Many people wonder "If your God is such a loving God then why is there all this suffering in the world?" That is a loaded question. It reaches beyond. To me at least.
God gave us the freedom to make our own choices. If you disagree, think about this. How much glory would it bring to God if he made us glorify Him? Say you could make someone love you, does it really mean anything when you make them? Wouldn't you rather them love you based on their own choice? Same concept. So we have this freedom of choice..red or blue, hot or cold, East or West...whatever. Our choices affect someone else. The decision not to tutor someone in a class could cause that person to fail the course and become depressed. Look at Columbine massacre. Our choices affect others, period. Obviously, others are not the only one affected. The decisions we make affect us. If we make a poor decision we will have to live with those consequences, whether it's a punishment from God or just a result of the action.
This topic always brings up the question in my mind "If God is omniscience (all knowing) then He already knows what I am going to do, regardless of free will. Therefore, our destiny is already decided, right?" I've thought on this for many years and the more I read and the more I understand I have an answer that I feel is accurate. [Correct me if I'm wrong someone]. Even though God knows all, we still choose. God never chose for us. Therefore, even though He knows what the end will bring for each of us, we are the ones that chose our destiny. I personally find it hard to believe that God would create people with the intent of them going to Hell. He gives us all the opportunity we could ask for to choose Him, but many still turn away even though they 'believe'.
The whole thing still blows my mind just because I have a finite mind (while God's is infinite). His ways are not mine and my ways could never match up to the path He desires for me...that will benefit me more than I can image.
Later :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Does God have Obligations?
My head is spinning! I read my Sunday school lesson tonight (the first...maybe second...time I read the entire lesson with this book, cause I'm slacker like that--I promise I'm working on that) Back to the head spinning. I felt like my lesson went from being about believers of other religions to salvation of people to those that have never heard of God to being judged. This lesson would have worked a lot better for my brain if it had been outlined prior because it feels like the author is skipping around, when in fact, looking at all subjects mashed together they kinda fit. So I'm going to try this:
Have you ever wondered what happens to people that never hear of Christ?? Or people that believe other religions? And how these groups will be judged? Well that was what this lesson was on..it's in a series of 10 Lies about God [More on that later].
The title of this lesson: God is Obligated to Save Followers of Other Religions
According to my lesson this topic brings in a lot of controversy. Makes sense. One narrow path to Heaven...doesn't exactly go with society's view (which is simple if generalized--do what makes you feel good and benefits you). Controversy begins because people ask: Would a loving God send people to Hell that have had no chance to hear the Word of God? and the like. We are accused of being heartless, narrow minded, and believing that Christianity is above all other religions. Well the thing is that we are humans and God is God. We are to follow His rules not ours. He created us, not the other way around. The Bible is clear as a bell in that it says salvation can only be obtained through Christ Jesus. Then you have people that say, 'well God will redeem people because He knows what that person would have believed under different circumstances.' We all have free will. We decide how to live our lives and we have to live with the results of those choices. So what about that person in the middle of the dessert that the Gospel has yet to reach? They didn't choose to be born there and never be exposed to the Gospel. How will God judge them?
To me, the lesson goes off a little by mentioning various situations (referred to as exceptions). Such as, infants, the idea of the true intent of people, Gentiles, and Cornelius (Acts 10--I recommend reading the entire chapter to fully understand). I'm not getting in to these things because this blog would be forever long and probably throw you off for a little bit like it did me.)
***A major thing to understand is we as humans have our own definitions of words--such as fairness, just, etc--God's are not ours. Unless it came directly from the Bible or from God to you, there is a huge chance that you are wrong in your definition. I know I am. What is fair to God may not be what we think is fair. Think in terms of your child if you have one. When you punish them for disobedience they may not see it as fair, but you being the one that has been through more and see the greater picture, see it as fair.***
By now my head is so confused it's ridiculous. I have a major issue with Bible studies using scripture that don't directly relate to the topic or are used out of context. This study seems to do that a lot. To answer the question 'What happens to those that have never heard of Christ' it uses Romans 1:18-21 [this however speaks of those who 'suppress the truth'...not those that have never heard the truth], Genesis 18:25 [this is Abraham talking to God about Sodom..who as far as I know knew the truth and refused it], and Roman 9:14-16 [ this talks about God having compassion on who He has compassion and mercy on who He has mercy]. This answers nothing in my opinion.
The lesson also mentions general revelation. This refers first to people knowing of God based on what God has reveal in nature and how God displays His eternal power and divine nature in creation. Second, through God-consciousness and an innate sense of what is right and wrong. He references no scripture but I am inclined to follow this because I have heard it before in church/sermon settings.
In the end, my conclusion from the lesson and the scripture provide (also reading before and after the given scripture) that it is none of my business what God has planned for those that have not heard or non-believers that are sincere in their beliefs. My task at hand is to take what I know and learn in the scripture and teach it to the people I can reach.
Some scripture that was given if you choose to research more:
"Gain understanding into this perplexing issue": Ps 119:18,125
Salvation: John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Tim 2:5-6
Cornelius: Acts 10:34-35
God's picture vs our picture: Isa 55:8-9
General revelation Romans 1:18-21
God's judgement: Genesis 18:25, Rom 9:14-15
From my husband: Rom 5:12-13
***With the exception of the last one, these are listed in my Bible Study.***
What confusion...within reading all this I have already been forming a new blog in my head: Is it really free will if God already knows our choices?? :)
Have you ever wondered what happens to people that never hear of Christ?? Or people that believe other religions? And how these groups will be judged? Well that was what this lesson was on..it's in a series of 10 Lies about God [More on that later].
The title of this lesson: God is Obligated to Save Followers of Other Religions
According to my lesson this topic brings in a lot of controversy. Makes sense. One narrow path to Heaven...doesn't exactly go with society's view (which is simple if generalized--do what makes you feel good and benefits you). Controversy begins because people ask: Would a loving God send people to Hell that have had no chance to hear the Word of God? and the like. We are accused of being heartless, narrow minded, and believing that Christianity is above all other religions. Well the thing is that we are humans and God is God. We are to follow His rules not ours. He created us, not the other way around. The Bible is clear as a bell in that it says salvation can only be obtained through Christ Jesus. Then you have people that say, 'well God will redeem people because He knows what that person would have believed under different circumstances.' We all have free will. We decide how to live our lives and we have to live with the results of those choices. So what about that person in the middle of the dessert that the Gospel has yet to reach? They didn't choose to be born there and never be exposed to the Gospel. How will God judge them?
To me, the lesson goes off a little by mentioning various situations (referred to as exceptions). Such as, infants, the idea of the true intent of people, Gentiles, and Cornelius (Acts 10--I recommend reading the entire chapter to fully understand). I'm not getting in to these things because this blog would be forever long and probably throw you off for a little bit like it did me.)
***A major thing to understand is we as humans have our own definitions of words--such as fairness, just, etc--God's are not ours. Unless it came directly from the Bible or from God to you, there is a huge chance that you are wrong in your definition. I know I am. What is fair to God may not be what we think is fair. Think in terms of your child if you have one. When you punish them for disobedience they may not see it as fair, but you being the one that has been through more and see the greater picture, see it as fair.***
By now my head is so confused it's ridiculous. I have a major issue with Bible studies using scripture that don't directly relate to the topic or are used out of context. This study seems to do that a lot. To answer the question 'What happens to those that have never heard of Christ' it uses Romans 1:18-21 [this however speaks of those who 'suppress the truth'...not those that have never heard the truth], Genesis 18:25 [this is Abraham talking to God about Sodom..who as far as I know knew the truth and refused it], and Roman 9:14-16 [ this talks about God having compassion on who He has compassion and mercy on who He has mercy]. This answers nothing in my opinion.
The lesson also mentions general revelation. This refers first to people knowing of God based on what God has reveal in nature and how God displays His eternal power and divine nature in creation. Second, through God-consciousness and an innate sense of what is right and wrong. He references no scripture but I am inclined to follow this because I have heard it before in church/sermon settings.
In the end, my conclusion from the lesson and the scripture provide (also reading before and after the given scripture) that it is none of my business what God has planned for those that have not heard or non-believers that are sincere in their beliefs. My task at hand is to take what I know and learn in the scripture and teach it to the people I can reach.
Some scripture that was given if you choose to research more:
"Gain understanding into this perplexing issue": Ps 119:18,125
Salvation: John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Tim 2:5-6
Cornelius: Acts 10:34-35
God's picture vs our picture: Isa 55:8-9
General revelation Romans 1:18-21
God's judgement: Genesis 18:25, Rom 9:14-15
From my husband: Rom 5:12-13
***With the exception of the last one, these are listed in my Bible Study.***
What confusion...within reading all this I have already been forming a new blog in my head: Is it really free will if God already knows our choices?? :)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Exists or Not Exists
Yesterday (Easter Sunday) I had in my mind this blog working. Between falling asleep and not remembering what I was thinking about and not feeling great I completely skipped it. So sad cause I felt like it was an awesome blog (in my head) and now I can't remember how I was putting it all together. But today I was checking my email and got a great forward from my dad! I'm one of those people that doesn't know how to respond when people say God doesn't exist or that the Bible is a fairy tale. This is the email:
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began
to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.' 'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people; would there be abandoned children?
If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would
allow all of these things.' The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barbershop again and he said to the barber:
'You know what? Barbers do not exist.' 'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!'
'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist, because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.''Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'
'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in
the world.'
Wonderful! I loved it. So there is a response if you ever need one! :)
Hopefully tomorrow I will post something I actually put some thought into!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Some Plans Change...
Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive (KJV)
~~~~~~
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (ESV)
~~~~~~
I found out a few days ago that I will be transferred from my Seneca McDonald's to the West Union McDonald's. I have been at Seneca since 2005...6 years!!! Needless to say I was incredibly unhappy when I was informed about this decision for several reasons, I'll list a few of them.
1. I LOVE the managers I work with and many of the crew people. I have meet so many wonderful people that have really made me stop and think about myself and evaluate how I am. The interactions have really improved and challenged my walk.
2. It's change. A whole new store, new crew, new store manager, and some new managers. WHAT!?! TOO MUCH change for me!! I like to be eased into somethings. It's not that I can't adjust it's just A LOT to take in at one time.
3. It's further away. I will be driving about 15 mins more for each trip there and back. That's 2 1/2 hours more driving a week. A cheap estimate is 25 bucks a week in gas...125 bucks a month. That's a pay cut we cannot afford right now.
4. No one bothered to see what I wanted. I believe that happy employees can produce a well run business.
So those are just a few. But I'm not trying to just complain here I promise!! I'm lucky to have a lot of supportive people in my life, people that support me the way God wants; and I have been talking to these people about this situation. There have been a few different options brought up and I just don't know what to do.
"For I know the plans I have for you" was the first thing that came to mind (after being upset). God has a plan for my life, but why can't I see it or understand how McDonald's fits in it?? "You will call upon me and come and pray to me." I pray, I talk to God, but not like I should. This is the first time in my life that I really understand what being a Christian is and having God as my Lord AND Savior, so I'm still learning to give it to God. My conclusion: I'm not seeking God like I need to be. How do I know this? "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." He promises that I will find Him. God is by far the only one that stands by ALL His promises. So if I was seeking like I should then God would hear me. I may not understand His plan but I will find Him. Submitting to Him is the only way to live my life.
Here is my issue: I have grown up dealing with my own issues and supporting myself. If I wanted something done I needed to do it myself because 90% of the time no one else would or could do it for me. So the idea of handing EVERYTHING in my life to someone else seems insane. I haven't been able to (or wanted to) depend on others because they let me down. Not to mention HOW do you do this? How does one just hand something over that is not a physical object. Do I just stop worrying about it? Not think about, just go on about my day and wait and see what happens??
I'm not sure. I know I have to seek Him though, with all my heart otherwise it is rebellion. I know that whatever plans God has for me has nothing to do with what I deserve or what I do to try and deserve it.
**Ironically, this went from how my transfer fits into God's plan for me into how to find peace with God's decisions for my life and how to discover God's plan. :) God is beyond words, that's for sure. :)
~~~~~~
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (ESV)
~~~~~~
I found out a few days ago that I will be transferred from my Seneca McDonald's to the West Union McDonald's. I have been at Seneca since 2005...6 years!!! Needless to say I was incredibly unhappy when I was informed about this decision for several reasons, I'll list a few of them.
1. I LOVE the managers I work with and many of the crew people. I have meet so many wonderful people that have really made me stop and think about myself and evaluate how I am. The interactions have really improved and challenged my walk.
2. It's change. A whole new store, new crew, new store manager, and some new managers. WHAT!?! TOO MUCH change for me!! I like to be eased into somethings. It's not that I can't adjust it's just A LOT to take in at one time.
3. It's further away. I will be driving about 15 mins more for each trip there and back. That's 2 1/2 hours more driving a week. A cheap estimate is 25 bucks a week in gas...125 bucks a month. That's a pay cut we cannot afford right now.
4. No one bothered to see what I wanted. I believe that happy employees can produce a well run business.
So those are just a few. But I'm not trying to just complain here I promise!! I'm lucky to have a lot of supportive people in my life, people that support me the way God wants; and I have been talking to these people about this situation. There have been a few different options brought up and I just don't know what to do.
"For I know the plans I have for you" was the first thing that came to mind (after being upset). God has a plan for my life, but why can't I see it or understand how McDonald's fits in it?? "You will call upon me and come and pray to me." I pray, I talk to God, but not like I should. This is the first time in my life that I really understand what being a Christian is and having God as my Lord AND Savior, so I'm still learning to give it to God. My conclusion: I'm not seeking God like I need to be. How do I know this? "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." He promises that I will find Him. God is by far the only one that stands by ALL His promises. So if I was seeking like I should then God would hear me. I may not understand His plan but I will find Him. Submitting to Him is the only way to live my life.
Here is my issue: I have grown up dealing with my own issues and supporting myself. If I wanted something done I needed to do it myself because 90% of the time no one else would or could do it for me. So the idea of handing EVERYTHING in my life to someone else seems insane. I haven't been able to (or wanted to) depend on others because they let me down. Not to mention HOW do you do this? How does one just hand something over that is not a physical object. Do I just stop worrying about it? Not think about, just go on about my day and wait and see what happens??
I'm not sure. I know I have to seek Him though, with all my heart otherwise it is rebellion. I know that whatever plans God has for me has nothing to do with what I deserve or what I do to try and deserve it.
**Ironically, this went from how my transfer fits into God's plan for me into how to find peace with God's decisions for my life and how to discover God's plan. :) God is beyond words, that's for sure. :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Regret and Repetition
I have two things I want to talk about today!!
Topic 1: Regret
I picked up where I left off in my reading through the Bible, 1 Chronicles 9-11. Hmmm...how to start. Chapter 9 was more genealogy, which I mentioned in the last blog. Chapter 10 talks about Saul and his death, it sounds familiar, like I've read it before. I started to get really confused and frustrated because where did Saul come from and why was he so important. It seemed so random. the passage is going on about genealogy and after Saul's genealogy it switches to his death. I backed and stopped and thought. He has to have been mentioned before because it sounds familiar and it was important enough to mention in a (seemingly) odd place (to me at least); so I used the center column where it references previous scripture. 1 Samuel was referenced. Flipped back and bam! There is was! Several chapters on Saul. Clarification. Awesome. Another reason I looked back was because in 1Chronicles 10:13 it said Saul died because of breach of faith. I began skimming the passages and found out what the breach of faith was...but while skimming 1Samuel 15:35 I found an interesting phrase. It said "the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel." Why would the LORD regret his decision that he already knew would happen. Next step, used my eSword for other translations of the Bible and see what other word is used. :) (Yes I am very happy with myself because this is the first time I am really STUDYING my Bible and not just reading it.) Anyways back on topic. ESword has this neat thing that I can look at various concordances and such. So in the KJV+ it has these codes next to words. This is was came up next to regretted (repented in this translation): A primitive root; properly to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, that is, (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself): - comfort (self), ease [one’s self], repent (-er, -ing, self). To me 'sigh' makes sense. The LORD 'sighing' at our decisions makes more sense and brings more clarification. Hope it brings light to you as well!
Topic 2: Repetition
So looking back through previous read passages brought two things to mind. 1) I don't retain information like I used to and 2) God repeats himself. It reminds me of something Kyle use to say. Something to the effect of repetition means it's important (correct me or whatever Kyle!) Take Saul's genealogy for example, it was mentioned twice within two sequential chapters. Paul's life was mentioned twice in 5 chapters. Saul obviously did something that the Lord wants us to take notice of. :)
Just saying!
Topic 1: Regret
I picked up where I left off in my reading through the Bible, 1 Chronicles 9-11. Hmmm...how to start. Chapter 9 was more genealogy, which I mentioned in the last blog. Chapter 10 talks about Saul and his death, it sounds familiar, like I've read it before. I started to get really confused and frustrated because where did Saul come from and why was he so important. It seemed so random. the passage is going on about genealogy and after Saul's genealogy it switches to his death. I backed and stopped and thought. He has to have been mentioned before because it sounds familiar and it was important enough to mention in a (seemingly) odd place (to me at least); so I used the center column where it references previous scripture. 1 Samuel was referenced. Flipped back and bam! There is was! Several chapters on Saul. Clarification. Awesome. Another reason I looked back was because in 1Chronicles 10:13 it said Saul died because of breach of faith. I began skimming the passages and found out what the breach of faith was...but while skimming 1Samuel 15:35 I found an interesting phrase. It said "the LORD regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel." Why would the LORD regret his decision that he already knew would happen. Next step, used my eSword for other translations of the Bible and see what other word is used. :) (Yes I am very happy with myself because this is the first time I am really STUDYING my Bible and not just reading it.) Anyways back on topic. ESword has this neat thing that I can look at various concordances and such. So in the KJV+ it has these codes next to words. This is was came up next to regretted (repented in this translation): A primitive root; properly to sigh, that is, breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, that is, (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself): - comfort (self), ease [one’s self], repent (-er, -ing, self). To me 'sigh' makes sense. The LORD 'sighing' at our decisions makes more sense and brings more clarification. Hope it brings light to you as well!
Topic 2: Repetition
So looking back through previous read passages brought two things to mind. 1) I don't retain information like I used to and 2) God repeats himself. It reminds me of something Kyle use to say. Something to the effect of repetition means it's important (correct me or whatever Kyle!) Take Saul's genealogy for example, it was mentioned twice within two sequential chapters. Paul's life was mentioned twice in 5 chapters. Saul obviously did something that the Lord wants us to take notice of. :)
Just saying!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Begat
I have been attempting to read the Bible from beginning to end just because. No specific reason I chose that way other than that's the way it is written. Odd for me because of my organization. To me reading it chronologically would make more sense since that is the order of events and my brain processes order and organization. Yet, the Bible is written this way for a reason so that's how I'll read it for now.
I'm sure you saw that I am 'attempting'. Here's the deal...I keep getting stuck at the parts that are genealogy. This is my thing, why do I need to know who begat who?? What growth is there in that? I don't get it. I'm sure there is a reason because it wouldn't be in the Bible if God didn't find it important for me to know. Still, half those people I don't know and I don't who is who. Just like there are multiple Johns out there now, back in that time there was the same thing. So how do I know which one is the one that becomes the king or whatever!? It gets frustrating.
If anyone has any idea I would love to hear it. I know that there are things that we just aren't meant to understand but still, if there is an answer why shouldn't I know it?
BTW...I need a send off phrase...just saying. :)
I'm sure you saw that I am 'attempting'. Here's the deal...I keep getting stuck at the parts that are genealogy. This is my thing, why do I need to know who begat who?? What growth is there in that? I don't get it. I'm sure there is a reason because it wouldn't be in the Bible if God didn't find it important for me to know. Still, half those people I don't know and I don't who is who. Just like there are multiple Johns out there now, back in that time there was the same thing. So how do I know which one is the one that becomes the king or whatever!? It gets frustrating.
If anyone has any idea I would love to hear it. I know that there are things that we just aren't meant to understand but still, if there is an answer why shouldn't I know it?
BTW...I need a send off phrase...just saying. :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
It is High Time
I told myself the next blog wasn't going to be Wednesday's sermon, but alas God had other plans! Tonight's service hit that spot that screams "you have to share this!" So here I am.
Romans 13:11-14 and Matt 24:3-21
The part that really hit me was the beginning. The Greek used here gives urgency to what Paul is saying (wish I knew all this but I must give credit where credit is due..Kyle). Paul is talking about how now is the time to wake up to the time we are in and our personal state, spiritually apathetic. Here comes the hitting part....our salvation is nearer now than when we became believer, talking about the coming of Christ. **Clarification: Even though Paul was talking about the coming of Christ 2,000 years ago and it still has not occurred that does not negate what it being said. We as humans have finite minds while God's in infinite...our "soon" is different that God's "soon". We can't put God on our level of thinking or anything else. **
Back to the coming of Christ. We referenced Matt 24:3-21. The disciples asked what to look for when ?Jesus was coming back. For those who won't look in you Bibles or online here is the text in ESV:
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered them,"See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for thismust take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
While reading this I was amazed at how absolutely close we are. I hear people all the time talking about it but never really compared what was going on in our world now to scripture. "Wars and rumors of wars". How true is this? That's all there is going on in our nations. Country against country and even people against government. The list goes on. Verse 8 gets me...this is only the start. It will get worse before it gets better (coming of Christ of course). Gets me thinking, when will Christ come back? What if it is tomorrow?? What will Christ catch me doing or see me doing? Is this life that I am living really how I want Christ to catch me living face to face? (He already sees me anyway but because of my finite minds I sometimes neglect to care...bad I know but I've never claimed to be the #1 Christian).
So maybe now it is time for me to REALLY make some changes. How about you??
**Again, must give credit where credit is due...most of this came from Kyle Caudell***
Romans 13:11-14 and Matt 24:3-21
The part that really hit me was the beginning. The Greek used here gives urgency to what Paul is saying (wish I knew all this but I must give credit where credit is due..Kyle). Paul is talking about how now is the time to wake up to the time we are in and our personal state, spiritually apathetic. Here comes the hitting part....our salvation is nearer now than when we became believer, talking about the coming of Christ. **Clarification: Even though Paul was talking about the coming of Christ 2,000 years ago and it still has not occurred that does not negate what it being said. We as humans have finite minds while God's in infinite...our "soon" is different that God's "soon". We can't put God on our level of thinking or anything else. **
Back to the coming of Christ. We referenced Matt 24:3-21. The disciples asked what to look for when ?Jesus was coming back. For those who won't look in you Bibles or online here is the text in ESV:
3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered them,"See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for thismust take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
The Abomination of Desolation
15 "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19 Andalas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. 23Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will arise andperform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.While reading this I was amazed at how absolutely close we are. I hear people all the time talking about it but never really compared what was going on in our world now to scripture. "Wars and rumors of wars". How true is this? That's all there is going on in our nations. Country against country and even people against government. The list goes on. Verse 8 gets me...this is only the start. It will get worse before it gets better (coming of Christ of course). Gets me thinking, when will Christ come back? What if it is tomorrow?? What will Christ catch me doing or see me doing? Is this life that I am living really how I want Christ to catch me living face to face? (He already sees me anyway but because of my finite minds I sometimes neglect to care...bad I know but I've never claimed to be the #1 Christian).
So maybe now it is time for me to REALLY make some changes. How about you??
**Again, must give credit where credit is due...most of this came from Kyle Caudell***
Monday, April 11, 2011
Psalms 23
So at my church Double Springs Baptist (AKA 2Springs) we are going through a series called "The Psalms: Cultivating A Heart For God". So far a great series; I am really enjoying it. We are working our way through Psalms 23 and have made it through verses 1-3 and halfway through 4. It still amazes me how one person can read something and get such a deep meaning out of it.
We have talked about how God's presence is our peace in verses 1-3. The use of the analogy of the shepherd and his sheep is interesting to me because of the difference of what a shepherd was back then and what one is now. BIG difference. So as Kyle (my preacher) says context context context. A shepherd took care of his sheep, they had nothing to worry about just to eat and be merry (if that's a possibility). So we are the sheep and the Lord is the shepherd. The Lord will take care of us and we won't want anything; we all know that when we are taken care of we are at peace. How awesome is that!! To know that there is someone (way greater and mightier than us) taking care of us and providing for us...we should be at peace with that thought!
In verse 4 we see there is protection in the presence of God. Everyone has those points in life where we are down and depressed, the valleys of life. Well in the first half of the verse I have seen that we WALK through valleys. Here is where the deep thoughts come in....when we walk we are calm. The scripture does not say we run through these valleys, running is frantic. We have a calm assurance with the presence of God. I have also seen that we go THROUGH the valleys. The Lord does not say we sit it them or linger around. That alone makes me ecstatic! To know that when I am going through something I won't be there forever! The last thing revealed is that we are in the SHADOW of the valley of death, not in valley of death. Where there is a shadow, light is around some where (light being the Lord). Again his presence is peace, and we can rely on that.
God shows himself in amazing ways. This sermon could not have come at a better time in my life. This was definitely something I need to hear. Everything that was talked about I felt. Knowing that God was with me and that I would not be in the valley forever gave me peace and a sense of calmness. I wasn't anxious and nervous about the outcome. :) God is beyond good!
*Giving credit where credit is due: almost all of this is directly from Preacher Kyle's sermon at my church
We have talked about how God's presence is our peace in verses 1-3. The use of the analogy of the shepherd and his sheep is interesting to me because of the difference of what a shepherd was back then and what one is now. BIG difference. So as Kyle (my preacher) says context context context. A shepherd took care of his sheep, they had nothing to worry about just to eat and be merry (if that's a possibility). So we are the sheep and the Lord is the shepherd. The Lord will take care of us and we won't want anything; we all know that when we are taken care of we are at peace. How awesome is that!! To know that there is someone (way greater and mightier than us) taking care of us and providing for us...we should be at peace with that thought!
In verse 4 we see there is protection in the presence of God. Everyone has those points in life where we are down and depressed, the valleys of life. Well in the first half of the verse I have seen that we WALK through valleys. Here is where the deep thoughts come in....when we walk we are calm. The scripture does not say we run through these valleys, running is frantic. We have a calm assurance with the presence of God. I have also seen that we go THROUGH the valleys. The Lord does not say we sit it them or linger around. That alone makes me ecstatic! To know that when I am going through something I won't be there forever! The last thing revealed is that we are in the SHADOW of the valley of death, not in valley of death. Where there is a shadow, light is around some where (light being the Lord). Again his presence is peace, and we can rely on that.
God shows himself in amazing ways. This sermon could not have come at a better time in my life. This was definitely something I need to hear. Everything that was talked about I felt. Knowing that God was with me and that I would not be in the valley forever gave me peace and a sense of calmness. I wasn't anxious and nervous about the outcome. :) God is beyond good!
*Giving credit where credit is due: almost all of this is directly from Preacher Kyle's sermon at my church
The Typical Introduction
So I have wanted to start a blog for a while, not sure why but I did. However, I didn't want one that just shared my personal life because A) I don't want everyone knowing my personal business, I tell who I want to tell and B) no much goes on in my life, I go to work and come home mostly...every once and a while me and Elijah will go out, but mostly chilling at the house is what we do!
So I wanted something more. So it finally came to me! I will write about my spiritual journey, something to help me process my thoughts in some organized manner. Even more important, hopefully some one out there will read this blog and maybe start thinking of the condition of their own heart, saved or unsaved.
One thing you need to understand about me is that English/ Language Arts was never my strong suit. Especially the part where you read a paragraph or story and interpret information. That being said, don't expect some deep, though out, or "rich" interpretation from me! I get the basics, people like my husband and my preacher(s) are the ones that really bring life to the scripture for me and bring a clear understanding to it. So thanks to them in advance cause they will have a lot of input on this whether they realize it or not! :)
So enjoy!
So I wanted something more. So it finally came to me! I will write about my spiritual journey, something to help me process my thoughts in some organized manner. Even more important, hopefully some one out there will read this blog and maybe start thinking of the condition of their own heart, saved or unsaved.
One thing you need to understand about me is that English/ Language Arts was never my strong suit. Especially the part where you read a paragraph or story and interpret information. That being said, don't expect some deep, though out, or "rich" interpretation from me! I get the basics, people like my husband and my preacher(s) are the ones that really bring life to the scripture for me and bring a clear understanding to it. So thanks to them in advance cause they will have a lot of input on this whether they realize it or not! :)
So enjoy!
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