You know He didn't have to do any of it. He could have just made us angels or let everyone choose if they wanted to go with Him or with Satan, but He had a much better plan for us than that. He wanted us to be His children, joint heirs with Jesus and live with Him in heaven forever and ever as members of His kingdom. (He wants us to know Him; He loves us.) He spared nothing for us, but made every provision, even to the point of offering his own son- and Jesus Himself, willingly laid down His life to be the final Passover sacrificial lamb for our sins.
I was listening to an apologetic debate between a Christian theologian and a man who used to be a "minister" debating "the existence of God." You know I don't recall anywhere reading that Paul or any other person in the Bible actually tried to convince an atheist that God exists. Though the Bible does specifically address this. But it seemed like everyone already understood there was a god of some sort.
"…because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.…" Romans 1:19-21
I personally would no longer attempt to convince someone of God's existence. God already did that and they rejected Him. I cannot presume to do a better job of convincing them He exists if they choose not to see His evidence. What I would attempt though is to point out their rebellion. Because I perceive rebellion is the root of their unbelief. And unbelief is a sin that God does not take lightly. We are responsible for our unbelief (rebellion) and we will answer to God for it.
In the debate where Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God, Dan Barker asserted that almost all Christians are nicer than Jesus and that he himself is nicer than Jesus.
I think it is pretty obvious that He doesn't know Jesus and never did. He claimed that he had the same type of spiritual experiences with "Jesus" that we did. Apparently Dan doesn't realize that Satan also likes to go by the name of Jesus and is ready to slip in there with anyone who will receive him. Satan is not only a liar but a thief.
"My sheep hear my voice and will not follow another." And also, "they went out from us because they were never really with us." John 10:26
1 John 2:19
Dan also told us how he really loved his "Jesus." Like this was some kind of proof that he understood what being a Christian was all about. I used to really love the Tooth Fairy. I mean I really really loved the Tooth Fairy. But once I realized the Tooth Fairy wasn't real, I was able to walk away. I just lost a false belief system. I didn't lose Jesus and neither did Dan. Dan lost a lie that he had embraced and loved and counted as the truth.
You know Satan also has plans for our lives and it appears that Satan had big plans for Dan's life. But does Dan want the Truth or is he happy with his deception? Dan is doing the will of his father (Satan) whether he means to or not. He is encouraging and heralding the lost onto a more sure footed road to damnation.
Dan Barker and John Mark Reynolds debated the existence of God.
What Do You Believe? Does God Exist?
http://confidentchristianity.blogspot.com
Dan Barker- Co- president, "Freedom From Religion Foundation" Also known for his advocacy of atheism and rationalism
Criticism of religion.
John Mark Reynolds from Houston Baptist University.
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