Here is something I don't understand

[princess_childofthekingofkings]

I don't understand atheiests. Surely they here christians talking about the wonderful things God does for us, and that Heaven is so wonderful, yet they choose to not believe. In my oppinion, I would rather believe in something good even if in the end it was not true. Because thinking of good stuff can make you a happier person, keep you from thinking you have no purpose in life. It just makes no sense. And besides they tend to say there is no proof that Christ ever existed, but there also is no proof that he didn't. And like I said why not believe in something good that at least you feel like you have meaning in life? I just do not understand it at all.

[Work in Progress]

Surely they here christians talking about the wonderful things God does for us, and that Heaven is so wonderful,

Well, I've never seen an atheist say that, lol. You must be hanging around with some pretty open-minded atheists.

My experience with atheists is that they are 'scientific' types who must have proof that they can see and touch to believe. It is especially hard to reach these types of people and they need much prayer that God will bestow on them the gift of faith. JMO.

[Guest Getting_Real]

My experience with quite a few atheists is that they really want it not to be true.

The ones who don't really care one way or the other seem to be more commonly agnostic.

[Dad Ernie]

I don't understand atheiests. Surely they here christians talking about the wonderful things God does for us, and that Heaven is so wonderful, yet they choose to not believe. In my oppinion, I would rather believe in something good even if in the end it was not true. Because thinking of good stuff can make you a happier person, keep you from thinking you have no purpose in life. It just makes no sense. And besides they tend to say there is no proof that Christ ever existed, but there also is no proof that he didn't. And like I said why not believe in something good that at least you feel like you have meaning in life? I just do not understand it at all.

Greetings Princess,

Have you given this verse any thought:

James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

You do well to believe, but what is the basis for what you believe? As has been noted, there seems to be an overabundance of atheists in the scientific community. The reason for that is because they require "evidence" for what they believe. In many cases, because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has not been presented to them in a fashion they can accept, they reject Him out of hand. On the one hand they have bought into the world's lie, that there is no God, and on the other hand they have been indoctrinated to believe that physical evidence is the only acceptable "proof" of their investigations.

I personally think that these type people are much more approved of God, than those who do "believe" in Christ, yet have no basis or foundation other than their "feelings".

We do have another group of people revealed in the scriptures and are as follows:

Romans 1:19-22 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

These are they who believe there is a God, but yet reject Him who was sent by God. I believe these are the worst kind of atheists, no better than demons.

So I write this for you to give consideration to what it is exactly YOU believe. Your feelings count for nothing. You are never going to convince anyone of the veracity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ if you attempt to evangelize them by your "feelings". We have a hope because Jesus Christ rose from the grave and was revealed by the Father to be the Son of God by many powerful miracles, and those who follow Him exhibit a power in their lives, which is not obtainable by natural means. Paul spoke of this often. He would say: "I came preaching to you, not with vain words, but with POWER."

If you are truly interested in saving the lost, then first established "what you believe" first.

Please do not be offended by this post. I see you as a very dear and loving person, but you need to learn to walk by faith and not by feelings.

Blessings,

Dad Ernie

[Leonard]

I would rather know the Truth, no matter what. That drive is what brought me to Christianity.

[JimR-OCDS]

Don't confuse belief with faith. Even demons believe in God.

Faith is that which is given to us, from God. It is the experience of God is some mystical way, that a believer does not not, and an Atheist has no concept of.

Faith is the revelation of God, to the believer.

I was once an agnostic. I believed there was a creator, but had no concept about who he was, nor if it were possible to even know.

However, when Jesus came into my life, he revealed himself to me in that mystical way and I knew it was him, and have never doubted his existence since.

Throughout my life of faith, he continues to reveal himself to me in less dramatic ways, but no less profound.

"For those who do not have faith, no proof is possible. For those who do have faith, no proof is necessary." Anonymous

[Shelby]

I think we all just need to keep in mind that they came to a CHRISTIAN chat board for a reason. Whether it was to come stir up something, or just any other reason, God can work with that. They may not see it now, but God lead them here for some reason. Even if they did come wanting to refute our faith.

I won't and don't argue the Bible with someone. In John, I think, it says something to the effect of 'don't bicker about your faith' and I won't. I won't scripture pick, and I won't feel the need to justify my beliefs to someone who wants to argue. Now I do try, (try I said) to just lovingly let them know what I believe, and how I came about my decision.

God bless those atheists who are lead to our Board may we show true Christianity to them.

MHO

John 6:43 "Jesus said, 'Don't bicker among yourselves over me."

[Guest tanner]

Jude 1:3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints

1 John 2:22 - Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son

1 John 4:3 - And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world

2 John 1:7 - For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Jude 1:

17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18 How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And of some have compassion, making a difference: 23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. 24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

[Catsmeow]

Please take this into account:

Sadly, while there are many wonderful, loving Christians who are an outstanding witness to Christ....there are those in sheep's clothing.

I was mauled by a pastor in his private office when I was a minor, (and this after he had me baptised!)

I also had a number of very bad experiences with Christians and pathetic examples of greed in the the name of Christ, watching the Praise The Lord (PTL) Club with Tammy Faye and club...

I used to laugh and mock them, (being an unbeliever then) and when the scandals broke, along with others who were found committing adultery and bilking the flocks of their every dime...frankly, I had no use for Christians.

Now, I spend time ministering to others who are where I was and explain to them that they need to take their eyes OFF OF PEOPLE (people will always let you down)and keep your eyes on God. He's your judge, not them. He's the One you need to have relationship with.

If you elevate "Christians" above others, you're making a mistake. People will always fall short and Christians still sin.

None have attained perfection....so forget role models. Use Jesus as your only role model. He NEVER blew it....he's the perfect role model and hero....with Him, you need nothing else.

I just had this conversation with a pseudo agnostic tonight. He lives next door to me.

I told him to stop looking at "Christians" because you can't make heroes out of mortal men. Jesus Christ is your role model - He alone lived a perfect life.

The reason so many people are aetheists are they are being 'programmed' by public schools to a "humanist" agenda and they see very little evidence of Christian witness in weak, mortal sinners, such are we....

Our goal: to become a true Body of Christ and love people where they're at and remember that God Himself will move in their hearts to change their nature from flesh to godliness.

[O'Dannyboy]

I told him to stop looking at "Christians" because you can't make heroes out of mortal men. Jesus Christ is your role model - He alone lived a perfect life.

Amen Sister! I too had a low opinion of Christians thanks to the selfish acts of a few. I am ever so thankful that God heard my plea for help. I can only assume that the way he saved me was they way it had to happen. Just as with many whom have not yet come to Christ will be saved in unique ways as well.

I have always believed in God. The thought that life, this most prescious gift, is simply a cosmic accident is rediculous in my mind.

Through our Lord and Saviour Jesus, we have a place we can call home and a new family with whom we will soon be able to enjoy for an eternity.