QUESTION:
“If God created the devil and put the tree in the garden to tempt man, isn’t God responsible for the evil in the world? Furthermore, if God can stop all the evil and doesn’t, isn’t He then doubly responsible for it?”
ANSWER:
Sounds like a pretty open and shut case against God doesn’t it? This is a tough issue for a short answer but let’s see what we can discover God is guilty of. Continue reading
QUESTION:
We are in a war where radical Muslims claim God is on their side. In America we pray for God to bless our troops and believe God is on our side. Does God choose sides and if so, whose side is He on?
ANSWER:
We gain insight into the answer to your question about God choosing sides in war in Joshua 5:13-14. Joshua is preparing to lead Israel in battle against Jericho. Joshua sees “a man” standing with sword drawn and he asks him, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” This “man” turns out to be an angel, or most probably, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Continue reading
QUESTION:
In the abortion debate I am pro-choice. When I mention this I have had Christians tell me I am pro-abortion. That angers me because I hate abortions but I think a person should have a choice in this matter. How come Christians think pro-choice is the same as pro-abortion?
ANSWER:
I can understand your frustration at being labeled as being in favor of something that you detest. Most people would consider your stance rather neutral. You are not in favor of abortion but neither do you think people should be restricted from having them if that is their choice. Continue reading
Question:
In Romans 11:26 the Bible clearly says “all Israel shall be saved.” Does that mean we should not waste our time witnessing to Jews since they will be saved anyway? Also, does that mean they will be saved just because they are Jews without having to trust in Jesus?”
Answer:
Often when we don’t understand a passage of Scripture a little diligent study will reveal that the Bible is the best interpreter of the Bible. Questions we have are often answered somewhere else in God’s Word. Continue reading
On Easter Weekend 2010, Bay Area Fellowship in Corpus Christi is giving away TVs, laptops and cars – nearly $1 million in prizes.
I’ve been trying to avoid the issue but on Facebook someone finally asked me point blank about it. So here is my take:
Question:
A pertinent question for Easter came to me from my daughter, Charis. She received an email that told this tale and wondered what I thought of it. I’ve summarized it here (and corrected some of the grammar):
When Peter arrived at the grave of Jesus the Bible says the napkin that covered Jesus’ face was neatly folded up. To understand the significance of that you have to understand a little about Hebrew tradition.
When I was in the Navy I remember a young lieutenant asking me this “profound” puzzler. “Can God do anything? Can He make a rock so big he cannot lift it?”
This is a rather common question asked by pseudo-intellectuals who think they have stumbled across a great chink in the Christian’s belief about the omnipotence of God. The answer to the question is quite simply, “No, there are many things God cannot do.”
… everyone paints devotion (to God) according to his own passions and preferences.
– Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
I just finished reading some of this fellow’s writings. I’ll paraphrase an insight I found interesting.
Some people love to pray so in their eyes Christians who pray little are little Christians. Some love to serve God with their hands and may condemn those who pray for the hungry instead of bringing them bread. Some have a heart to give and are generous with their goods but miserly with kindness or forgiveness. We tend to put greater spiritual value on those Christian disciplines we find most fulfilling. While all these activities are good none are the true measure of our spiritual depth.
Like nature has season – fruitful times and dormant times – our growth with the Lord will also go through dry times and high times. But if you have been in a desert too long, try some of these ideas I found recently on a post by a pastor I’ve started listening to – Steve Furtick.
Don’t confuse God with Life.This quote comes from one of the greatest books I have ever read. Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey is a hard hitting, no nonsense approach to dealing with times that God “let’s us down”. I suggest you get a copy for yourself AND a friend.
This quote explains in 5 words why many Christians stumble and falter when difficulties come. I lose my job. My child gets sick. I get sick. A loved one dies. Random tragedy shatters my life and dreams. Why God? Why! Why! Why!