Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum.
This is mostly for lagwagon_87, since he brought it up, but I think based on a lot of the responses that these resources might clear up many of your questions.
Before I get personal about anything, I wanted to say that it is very reasonable to want "facts" and/or evidence of the existence of God and the validity of Jesus as Savior (
everyone agrees Jesus lived, but is he what he says he is- the one, true Savior, the only way to Heaven?). I am a Christian, and believe, without a doubt, in Jesus as the one and only Savior. But I too, like facts, so lets start there.
To begin (just a start- argument for his case can go on forever) Jesus prophesied about the "end times". There were also other prophets of the Bible that point to Christ as Savior/claim to be inspired by God. The ONLY way to test/validate a prophet (whether he is telling the
TRUTH or NOT) is simple: If the prophesy comes to pass, he was right!
This website has CLEAR, UNBIASED facts on Bible Prophesy, giving the prophecies in the Bible, Old and New Testament and the (RECENT) news that lines up with those prophecies. This is simply the FACTS: The Bible says "this", world events are "this." You can proceed to check these Scriptures/News articles anywhere. It can't be easier. See for yourself!
www.FutureComing.com
Some of the posters were right: these prophecies were made over 2000 years ago. How can you trust them? Jesus disciples asked:
"Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
Jesus said "When you see all these things,�(the prophecies coming to pass) �know that it� (the end times) �is near -- at the doors!" (Matt 24:33).
Simply put, if these prophecies are coming true, then the End Times are close by. Was Jesus and the prophets of the Bible right? Look at the
FACTS! YOU be the judge!
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Now if you wanted my "personal" take (I'd be glad to share more if anyone is interested- please feel free to email me) I believe we're in the end times, and I'm NOT worried about it. In fact, I'm excited. The reasons for my peace are many, but simply put: Jesus and the prophets of the Bible prophesied the end times, and the facts show we are in them. Since that is obviously true (it's proof!), the rest of the Bible must be. Some of you might want
more evidence that God exists or that Jesus was resurrected (BTW it's recorded over 500 people saw Him alive in His time-
but the truth is, "facts", though they are strong enough to convince me, will never be enough for anyone! The Bible even says so:
"Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "Without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God, for he who comes to God must BELIEVE that He is, and is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY SEEK Him."
Jesus says To Simon, who said Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God": "Flesh and blood" (natural evidence/people) "has not revealed
this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
All I'm saying, is that total trust and belief in God comes with some faith, with a step of believing. Facts are never enough! Yes, facts, news and science will, and DO prove God exists (futurecoming.com or check out the incredible creationmoments.com), EVERYONE, every Christian, must take a step, a "leap" of faith.
Like in the Matrix (my favorite movie), Neo must simply believe that he can jump to another building. It obvisouly wasn't enough that he SAW Morpheus do it, was it?
He still has to believe. Really, we need to ask ourselves: "how much evidence do I need?" Some people will never be satisfied. We will always have to make some step of faith, of simple "believing" in God, in Jesus as Christ, the Savior to truly believe in God.
Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life: No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
I can trust God's word that I am always provided for, and that His love is everlasting. Though hard times are coming, God is good, and knows the beginning from the end. Since His Word is true in prophecy, it's surely true otherwise! I can rest assured in God's love and promises for my life. And so can you! It's a good thing. Just call on Him:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
But sin of ANY kind separate us from God. That is why we cannot be saved by doing "good things", or being a "good person". It causes us to be unworthy of Heaven:
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)
I too am a sinner. At one point, I deserved death for my sins. I am not telling you I was not in the same boat as you all. believe me... however, God doesn't want us to suffer
"The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9)
But God makes us this AWESOME promise:
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (John 1:19)
Just seek Him with your heart and ask for forgiveness. Ask to be renewed by His grace. If you repent, He forgives freely and offers a new life of peace and blessing in these times. God doesn't want your life to be terrible or Ask any true believer in Christ, and they will tell you how awesome a life in Christ is. He offers life, and life abundant (John 10:10).
I will say I went to a Bible believing church and felt the presence of the Lord! I had to admit, He is probably real. I was very excited and chose Jesus, repented and believe in Him for salvation!
You don't have to believe my story! But I have facts in the news lined with prophesy (futurecoming.com), scientific evidence (creationmoments.org) and first-hand experience of His spirit! People have been healed of life-long handicaps, cancer, incurable lung-diseases, and more in my tiny church (livingwordchapel.com), but it's not the church: It's the awesome power and love of the living God! You can believe what you want based on your "proof", but from what I have seen, heard, and experienced, I choose Jesus!
Do you really want the truth? Check it out yourself!
Free Bible app with dictionary-
http://e-sword.net/downloads.html
(look up the Scriptures I mentioned- test everything!)
Bible prophecy with News articles-
www.futurecoming.com
Scientific evidence for truth-
www.creationmoments.org
Nevertheless, the Bible is the only perfect source of truth. It's God's Word, and the only place to truly base you faith:
"faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Roman's 10:17
" ...the truth shall make you free. John8:32[/url]