I have come to the conclusion that the God of the Bible does not exist.
I have come to know, dear Nickolas (again, peace to you!) that while the God of Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, the Apostles, and my Lord, JAHESHUA MISCHAJAH, who is His Christ, the Holy One of Israel and Holy Spirit, does indeed exist... a great deal of what is written about Him in the Bible is false. I know that because I have come to know Christ... who is the image of that God. When I look at him, listen to him, hear him, see him... I see nothing of the exacting, vindictive, easily angered "god" portrayed by the "false stylus" of the scribes. And so, I do not wonder that my Lord said to the scribes as he did to the Pharisees: "Woe, to you... hypocrites!"
However, and this is perhaps the major difference between me and you, I will change my mind if presented with sufficiently convincing evidence, the same kind of evidence reported in the Bible to convince skeptical others.
I don't think we're different at all in this! Indeed, it was such convincing evidence that changed MY mind... that led me to know that in order to know and hear God, I had to know and hear His Son. It was that Son speaking to me that changed my mind... and my heart!
Show me a resurrection, preferably of someone I loved in life, someone I can talk to and laugh with and hold and love again, and I will fall down on my knees and I will weep with overwhelming joy and I will believe. That's all I need.
And you will be shown such, for it will occur. I just have to wonder: do you really want to waste all that time between now and then? Because if you had faith... the size of a mustard seed... you could possess such a gift yourself. What stops you from so resurrecting a loved one? Your lack of faith. That is the ONLY thing that stands between you and such a gift, dear one.
What do you need to change your mind?
From what, to what? From believing in God and Christ to NOT believing in them? I really don't know. Maybe for one of them to tell me to stop believing? But even then, I can't say that that would do it. I honestly cannot say, dear Nickolas. Can I fathom it? Yes, of course. The same way that I can fathom that this Board could possible shut down (hopefully, not soon). But I hope that it won't. And so I hope that what is occurring with me will never stop. It is not a burden, it is not tiresome, or afflicting to my flesh.
Quite the opposite, it is JOYFUL... and PEACEFUL... and helps me learn "righteousness" tremendously. I have learned not to judge. I have learned not to go reviling when being reviled. I have learned not to respond to stoopid inquiries by those with whom I have absolutely NO sharing (but just can't seem to get that message). I have learned patience, long-suffering, self-control. I have learned love. Even for those who do not love me. And I am learning all of these things even more. Most of all... I have increased in faith.
Tell me, please... where is the "con" in all of this? I have a life, a good job, an education, a home, a husband who loves me, children who love, two puppies who adore me (!), family and friends who love me... and I get to share the truth about God and Christ. Where, pray tell me, is the CON? I see none.
By the way, it is Nickolas, with a k.
My apologies! I will try to remember that and, again, peace to you!
YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,
SA
