Jesus

[metalman]

When it comes down to it, people will just have opposing beliefs and there is nothing you can do about it. Ok, they've heard our side of the story, we've answered questions, etc...but the choice is theirs to either accept it or disregard it.

Christians need to learn to accept that you're not going to win everyone over. Instead of always trying to work them over, just be their friend like everyone else.

The fact is that if Jesus Himself came to the GA Dome for a week of seminars and gave proof that He existed and worked requested miracles and responded to ANY question asked there would STILL be a majority of people who would refuse to believe.
It would be no different in 2006 then in AD 30-33.

Its clear from the Bible that God wishes to make an utter end of evil yet save anyone who DESIRES it. He will not save anyone who does not desire it. He has seen fit to give evidence of His Creative power and existence, He has given His sure Word of prophecy, He has given principles that can be tested, He will comfort anyone who desires Him by His Spirit etc etc etc In order to ensure that an utter end of sin and evil is made He requires all believers to not only have a measure of faith but to act upon that faith.

I can tell you from personal experience that the goal of any sincere parent is to gain the love, respect, & obedience of their children, not only when theyre in the room watching in person but when theyre absent. Its no different with our Father, our Creator, He wants our love, respect & obedience even when He's not there in person where we can see Him. When I come home and find one of my children disobeying because I wasn't there in person I reward them accordingly. I give them exactly what they asked for. Same is true with God.

I don't see what is gained by a disbelief if God. Its clear to me as a history buff that mans way is ALWAYS destructive, and it never works out. We in the USA enjoy much that the majority of the world does not. At any given time the majority of the world is in poverty, violence, war, starvation, genocide, etc etc etc etc. Even our own free and rich society is largely given to violence. Given that fact, why anyone would choose to think that mans way will work out and is best is beyond me.

As its been stated before, there is nothing to be lost by belief in Christ and everything to be gained. On the contrary there is everything to be lost by disbelief and nothing to be gained. No one has ever shown me one real benefit from disbelief. Regardless, I respect the God given right of choice of others and as the Bible says, at some point one should simply cast the dust of their feet and move on. And as you have said, be a friend.