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Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 9:28:03 AM
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Scott6170
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Self righteousness manifests a deliberate refusal to believe that there could be one truth significant of honor and worship. Absolute truth is shunned as arrogance, as one finds their own path to a creator that is created in their own mind. Hence, my way is my way, his way is his way, and her way is her way. Sadly, more often than not, these conclusions are drawn without a thorough examination of all the evidence.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 9:57:00 AM
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Luvinme
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I suppose there are a number of reasons why people do not believe, but mostly I would think is would be selfishness and pride. People don't want to believe in God's ways hence their ignorance leads them to a dead end.
_____________________________
As a sinner we have to accept that it is not easy to truly touch the will of God unless we have experiences that challenge the depths of our own will to show whose strength we decide to have faith in to overcome it.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 10:00:16 AM
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SamsonUSA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Luvinme
I suppose there are a number of reasons why people do not believe, but mostly I would think is would be selfishness and pride. People don't want to believe in God's ways hence their ignorance leads them to a dead end.
Very well said.
_____________________________
Knowledge humbles great men, astonishes the common man, and puffs up the little man
Chubby babies rock!
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 10:05:59 AM
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Scott6170
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You defined Self-Righteousness beautifully. : )
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 10:19:52 AM
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Kat_D
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From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
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quote:
Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe
13 "...for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." -Matthew 7
_____________________________
~Kat
"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 10:32:18 AM
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InHisService9901
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I think it would be a good lesson for us all to see what the Lord says in His Word about unbelief...
Im going to post some scriptures and if any of u know of more or can find more please post them...
And brother Scott u opened a good subject for all of us to study
Amen!
Here are a few scriptures below on what causes a person to not believe God
well my first guess is sin
yep that nasty little word SIN
A word that many dont wont to hear
ok lets start
1.Sin- John 16
Jhn 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Jhn 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Jhn 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me
2.satan
Jhn 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Jhn 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Jhn 8:40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
Jhn 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, [even] God.
Jhn 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
Jhn 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? [even] because ye cannot hear my word.
Jhn 8:44 Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Jhn 8:45 And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not
3.Evil Heart:
Hbr 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Hbr 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
Hbr 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Hbr 3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
Hbr 3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways.
Hbr 3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
Hbr 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
4. Desire for mans honour ,rather than that of the Lord:
Jhn 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
Jhn 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
Jhn 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Jhn 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Jhn 5:41 I receive not honour from men.
Jhn 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
Jhn 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
Jhn 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?
Jhn 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is [one] that accuseth you, [even] Moses, in whom ye trust.
Jhn 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
Jhn 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
5.Not Belonging to Christ:
Jhn 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
Jhn 10:23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.
Jhn 10:24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
Jhn 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
Jhn 10:26 But ye believe not,
because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
Jhn 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Jhn 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
6.Discounting the Evidence
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.
Jhn 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Jhn 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.
Jhn 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard [it], said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jhn 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
Jhn 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Jhn 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
Jhn 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Jhn 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Jhn 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
Jhn 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Jhn 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
My Topical Bible helped with this little study and if u have one or just would like to search the scriptures for more, please do...
God bless
_____________________________
In Christ' Service
Evangelist Smith
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 1:09:39 PM
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terryjohn
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I resisted Christ for many years simply becasue I was a fraid of the consequences of, faith, love and righteousness. That is it is easier to deny these things than to embrace them in Christ.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 5:37:41 PM
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Liveloved
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John 5:44 How can you believe, when you receive glory (or honor or fame) from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?
It's really pretty simple. We love ourselves and want ourselves to be honored.
But if you do not believe his writings (Moses), how will you believe My words (Jesus)? (v47)
Why were men who were obedient to Moses' writings told by Jesus that they did not believe Moses' writings?
The arrogance of your heart deceives you. (said by both Obadiah & Jeremiah)
We either love and believe God or we love and believe ourselves. And if we love ourselves, our own hearts deceive us.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 5:42:02 PM
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bravjim
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Scott6170
You defined Self-Righteousness beautifully. : )
Your arrogance is showing. I am not self righteous. I am a sinner dependent on God's grace for salvation. I am not justified by my works, but by faith. In fact, my works will get me nowhere but condemned. I can say this from personal experience, having fallen into depression due to living a life of sin that condemned me in my heart. It was that very same depression that led me to Christ, and it was Christ that lifted me out of depression. It wasn't until I began to walk in His truth, to follow after His righteousness, not my own, that I began to gain some self respect back.
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 5:57:10 PM
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greenT
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Folks, keep in mind that most non-believers are not people who secretly know everything there is to know about Christianity and just rebel against it. Most non-believers are not more pride-filled or self-centered than believers. Right or wrong, many don't believe because they have never had "that" moment. You all know what I mean; that moment where things make sense and you "experience" God.
Be careful, it this kind of attitude and perception about non-believers that pushes them away from the faith not to it. I mean, who wouldn't want to join a faith where the adherents call them prideful, arrogant, and self-centered?
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 6:52:43 PM
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kmangel
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quote:
ORIGINAL: greenT
Folks, keep in mind that most non-believers are not people who secretly know everything there is to know about Christianity and just rebel against it. Most non-believers are not more pride-filled or self-centered than believers. Right or wrong, many don't believe because they have never had "that" moment. You all know what I mean; that moment where things make sense and you "experience" God.
Be careful, it this kind of attitude and perception about non-believers that pushes them away from the faith not to it. I mean, who wouldn't want to join a faith where the adherents call them prideful, arrogant, and self-centered?
I agree. I embraced Christianity 11 years ago. I can remember my before being saved days very clearly. There came a point in time where I experienced God. Why didn't I experience God earlier? My sister-in-law said because I purposely rejected the truth. That doesn't feel true to me. I thought of God often when I was not yet saved. There was a moment in time when God became very real to me and my life changed.
_____________________________
Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.
--Mark Twain
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 9:07:05 PM
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lightbeamrider
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People reject Christ as Savior because they are dead spiritually. According to Christ they are dead in their sins. They are blind, vessels of wrath and deceived by Satan. They despise God as described in the Hebrew Scriptures whereas Jesus referred to God as His Father. They are under the judgment of God now and will be judged later after we who are called by His Name are judged. According to Jude 5.
Now i desire to remind you though you know all things once for all, that the Lord, after saving a people out of the land of Egypt, subsequently destroyed those who did not believe. And again. 1 Peter 4:17-18...
For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the Godless man and the sinner?
He who overcomes will inherit these things and I will be his God and he will be my son. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Rev. 21:7-8.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/21/2008 9:18:36 PM
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Prairiehiker
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In this age of reason, how easy would it be to believe in the virgin birth and the Resurrection. How about a man living in a belly of a fish? Or the parting of the Red Sea? Or dead men being raised? Or turning water into wine? Or walking on water?
When's the last time you heard of these things happening? If you weren't raised in a Christian home, or have never been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, how easy would it be for you to believe in these events? How easy would it be to believe in a creator when you've been in the teaching of evolution from the day to set foot in school?
C'mon, the bible is hard to believe if you start with the presupposition that these things do not happen. And you know what, for most people, these things are impossible to happen. So, when they hear us preaching to them about Christianity, it's hard for them to go against reason. Let's not be so judgmental.
However, if they see how much loving we are, then, they might just start getting their curiosity piqued. And unless God works in their heart, we really don't have much of a chance reaching them.
_____________________________
Wishing for a Steelers/Eagles superbowl.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/22/2008 12:27:23 AM
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lightbeamrider
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Perhaps i should add to my previous post that the dead and lost condition of the unbeliever is as described in scripture, not me. It was Jesus who indicated they were dead and blind. Jude indicates they are doubly dead. Many are church goers who are unbelievers who, according to Peter,''carouse with you,'' Peter describes them as like ''unreasoning animals.'' 2 Peter 2:12. The New Testament is full of this.
I also note the Lord's Prayer as recorded in John 18 is on behalf of His own. On behalf of the world Jesus does not ask for anything. What scripture tells me personally is that i must ...'''work out my salvation with fear and trembling'' I must overcome according to Revelation lust and hate in my heart. I must produce good fruit for my Risen Messiah. I must pray, attend church, sing with all my heart. Count all in this world as garbage. I must put Him above all earthly relationships and ungodly desires. I must hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Doing all that who really has time to take the inventory of the unbeliever? I must intercede to God on behalf of the unbeliever, and a host of others, I must fast, trust in Him in spite of my earthly circumstances. Me thinks some powerful Christian is praying for me.
''If you have run with the footmen and they have tired you out, then how can you compete with the horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thickets of the Jordan?'' Jeremiah 12:5.
If i am being told anything i am being told this and lots more.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/26/2008 4:19:04 PM
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Scott6170
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bravjim,
Dude, I started this post and simply stated thate she was describing what I already explained. : )
In Him,
Scott
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/26/2008 4:43:25 PM
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atruefaith
Posts: 320
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quote:
In this age of reason, how easy would it be to believe in the virgin birth and the Resurrection. How about a man living in a belly of a fish? Or the parting of the Red Sea? Or dead men being raised? Or turning water into wine? Or walking on water?
When's the last time you heard of these things happening? If you weren't raised in a Christian home, or have never been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, how easy would it be for you to believe in these events? How easy would it be to believe in a creator when you've been in the teaching of evolution from the day to set foot in school?
C'mon, the bible is hard to believe if you start with the presupposition that these things do not happen. And you know what, for most people, these things are impossible to happen. So, when they hear us preaching to them about Christianity, it's hard for them to go against reason. Let's not be so judgmental.
However, if they see how much loving we are, then, they might just start getting their curiosity piqued. And unless God works in their heart, we really don't have much of a chance reaching them.
Nice thoughts Prairie Hiker.
_____________________________
A series of short stories depicting the Christian faith....
www.atruefaith.com
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/26/2008 6:06:58 PM
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mysaviorjesus
Posts: 21
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quote:
ORIGINAL: atruefaith
quote:
In this age of reason, how easy would it be to believe in the virgin birth and the Resurrection. How about a man living in a belly of a fish? Or the parting of the Red Sea? Or dead men being raised? Or turning water into wine? Or walking on water?
When's the last time you heard of these things happening? If you weren't raised in a Christian home, or have never been exposed to the teachings of Jesus, how easy would it be for you to believe in these events? How easy would it be to believe in a creator when you've been in the teaching of evolution from the day to set foot in school?
C'mon, the bible is hard to believe if you start with the presupposition that these things do not happen. And you know what, for most people, these things are impossible to happen. So, when they hear us preaching to them about Christianity, it's hard for them to go against reason. Let's not be so judgmental.
However, if they see how much loving we are, then, they might just start getting their curiosity piqued. And unless God works in their heart, we really don't have much of a chance reaching them.
Nice thoughts Prairie Hiker.
I second that. Wonderfully stated...
I have been talking to a good friend, a co-worker. No matter how much I describe my experience and explain them, does not seemed to sink in. As I know, only the Almighty Father can bring him to Christ.
So I planted the seed of Christ and basically keep on praying for him. Hoping someday the Almighty Father will move him closer to Christ.
_____________________________
XOVision 3.5" In-Dash DVD with Bluetooth (this radio is my grace from God)
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/27/2008 8:30:19 AM
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rcjames
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I think the Scriptures give the definitive answer as to why folks do not Believe in;
(Joh 3:16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(Joh 3:17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
(Joh 3:18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(Joh 3:19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(Joh 3:20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
For all the psychobabble that is put out there as to why folks do not accept Christ, the reason is the same as it has always been; folks do not want to give up thier evil deeds.
Thet is what Christ said and I for one believe Him.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/27/2008 10:21:15 AM
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makarizo
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Christians (in general) are really good at telling people how bad, evil, rotten, ugly, lost they are. and paint the picture that if you only cleaned your life up, you might be good enough to accept Christ.
And then you hear things like: "Christians are jerks"
Without Christ, you probably wouldn't want to give up your evil deeds either., and without grace you probably wouldn't have.... how easy it is to forget that.
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RE: Why I Believe Most Do Not Believe - 11/27/2008 10:56:03 AM
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rcjames
Posts: 5771
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From: Oklahoma
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quote:
ORIGINAL: makarizo
Christians (in general) are really good at telling people how bad, evil, rotten, ugly, lost they are. and paint the picture that if you only cleaned your life up, you might be good enough to accept Christ.
And then you hear things like: "Christians are jerks".
If there are "Chrisitans" out there who are telling folks that they have to clean up there lives to be good enough to accept Christ; then there are just flat out wrong. That is not the Gospel and folks who whould teach that are either sorely uninformed and/or not Christian at all.
The Scriptures are very plain about salvation good works (cleaning up one's life)
(Eph 2:8,9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Very plain and simply put that we are saved through faith and by the Grace of God, not of our own works. The next verse brings in the "Good Works" (not sinning) factor;
(Eph 2:10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
And these "Good Works" that God has ordained us to walk in are after and by our belief, not before.
quote:
Without Christ, you probably wouldn't want to give up your evil deeds either., and without grace you probably wouldn't have.... how easy it is to forget that.
Actually one thing that a lot of folks miss is that the Holy Spirit concicts all of sin, not just believers.
(Joh 16:7) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
(Joh 16:8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
So according to Scripture, the world (non-Believers) will be reproved (convicted) of sin, righteousness, and judgment; therefore the non-Believer will know that what they are doing is worng and can (by the Grace of God, and the Faith furnished) accept Christ. Or with the free will they have they can choose dardness over light.
God is good, and complete in his dealings with us.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
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