Psalm 141:9-10

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,
And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
While I escape safely.

Sorry, his past behavior has set the table.

^^^^^^^
We all have "past behavior" that I will bet we are not very proud of.

Some folks can find a scripture for whatever they want to do.

Jim

I know of no past behavior I'm ashamed of. Not here anyway.

Be specific. Bad-mouthing your idol doesn't count.

Jim

Yes, then we humbled ourselves before God. What’s your point?

Its very simple Jim, all you have to do is TRULY believe in Him!!!!! Dont complicate things. I dont claim to be a Biblical scholar, but I do know John 3:16 will set you free. Don't get caught up in this or that. Study the Good book..........

7 pages trying to rationalize with a heathen that tries to intellectualize faith. I learned many years ago it’s a lost cause

Maybe just maybe, we as trappers are the front line of those who appreciate God's Creation.
I don't click on threads I don't want to view.
You sound like a progressive Beav when "you" decide what is good in your eyes.
Bossman has my utmost respect and if you poofs a post, it's his to poof.
All the rest of us roll tide.
Oh wait, I ain't from JTrapper country

I think James has always thought himself smarter than GOD.
Now, I think GOD may be dealing with his heart and he's running
as hard as he can to get away from what he know he will have to admit.
Stop running James, life could be so peaceful if you let HIM into
your heart.

But most of us are not pantheists. It is a large worldwide religion however.
Most on TMan don't believe all is god and god is all. We believe in the beginning He formed His Creation and crafted image bearers to be ambassadors on earth and then.... the Fall.

To my point of Teach Truth, Love Well or Preach the Word, the mottos of DTS;
Scripture is about God and we have to be careful that we don't aim it too broadly at his image bearers. As an example most know John 3:16. What does John 3:15 say? How about John 3:17?

The narrative of ALL the Bible is Scripture, not a Book or two. All is inspired and revealed to us centuries after it was written for His purposes, His Will, and His Glory. If we are truly grateful for His Grace (unmerited or undeserved mercy) than a humble heart will seek Godliness. A heard prideful heart will not. Simple as that really.

We love our neighbors as ourselves and pray for our enemies because some portions of the Scripture are for teaching, reproof and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
We get in trouble when we as teachers of the Word stand too firm on the Bible, especially those who teach who don't read it in it's original language. The Hebrew and Greek is often more exact language than English. Often.

I don't think I'm smarter than God. If there is a God, he's got to be much smarter than me. In fact, I wouldn't even be on his list of most interesting people to talk to.

I've often thought I should have been named my younger brother's name: Thomas. Except he, an aerospace engineer, is as much of a skeptic as I am. He's not smarter than God either, though he's closer than I am.

Jim

Try it and get back to us.

A number of us have tried to answer your Q in sincerity. I hope it, in some small way, answers a bit of it for you. Prayers to God will answer more than we can. Truly.

James, you continually seek God in logic, and you will not find Him there. That doesn't mean there is no logic to our faith. I see God in every complex ecosystem. Others find Him in other places in their lives.

I used to believe it was me that made the decision to accept Christ. Maybe about 50/50 on God's part. I now believe it was 100% God. And please don't ask me to explain what I can't quite figure out. I'm ok with the mystery of an infinite God. I'm just glad that for some odd reason, I love the outdoors, love the smell of a wet muskrat pelt like crazy, prefer venison over beef, and think cow poo smells ok. God touches us one by one. The good news He doesn't stop trying to get our attention. Sometimes it's even through suffering to bring our pride to heal. That's not uncommon. You're probably closer to your Maker than you realize, and you're fascinated by your son the follower, yet your Greek taught logic is trying to put theology into systematic piles. Isn't it marvelous, above all else, that all of humankind has sought a creator? It's actually a strong argument for the existence of God.

We can call you Thomas if you prefer but you know, he died a martyr because he would not recant what he had seen.
We see the Father because we have seen the Son also. Not literally of course, but they didn't have a NT Bible then. We do. The OT is revealed to us through Christ.
In Him were all things made. You, me, us, the earth, all.

Understand faith stands right in front of you brother and we all accept and then try humbly to figure it all out. Not the other way around. By God's design.

Blessings!
Mark

James, clear out a few PMs and I'll send you something sir.

Done, Mark. I can't keep up with all my fan mail.

Jim

So why does God seek out some people, like you and my son, but not others?

I wouldn't be hard to find, by a divine being.

Jim

You might be playing hard to get, most skeptics do. God is sovereign, no one knows the answer to that. I have/had seven siblings, two of the eight are believers, myself being one of the two. Parents were not.

John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

^^^^^^^ That is a very deep Q. My answer (I'm not alone but there are many aspects from many others) is that God has called you, and will continue to do so. Each testimony has a different story. You have one or will have one, but many stand in opposition, and I think it's fascinating that God could make us ALL do whatever He delights in. How sweet the choices He allows us. I hold it's part of His redemptive plan. He is gathering His Church in this era and when He's done gathering, the Trumpet will sound.

It's in the Bible. From front to back.

I sent you a link I know you'll enjoy.

Blessings,
Mark

Like the rest of us.God judges them.