Timmy, is there anything that could convince you that the God of Christianity is real? If so what would it be?
Good question. I don't know, but I suspect not. Not in the sense that some combination of words when placed before me would make me say "Ah yes! That's true! I've never thought of it that way!" But I'm giving MB a chance to try, and anyone else who wants to.
But if that doesn't work, they could try another approach: tell me of what benefit it would be to believe the way they do. What good things will happen? Not necessarily to me, or only to me, but perhaps to my loved ones. Or who knows, maybe some other kind of benefit. I'll let them figure that out. And if they can convince me that they are correct, that all those good things will happen, and there aren't some horrible things to counter them in balance, I'll convert.
Now, "convert" might be tough to pin down: I'm not sure I can literally believe what I'm expected to believe -- in the sense that I really consider it all true* -- but I will at least come back to church, put in a good effort to follow the rules (please, nobody jump in here and say something ridiculous like "there are no rules", because everyone knows there are), and call myself a Christian again.
I'm serious.
* - "true" in the common meaning of the English word. Man, I have to be careful around here!
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Like agnostics and atheists can agree on "even the simplest things" lol.
Earlier you asked why? Because God is real, the Bible is true (regardless of what men agree on), and Jesus will be your Judge, or more specifically, His Word.
Now if you don't believe that, fine. Enjoy your life, what you have left of it anyway, before your Appointment with God comes due. Meanwhile, those of us who know the Lord will keep on keeping on
"The world behind me, the cross before me...no turning back, no turning back."
Or as Jesus said, "No man putting his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit to be my disciple." EDIT: He said no man putting his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Nice opinions you've got there.
(Above is an example of what won't work. Not sure how anyone would even think it might.)
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
(Above is an example of what won't work. Not sure how anyone would even think it might.)
I've never understood why people who abandon faith in God expect Christians to try and sweet-talk them back into the faith. Why do you think I'm the least bit concerned with trying to "say something that will work"? Hebrews 6 says concerning those who apostasize that they are like thorns and briars and are rejected and destined for the burn pile.
Why would you be concerned about Christians simply recognizing you have made your choice? Don't you want us to respect your decisions? I do. You reject Christ, God, the gospel. You have decided God - as presented in Scripture - isn't up to your standards. He doesn't meet your approval. So you have no need for him or his Way or his people.
Why would you have any objection whatsoever to hearing God accepts your rejection of his salvation?
I mean it's like you come here to tell us 1001 reasons why God isn't real and why you aren't a Christian, and yet you expect everyone to bend over backwards to try and "win you back".
God isn't at anyone's beck and call. God isn't whining and begging for YOUR approval.
People are so goofy. They act as if everything revolves around them, as if they are the center of the universe.
But it's not entirely your fault I suppose. Like I suggested earlier you're probably a victim of bad evangelism, the sorry kind that has Jesus begging outside your door just HOPING he can get an audience with you, so you'll honour him with an opportunity to "save" you. As if Jesus was applying for a job and you are doing the interview! lol
I've never understood why people who abandon faith in God expect Christians to try and sweet-talk them back into the faith. Why do you think I'm the least bit concerned with trying to "say something that will work"? Hebrews 6 says concerning those who apostasize that they are like thorns and briars and are rejected and destined for the burn pile.
Why would you be concerned about Christians simply recognizing you have made your choice? Don't you want us to respect your decisions? I do. You reject Christ, God, the gospel. You have decided God - as presented in Scripture - isn't up to your standards. He doesn't meet your approval. So you have no need for him or his Way or his people.
Why would you have any objection whatsoever to hearing God accepts your rejection of his salvation?
I mean it's like you come here to tell us 1001 reasons why God isn't real and why you aren't a Christian, and yet you expect everyone to bend over backwards to try and "win you back".
God isn't at anyone's beck and call. God isn't whining and begging for YOUR approval.
People are so goofy. They act as if everything revolves around them, as if they are the center of the universe.
But it's not entirely your fault I suppose. Like I suggested earlier you're probably a victim of bad evangelism, the sorry kind that has Jesus begging outside your door just HOPING he can get an audience with you, so you'll honour him with an opportunity to "save" you. As if Jesus was applying for a job and you are doing the interview! lol
Okay.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
What do you guys tell unbelievers who never were believers? How do you (if you do!) try to get them to believe as you do, and to do what they need to do to be saved?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Good question. I don't know, but I suspect not. Not in the sense that some combination of words when placed before me would make me say "Ah yes! That's true! I've never thought of it that way!" But I'm giving MB a chance to try, and anyone else who wants to.
But if that doesn't work, they could try another approach: tell me of what benefit it would be to believe the way they do. What good things will happen? Not necessarily to me, or only to me, but perhaps to my loved ones. Or who knows, maybe some other kind of benefit. I'll let them figure that out. And if they can convince me that they are correct, that all those good things will happen, and there aren't some horrible things to counter them in balance, I'll convert.
Now, "convert" might be tough to pin down: I'm not sure I can literally believe what I'm expected to believe -- in the sense that I really consider it all true* -- but I will at least come back to church, put in a good effort to follow the rules (please, nobody jump in here and say something ridiculous like "there are no rules", because everyone knows there are), and call myself a Christian again.
I'm serious.
* - "true" in the common meaning of the English word. Man, I have to be careful around here!
That's fair. What about a miracle? Would that convince you?
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