Death Toll from Myanmar Cyclone Jumps to 78,000

aimes92026 »

Sun May 18, 2008 11:56 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

This is truly a sad story, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families. I have heard some people say that the victims brought this on themselves, and that this is God pouring out His wrath on the unbelievers. One thing that I know, is that God can use this to His glory, and use this situation to further His kingdom and bring us closer to Him. I pray for all those affected by this tragedy, and pray that God draws them closer, and comforts them. I pray that He protects them and pours out His love, grace, and mercy on those affected. I pray that none will harden their hearts to Him as a result of this tragedy, but that all may come to know Him, and come to repentence as a result.

Theologians: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

aimes92026 »

Tue Apr 29, 2008 9:37 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

hautechick:

Much of what I say can and has been substantiated outside of the Bible. There are secular text, including Roman and Greek text that confirm some of the stories in the Bible. There is extra biblical evidence, including archaeological and historical finds that substantiate it. There are skeletal remains being found the world over, on the top of mountains and summits that point to the "probability" that at one time, the entire earth may have been covered in water- the universal flood. And it’s good that you have studied and read about other religions, but I do believe that only in Christianity is such a bold claim made, that we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and that the only way to salvation is through One, and that Is Jesus Christ and Him alone. One great thing about the Bible that no other book can claim is the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies. Other religious books and so called “prophets” made claims, and they were wrong. But the prophecies in the Bible have come true, and we are still waiting for others to be fulfilled. Not one prophecy was given by God, and was false. And since you like back up, read Gen 3:15, which was fulfilled in Galatians 4:4, read Isaiah 7:14, which was fulfilled in Matthew 1:18, read Gen 22:18, which was fulfilled in Matt 1:1. I could go on and on, but I have to get to reading my Bible.


Ancient cities and civilizations only mentioned in the Bible, like Jericho and Ur have been excavated. Outside witnesses, such as the Jewish historian Josephus, the 1st century Roman Tacitus, and Emperor Trajan, among others, attest to the fact that many of the stores mentioned in the Bible are true. It is obvious to me that you only wish to argue your point, and God is not the author of confusion. If you care to invest some time into learning the truth, you should start with a great book, called The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell.


But if you only care to sit here and argue and be condescending, then you can continue making your “point” online just the way you are. As for me however, it is time for me to read my Bible. And as far as you thinking you’re not a sinner. Romans 3:23 says you are. And since the Bible was inspired by God and is His word, I prefer to believe what He says about you, rather than what you say about yourself. May God Bless you and keep you, always.

Theologians: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

aimes92026 »

Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:55 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

hautechick:


What do you think about God? After reading your e-mails, it appears to me (and I don’t know you, and I am not judging you, but I am basing it on the tone of your e-mails here), that you do have a problem with God. You have some sort of animosity towards Him, or maybe you feel He let you down or something. However, you need to know that God is a sovereign God, and as such, is free to do anything He pleases, and no one, NO ONE can make a case against Him because He is sovereign! However, He is a loving and merciful God, and cares for us tremendously. In fact, the Bible says that God doesn’t wish for any of us to perish, but for us all to come to repentance (that includes you). He is fair and just. We all deserve to die for the sins we have committed. I don’t need to know you, but I know that as a human, you are a sinner, and the wages of sin is death. Right there, God would be justified in allowing each and every last one of us to perish, and we would have no defense to counter it. But that’s not what He wants.

Humans in heaven will be better behaved because in heaven, you get a glorified body, just like Jesus after His resurrection. There is no sin in heaven. Those in heaven are those who truly love God, and submitted to Him and His will here on earth. Therefore, we have no problems submitting to Him in heaven. Those who oppose God, and continue doing their own will and engaging in carnal and wicked things in opposition to God, will end up in hell with the false prophet and the anti Christ(Rev 20:15). The DEVIL and his DEMONS will not be in Heaven (Rev 20:10), influence us to do wicked things in opposition of Gods will. Therefore, sin is GONE. This is why we’ll be “better- behaved” in heaven. And yes, Heaven does exist – read Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:48, Matthew 11:11, Revelation 21: 3-4, Acts 2:2, and so does HELL read Luke 16:23, revelation 19:20.

If you are truly serious about knowing God, I would encourage you to say a prayer, a simple one, and ask God to reveal Himself to you. Sit down, and maybe read a couple of chapters from the Bible. I’d recommend the book of John, because it’s a great place to start, and truly tells a lot about the character of God. If you are sincere, and are truly seeking God, you will find Him.

Theologians: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

aimes92026 »

Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:52 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

God is always in control. He is the Creator of ALL things, which is stated in the Bible numerous times (Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 45:18, Genesis 1:1). The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible word of God. Therefore, no, you cannot separate God from the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all scripture is God breathed. The Holy Spirit also helps in interpreting the Bible. Even when Jesus, God’s own son was being beaten and crucified, God did not stop it, but allowed it. In fact, over 200 Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God knew exactly what would happen to Jesus, and it happened. He didn’t cause it, but allowed it. If Jesus Himself was broken and crucified, what makes you think you are any better? What makes you think God should save you from suffering when Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Messiah Himself endured suffering? While all but one of the apostles were martyred for what they knew and what they taught, why are you so special that God should prevent any harm from coming to you?
God knew that humans would be selfish, wicked unworthy sinners, and yet still He created us, loves us, and gives us opportunities to repent. That is why I praise Him! Of course He knew humans would screw things up, and have to be “saved”, but He had it all planned. It’s like if you have kids, you know your kids will give you some discomfort and problems, yet we are still willing to have them. God is the same way, He is our Father and loves us, and still wants a relationship with us. It’s a wonder He didn’t just destroy us all and move on, because I know He could have. He must think we’re really worth something.
Regarding suffering- Why does God allow suffering to exist in the world? There are numerous reasons, and I’m sure there are a few that we don’t even know. First, suffering is usually the result of what we ourselves have done. Our past sins may cause us to endure suffering. Secondly, suffering increases perseverance, which strengthens our faith in God and our testimonies to His faithfulness. Thirdly, suffering exists because humans are agents of free will. As long as you are on earth with free will, you can apply your free will to someone else’s disadvantage, thus increasing their suffering. A fourth reason God allows suffering can be found in the book of Job, which by the way, is a great book to read to learn more about the reasons we humans suffer. I think the answer might surprise you. Tell us why did God allow Job to endure so much suffering?