After the argument from design.

Take your hand off the keyboard. Lift it close to your face until you can see each pore in your skin. Twist it around slowly. Clasp your hand. Open again.Move each finger one at a time.You were created by a loving Father for a purpose.

^ I appreciate that you guys feel that this is an illogical arguement. However, I am convinced that you are masking the tugs of your consciences to say that the dexterity (or otherwise ) of your hand isn't a compelling potential message from God.What purpose here? To 'find ourselves' in the context of our God given identities and the commmunity of all of God's children. It is a Jedi mind trick to tell yourself you are here for no purpose IMO. I know you think the opposite.Life feels like it is random and yet we all know, without being told by anyone, that it isn't and we are accountable for our actions.

nos482We all have different 'crosses to bare' in or individual situations. The question is what can we do with what we have been given. What is our attitude.The parables of Christ come to mind here. Read them again and you will get the distinct feeling Christ is trying to bring us to a maturity that stops comparing and claiming 'it isn't fair etc'. This is something I face in my life everyday even though I have been a Christian for many years.

^ Fair enough. My only point of departure is that we can find escape from the apparent futility of life by knowing our 'identity' and our 'purpose' and that this comes from God.

SchrafThe Bible tells us that life without God is futile. From my own experince I was having a great time pre-Christianity too but I far prefer living in his purpose for me. But that is just my testimony.

^ I have in some ways always been a Christian in terms of going to church and mentally believing in Christ. But around 15 I came to know God in a more real way so it is debatable whether I have been a Christian my whole life or not.

nos482My testimony is that deeply knowing our father (heavenly) is the only way to gain our true individual identity. Everything else is only a shadow of what is possible. Hell is perhaps nothing more than realizing you missed out on knowing your creator and heavenly father and living out your true identity purely becsuse of stubborness. I can't prove this to you but I am convinced of it.I believe that, in any culture, growing up and learning obedience and relational living in families and communities is a trainer to knowing our heavenly father. Christ is the only way to the Father but for some the only face of Christ is their parents, community and life experiences.[This message has been edited by Tranquility Base, 09-16-2002]