i'm pretty stubborn too..the only reason i'm not in bed yet is to see the end of this...

Here's my two cents...



First, we take "Now we know that God heareth not sinners", that's clear. God doesn't hear sinners. "Sinner" doesn't mean "sinner" here. Sorry everyone, but look it up. "Sinner" is hamartolos, which means "One who is devoted to sin". Everyone is a sinner, but not everyone is devoted to sin.

Next let's take a look at this: "but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth." This verse makes it clear that it's not enough to be a worshipper of God...one must also "doeth his will" to be heard by God. That doesn't mean that God doesn't hear the prayers and voices of the hamartolos (sinner), it means that God akouo (considers that which has been said) *by* those who worship God and doeth his will.

So, this verse should be understood to read:

Now we know that God heareth not hamartolos (those who are dedicated to sin): but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he akouo (considers what has been said).

Actually, if you look at the Greek, this is a wonderful verse. It's gender neutral, which should remind the ladies that they are and always were equal in God's eyes. But on the whole it is a promise that God will listen to the prayers of those who worship and love him.