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You don't have to prove God exists.

In my opinion, we don't have to prove God exists.

I've always been intimidated by brilliant people on both sides of the faith divide. Unbelievers who create and raise doubt, questioning the Bible's truthfulness and historicity, intimidate me because I spent over a decade of my life on their side. I have no intention of ever returning to unbelief, nor do I honestly believe I can since the Father keeps all He has given to the Son. Still, I fear becoming useless in my faith, by getting caught up in a web of doubt fueled by human intellect.
Believers who can debate the skeptic sometimes make me uncomfortable. As I once did, I wonder if Christian debaters develop a debating mindset rather than a proclaiming mindset. They also often intimidate me because they are so adept in an area I struggle with. I have no doubt God calls and equips each of us in a unique way in order to accomplish His will, so I don't judge or condemn apologists. One of them, John Lennox, is a particular favorite of mine.
Here's what I think. I know, in some way, I'm wrong, but here it is. We don't have to answer every skeptical question. God has already answered, even without words, as Romans tells us,
"For God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by the unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse." (Rom. 1:18-20)
We don't have to prove God exists, but we must prove why we believe. We must give evidence of our faith. At least, that's how I read the Bible.
"Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them, or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffers for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.? (1 Pet. 3:13-17)
You don't have to prove God exists, but you should live in such a way that proves you believe in Him. You should also be ready and able to quickly give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

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