RE: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,112145,00.html

For 25 years I have believed in Jesus, "walked with him and talked with him," but I have never experienced his power at work in me or through me, or anyone else for that matter. In Heb. 11:6 it basically says that God is not pleased if we don't believe he exists, but I don't like God being so elusive. Light may be elusive, but it exists and it can be proven. Truth may be elusive but it does exist. According to the Bible, God revealed himself to man. I would like him to reveal himself to me, if he exists.

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Originally posted by crackerjacks61:

Uhhh, pretty sure that ain't him, Big Guy

quote:

Originally posted by wmjoe61:
RE: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,112145,00.html

For 25 years I have believed in Jesus, "walked with him and talked with him," but I have never experienced his power at work in me or through me, or anyone else for that matter. In Heb. 11:6 it basically says that God is not pleased if we don't believe he exists, but I don't like God being so elusive. Light may be elusive, but it exists and it can be proven. Truth may be elusive but it does exist. According to the Bible, God revealed himself to man. I would like him to reveal himself to me, if he exists.

Why believe in Jesus, why walk with Him? An essentially 'good' life can be followed in a number of ways. What makes Jesus different is his promise of eternal life and his practical 'historical' demonstration of that potential in His resurrection.

If that is truly the case, then belief makes some practical sense.

We ALL get 60 years here - more or less - nobody escapes termination.

If one believes in Christ and walks with Him, one stand the chance of gaining Paradise - eternal life in a perfected reality in the presence of God.

If that isn't the case and if one chooses not to believe - the same 'lifetime' guarantee applies. If there is no God, there is nothing else to be lost, or gained. If there is no God, no eternal life, one 'loses' nothing in how we spend our 'life' time - well, or ill.

If there is a God, and an eternity, and if what Jesus said about this is true, those who believe may gain all; those who 'opt out' stand the chance of spending eternity wishing they had made a better choice.

If you believe, you will see God if He exists. If He doesn't exist, it doesn't matter.

Celebrate life, be happy, share it with others. It may be all you've got.

On the other hand it might just be the warm-up exercise.

I figured I would beat them to the punch

"If you believe, you will see God if He exists. If He doesn't exist, it doesn't matter."

You have probably heard of the "word of faith movement." Well, what you are advocating is a faith of words movement. What good does it do to say that you believe when deep down in your heart you don't?

Do you think Jesus cares much with your words when he can see that in your heart you are not sure if he really exists?

"Without faith it is impossible to please God for all who come to him must first believe that he exists..." (Heb 11:6).

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, you will believe everything he said and you will follow him, no matter what. You will know that you have eternal life and you will love him because he first loved you. You will obey God because you want to see God use you to help bring others from death to life. It is not enough to say you believe, if you really believe your life will show it. Many people live for God like they do for AMWAY. They "fake it till they make it," or, just so they can make it to heaven if it really exists after all.