A short answer is that I believe in God for the same reason I believe in the electric company. I don't see them, but there is evidence all around that they are there.
But in reality, I don't believe that the evidence for God will convince an atheist unless God has changed their heart. I think talking about evidences, though, is good to help bolster the faith of believers. What I would tell friends is that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. If they believe this, they will be saved. If not, they won't.
__________________ For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He justified also ; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly. Closing the gap between the God I want and the God who is. The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay. Puritan saying I am doing better than I deserve. God is always bigger than our misunderstandings of Him.
You could try this for an answer: If you don't believe in something, you'll fall for anything.
Peace and all good,
Gail
What if they choose to believe in unicorns?
__________________ For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He justified also ; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly. Closing the gap between the God I want and the God who is. The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay. Puritan saying I am doing better than I deserve. God is always bigger than our misunderstandings of Him.
I choose to believe. In a world that teaches me that money is everything: that happiness can be found only through pornography, drugs, alcohol and other addictions: and that my net worth is dependant on the type of car I drive, house I live in, and the types of clothes that I wear; living a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ is a vehement declaration to the world that there is better way to happiness, a road to something greater, and a truthful understanding of how much I'm really worth. To me, it is test proven. When I "follow Him" I've always felt the type of lasting joy discussed of in the scriptures. When I do not, there is a paucity of that same joy - That's is proof enough for me.
I choose to believe. In a world that teaches me that money is everything: that happiness can be found only through pornography, drugs, alcohol and other addictions: and that my net worth is dependant on the type of car I drive, house I live in, and the types of clothes that I wear; living a life centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ is a vehement declaration to the world that there is better way to happiness, a road to something greater, and a truthful understanding of how much I'm really worth. To me, it is test proven. When I "follow Him" I've always felt the type of lasting joy discussed of in the scriptures. When I do not, there is a paucity of that same joy - That's is proof enough for me.
A Mormon or JW would probably say the same thing.
__________________ For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He justified also ; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly. Closing the gap between the God I want and the God who is. The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay. Puritan saying I am doing better than I deserve. God is always bigger than our misunderstandings of Him.
Well, it may sound trite to some, but I always go to the bible - Romans 10:17 says
"Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."
Take a look at the verse in context.
I came to belief in Him by hearing His word, by being taught the bible, and by studying it on my own - and my faith is built in studying it with others (among other things). Paul says,
"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,..." - Romans 1:20
The evidences of God are all around us and provide, at a minimum, proof of His existence. But knowledge of Him, of His character, His nature, His being are only found in His word - the bible. I don't know how one can come to a saving belief apart from the word, to be honest.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. - Heb 4:12
God spoke to me through His word. I read it, it touched me; I believed it.
I would strongly suggest not engaging anyone in an apologetic conversation, but get them into the bible. And until they want to study the bible with you, it's very likely they'll not be open or receptive to anything you'll have to say otherwise.
Until then, live your new life, being an example of the change God has made in your own life. Be gracious, loving, understanding.
__________________
"I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you." - Isa 44:22
I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.
What kind of an answer are they looking for?
Are they looking for you to provide some reason behind why you believe God exist?
Or is it simply a question based on moral standing?
__________________ I'd be a atheist if it weren't for God.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
"Here lies an atheist; all dressed up and no place to go." Epitaph in Maryland cemetery
I tried atheism for a while, but my faith just wasn’t strong enough.
Those who go to Heaven ride on a pass and enter into blessings that they never earned, but all who go to hell pay their own way.
--John R. Rice
They would be right to say so. Whether or not a Mormon or a JW would "probably say the same thing" is irrelevant. I am a Christian and I'm saying it. Jacomus is right, he may not have said it directly but most Christians have the arrogant misbelief that if they back their reasons with the ethotic rhetoric surrounding scriptures then "that'll show them". Well, much to many Christians disappointment, nothing that you "believe" or "know" concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ is backed by empirical, falsifiable evidence. That said, any response that deviates from anything but mere choice or the reality that said belief makes you happy will inexorably be regarded as unsupported, unsubstantiated and will only add fuel to there argument that we are overly-incorporeal in our beliefs.
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