True.Everyone has some sort of baggage wether they know it or not.My world-view was totally atheistic.My entire family,immediate and extended are (AFAIK) still atheist.Religion of any form was looked upon as a sort of leprosy,pretty much still is,again,AFAIK.
When I think upon His name,I'm still sometimes taken aback at what it is I actually believe.The fact that it is so diametrically opposed to my entire upbringing,opposed to practically everything that I hear and see from the world,that even my own flesh is often violently opposed to and yet I believe.
When I contemplate all that I can't help but think it is a slow-motion miracle so to speak.IOW I find it incredible that I believe what I believe.
"Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
What a wonderful testimony you have! I'll bet holidays are fun at your house. ;o)
But I agree with you and what you said proves the truth of Scripture that the sheep hear the shepherd, they follow him and no other shepherd do they follow. We hear the voice of Jesus, he calls us out and we follow him and he GIVES to us eternal life. Those very verses from John 10:27-30 were what God used to speak to my heart and draw me to his saving truth. The "world" will not understand because it cannot understand. It is foolishness to them, even. But we KNOW him, don't we? It IS a miracle - straight from the miracle worker! Thank you, Mitch, what a wonderful thing to think on when I go to bed tonight. We know that we know.