However I do see that "many, many hours have been spent, miles of ink written and millions of pixels used in the pursuit of answers." But isn't that because they didn't choose Him? I mean - why were they writing millions of pixels in the pursurt of answers when God is just waiting there at the door to answer their questions.
I think both lost and found people ask questions.
If "they" doesn't mean "all" as you say, then why was it written like that? Curious that you have to change the meaning of a clear statement to make it work with your view of what the statement should mean.
This is why I think the issues are somewhat tricky.
Regards,
Mike
Listening to God is not tricky, but if we don't listen things get confusing.
And concerning "all", do you think that "all" are going to be in heaven, so there is no hell?
Does not a father teach His child? Yet Jesus told some that their father was the devil. Won't they wind up in hell? And as far as those being taught by God, and Jesus said His sheep hear His voice, won't "they" wind up in heaven.
And Jesus explained that there is a gate that is wide and many take that gate, but we should take the narrow road. So the many did not listen and so were not taught by God. That is apparent by the road they take. If they were being taught by Him they would be on the narrow road with Him and be hearing His voice spoken to them daily.
We can choose to listen and be taught by Him. If we choose Him when He calls us and tells us the road to take, He chooses to use us. Yet the Pharisees, whose father was the devil, thought they were of God even thought they didn't hear the Word of the Lord. So I guess you could say they were trick by their father the devil, but those that listen to the Lord, they are not tricked.
So the issued of knowing the Lord and listening to Him is not tricky at all. Seek (choose Him) and you will find Him and be choosen to do work for Him. Yet some might think the issue is tricky. That of course then is not from Him.
Mark 6:6-8 And He said to them, "Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.
We are commanded to listen to the Son. We need to seek His voice and do just that.
Prov 7:6
Listen, for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will reveal right things.
My friends, Listen to the call of God for you today and He will choose to include you in His life and work.