Seeking Teen needs misconceptions cleared up *
Q: Looking for book recommendations for my 19 year old neice who wants to believe but does not. Her reasons seem primarily emotional:
*some hypocrisy in her church and family; she doesn’t like how “judge” her church is
*doesn’t think it makes sense that God would punish her for not obeying, and
*thinks the God of the Old Testament is too vindictive.
Any helps to pass along to her? Thank you
A: It is interesting how such people never go ask their Pastor these questions and just "run off believing whatever" some unsaved tom dick and harry said. The leaders in Church have the answers. The world doesnt nor can. We need to seek clarity there - in the church.
Does she understand the gospel?
Is a link by text any diff than a book? If she reads one she will read the other. If not one neither.
There are videos and faq pages that answer these typical modern misconceptions (based on sinful humans faulty understanding of reality). Cold Case Christianity, Cross Examined and Sermons can be referenced to answer these as well.
Also the judgy judging thing in church is really about love; guiding Christians into maturity in faith. Coming alongside and lovingly helping them live holy lives. It is a blessing from God. Those who love righteousness will love and appreciate correction. Those unsaved and still trapped in their sin nature think its judging.
Hypocrisy needs to be clarified. Yes there are pretenders in the Church. Jesus said there would (be even wolves and false preachers) but HE will separate them on Judgment Day. We dont know 1. If theyll be led to salvation while learning at the church or 2. If saved they're at a diff growth level. A 30 yr believer is at a diff place than a 1 yr believer. We need to not judge others but love & guide them. What we need to do is to live following the one of our affection - Jesus. Not people. People fail us and can be bad life examples but God shows us his perfect and good examples. We follow Christ and are to be immitators of Him. So let's focus our lives rightly where it should be.
We are not God but were made in His image.
Something went wrong and needed to be fixed (because he wanted to fix it). This is central to the Gospel (that restores).
God in the OT is the same as the New. He isnt vindictive. If He is perfect, which He is, then all he does is based on perfection of character (incl. Justness and goodness and righteousness). He never sins. People do. The truth is we as sinners who (by Adam) lost the righteous nature of our image bearing qualities given by God, therefore are sinners who sin we only deserve judgment punishment and eternal Hell. But God graciously through Christ (at extreme cost and sacrifice) made forgiveness and restoration possible. He must judge and punish sin everywhere but we also see across Scripture how God was very patient and long suffering dealing with sinful people and nations [giving time to repent]. He shouldve zapped us dead at our first sin ever. The fact that God allows us to live at all demonstrates His mercy. This is shown even in OT - he allowed their sinning (free will) until they crossed a line where he had enough >& he has the right as our Creator to establish a line. Very clearly taught in Scripture. [The line isnt at death but death severs opportunity to get right with Him. Which shows the urgency of each persons need to respond to the Gospel since we dont know where both are (when that ends) for each of us, and cuz its right to obey God]. These lines and patience of God are seen with God demolishing nations around Israel in OT. Israel was the light to the world "pointing to Messiah" but those wicked nations continued to reject God and refused to repent and be made right with Him. Some did turn such as Ninevah where Jonah was sent. Nations & individuals need to be saved so they can live out their purpose as designed. Until theyre fixed/restored theyre useless (sort of like broken dolls or broken computers only fit to be trashed/burned). But because we were designed with an eternal soul we are of different and higher value to Him, but not if we arent living as He created us to.
Send her a link to this page so she can investigate and examine these things.
God & the Old Testament
God's nature is Holy Perfection
Why Sinners (who sin) cannot be in God's presence
Understanding the Why & Work of Jesus
>> will go into detail about him & the cross
Clarity on:
Grasping who God is (see Attributes)
Other FAQ by seekers answered
Books:
Hard to Believe, by John MacArthur
50 Reasons we Believe, by Nathan Buzneitz
Stealing from God, Frank Turek
