Losing My Faith..

Hi Frosty and welcome here, dear,
In a very uncomplicated way - a believer will never be able to answer all the questions of atheists, period.
Just because something has not been proven YET scientically doesn't mean it doesn't exist - put happiness in a test tube
spin it around, smear it in a Petri Dish and place that under a microscope.
You are young and as yet probably do not know why we exist ( forget that nonsense that anyone will be going to an eternal hell for not believing, oy vay.)
The bible is the #1 reason there are atheists!

If you should decide to be an agnostic for awhile that is normal in our process for a short time.
But, always remember to be kind, loving, patient, compassionate and look for what lies under the surface of things.

Read people of faith - read the love poems of the Mystics - God is Spirit - and that Spirit is Pure Love.
The intellectuals - I wouldn't bother with personally - read about Love.

"It is impossible to explain things to a person with no faith.
A person with faith needs no explanation."

Hopefully, you will have a direct, intimate, personal relationship with your Creator soon and there will be no questioning again.
Ask and receive, remember.
Good luck,
Miss Hepburn

Hi Frosty,

I understand what you're going through. When you're dealing with the unregenerate (unbelievers) you're dealing with those whose hearts are hardened against God. These, as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1, suppress the truth in their unrighteousness. So unless God opens their hearts (Acts 16:14) no answer you give will be satisfactory. Don't let that stop you from giving Biblical answers, but be content to let the chips fall where God would have them fall.

Act 16:14 One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

Frosty said:

Why would God bother to create us ? If most of us are doomed to go to hell for not believing in him ? Was he bored ? Why make something only to destroy it ?

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This is what we know. All things are make for God's glory. God demonstrates his grace and mercy through the redeemed and his wrath and justice through the wicked. Ultimately, all things demonstrate God's glory. More than this we do not know. God is holy and sovereign and does not spend time justifying himself to his creatures. There's no doubt that this answer will anger your unbelieving friend. This is not your problem and his/her disdain for God's ways does not disprove the existence of God in any, way, shape or form. It merely demonstrates that those hardened against God do not like the way God runs His universe. That's the most an atheist can 'prove' with their mockery.

Rom 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Isa 43:7 . . . everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Pro 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Rom 9:21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
Rom 9:22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
Rom 9:23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory--
Rom 9:24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Frosty said:

How is it fair a man that was good his whole life can go to hell, but a evil serial killer can go to heaven if he repents at the last second ?

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Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). All are children of wrath by nature (Eph. 2:3). All deserve death. None deserve life. None are saved by their good works/good life. Faith in Christ is the only thing that makes one man differ from another in God's scheme of things. The question of what's fair or not fair is not ours to ask (Rom. 9:14 - 16) and (Rom. 9:19 - 20). This answer will of course draw down anger and mockery, but again, that's not your problem. Your task is to present Biblical truth, not tickle itching ears.

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Eph 2:3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means!
Rom 9:15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
Rom 9:16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Rom 9:19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?"
Rom 9:20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?"

Frosty said:

( I know the good man still sinned, but how is it fair that an evil man can so easily go to heaven ? Yet the good man goes to hell just because he didn't believe in something that doesn't really have much proof ? )

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God says there is plenty of proof, yet sinners suppress that truth in unrighteousness.

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.
Rom 1:19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
Rom 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Obviously this is going to be difficult, but this is meant to strengthen your faith and if you persevere, it will. Don't let the mockery of hostile unbelievers deter you. Their behavior is to be expected. Who knows? God may work through you to save many. Stand strong and remember who you serve.

Don't be afraid to come back and ask lots of questions if you feel the need. I'll try to help you in any way that I can.

Frosty said:

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this, but it looked good enough xD ( sorry if it's not and if a moderator has to move it. )

I've been talking to an atheist friend of mine lately, and he's asked me a few questions I couldn't really answer. It's led me to do a little research myself and has got me re-thinking how strong my faith really is.

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You have received some very good advice so far, but I would like to add a bit more.

Frosty: Here are the questions that bothered me.

Why would God bother to create us ? If most of us are doomed to go to hell for not believing in him ? Was he bored ? Why make something only to destroy it ?

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Every man has his time in the sun. During that time he can whatever is within his natural power. He has that right given to him by God. This, I believe, is within God's prupose for us. His purpose is to find a group of people who will choose to please God more than anything else, when they have alternative choices. God does provide all of the tools we need to please Him, but the choice, when it comes down to it, is always ours!

Frosty: How is it fair a man that was good his whole life can go to hell, but a evil serial killer can go to heaven if he repents at the last second ?
( I know the good man still sinned, but how is it fair that an evil man can so easily go to heaven ? Yet the good man goes to hell just because he didn't believe in something that doesn't really have much proof ? )

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God is really fair in His own eyes. Ultimately that is all that matters, however, we being the frail corruptible creatures that we are sometimes want more of an explanation. For this He gave us not less than two things. One is the Bible and the other is the Holy Ghost. The Bible contains all of the answers we need, the understanding of those comes to us through the Holy Ghost. When you don't understand something asking believers as you have done here is good, but you should also ask of God and continue to ask of God for as long as you are still empty or frustrated or in some other unsatisfied.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matt 7:7-8

Frosty:I used to consider myself a strong christian and I would hold my faith through torture, ( Though, admittedly only because I'd be afraid of going to hell Is that wrong ?)
though now I'm not to sure about anything anymore..The last few days I've been having a LOT of doubts and I'm not exactly sure why.

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Consider Job! The very first verse of the book bearing his name calls him a "perfect and upright". He was also a very rich man with material goods and family, and then all of a sudden seemingly arbitrarily he lost family and goods and good health. From a seemingly very full place Job went to a very empty place. Job survived his trials because he had always trusted God and in his time of trial he continued along that way. consider his response to his wife who did not share his trust in God:

"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." Job 2:9-10

Frosty: Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my life away because I've decided not to have sex or kiss till I'm married, not drink, or do drugs, I do my best to not lie or curse. I'm worried now that I'm going to lose my faith completely and I'm going to go to hell..for a long long time and that's not fun at all. From what I gather out of the Bible, to go to heaven the only thing you need is to really believe Jesus died on the cross for you. But again I also realize your actions on earth affect your placement in heaven. I don't want to live in a cardboard box in heaven because,say I had sex with my girl friend.

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"Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.

And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." Mark 10: 28-30

Is there no fun to had in serving God while we are here in this corruptible body subject as it is almost continuously to the temptations derived from the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life?

God did bless us in this world with everything He made that was "very good" from the beginning. Man has corrupted much with the creation of God, but much that isgod in the eys of God is still there for us. We intended by Him to enjoy these things, but with only a couple of restrictions. One is to enjoy them the way that He had provided instead of the other ways that are available. Two is to always remember the two primary commandments as per Jesus:

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matt 22:37-40

When people tell you that you are foolish and that you are wasting your life with God, do not listen to them. They are giving the same kind of advice that Job's wife gave to him. God will not leave or forsake you. It may seemlike it at times, but He is checking to see if you love Him even when the going gets rough. Believe me, it will at times get very rough, but God will never put more on you than you can bear, if you are trusting in Him.

Frosty: I know that the earth came into existence some how, and that the bible answers the how pretty well, but I also don't want to be so ignorant I don't believe anything out of the bible.

I'm just extremely confused lately and would really appreciate any help. I get so confused and tormented with doubt about everything it hurts. I really wish I just knew all the answers.. but I don't.

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No man knows all of the answers, but for those who trust Him, God who does have all of the answers, will give the answers that they need.

Frosty: Man it's hard being young and foolish.. I'm 18 :/

Thanks for any advice guys, it's really appreciated.

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As you walk with God and you get frustrated or feel left alone, talk to God directly about it. Also, when you can sit down and don't just read the Bible, but open it to the book of Psalms and pray with David and the other writers who penned those words. Below I have quoted something the Lord gave me a few years ago, which i have updated now for your benefit:

Amadeus: At times this is a very empty place.. or at least it seems to be so. I have a devoted wife and two dogs who love me, and at least one close friend in the town where I live. Yet, sometimes I am so all alone. I am sometimes alone, because I look away from my Hope.

I remember feeling the same way before I became a teenager so many years ago. Now I am 67. God has brought me a long way, but the end is not yet.

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25

The place that is empty is the world and its ways. I am much of the time, thank God, now in another place which is full of joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Join with me in His place and let us dwell ever with Him and we will will never again be in an empty place!

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Frosty said:

Here are the questions that bothered me.

Why would God bother to create us ? If most of us are doomed to go to hell for not believing in him ? Was he bored ? Why make something only to destroy it ?

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ANSWER:

Rev 4:11
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.
(KJV)

God created us to bring Him pleasure. Have you sought to please Him lately? Getting into His Word The Bible is where you learn how to please Him.

How is it fair a man that was good his whole life can go to hell, but a evil serial killer can go to heaven if he repents at the last second ?
( I know the good man still sinned, but how is it fair that an evil man can so easily go to heaven ? Yet the good man goes to hell just because he didn't believe in something that doesn't really have much proof ? )

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ANSWER:

Titus 3:5-7
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
(KJV)

Gal 3:6-14
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
(KJV)

Gal 2:16
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(KJV)

James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, That giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
(KJV)

Luke 18:10-14
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner."
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
(KJV)

Rom 10:1-4
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
(KJV)

Why would God bother to create us ?

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Why do people have children considering the bother, expense, and heartache they cause? (Because of love)

How is it fair a man that was good his whole life can go to hell, but a evil serial killer can go to heaven if he repents at the last second ?

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It isn't "fair". We should all go to hell. The fact that Jesus died for the sins of everyone means that the chance to escape being judged for our works is open to everyone. The person who has sinned more will be punished more (judged according to his works). Those who trust in Jesus pass out of the judgment that is coming on the whole world.

Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my life away because I've decided not to have sex or kiss till I'm married, not drink, or do drugs, I do my best to not lie or curse.

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The path of purity is never a waste. However, it can be turned into a Pharisetical type of self-righteousness, so you need to be careful. One thing that helps against this is the humility that comes from the understanding that without grace from God, we would all plunge into the same pool of dissipation as the rest of the world.

I would suggest reading "The practice of the presence of God" by a brother Lawrence. He may not be very accurate when it comes to doctrine, but it can be helpful to see a heart given so completely to our Lord. This is the sort of faith that can withstand worldly assault.

In Ephesians we are told the purpose of the church is to help each Christian grow into the image of Christ. Given this standard, it is hard to think of a single church that isn't a failure. One of the benefits of Christian maturity (Christ-likeness) is that we are not blown by every wind of doctrine. Your ability to respond to your atheist friend will also grow as you walk in truth and by the Spirit, grow into the image of Christ, and learn to put aside the flesh.

In a world that is so quickly repudiating Christ, your remaining faithful to him will require more and more. Our society is moving like a tide that pulls everything with it. For those Christians who wish to remain faithful, we may have to seek out older and wiser Christians who clearly show the light and love of Christ in their lives and ask them to help us learn to know Jesus as well as they do. There is a vast darkness descending on our land. Those who still cling to the "solid rock" can hold high the light and truth of Jesus for those few who still seek him.

Frosty said:

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this, but it looked good enough xD ( sorry if it's not and if a moderator has to move it. )

I've been talking to an atheist friend of mine lately, and he's asked me a few questions I couldn't really answer. It's led me to do a little research myself and has got me re-thinking how strong my faith really is.

Here are the questions that bothered me.

Why would God bother to create us ? If most of us are doomed to go to hell for not believing in him ? Was he bored ? Why make something only to destroy it ?

How is it fair a man that was good his whole life can go to hell, but a evil serial killer can go to heaven if he repents at the last second ?
( I know the good man still sinned, but how is it fair that an evil man can so easily go to heaven ? Yet the good man goes to hell just because he didn't believe in something that doesn't really have much proof ? )

I used to consider myself a strong christian and I would hold my faith through torture, ( Though, admittedly only because I'd be afraid of going to hell Is that wrong ?)
though now I'm not to sure about anything anymore..The last few days I've been having a LOT of doubts and I'm not exactly sure why.

Sometimes I feel like I'm wasting my life away because I've decided not to have sex or kiss till I'm married, not drink, or do drugs, I do my best to not lie or curse. I'm worried now that I'm going to lose my faith completely and I'm going to go to hell..for a long long time and that's not fun at all. From what I gather out of the Bible, to go to heaven the only thing you need is to really believe Jesus died on the cross for you. But again I also realize your actions on earth affect your placement in heaven. I don't want to live in a cardboard box in heaven because,say I had sex with my girl friend.

I know that the earth came into existence some how, and that the bible answers the how pretty well, but I also don't want to be so ignorant I don't believe anything out of the bible.

I'm just extremely confused lately and would really appreciate any help. I get so confused and tormented with doubt about everything it hurts. I really wish I just knew all the answers.. but I don't.

Man it's hard being young and foolish.. I'm 18 :/

Thanks for any advice guys, it's really appreciated.

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You're not foolish, just young.

Firstly, there's absolutely nothing wrong when your faith is tested. Sometimes questions can be very hard. It's even harder to come face to face with your doubts and fears. One of the best things you can do is be honest with yourself. It seems you're being very honest with yourself.

Often times people ask questions that seem very simple, with the answer to be expected as simple. Truth is these questions are very complicated and can run the complete gauntlet of answers from intelligent to completely absurd.

Don't feel like you're wasting your life. Especially don't feel you're wasting it because you're not having sex and partying. To tell the truth, even if I didn't believe in God, I still would wish me and my wife waited until we were married. There's something special, and a special bond between people that I don't believe can be replaced if you weren't virgins in the first place. That's a big problem with marriages these days in my opinion.

Drinking and drugs,,,, Well, I've wasted alot of my years with that trash. I still have struggles with alcohol some times. Mostly that's just me being weak. But, drugs and alcohol have nothing to offer. It's fun for a while, but it will eventually lead to something stupid. That's a fact.

Feeling doubts is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Faith is believing in something without proof. But, we as believers see proof.

Sometimes when I'm confronted with questions like the ones Atheists usually ask, I just sit back and think. "If the universe or what ever could exist for ever,, then why couldn't a God exist forever?" It seems perfectly reasonable for me to believe in a God as it would be to believe that something came from nothing. Even the fact that random particles colide and create the most complex forms of life even through evolution to me seems rediculous.

Why did God create us? We were created to serve and love him. We were created to love eachother and to do good. I'm not sure why God still creates some that will go to hell, but I can be assured there's a good reason for it. As some have mentioned here, Wanting someone to love is a great reason to create them. God loves even the sickest sinner and will save them.
While on earth, it seems stupid that an evil man can repent on his death bed and get to heaven. But, if you look at it from the big picture,,,, Isn't it better that he repented? That's what we should want from everyone. When we get to heaven all the petty things and all the major bad things will be gone, we wont care. We'll be full of forgiveness and love, none of the bad things will be remembered anymore. Rest assured though, God is just. Just because you repented on your death bed doesn't mean you weren't held accountable during life.

Your actions affecting your place in heaven is kind of a long subject. The best way to look at it is this,,,

You're not saved by your actions. You're saved by faith in Jesus Christ and Jesus dying on the cross and raising from the grave. Nothing you do can change your standing with God. However, Your actions are proof of your belief in Jesus. Since you believe he's real, you'll behave differently. Also, the Holy Spirit changes your heart and your mind over time. Don't be too overly concerned about actions.

You're young, you're going to make mistakes. It's best that you learn from them, pick yourself up and move forward. Don't beat yourself up so much.

Ast time goes on your faith will get stronger, and your perspective on life and God will change dramatically. You'll get stronger and have more answers. I'm sorry I couldn't give you a direct answer, but the questions aren't simple.

Blessings to you!

Been there buddy... the only thing that's kept me in relationship with our Father through it all is looking at Jesus and believing He is the revelation of who God really is... if I was looking at christianity I would have dropped it a long time ago... christianity to many times to me has looked like a bunch of self righteous jerks who use God as a way to feel self righteous while living selfish and hateful lives... other times it just looks like a way for politicians to make people puppets... and if I based it off of what was going on around me I'd feel like God was either to weak to protect His kids or evil that He doesn't when I see all the pain people go through and the way the wicked seem to prosper... but then I look at Jesus and it all makes sense... He is the revelation of God... He is the revelation of Love... when I try to stand on knowledge, perception, self righteousness, doing this, or not doing that, I always feel like I'm hopeless... and then I come back to Jesus and in Him I remember that God loves me and in that I find faith.

Thanks for being honest... there's nothing greater we can do with each other than live in the light of what's really going on inside us... otherwise we're just fellowshipping with a bunch of characters we're all playing that don't even really exist = )

from a personel viewpoint i wish i had not done the things you have mentioned, not that it would of made me a better christin but i would not have to deal with the thoughts of my past. the less trash the clearer the mind.you have a gift right now don't ruin it.

"Man it's hard being young and foolish.. I'm 18 :/" It is hard being old and foolish!

oh yeah, a good wise answer to all those foolish questions atheist will sometimes ask you, that you do not know: I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD.

Larry Conlley said:

"Man it's hard being young and foolish.. I'm 18 :/" It is hard being old and foolish!

oh yeah, a good wise answer to all those foolish questions atheist will sometimes ask you, that you do not know: I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD.

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It is indeed wise to admit you don't know something when you don't. However, we should not be content to remain in that ignorance if we can do something about it. I think a better response would be to say: I don't know right now, but I will attempt to find out and get back to you.

1Pe 3:13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1Pe 3:16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

If someone said this to me "It is indeed wise to admit you don't know something when you don't. However, we should not be content to remain in that ignorance if we can do something about it. I think a better response would be to say: I don't know right now, but I will attempt to find out and get back to you." after I had said this to them "I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD." I would just say this back in reply: "I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD."

Larry Conlley said:

If someone said this to me "It is indeed wise to admit you don't know something when you don't. However, we should not be content to remain in that ignorance if we can do something about it. I think a better response would be to say: I don't know right now, but I will attempt to find out and get back to you." after I had said this to them "I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD." I would just say this back in reply: "I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD."

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1Pe 3:15 . . .but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. . .

I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD.Are you an atheist?

Larry Conlley said:

I DO NOT KNOW, I LEAN NOT TO MY OWN UNDERSTANDING AND PUT MY FAITH IN GOD.Are you an atheist?

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I would suggest that you misunderstand your Proverbs 3:5 quote. Scripture needs to be understood within its own context.

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is telling us to rest in God's providential management of our lives. Come what may, we can rest assured that God's hand is in it. It says nothing about resting in ignorance when tough questions concerning our Faith are put to us.

1Pe 3:15 . . .but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. . .

"I would suggest that you misunderstand your Proverbs 3:5 quote." See, now you know why I lean not to my own understanding. "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. . ." The reason for the hope that is in me: I put my faith in God. If I am going to have to teach you, try to be a good student. Thank you.

Larry Conlley said:

"I would suggest that you misunderstand your Proverbs 3:5 quote." See, now you know why I lean not to my own understanding. "always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. . ." The reason for the hope that is in me: I put my faith in God. If I am going to have to teach you, try to be a good student. Thank you.

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"I put my faith in God" is not a reasoned defense for why you regard Christianity as true. It's a mere assertion that fails to answer why you do so. A reasoned argument or defense (apologia) is exactly what Peter tells us we should be ready to provide to all who ask.

ἀπολογία
apologia
Thayer Definition:
1) verbal defence, speech in defence
2) a reasoned statement or argument
Part of Speech: noun feminine

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You are fading fast my friend. Going...going...gone!

Ill give you a great big E for effort.

Here are the questions that bothered me.

Why would God bother to create us ? If most of us are doomed to go to hell for not believing in him ? Was he bored ? Why make something only to destroy it ?



Answer it is mans plans not Gods .... To reject God and the heaven he has most certainly won for all by his perfect life and innocent death on the cross in our stead .
Your Athiest friend has heaven won by Jesus for him to why does ne reject jesus and his heaven ; Its his fault ----God wants every one to go to heaven but MOST humans dont want a savior from sin who's name is Jesus and his heaven won for them to.


Next question answered

There is no one good excepting Jesus we all deserve hell . But Jesus set his crown aside and came down to live and die in our sinful stead.

Jesus even wants to save those who think they are better than the rest of us not just the ones who know they are not..


i have answered both questions .

but if the question get harder to answer try

www.whatabout jesus.com