In 1970, MADD MAGAZINE did a feature called:

SNAPPY ANSWERS TO STUPID QUESTIONS

CAN WE REALLY KNOW THE TRUTH, AND SHOULD WE ANSWER OTHERS WHO QUESTION US?

1.) We'll know the truth, and the truth will set us free. (Jn 8:32)

2.) Keep God "sacred" in your heart, and BE READY to answer those who ask you WHY you believe what you do. Answer in humility & seriousness.
(1 Pet 3:15-16)

3.) I will pray and sing with my spirit, and with my UNDERSTANDING also.
(1 Cor 14:15)

4.) Speak the TRUTH in love. (Eph 4:15)

5.) Speak the truth of the bible, not just your opinion. (Acts 17:2-3, 11. Col 2:8)

6.) Unbelievers are those who refuse to OBEY the TRUTH. (Rom 2:8)

7.) Faith is the EVIDENCE that points to things not seen. (Heb 11:1)

8.) Jesus is the way, the TRUTH, the life. (Jn 14:6)

How do you know there's a God?

Let's not play games. We all know there's a God. You may not agree
with the way religion has portrayed him, but you know inside that there's
a God. Your awareness of nature, your instincts, your conscience, all tell
you there's a God. (Psalm 19:1-4, Romans 1:18-20)

Here's a little more, for those egg-heads who need to go beyond the sufficient answer already given:

"Philosophical Proof of God's Existence"
a. Universality - All human tribes everywhere worship something.
b. Cosmological - What caused this world, & what caused life?
c. Teleological - Order, design, and physical laws imply a creator. (If you went to Mars and found a watch, would you think it evolved or made itself?)
d. Ontological - How can a finite being otherwise imagine beyond?
e. Moral - We have a sense of right & wrong that's not self imposed.
f. Congruity - Theories that work are usually right. (God fits the facts.)

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How do you know "your way" is right?

It's not a question of "my way" vs. "your way". (Prov 14:12) Let's base it on what
Christ said. He's more qualified than you or me. And here's what he said… (John 3:16-17, John 14:6).

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, though Him, might be saved."

"I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, but by me."

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What makes Christ so great? Why follow him?

3 Huge reasons:
The things he DID - loving miracles. (John 10:37-38)
The things he SAID - amazing authority. (John 11:25-26)
His death and resurrection - predicted & accomplished.(John 10:17-18)

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How do you know what Jesus REALLY said?

Eyewittnesses wrote it down, and were willing to die terrible deaths
rather than change their story. (John 15:27, Luke 1:1-3, 2 Tim 4:6-7)

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Aren't There Many Interpretations of this?

Yes, but there shouldn't be, at least on the major issues. The bible says
it's not "subject to interpretation", but gives Gods truth clearly. Read the book honestly and it'll answer you.
(2 Peter 1:20-21)

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How do you know the Bible is "God's Word?"

Read the words of Christ for yourself and see. Start with a humble
attitude. Ask God to speak to you, and promise him that if He does,
you'll obey. (John 6:63, John 7:17, 1 Tim 3:16)

Here's more on that subject, but until you read the book yourself, you still won't know for sure.

6.) The Bible - a Super-natural Book
a. It does claim to be from God. (2 Tim 3:16, 2 Peter 1:16-20)
b. Complete unity of theme and agreement of doctrine in spite of 66
books, 40+ authors, hundreds of years span, various locations, and
differing types of writers.
c. Fulfilled prophecies concerning Isreal, old nations, new nations, Christ,
various individuals, cities, events, etc. 100% Accurate.
d. Indestructible, in spite of being the most feared, banned book ever.
e. Historically accurate 100%. Archeology still catching up to it.
f. Scientifically accurate 100% on round earth, suspended in space, earth
moving in a circle, ocean currents, health issues, thermodynamics.
g. The nature of its message is unique, not flattering to man, and not a
world-view that he would have chosen.

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Why do I have to be "Saved" or "Born Again?"

It's necessary for you, and me, because we're inherently selfish, which is
the opposite of loving. We're born sinners, and we need to be cured
before God lets us live in heaven forever. (Isaiah 45:22, John 3:3,5, Rev 21:24)

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Didn't Jesus say "Judge not?" Until you're perfect, who
are you to preach to me?

You take advice and even orders everyday from imperfect people.
Try that excuse on your boss, your teacher, your coach. Christians
don't have to be perfect to point someone to Christ. And "Judge Not"
doesn't mean He won't judge you. (John 5:26-30)

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What about all the hypocrites in the church?

There are hypocrites everywhere, in and out of church. That doesn't
give you a "free pass" to ignore God. Don't be one yourself. Don't
worry, God knows who's following him for real. (Matt 7:21-23)

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I think that all the church wants from me is my money!

Sir, you have the church confused with your wife. Are you still with her? Seriously: The fact that some people have used religion to cheat people out of money doesn't give you the right to blow off God or church. Is God supposd to super-naturally heat and light the building? Whatever you do in life, be willing to pay your fair share.

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What about those who never heard the gospel?

That's a short question with a long, boring answer. But does the question really apply to you? If you haven't heard the gospel, here it is: God loves you, even though you're selfish. Jesus Christ died to pay for your sins and He rose again. If you're willing to follow Him, you can ask Him to save you, and He'll do it for free. (I Cor 15:1-4)

As to other people, read John 7:17 and consider the following:

a. God is fair. (Acts 17:30-31, Deut 32:4, Job 4:17)
b. We are to spread the gospel. (Acts 1:8, Matt 28:19)
c. Jesus is the only way. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)
d. The gospel has been preached extensively (Colosians 1:23)
e. Seekers will find him. (John 7:17, Jeremiah 29:13)

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What about sex?

Thanks for the offer, but I'm busy now.

God created it to be enjoyed by married men and women.

(More information forthcoming.)

Don't all religions say basicly the same thing?

Absolutely not. They do all mention good-bad, afterlife and God, but the
Christian view of a holy & loving God, fallen man, a redeemer who died
and rose, salvation by grace, and the highest moral standard: these are
very unique. (John 6:29, Acts 4:12) Here's four essential truth-groups unique to Christianity:

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How can a loving God send anyone to hell?

The nature of hell itself is a subject of some debate, but we can all agree that it's not the preferred destination. God loves you, and doesn't want you to go there, so He's paid the ultimate price to prevent it. If you commit the ultimate crime by refusing Him, choosing selfishness over love, choosing self over Christ, then you indicate your character, and face the consequences. He loves you, but he gave you free will. John 3:16-20.

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If God's loving, and in control, why do bad things happen to good people?

If you have suffered personally with this question, I am probably not going to be able to answer it to your full satisfaction here. When the wounds are deep, the answer gets longer. I will start by having you click on this bible study called "Hard Times." I'll only say for now that God still loves you, and will make it all alright someday. Maybe tomorrow. Remember, Jesus is no stranger to suffering either. For the eggheads who just want to wrestle this tender issue academically, try C.S. Lewis' book, "The Problem of Pain".

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Where Can I Get More Information on these issues?

Websites:

.www.christiananswers.net.

BOOKS:

1.) "That Manuscript From Outer Space"
(H.L. Wilmington, 1974,)
(Thru Liberty Bpatist Univ in Lynchburg, or RIVERSIDE BOOK & BIBLE,
PO Box 904, Iowa Falls, IOWA.)

2.) "Know Why You Believe"
(Paul E. Little, 1968)
(Thru Inter Varsity Press, Downers Grove IL, 60515)

3.) "A Scientific Approach to Christianity"
(Robert W. Faid, 1982)
(Thru Bridge Publishing, South Plainfield NJ, 07080)

4.) "The Case For Faith"
(Lee Strobel, 2000)
(Thru Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

5.) "Evidence That Demands a Verdict"
(Josh McDowell, 1972)
(Thru Here's Life Publishers, Box 1576, San Bernardino CA, 92402)
(Also by McDowell: "Understanding Non-Christian Religions,"
"Prophecy: Fact of Fiction",
"The Resurrection Factor"
"More Evidence That Demands a Verdict"
"More Than a carpenter"

6.) "The Collapse of Evolution"
(Scott M. Huse, 1983)
(Thru Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan)

7.) "The Bible"

(God, long ago)

(Not really that far away)

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CONTACT: E-MAIL THE BOLTONS.