How Americans celebrate Christmas:
Per research and Gallop polls, found that 96% of Americans celebrate Christmas
81% of Non-Christians celebrate Christmas!
88% of American households put up a Christmas tree.
90% buy gifts and gather with friends and family on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or during the season sometime.
54% attend Religious services
65% display decorations with a religious meaning
73% believe in the Virgin Birth
78% of American adults say they take time at Christmas to "reflect" on the Birth of Christ
Christmas offers much to reflect on - virgin birth, birth narratives, prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' birth, magi, .....
Here are 3 reflections that take us a bit further: It's about much more than just a babe in a manger.
I. The Incarnation of Christ
II. The Humiliation of Christ
III. The Substitution of Christ
I. The Incarnation of Christ
Latin = "incarnatio" = take on flesh (body)
The word is no in the English New Testament - John 1:1, 14 - God put on flesh
The teaching clearly is. - John 20:28
Question - How? - "the Infinite in an Infant"
Answer = 1 Tim. 3:16
II. The Humiliation of Christ
this does not mean embarrassment, confusion, shame, disgrace
but means condescension - stepping down, stooping down, lowering 'self
Assuming a position beneath His rightful place/position - He humbled Himself - intentionally, willingly, knowingly
Phil. 2:6-7 John 17:5
This =1) self-humiliation
2) Humiliation - with a purpose
III. This Substitution of Christ - Phil. 2:8 - to what end? purpose?
Answer: to reconcile us to God - He took our place
1 Pet. 2:24 2 Cor. 5:21 Luke 19:10
Summary of Incarnation and Humiliation and Substitution?
Col. 1:21-22 - Bridge Illustration
Response to these Reflections?
I. to Incarnation? - Awe and Wonder which leads to WORSHIP
II. to Humiliation? => Imitation - Phil. 2:5-7
=> Service - John 13:12-16
He did it for the benefit of man. Calls us to do the same.
III. to Substitution? => Declaration - "my LORD and my God"
=> Allegiance - Bow the knee - You are LORD
Live the Life
Serve the King
Monday, December 29, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
The End of Evil and Suffering
Throughout this series, have linked evil and suffering because Evil always results in suffering, and, suffering is always the Result of Evil. May be small, may be delayed, but will come.
Therefore, to eliminate suffering, we only need to eliminate evil!!
Problem = that isn't gonna happen - in this life, this world.
Dilemma:
We are all capable of imagining a better world, better personal life.
AND we are all capable of improving our world, our life.
BUT we are UNABLE to CONSTRUCT (create) the world we desire, or the life we long for. Can't make it perfect.
Example: Quote from Henry David Thoreau - "The mass (all) of men (people) lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them."
So, man has always looked for that "Perfect world" in the Next life. ie: AFTER LIFE/BETTER LIFE
Views vary: Vikings had Valhalla; Romans - Elysium, Hindu - Nirvana, Native Americans - Happy Hunting Ground.
BUT, the concept = universal.
"God has set eternity in the hearts of men" - (Eccles. 3:11)
All believe in an afterlife and a better life in the afterlife.
The Christian View?
On one hand = no different -- ie; believe in After Life/Better Life
However: Very Different!! in:
1) what's heaven like?
2) How do we get there?
3) Why do we believe this?
I. What is Heaven like?
A). Wonderful beyond description (example: language of Revelation)
Therefore:
B) partly defined by what's Not there.
The expulsion of evil - Rev. 20:1-3, 10, 14
The end of suffering - Rev. 21:3-5
This is what we look forward to.
II. How do I get there? (How do I get this?)
A) By grace through Faith - Eph. 2:8-9 - (contrast works)
B) By Grace through Faith ..... IN CHRIST - John 14:6
C) By Grace through Faith .... AT DEATH - with the exception of those who are alive when Christ returns
Therefore: Psm. 23:4
III. Why do we believe this?
Answer = Jesus' words - John 14:1-3 - Not our sentiments, desires, traditions, etc., but spoken by Jesus, not just another good person, but the one who resurrected in a glorified body and conquered death once and for all. We STAND on Jesus' words!!
WE ARE CALLED to:
1) Come - Rev. 22:17
2) Believe .. ie. believe the promise(s) - embrace this HOPE, this form of Heaven
3) Persevere - Heb. 10:35-36 - because in this life that perfection will not come.
and also ... to 4) Evangelize - 2 Cor. 5:11 - there are more people who don't believe this than do believe it.
5) Disciple - Matt. 28:19 - We can't legitimately sidestep this obligation.
What's your HOPE?? ie: great expectation
Is it Solid? Secure? Biblical? (contrast false/empty)
Are you Peddling it? Promoting it?
Scripture says THIS is your only hope!!
Therefore, to eliminate suffering, we only need to eliminate evil!!
Problem = that isn't gonna happen - in this life, this world.
Dilemma:
We are all capable of imagining a better world, better personal life.
AND we are all capable of improving our world, our life.
BUT we are UNABLE to CONSTRUCT (create) the world we desire, or the life we long for. Can't make it perfect.
Example: Quote from Henry David Thoreau - "The mass (all) of men (people) lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them."
So, man has always looked for that "Perfect world" in the Next life. ie: AFTER LIFE/BETTER LIFE
Views vary: Vikings had Valhalla; Romans - Elysium, Hindu - Nirvana, Native Americans - Happy Hunting Ground.
BUT, the concept = universal.
"God has set eternity in the hearts of men" - (Eccles. 3:11)
All believe in an afterlife and a better life in the afterlife.
The Christian View?
On one hand = no different -- ie; believe in After Life/Better Life
However: Very Different!! in:
1) what's heaven like?
2) How do we get there?
3) Why do we believe this?
I. What is Heaven like?
A). Wonderful beyond description (example: language of Revelation)
Therefore:
B) partly defined by what's Not there.
The expulsion of evil - Rev. 20:1-3, 10, 14
The end of suffering - Rev. 21:3-5
This is what we look forward to.
II. How do I get there? (How do I get this?)
A) By grace through Faith - Eph. 2:8-9 - (contrast works)
B) By Grace through Faith ..... IN CHRIST - John 14:6
C) By Grace through Faith .... AT DEATH - with the exception of those who are alive when Christ returns
Therefore: Psm. 23:4
III. Why do we believe this?
Answer = Jesus' words - John 14:1-3 - Not our sentiments, desires, traditions, etc., but spoken by Jesus, not just another good person, but the one who resurrected in a glorified body and conquered death once and for all. We STAND on Jesus' words!!
WE ARE CALLED to:
1) Come - Rev. 22:17
2) Believe .. ie. believe the promise(s) - embrace this HOPE, this form of Heaven
3) Persevere - Heb. 10:35-36 - because in this life that perfection will not come.
and also ... to 4) Evangelize - 2 Cor. 5:11 - there are more people who don't believe this than do believe it.
5) Disciple - Matt. 28:19 - We can't legitimately sidestep this obligation.
What's your HOPE?? ie: great expectation
Is it Solid? Secure? Biblical? (contrast false/empty)
Are you Peddling it? Promoting it?
Scripture says THIS is your only hope!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Character Development through Suffering
Why does God allow evil and suffering?
A) Last week: Because He has granted FREEWILL TO MORAL CREATURES. Two categories of moral creatures = angels and mankind.
Anytime there is sin, there will be disharmony, pain, suffering, etc. - if not immediately, then down the road.
B) Today: Because He can make GOOD USE OF BAD THINGS
In this particular dispensation that we are in - between the fall of angels and fall of man AND all the way to His return and total redemption - it is not out of His control, BUT He has the ability to turn bad things into good.
Classic example = the Cross = greatest tragedy man has ever seen when the creation killed the Creator.
Classic verse = Rom. 8:28 - In all things GOD works.
Some of the ways He uses evil and suffering for good............
#1. Punishment - punishes evil with evil
#2. Discipline/correction - Heb. 12:7
#3. Protective suffering - pain as a warning device. Examples: touch fire -->feel pain --> remove before destroyed!!
Pain can be a friend.
#4. Redemptive Suffering - willingly combat evil and endure suffering for the sake of others! - AS Christ did, so WE do.
Example: soldiers who die to free others, etc.
#5. Suffering for the Manifestation of God - John 11:14-15 - through this suffering God was made known.
These tend to overlap, not always clearly in one category.
#6. Character Development of His children - God uses suffering (in an attempt) to develop our character.
James 1:2-4, Rom. 5:1-4
Pain and Suffering may serve to:
I. Add to your character
II. Remove from your character
III. Protect your character
All three are to Improve your character.
I. Adding to Character - learn, acquire, pick up due to suffering
Deut. 8:2-3, 15-16
Phil. 4:10-13
2 Cor. 1:3-5
II. Removing from Character - refining, purifying, pruning, clipping
Zech. 13:8-9
Isa. 48:10
Psm. 66:8-12
1 Pet. 1:3-7
Reference: Hymn #338 - "How Firm a Foundation" - Vs. 3 - 'When through fiery trials my pathway shall lie, My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.'
III. Protecting Character - 2 Cor. 12:7-10 - deprivation, affliction FOR sanctification.
Considerations:
#1. it's a process - example: forging tools - A) heat, shape, cool, polish
B) re-heat - and temper
#2. You'll go through it - 1 Pet. 4:12
#3. He's more interested in your character than in your comfort - this life is the blacksmith shop - there's going to be an eternity for comfort.
#4. Whether you take temper is largely your choice. - Quote from Dr. Paul Bilhiemer - "Don't Waste Your Sorrows" - have to decide whether to accept it or not.
#5. He promises - it'll all be worth the process. - 2 Cor. 4:16-18
Closing: Will we submit to "blacksmithing" to become what He wants us to be?
A) Last week: Because He has granted FREEWILL TO MORAL CREATURES. Two categories of moral creatures = angels and mankind.
Anytime there is sin, there will be disharmony, pain, suffering, etc. - if not immediately, then down the road.
B) Today: Because He can make GOOD USE OF BAD THINGS
In this particular dispensation that we are in - between the fall of angels and fall of man AND all the way to His return and total redemption - it is not out of His control, BUT He has the ability to turn bad things into good.
Classic example = the Cross = greatest tragedy man has ever seen when the creation killed the Creator.
Classic verse = Rom. 8:28 - In all things GOD works.
Some of the ways He uses evil and suffering for good............
#1. Punishment - punishes evil with evil
#2. Discipline/correction - Heb. 12:7
#3. Protective suffering - pain as a warning device. Examples: touch fire -->feel pain --> remove before destroyed!!
Pain can be a friend.
#4. Redemptive Suffering - willingly combat evil and endure suffering for the sake of others! - AS Christ did, so WE do.
Example: soldiers who die to free others, etc.
#5. Suffering for the Manifestation of God - John 11:14-15 - through this suffering God was made known.
These tend to overlap, not always clearly in one category.
#6. Character Development of His children - God uses suffering (in an attempt) to develop our character.
James 1:2-4, Rom. 5:1-4
Pain and Suffering may serve to:
I. Add to your character
II. Remove from your character
III. Protect your character
All three are to Improve your character.
I. Adding to Character - learn, acquire, pick up due to suffering
Deut. 8:2-3, 15-16
Phil. 4:10-13
2 Cor. 1:3-5
II. Removing from Character - refining, purifying, pruning, clipping
Zech. 13:8-9
Isa. 48:10
Psm. 66:8-12
1 Pet. 1:3-7
Reference: Hymn #338 - "How Firm a Foundation" - Vs. 3 - 'When through fiery trials my pathway shall lie, My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply; The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.'
III. Protecting Character - 2 Cor. 12:7-10 - deprivation, affliction FOR sanctification.
Considerations:
#1. it's a process - example: forging tools - A) heat, shape, cool, polish
B) re-heat - and temper
#2. You'll go through it - 1 Pet. 4:12
#3. He's more interested in your character than in your comfort - this life is the blacksmith shop - there's going to be an eternity for comfort.
#4. Whether you take temper is largely your choice. - Quote from Dr. Paul Bilhiemer - "Don't Waste Your Sorrows" - have to decide whether to accept it or not.
#5. He promises - it'll all be worth the process. - 2 Cor. 4:16-18
Closing: Will we submit to "blacksmithing" to become what He wants us to be?
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Consequential Suffering
IF God is (all) good - absolute, total. - (Scripture declares over and over that God IS all powerful and all good)
AND IF God is (all) Powerful,
then why is there (so much0 evil and suffering.
On one hand - many answers.
However, no (1) "satisfying" answer
Question: Why accept the Christian view if answers are not satisfying?
Remember - 1) No Worldview has "satisfying" answers!!
2) the Character of GOD is more than goodness and power.
It includes A) transcendence - He is INFINITELY beyond us.
Therefore B) mystery - we cannot totally ever comprehend. He is infinite - we never will be.
So, the Christian approach to the issue (questions) should be tempered with
A) concern - the issue is more than intellectual!
but also with B) Faith - in the Character of God, in the Revelation of God. - If don't have that confidence, will fall on this issue.
and C) Humility - He is God, I am not, neither are you!
Remainder of this study =
I. Why God Permits Evil and Suffering
II. How God Employs Evil and Suffering - this makes suffering bearable, tolerable, sensical!! - Rom. 8:28
So, why does God permit evil and suffering?
Answer: Because He has granted FREEWILL TO MORAL CREATURES!! - creatures that recognize right and wrong, and can choose right and wrong!!! - example: angels and man
Formula: sin => loss => pain => suffering
Sin = disobedience to God
Loss - immediate or later, large or small
The large scale: Gen. 3:17-19 - when Adam and Eve chose to do wrong, evil entered the picture, and whole creation was cursed.
The personal scale: Gal. 5:7-9- when sin (by choice of moral creature) enters, it creates evil.
This = Consequential Suffering
On on hand, this doesn't answer all questions to all incidents of suffering.
However, it does = one of the partial answers, and = a part you should be aware of and concerned with.
How it works....
1) You reap what you sow - example: you sow carrots, you will get carrots, not sweet potatoes
A) this = self-inflicted pain
B) doesn't require God's immediate involvement - example: gravity - law is already in place
2) Sometimes you reap what OTHERS have sown.
examples: robber, drunk driver, rebel teenager, abusive parent, etc.
We live in a fallen world with 7 Billion fallen (selfish) creatures.
3) Sometimes others reap what YOU have sown.
drunk + drive, text +drive? harsh reply, spouse's inferiority complex
Observations:
A) You are more than just a recipient of pain - you are a source of pain.
B) Part of why God allows Evil and Suffering is that He ALLOWS YOU!!!
C) If you wish to relieve pain and suffering, begin with own behavior!
From here - How God uses pain for good.
For today, note:
1) I'm part of the problem
2) I need to make corrections
3) correction #1 needs to be submission to/re-submission to this Sovereign God!!
Example: Promise to Isaiah - amidst great suffering (in exile) - Jer. 29:11
AND IF God is (all) Powerful,
then why is there (so much0 evil and suffering.
On one hand - many answers.
However, no (1) "satisfying" answer
Question: Why accept the Christian view if answers are not satisfying?
Remember - 1) No Worldview has "satisfying" answers!!
2) the Character of GOD is more than goodness and power.
It includes A) transcendence - He is INFINITELY beyond us.
Therefore B) mystery - we cannot totally ever comprehend. He is infinite - we never will be.
So, the Christian approach to the issue (questions) should be tempered with
A) concern - the issue is more than intellectual!
but also with B) Faith - in the Character of God, in the Revelation of God. - If don't have that confidence, will fall on this issue.
and C) Humility - He is God, I am not, neither are you!
Remainder of this study =
I. Why God Permits Evil and Suffering
II. How God Employs Evil and Suffering - this makes suffering bearable, tolerable, sensical!! - Rom. 8:28
So, why does God permit evil and suffering?
Answer: Because He has granted FREEWILL TO MORAL CREATURES!! - creatures that recognize right and wrong, and can choose right and wrong!!! - example: angels and man
Formula: sin => loss => pain => suffering
Sin = disobedience to God
Loss - immediate or later, large or small
The large scale: Gen. 3:17-19 - when Adam and Eve chose to do wrong, evil entered the picture, and whole creation was cursed.
The personal scale: Gal. 5:7-9- when sin (by choice of moral creature) enters, it creates evil.
This = Consequential Suffering
On on hand, this doesn't answer all questions to all incidents of suffering.
However, it does = one of the partial answers, and = a part you should be aware of and concerned with.
How it works....
1) You reap what you sow - example: you sow carrots, you will get carrots, not sweet potatoes
A) this = self-inflicted pain
B) doesn't require God's immediate involvement - example: gravity - law is already in place
2) Sometimes you reap what OTHERS have sown.
examples: robber, drunk driver, rebel teenager, abusive parent, etc.
We live in a fallen world with 7 Billion fallen (selfish) creatures.
3) Sometimes others reap what YOU have sown.
drunk + drive, text +drive? harsh reply, spouse's inferiority complex
Observations:
A) You are more than just a recipient of pain - you are a source of pain.
B) Part of why God allows Evil and Suffering is that He ALLOWS YOU!!!
C) If you wish to relieve pain and suffering, begin with own behavior!
From here - How God uses pain for good.
For today, note:
1) I'm part of the problem
2) I need to make corrections
3) correction #1 needs to be submission to/re-submission to this Sovereign God!!
Example: Promise to Isaiah - amidst great suffering (in exile) - Jer. 29:11
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Better Than I Deserve
Not ignoring pain, suffering, loss, etc. BUT = point out the blessings.
How are you doing??
Materially - in top 10% or wealthiest people in the world
Physically - health, health services
Politically - freedoms in USA
Geographically - Southeast Oklahoma, your community
Relationally - marriage, family, friends, neighbors, community, church, etc.
Most will acknowledge - in spite of trials, pain & suffering going through,
I'm recognizing I have "more than I deserve"
NOW shift to Spiritual Blessings
ie: undeserved and unearned favors that we receive 'in Christ"
Eph. 1:3-14
1 Pet. 1:3-5
2 Pet. 1:3
My list - "10 Spiritual Blessings" - (from God to Ed - related in 1st. person)
#1. He chose me. On one hand, there is much mystery about "election", however, this I know - HE CHOSE ME!!
#2. He Wooed me - patiently, persistently pursued me. = Work of the Holy Spirit = ACT of Agape
#3. He Received Me as I was, with a reluctant surrender - Example: Hymn #307 - "Just As I Am" - many verses
#4. He Saved Me - Luke 19:10
forgiving, cleansing, reconciliation, restoration - Eph. 2:4-10
These first four all past tense.
Now, shift to present tense.
#5. He continues to Receive me. (not saved again) - Heb. 4:15-16 - approach the throne with confidence to find grace in time of need.
#6. He Keeps me. - Jude 24 & 25 - He's the only one who can.
#7. He Grows Me. He will not give up on you. Indiscernible growth doesn't = no growth. - Phil. 1:6
Note: Future blessings. - when this life ends - Heaven.
I'll receive:
#8, Deliverance - from pain, suffering, doubts and fears, sinful tendencies, relational conflict, etc.
#9. Justice - ie: all things set right - all those things that are not right here will be righted there.
#10. Satisfaction - contentment "Rest"
On one hand, these are future blessings. On the other hand, I HAVE the Promise(s)., Therefore, I currently possess - hope, expectation, anticipation, confidence, comfort, etc.
This is NOT an exhaustive list, so clearly, I'm blessed "beyond what I deserve".
What about you?
Not to minimize your pain, problems, etc.
Rather in the midst of them to 1) recognize the blessings and 2) thank the Blessor
IF you can't claim these spiritual blessings, Then you need to give serious consideration to the call of Christ on your life.
IF you can claim theses spiritual blessings, then you need to thank Him - Psalm 107:1-2
Give Thanks, not just be grateful!!!
How are you doing??
Materially - in top 10% or wealthiest people in the world
Physically - health, health services
Politically - freedoms in USA
Geographically - Southeast Oklahoma, your community
Relationally - marriage, family, friends, neighbors, community, church, etc.
Most will acknowledge - in spite of trials, pain & suffering going through,
I'm recognizing I have "more than I deserve"
NOW shift to Spiritual Blessings
ie: undeserved and unearned favors that we receive 'in Christ"
Eph. 1:3-14
1 Pet. 1:3-5
2 Pet. 1:3
My list - "10 Spiritual Blessings" - (from God to Ed - related in 1st. person)
#1. He chose me. On one hand, there is much mystery about "election", however, this I know - HE CHOSE ME!!
#2. He Wooed me - patiently, persistently pursued me. = Work of the Holy Spirit = ACT of Agape
#3. He Received Me as I was, with a reluctant surrender - Example: Hymn #307 - "Just As I Am" - many verses
#4. He Saved Me - Luke 19:10
forgiving, cleansing, reconciliation, restoration - Eph. 2:4-10
These first four all past tense.
Now, shift to present tense.
#5. He continues to Receive me. (not saved again) - Heb. 4:15-16 - approach the throne with confidence to find grace in time of need.
#6. He Keeps me. - Jude 24 & 25 - He's the only one who can.
#7. He Grows Me. He will not give up on you. Indiscernible growth doesn't = no growth. - Phil. 1:6
Note: Future blessings. - when this life ends - Heaven.
I'll receive:
#8, Deliverance - from pain, suffering, doubts and fears, sinful tendencies, relational conflict, etc.
#9. Justice - ie: all things set right - all those things that are not right here will be righted there.
#10. Satisfaction - contentment "Rest"
On one hand, these are future blessings. On the other hand, I HAVE the Promise(s)., Therefore, I currently possess - hope, expectation, anticipation, confidence, comfort, etc.
This is NOT an exhaustive list, so clearly, I'm blessed "beyond what I deserve".
What about you?
Not to minimize your pain, problems, etc.
Rather in the midst of them to 1) recognize the blessings and 2) thank the Blessor
IF you can't claim these spiritual blessings, Then you need to give serious consideration to the call of Christ on your life.
IF you can claim theses spiritual blessings, then you need to thank Him - Psalm 107:1-2
Give Thanks, not just be grateful!!!
Monday, November 17, 2014
Making Sense of Suffering
The Bible declares that God is:
Sovereign Good Active Personal
Problem: IF God is (all) good - righteous and just ALWAYS
AND, IF God is (all) Sovereign,
THEN Why is there (so much) evil and suffering???
The question is ancient - ie: Job - (probably oldest book in Bible)
common - ie: Ruth
extensively addressed - Theodicy - defense of God's goodness in light of Evil & Suffering in world
BUT - remains unanswered!!!
Clarify - On on hand there are many answers (reasons), however, the question is never completely answered. (not ONE answer)
No "1" answer.
Many partial answers.
BUT, the sum total of all the answers does NOT = 100%
Sample Answers in Scripture
1) Retributive Suffering - (punishment for sinful behavior)
2) Consequential Suffering - (because of FREEWILL)
3) Character development - God is more interested in our character than in our comfort.
4) Corrective discipline - example: Father/child
5) Redemptive Suffering - to lead to greater good
6) Suffering for the manifestation of God's glory - ("that you may know") - tragedy so people will know that God IS.
Put these all together and might be satisfied --- until we encounter "senseless suffering"
So...... the believers' response to evil and suffering?
#1. Admit your confusion - example: laments - over a third of the Psalms - Psm. 22:1
Be honest with your pain and with God. He already knows how you feel anyway.
#2. Accept the Mystery (of suffering) AS you accept -- God's eternalness, creation ex-nihilo, virgin birth, incarnation, resurrection, prayer, new birth..
Cannot have transcendence w/o mystery - if finite human mind could explain it all, would have no need of God.
Because we have no answer doesn't mean there is no answer. Isa. 55:8-9
He has chosen not to answer for various reasons.
#3. Continue to trust the One you've come to Know.
John 6:66-69, 2 Tim. 1:12 - I know Whom I have believed, Job 13:15
Don't let what you don't know trump what you DO know!!!
Deut. 29:29 (reverse) - 'the things that are revealed to us (in special revelation - the Bible) belong to us, but the secret things belong to the LORD'
#4. Continue to walk - (to live and lead a Christian life)
in faith - (trusting, believing)
in expectation - (Revelation)
without all the answers
Mark 9:24
He is righteous, He is just, and He will make all things the way they should be.
Is it wise to deny the Person of God because of a Mystery we cannot solve?
Which is greater? More valuable? - The Answer or the Presence?
2 Pet. 1:2-3
Sovereign Good Active Personal
Problem: IF God is (all) good - righteous and just ALWAYS
AND, IF God is (all) Sovereign,
THEN Why is there (so much) evil and suffering???
The question is ancient - ie: Job - (probably oldest book in Bible)
common - ie: Ruth
extensively addressed - Theodicy - defense of God's goodness in light of Evil & Suffering in world
BUT - remains unanswered!!!
Clarify - On on hand there are many answers (reasons), however, the question is never completely answered. (not ONE answer)
No "1" answer.
Many partial answers.
BUT, the sum total of all the answers does NOT = 100%
Sample Answers in Scripture
1) Retributive Suffering - (punishment for sinful behavior)
2) Consequential Suffering - (because of FREEWILL)
3) Character development - God is more interested in our character than in our comfort.
4) Corrective discipline - example: Father/child
5) Redemptive Suffering - to lead to greater good
6) Suffering for the manifestation of God's glory - ("that you may know") - tragedy so people will know that God IS.
Put these all together and might be satisfied --- until we encounter "senseless suffering"
So...... the believers' response to evil and suffering?
#1. Admit your confusion - example: laments - over a third of the Psalms - Psm. 22:1
Be honest with your pain and with God. He already knows how you feel anyway.
#2. Accept the Mystery (of suffering) AS you accept -- God's eternalness, creation ex-nihilo, virgin birth, incarnation, resurrection, prayer, new birth..
Cannot have transcendence w/o mystery - if finite human mind could explain it all, would have no need of God.
Because we have no answer doesn't mean there is no answer. Isa. 55:8-9
He has chosen not to answer for various reasons.
#3. Continue to trust the One you've come to Know.
John 6:66-69, 2 Tim. 1:12 - I know Whom I have believed, Job 13:15
Don't let what you don't know trump what you DO know!!!
Deut. 29:29 (reverse) - 'the things that are revealed to us (in special revelation - the Bible) belong to us, but the secret things belong to the LORD'
#4. Continue to walk - (to live and lead a Christian life)
in faith - (trusting, believing)
in expectation - (Revelation)
without all the answers
Mark 9:24
He is righteous, He is just, and He will make all things the way they should be.
Is it wise to deny the Person of God because of a Mystery we cannot solve?
Which is greater? More valuable? - The Answer or the Presence?
2 Pet. 1:2-3
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
God Is ... Sovereign, Good, Active
Has God revealed Himself to us?
Yes: General Revelation (nature, reason, design, etc.) AND
Special Revelation (specific truths, written down = Bible) AND
His Son - John 1:18 - He unveiled (exogited) things about God
What can we Know about God (through Specific Revelation)???
Answer = A LOT (a lifetime of study) - inexhaustible - new understanding, new enlightenment
3 Things about God that are:
1) clear (in Scripture) - declared over and over again
2) relevant (to us)
GOD IS: SOVEREIGN GOOD ACTIVE
I. Sovereign - HE is the final Supreme Power and Authority. THE Ruler of all that is.
ie: things, circumstances, situations, beings -- material and immaterial.
Illustration: Jer. 32:24-27
His Sovereignty is: A) Absolute - in control of EVERYTHING - if a single atom is beyond His control, He is NOT Sovereign.
B) Eternal - ie: Both ways!!! Always has been , always will be. Rev. 22:13
Therefore: C) Current - in control NOW!!! He did not create and then lose control, as in the case of Frankenstein.
II. Good Psalm 106:1, 107:1 - hundreds of references regarding the goodness of God.
= good news!!! Because if He was Sovereign and not good, what then?????
But note: He is NOT good as WE are good - human, limited
HIS goodness = Righteous - always does what is right
Just
Holy
Perfect
Deut. 32:3-4
III. Active - (involved) Did not create and withdraw
His activity is: A) Ongoing - John 5:16-17, Col. 1:15-17
B) Comprehensive - Matt. 10:29 - doesn't happen without His knowledge and permission
(micromanagement)
C) Personal - Matt. 10:30-31
His is: Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (all knowing) Omnipresent ( everywhere) Jer. 23:23-24
So... He sees, knows, cares, interacts - Matt. 6:9 - "Father" - wants relationship
Conclusion: this is good news!!!
ie: God is Sovereign, Good, Active, Personal
This is 'the God' who "woos" you!! Who invites you to accept, believe, trust, follow - 1 Pet. 5:6-7
So: #1 - have you trusted? (initially? w/yourself/, with your soul?) - cast all your anxiety on Him?
have you verbally declared it? - Rom. 10:10
#2. do you need to re-trust Him? - not for salvation, not re-saved, but re-dedicate
#3. Do you need to trust Him further? fuller?
typically encounter more things to trust Him with as we age.
Psalm 34:8 - "taste and see" "blessed is he"
There are blessings found in trusting Him that are not found anywhere else.
Yes: General Revelation (nature, reason, design, etc.) AND
Special Revelation (specific truths, written down = Bible) AND
His Son - John 1:18 - He unveiled (exogited) things about God
What can we Know about God (through Specific Revelation)???
Answer = A LOT (a lifetime of study) - inexhaustible - new understanding, new enlightenment
3 Things about God that are:
1) clear (in Scripture) - declared over and over again
2) relevant (to us)
GOD IS: SOVEREIGN GOOD ACTIVE
I. Sovereign - HE is the final Supreme Power and Authority. THE Ruler of all that is.
ie: things, circumstances, situations, beings -- material and immaterial.
Illustration: Jer. 32:24-27
His Sovereignty is: A) Absolute - in control of EVERYTHING - if a single atom is beyond His control, He is NOT Sovereign.
B) Eternal - ie: Both ways!!! Always has been , always will be. Rev. 22:13
Therefore: C) Current - in control NOW!!! He did not create and then lose control, as in the case of Frankenstein.
II. Good Psalm 106:1, 107:1 - hundreds of references regarding the goodness of God.
= good news!!! Because if He was Sovereign and not good, what then?????
But note: He is NOT good as WE are good - human, limited
HIS goodness = Righteous - always does what is right
Just
Holy
Perfect
Deut. 32:3-4
III. Active - (involved) Did not create and withdraw
His activity is: A) Ongoing - John 5:16-17, Col. 1:15-17
B) Comprehensive - Matt. 10:29 - doesn't happen without His knowledge and permission
(micromanagement)
C) Personal - Matt. 10:30-31
His is: Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (all knowing) Omnipresent ( everywhere) Jer. 23:23-24
So... He sees, knows, cares, interacts - Matt. 6:9 - "Father" - wants relationship
Conclusion: this is good news!!!
ie: God is Sovereign, Good, Active, Personal
This is 'the God' who "woos" you!! Who invites you to accept, believe, trust, follow - 1 Pet. 5:6-7
So: #1 - have you trusted? (initially? w/yourself/, with your soul?) - cast all your anxiety on Him?
have you verbally declared it? - Rom. 10:10
#2. do you need to re-trust Him? - not for salvation, not re-saved, but re-dedicate
#3. Do you need to trust Him further? fuller?
typically encounter more things to trust Him with as we age.
Psalm 34:8 - "taste and see" "blessed is he"
There are blessings found in trusting Him that are not found anywhere else.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
