A risk-free investment.

Perhaps some people just haven't expended much energy in the pursuit of It. They wonder, of course. From time to time, questions arise about the meaningfulness of life. Is there a possibility of a peaceful eternal existence? A desire for purpose, fear of death and the unknown, even books read or movies watched prompt most to consider, at least momentarily, if there is, in fact, One True God. Which one is the Right One? How can I know?
Thoughts may come, thoughts may go. Some are left puzzled and curious, but too complacent or content, busy or satisfied with the here and now to diligently search.
Then, a circumstance arises, a catastrophe ensues, a brush with death occurs and the uncertainty of the future moves back to the forefront.
If there is a vast Nothingness after this, then why? Why are we here? Why does it matter? Even the best this life has to offer includes more than enough sorrow, grief, suffering, sickness, searing loss to go around, all ultimately ending in death. Why? Could these brief, fleeting years be all there is? If there is more, wouldn't I want that for myself, for my children, and grandchildren?

Isn't it worth investing some serious research, effort, consideration? Can I truly dismiss a God I know only very little, second-hand information about? What are the repercussions if I do?
Doesn't everyone ask at least some of the same questions, at some point in their lives?
If eternity hangs in the balance, if there is a possibility of forever with the Creator of it all, perhaps it is worth thoroughly investigating before making up one's mind.

Here is an excerpt from A Skeptic's Search for God, by Dr. Ralph Muncaster

One day in about 1984, I was having lunch with Jack Mores, an advertising agency representative from Portland, Oregon, and a friend of his, "Bob" who was in the advertising promotions business. We were simply enjoying the day and the position of being executives in the advertising world, which in those days allowed long lunches, great food, and lengthy talks. Somehow the conversation turned to the topic of God. I started pontificating about the philosophical need man has for a God as a "therapeutic" idea, claiming that modern knowledge indicates the nonexistence of God.
"What is the alternative to God?" Bob asked.
"Nothing," I responded. "Why does there need to be a God? And if he really existed, why would there be so much suffering in the world?"
"Well then, how did everything come to be?" he questioned me.
"That's simple," I said. "Evolution is responsible, not a God!"
"How can you prove evolution?" he asked.
"Well there are a vast number of evidences. I could take up this entire lunch. But give me a break-virtually every scientist believes it, and they make a living out of studying it. Evolution clearly shows that God is not necessary."
But Bob went on. HE described how Christians had "hard" information about their beliefs.
"Come on!" I said sarcastically. "I've been talking to Christians for years and nobody has any strong support for either the Bible or for Christianity."
"Perhaps they just haven't researched it for themselves" he said with a smile.
"I could talk about it for hours, but that is not the purpose of this lunch."
Then Bob challenged me to sincerely research the Bible in the same way I had criticized it.
He said that if I did an honest job of researching the Bible, I would find it 100% accurate-even regarding creation vs evolution. I thought he was completely out to lunch. Yet, I was too arrogant to turn down his challenge. In my mind I replied, give me 2 weeks and a library and I'll put this bible accuracy claim to rest forever.
"You're on Bob." I said. "Let me gather some facts and you'll see how utterly ridiculous it is to think that a God exists.

God used my arrogance and my skepticism to prod me to research his existence extensively. Although I believed that I would disprove God and the Bible within a couple of weeks, instead my research lasted many years.
I think back to the conversation with Bob as the most important point in my life. Yet, it didn't seem that way at the time. I never saw Bob again, and I have long since forgotten his real name. Somewhere out there, "Bob," may read this book and recognize the impact he had on me. Thanks, Bob. I owe you lunch. And certainly much more.

I have been asking myself, what if I am someone's "Bob?" Or more than one person's? Our children will look to us. I want to prepare to accurately, adamantly, and graciously defend our faith, helping to usher them into confidence and blessed assurance that the God of the Bible is real, and that no matter what this life holds, they may have genuine hope for all time.

They will have to make up their own minds, but it is part of my responsibility to guide, teach, and instruct them. I should know why I believe what I believe.

We spend our time on the silliest things. We waste much of it away. We focus on our health and bodies, eating right and exercising, memory keeping and entertainment, improving our home and surroundings, shopping and thrill seeking. What about the earnest pursuit of what is eternally significant?

This is a risk-free investment.
If there is no God, we are out nothing.
If there is, we have everything to gain.
I can not think of anything more worthwhile.

If I meet an individual that needs a "Bob," and God can use my life to draw others to Himself, let me be prepared to follow where my Lord leads. May I be the kind of Bob(Bobbi, Roberta :-)who is willing and ready, and may my Father in heaven be glorified.