In light of Pentecost just around the corner (Sunday) and a conversation we had in BC yesterday, here’s a fascinating little quote from a great resource that I pass on to you for the day. Thank God Christ is risen and gives us light in these dark corners.
PS For the Weds. Bible Class: I made up a one page sheet showing the continuity of Jesus to John to a few historic Christians entrusted with God’s Word who knew John the Apostle. You’ll get it next Weds. 🙂
+pk
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Josh McDowell, Evidence Demands a Verdict, Here’s Life Publishers, Inc. 1979, p. 11
“I have found that most people reject Christ for one or more of the following reasons:
1. Ignorance – Romans 1:18-23 (often self-imposed), Matthew 22:29
*Romans 1:18-23 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—-and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
*Matthew 22:29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
2. Pride – John 5:40-44
*John 5:40-44 40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 “But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?”
3. Moral problem – John 3:19,20
*John 3:19,20 19 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.”
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I. P. M. Ignorance, Pride, Moral problem