your child Lord I cry to you, I beg you open her eyes and her ears to You and let her know that You are in control and that Your children will not be forsaken.In the mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ our SaviorAmen

To Jackie D:AMEN! Thank you for sharing that prayer! To Cybella: I haven't quite finished reading all the posts yet, but I did see your post about your dreams. I agree wholeheartedly with Siskim and Jackie D, but I wanted to add something -- I suggest you read some books about people who went to hell. One that I highly recommend is My Descent Into Death by Howard Storm. Specifically, read the part about Jesus rescuing him. I don't know if you believe that there is a heaven or hell, but when you read his testimony, you will see that Jesus is real, and He rescues those who call on Him. I am praying for God to comfort you and give you peace.

A'udzubillaahiminasysyaithonirrojiimBismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim(RobinD69)
I am not here to argue with you or condemn you, but honestly Islam isnt really another option.
Well just to be honest with you Robin (please don't be offend) i don't know what you are thingking, but according to viewing and opinion your statement indeed showing provocation to do the thing that you are denying. But that's ok with, i already used to it with this kind provocation, that is my opinion(correct me if i'm wrong) .And to honest with you too RobinD, you still have not much idea about Islam really is (please do not be offend). If you read the Quran and the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with the way that i suggest to Cybella(use clean heart (be honest heart and feeling) and clear mind and a true intention to seeking truth), insha Allah He will guide you to His Truely Path .It is your intention to seeking truth that can made someone see something is it true or not.Look Robin, as i said before, i'm tyring to not doing anything that make down christianity in her(Cybella) thread, and i just try to be fair enough (I try my best). But what has wrote with that statement above, you have done the opposite, that is my opinion, but that's ok, that is your right to do so. My intention is just doing what God(Allah) has commanded to me for the sake of God(Allah).(RobinD69)
I believe she is in need of Gods love, love that can only be expressed thru Christ. I can understand your attempt to give and alternative but isnt it true that you cannot trully undestand the Quran unless you can read Arabic?
I believe every mankind need of God whatever they are, whether they are good nor they are bad, whether they are pious nor they are sins, whether they are believe to God nor they aren't.And i will ask you the same question, is itn't true that you cannot trully understand the Bible unless you can read Hebrew and Aramaic ?You will able to understand God Insha Allah, wherever you have strong intention to Him. Quran we have translation on it, and Alhamdulillah we still have the origin word which is in the arabic is to get you more clearly know what is the true meaning of it if someone trying to decive it from true translation. I will give an example, in the Fitna Movie, there is written that muslim has kill every christian and jew in Chapter 9 in the Quran, but if you look at to the arabic one, there isn't any that state such of that lie.Although i have to admit, that sometimes the translation is not precisely can described what the arabic word meant, but insha Allah the translation were trying to get close to the real meaning of it.I hope i've explain you well insha Allah .And i do apologize for the misbehave or terrible writings that i've made, because English is my second language.Best regards,Ricky WWallaahu a'lam.

(Ricky W;45124)
A'udzubillaahiminasysyaithonirrojiimBismillaahirrohmaanirrohiimWell just to be honest with you Robin (please don't be offend) i don't know what you are thingking, but according to viewing and opinion your statement indeed showing provocation to do the thing that you are denying. But that's ok with, i already used to it with this kind provocation, that is my opinion(correct me if i'm wrong) .UnderstandableAnd to honest with you too RobinD, you still have not much idea about Islam really is (please do not be offend). If you read the Quran and the Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with the way that i suggest to Cybella(use clean heart (be honest heart and feeling) and clear mind and a true intention to seeking truth), insha Allah He will guide you to His Truely Path .I was taught by a Imam in Jacksonville Florida, he gave me my first Quran and taught me to understand it from a Muslim perspective, but as I told him and I will tell you, I do not agree with what the Quran or Muhammad has to say, and I do so will all due respect and meaning no insult.It is your intention to seeking truth that can made someone see something is it true or not.YesLook Robin, as i said before, i'm tyring to not doing anything that make down christianity in her(Cybella) thread, and i just try to be fair enough (I try my best). But what has wrote with that statement above, you have done the opposite, that is my opinion, but that's ok, that is your right to do so. My intention is just doing what God(Allah) has commanded to me for the sake of God(Allah).I mean no offense, but isnt this a Christian website?I believe every mankind need of God whatever they are, whether they are good nor they are bad, whether they are pious nor they are sins, whether they are believe to God nor they aren't.And i will ask you the same question, is itn't true that you cannot trully understand the Bible unless you can read Hebrew and Aramaic ?Actually you can read and understand the Bible without understanding a specific language, but only thru the Holy Spirit.You will able to understand God Insha Allah, wherever you have strong intention to Him. Quran we have translation on it, and Alhamdulillah we still have the origin word which is in the arabic is to get you more clearly know what is the true meaning of it if someone trying to decive it from true translation. I will give an example, in the Fitna Movie, there is written that muslim has kill every christian and jew in Chapter 9 in the Quran, but if you look at to the arabic one, there isn't any that state such of that lie.Although i have to admit, that sometimes the translation is not precisely can described what the arabic word meant, but insha Allah the translation were trying to get close to the real meaning of it.I hope i've explain you well insha Allah .And i do apologize for the misbehave or terrible writings that i've made, because English is my second language.No apology needed.Best regards,Ricky WWallaahu a'lam.
I own 3 Qurans and when I have studied them I use all 3. I am not fluent in arabic so I must use the translated versions and I also have a commentery. I have read much about Islam, from both sides of the arguement. I pray that you can come to a better understanding of the Bible so you will understand where I come from with my thoughts and ideas.

A'udzubillaahiminasysyaithonirrojiimBismillaahirrohmaanirrohiim(RobinD69)
I own 3 Qurans and when I have studied them I use all 3. I am not fluent in arabic so I must use the translated versions and I also have a commentery. I have read much about Islam, from both sides of the arguement. I pray that you can come to a better understanding of the Bible so you will understand where I come from with my thoughts and ideas.
Well that's good for you, the more knowledgable we are the more better we hopely can understand.But however, your writings that i bold there, proofing to me that you still don't have much idea (please no offence and with al due respect i'm not trying to insult). And Insha Allah i'm not offence with all that you are wrote above. Event that was a small thing, but it was has an influence to faith. Or perhaps i misunderstood you, by bolding your word .(RobinD69)
I mean no offense, but isnt this a Christian website?
Yes indeed, that is my lose. But this is her thread, and she doesn't mine at all with it and the admin also not taking any warn to me.Well i have to admitted that i might not knowledgable comparing with you . Yes indeed i just a tiny mankind with small amount of knowledge, well at least i try my best to understand the 'Bible' althought i don't have much bible in my PC that i try to learn, at least this is what i have until now bishop trasnlation, NT LXX(septuagint), KJV 1611, KJV, ASV, RV, Indonesia Terjemahan Baru(ITB), ESV, ASV, Hebrew Strong + Greek strong, Matthew Henry's commentaries, John Darby's Commentaries, John Gill's commentaries, well perhaps i still have to learn more from you, btw this forum also one of my place to seek knowledge. Well indeed I should much2 learn more Wallaahu a'lam.

(Cybella;45165)
I do not mind Ricky W posting here at all. What I am looking for is answers, and the more people who can help me find them, the better.The dreams continue, still every night. I have wanted to call out to Jesus in them, but I cannot make any sound of my own. The screams only intesify until I think my head will break under the pressure when I try. The marks on my body have become more red, more numerous. I don't know if I could be the one inflicting the damage on myself in my sleep, which I guess seems possible. Waking, I cannot shake the heavy feeling of fear. It seems crushing. I keep telling myself that everthing will go back to normal soon.
Cybella, before you go to sleep at night, pray and ask Jesus to give you strength to call His name..ask every night if you have to, it will come.

(Cybella;45165)
I do not mind Ricky W posting here at all. What I am looking for is answers, and the more people who can help me find them, the better.The dreams continue, still every night. I have wanted to call out to Jesus in them, but I cannot make any sound of my own. The screams only intesify until I think my head will break under the pressure when I try. The marks on my body have become more red, more numerous. I don't know if I could be the one inflicting the damage on myself in my sleep, which I guess seems possible. Waking, I cannot shake the heavy feeling of fear. It seems crushing. I keep telling myself that everthing will go back to normal soon.
Cybella, I am convinced now that these are not just dreams. This is an attack on you by the devil and I think you are going to need some help.(Jackie D;45196)
Cybella, before you go to sleep at night, pray and ask Jesus to give you strength to call His name..ask every night if you have to, it will come.
What Jackie D has suggested is good advice. But I think it it would help you a lot to go an see someone immediately. May the Lord Jesus Christ protect you.

(Cybella;45224)
Who? Who could I see that would even believe me, and even if they believed me, how could they help?
I would suggest you go to a good minister, a strong Christian leader who has dealt with this before. Believe it or not this is not uncommon. I also recommend some form of counselling - but a good minister would recommend the appropriate form of counselling for you. What is your location? Maybe someone here on the forum will be able to recommend a minister for you. In the meantime I will be praying for you.

(Cybella;45165)
I do not mind Ricky W posting here at all. What I am looking for is answers, and the more people who can help me find them, the better.The dreams continue, still every night. I have wanted to call out to Jesus in them, but I cannot make any sound of my own. The screams only intesify until I think my head will break under the pressure when I try. The marks on my body have become more red, more numerous. I don't know if I could be the one inflicting the damage on myself in my sleep, which I guess seems possible. Waking, I cannot shake the heavy feeling of fear. It seems crushing. I keep telling myself that everthing will go back to normal soon.
Call to Christ in your heart. You dont need to mouth the words, He can hear you and He can give you peace and rest. All He asks is for you to trust Him.

(Cybella;45248)
Once again, I could not call out to anyone as I wanted. I have a hard time trusting Jesus- I will admit that the idea scares me. Couldn't he stop what is happening to me? Dosen't he care? That is why I am having a hard time- maybe he dosen't care.
He cares Cybella. Really He does. He's right there, it is you who has to make the move. He may just stop it all together once you do, He may take you through the things I was taken through until finally it stops altogether. Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you;Be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you,Yes, I will help you,I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' I cannot speak for Him as to how He plans to take you through to the end of this part of your journey...but I can guarantee you that He cares. Psa 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. He will deliver you, it is His promise to you and the rest of mankind.Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORDShall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint. take the first step Cybella. You may not have any faith or very little faith in His promise, but I do and I will share mine with you.I continue to pray for you deliverance.

Trusting Christ is the first step. The closer you come to trusting Him, the more Satan is going to try and stop you. Remember its a personal relationship Christ seeks, its not easy but it is rewarding. I fought against trusting Him, but it finally came to the point that I had no other choice and I came to Him kicking and screaming because I didnt want to give up the ways of this world. But I have found something much better than the ways of this world. He can show you much better ways to experience things than the world can comprehend. He will strip things away and replace them with better things. I lost 2 businesses, a house, and several vehicles and alot of other things I didnt need after I came to trust Him. That sounds tragic doesnt it, its not when you take into account all I have gained. I have found a job in a field I love, I am preparing to go to college, I have gotten better vehicles, and most of all I have learned to be humble and the more humble I become, the more I understand his word. Take away the worldly things and gain the spiritual. I am sure there are things you should be doing in life that you arent, but if you trust in Christ and have patience, your rewards will out weigh your losses.