SNS answers

On the issue of evil, you are aware about sinful and the sin nature. Thus we are all wicked, depraved, evil sinners from conception, as all (but Christ) have been born through the Adam's line of the human race through their father. So all sin and do what is evil. All go follow their own way. Judges 21:25 : "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." If Jesus isn't the King on the throne of their life, then they think they are on the throne, but I reality it is Satan, for theyre trapped in the sin nature, and until the Redeemer rescues and restores them, they're lost in the darkness and hellbound by default.  John 3:16-21 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does no...

Q: A friend asked me a question and I'm struggling with how to answer. I'd like to help them understand as they're struggling with some aspects of faith and am hoping for help with something I simply don't know how to articulate. If we are told to judge the fruits of the spirit to determine true change has happened to someone and they are actively following Him, then how do we rationalize people of other beliefs and faiths who exhibit the same fruits of the spirit without being His followers or marked by The Holy Spirit? The friend's main example was the Buddhist followers, who tend to exhibit many of the listed fruits of the spirit, arguably better than many Christians, but usually see Jesus as just one of many teachers in history and have no relationship with Him as their Savior. If theoretically anyone can have the fruits of the spirit without it actually being the work of the Spirit, then how is that a good way to judge believers on their walk being genuine? I...