How Can GOD Be So Cruel?
If There's A GOD, Why Do Innocent People Suffer and Die?
Why Do People Say GOD Is Love, Yet He Lets So Many Bad Things Happen?
Take your pick. The questions are all getting at the same thing -- you find it hard to accept that there is a god when so many ungodly things are happening around you.
I hear you.
There are murders, rapes, tragic car accidents, people dying from diseases, children starving...the list goes on and on.
Let me ask you one thing, however: What kind of place would this world be if no one died, no one suffered, no one got sick? In other words, if everything was perfect?
But is such a thing really possible when we humans are the ones immediately in control of what's going on around us?
How are we in control, you ask.
Well, first of all, who commits murders, drinks and drives, has unprotected sex, starts wars (which leads to countless suffering and deaths), oppresses the poor,etc.? Is it GOD who does these things? No, it's us.
Well, why doesn't GOD stop us, then? GOD gave us free will. Do you really want someone to reach in and tinker with your mind and heart and MAKE you do something? That's not much of an existence, right?
Well, why doesn't GOD warn people when bad things are about to happen to them?
He does. There are warnings and instructions all over the Holy Bible -- GOD's Holy Word.
Now I'm asking you to believe in the Holy Bible! Well, friend, if we are to talk about the True and Living GOD, then we must also talk about the Holy Bible, for the two go hand-in-hand.
But, let's forget about the things we seemingly can control. How about natural disasters? Who is to blame when a nasty tornado sweeps through a town and destroys people's homes and claims numerous lives?
Well, as it says in the Holy Bible, GOD is indeed in charge of all of creation and has orchestrated the movement of nature -- such as rain, snow, hail, etc. So therefore, HE must be in charge of the tornados and hurricanes and earthquakes, too.
Now, I have to tread carefully here because I don't want to make judgments about anyone.
But I will say, good people die everyday -- as it has been since the dawn of time. Some good people die tragically and in suffering, too.
I can't dare to speak for GOD, but I can look to HIS Holy Word and tell you what HE has said about such things.
Consider the Great Flood:
Genesis 6 (New King James Version):
5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.”
11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.
So, based on this record, GOD realized -- based on what HE saw happening -- that the nature of man (once we became aware of good and evil), tended to choose to do wicked things. As it says, "every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. " Let the violence that we hear and see everyday on the news and in the papers be a testament to that (especially the crimes against children). Remember, there is nothing new under the sun. Every and anything our fellow man thinks to do to harm another has been done since the beginning of time.
Now, when GOD realized that man liked doing wicked things and preferred it over the light, HE was sorry HE even made man. That's right, GOD regretted human creation. And you may say, why did HE even bother making us if HE knew we were going to turn out so terribly? Because when HE made us, HE made us innocent -- we weren't aware of the concept of good and bad. Didn't HE know we would soon find out? -- Of course. So should HE have not made us then? I can't speak for GOD, but I can speak for myself when I say I'm glad I've got life -- despite all the flaws, risks and danger. I delight in the good things.
But people on the earth were behaving so badly that it grieved GOD in HIS heart. Imagine that -- GOD getting so emotionally upset at what HE was witnessing! (Imagine if you could see EVERYTHING wicked and evil we humans do to each other everyday? You'd probably have a breakdown). So HE decided to sort of undo creation - HE would destroy everything and wipe the slate clean. (I'm not forgetting about Noah and his family and the animals.)
So GOD can't stand when man does wickedness - EVER.
Romans 6:22-23 (New King James Version): 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 5:11-13 (New King James Version): 12 Therefore, just as through one man (Adam) sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned...
So sin (wickedness) leads to death -- in actuality either through wicked actions or through damnation (GOD condemns you because of your desire to remain in wicked ways).
Matthew 19:15-17 (New King James Version):
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Let me ask another question: Would you reward evil actions? Would you continually intercede and save/help someone who seems to always choose to do bad things to others? I know I would grow very tired of it. Of course, you would always try to help and reward those who do good.
Sit back and take a good look at the world in which you live. There are many who make life seem so pleasurable, yet there are just as many that make you ashamed to even be human.
As long as we live in a wicked world, we should expect bad things to happen on the grand scale. As for the individual, it is between he/she and GOD as to how things will be.
Again, bad things happen to good people. I know, I've had moments where I've struggled to understand why GOD would allow certain things to happen.
But ask any true Christian (I say true because there are many fickle, false people running around dirtying the name) and they will tell you the same thing -- yes, things get bad sometimes, but I know that GOD is with me and will see me through one way or another.
That's how people can say after a terrible storm or accident that the fact that some survived is a miracle. That's why some can say that when they were hiding in the basement and praying to Jesus as the tornado tore apart their house and the homes around them.
Once you enter a real relationship with GOD some things become clear to you. You understand that GOD does not owe you one single thing. There is nothing you could ever give HIM or promise HIM that would mean anything. After all, HE is the CREATOR and we are the creation (dust to dust, my friend).
So you can shake your fist at the heavens and curse and yell at GOD for all the bad things that are happening. Or you can step back and see who is really to blame and that we by nature are quite sinful and delight in sinful things. Until we all change as a whole, the earth will continue to be rocked and we will die and suffer. That's life as we currently know it. A true relationship with GOD will help you weather this storm known as life. And if you walk through it holding on to Jesus' hand and neither looking to the left nor the right, you'll get true life -- as GOD intended you to have.
Keep raging and hating GOD. Or accept that this is a situation that we've gotten ourselves into.
But don't forget, that there is a solution - eternal life. And that eternal life is quite accessible for those who truly thirst and hunger for it.
If you want it, it can be yours. Start by sitting yourself down and saying, "GOD, I don't know much about YOU, but I think there's a good chance You're real and I want to know who YOU ARE. Show YOURSELF to me, LORD GOD so that I may consider what it is you require of me."
Chances are, HE'll take you up on that.
I say chances because you have to mean it. Just like HE can get angry, sad and disappointed, GOD can also get impatient -- HE won't wait for you forever.
Extra reading:
Ephesians 5:8-10 (New King James Version):
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Proverbs 6:16-19 (New King James Version):
These six things the LORD hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
That is: pride, lying, murderers, purposeful wickedness, pleasure in wickedness, false witness, trouble starters...
Galatians 5:19-23 (New King James Version):
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control...
Psalm 11:5 (New King James Version): The LORD tests the righteous,
But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
Keep reading...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Is This Why You Say There Is No GOD?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
More Proof That Islam Was Spawned by the Devil
Why is it commonplace for these Muslim governments to kill people for minor infractions? The extremists call for blood anytime someone uses the name of Mohammad in a way that they don't like or dares to question Islam.
An Afghan court on Tuesday sentenced a 23-year-old journalism student to death for distributing a paper he printed off the Internet that three judges said violated the tenets of Islam, an official said.
The three-judge panel sentenced Sayad Parwez Kambaksh to death for distributing a paper that humiliated Islam, said Fazel Wahab, the chief judge in the northern province of Balkh, where the trial took place. Wahab did not preside over the trial.
We hear these stories all of the time. Does the Quran (Koran) really call for people who make such infractions to be killed? How can this be a book from god? Yes, we can read in the Holy Bible about people being punished by death for all kinds of crimes and infractions, that is very true. When Jesus the Christ was born, died and resurrected, the chapter was closed on those laws. If you read the New Testament, Jesus explains how the laws are to be interpreted (for example, adultery isn't only committed by the physical act, but lusting in your mind/heart after another is already adultery). Jesus never called for anyone to be put to death when they questioned or challenged him...or for any of their crimes or sins.
So, explain to me how a 'religion' that professes to come from god -- the Almighty Creator who created us with love -- is so blood thirsty. Is this what that satanist Mohammad taught? The Children of GOD Almighty are not to live under oppression and by fear. As Jesus the Christ explained, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10, NKJV)." Not to have those twisting the law for their own benefit to stand on our necks.
Islam is another tool created by satan.
It's either Jesus the Christ or nothing. There is no middle ground.
This is an Associated Press article, by the way. It runs with the headline: 'Afghan Journalist Sentenced to Death'. In actuality, the headline simplifies the story... A headline like 'Afghan Student Sentenced to Death' or 'Journalism Student Sentenced to Death'...would probably be more appropriate and accurate.
Keep reading...
We're More Willing to Believe In Aliens Than We Are In Almighty GOD
Signs of life? Texas town hopes to become UFO landing spot - CNN.com
What's wrong with us? Why are we so obsessed with outer space and aliens and UFOs? Why are we so convinced that our government is hiding a bunch of skinny, green, long-limbed men from us in some secret NASA facility?
It seems the average person is more apt to believe that E.T. visits our planet on occasion, than they are to even consider the possibility that Jesus is indeed the Son of GOD. It's even more surprising that many of us don't even know that Jesus the man was an actual living, breathing person and not some mythical creature someone dreamed up (His divinity is the issue). But I guess UFOs are more interesting than everlasting salvation. Have you alien-freaks considered the possibility that these UFOs and 'aliens' are just a wing of our government conducting tests, experiments and carrying out stuff in secret because they don't want to freak us out...or be held accountable? There are no aliens! And the UFOs are just that -- unidentified flying objects -- not alien spaceships.
But I know why we like to believe such bunk...
The Bible addresses that, too.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons...(1 Timothy 4:1, NKJV)
2 Thessalonians 2:5-12 (NKJV):
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time.
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He[d] who now restrains will do so until He[e] is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,
12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
I'm not claiming that those above verses explain it all, but I do believe the two are related. And I'm not saying satan is responsible for the UFOs (and there are indeed flying objects that are often times unidentifiable), but I'm sure he helps fuel the frenzy and obsession with space aliens and flying saucers. Satan would like nothing more than for us to be distracted -- with/by anything -- as long as it has nothing to do with Jesus the Christ, and he will go to great lengths to make sure that is achieved. But he doesn't always have to work too hard.
Look at us. We celebrate the Big Bang theory, yet have a historical calender based on the birth of Jesus the Christ -- yet we refuse to acknowledge him as such. We'd rather believe (and teach our children) that our bodies, the earth and the universe all just kind of happened accidentally. Any doctor or scientist knows that none of this is no accident. The intricate design and make up of our bodies was indeed thought out and planned. The course of nature was indeed thought and planned. If you believe that it's all some freak happening you have to really ask yourself why you would rather believe such a thing, when all the evidence points to the contrary.
And despite the proof doctors and scientists see everyday, they'd rather believe in some theory -- a lie, because lies taste sweeter and are easier to swallow.
We'd rather believe in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny than acknowledge Jesus the Christ.
Because that's all easy, right? We don't have to bend ourselves in anyway when we make our own gods...and this is what they all are -- idols. We have a problem getting close enough to GOD Almighty because we would have to submit ourselves and change our ways and give up certain things. But we don't want to do that, so we make up our own gods to serve us...instead of the other way around.
So yes, the alien and spaceship worship is just us creating another god by giving these things that we are ignorant of our own explanation and definitions. Consider how many people dedicate their lives to chasing these aliens, yet neglect to even consider GOD Almighty.
Can you see how crazy we are? -- We shove Santa Clause down our kids throats but don't want them to have anything to do with Jesus the Christ. We look to the skies in search of an 'x-file' instead of admiring the beauty of GOD's work.
But go ahead, keep looking to the skies, GOD has plenty of other strong delusions to pacify your heart.
Other verses from the Holy Bible to consider...
Psalm 14 (NKJV):
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good.
2 The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.
3 They have all turned aside,
They have together become corrupt;
There is none who does good,
No, not one.
Romans 1 (NKJV)
8 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Keep reading...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Most Important Verse in the Old Testament
I went to church today and the pastor discussed the thing(s) that GOD sees about us that makes us holy and acceptable in HIS sight. First, he asked what the most important verse among all the important verses in the New Testament are, and of course, many said John 3:16 is the most important verse in the NT. I agree. If you read that verse, it pretty much sums up the whole purpose of us, the world and Jesus. 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
I don't think there are many people who would disagree that John 3:16 is a pretty important verse in the Bible. However, some may disagree on what my pastor pointed out as being perhaps one of the most important verses in the Old Testament.
Let's see what it says and what it means.
We should put the verse in context first.
Gen. 15:1-6 (NKJV)
1 After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”
2 But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
3 Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!”
4 And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.”
5 Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.”
6 And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
So, here Abram was, chosen by the LORD to 'develop' a nation of people to honor HIM. GOD had given the stranger in a foreign land just about everything he could ever need (and wanted to give him more). But Abram was like, "What good are all of these possessions if I don't even have a son to pass them onto when I die?" Abram was concerned that the child of his servant would be the one to inherit everything. But GOD said, "No worries." GOD sent Abram outside and told him to look up and number the stars. Of course Abram couldn't, there were just too many. And GOD said so will the number of your descendants be. And what was Abram's reaction? Did he say yeah, right? or now way? Nope. Abram who had experienced the truth and love of GOD from the minute HE had called out to him said simply, "OK." He believed all that GOD told him. GOD was so impressed with this little man's faith, that HE considered him righteous.
So what are we to gleam from that? Simply, be strong in your faith of the LORD. That's all Abram had to do. GOD didn't give him all of those laws that he gave Moses for the unruly nation in the desert hundreds of years later -- Abram's descendants. We all know how crazy and faithlessly the Israelites behaved after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt...even after they had received guidelines (laws/commandments) from GOD Himself. But look at Abram...he didn't need any rules to support his faith. The Word of the LORD was enough for him.
And consider Jesus, hundreds of years after Abram. Did he try to give the people more laws? Nope. He was the Word in flesh...no law could ever compare to Him or save you. All that Jesus required of those to whom he was preaching the Gospel (the Good News) was that they believed Him when he said He was the Son of GOD. He said so many times in so many ways, but here's a gist:
John 14:11
Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
That's all that required of us, simply to believe. Once we believe, then everything else comes gradually. You may call yourself a Christian. You may go to church religiously and tithe and baptize your babies...but if you don't really believe the News you've been given, then you're still lost. And believe it or not, there are plenty in the church who have been 'saved' since jump, but are still struggling internally to actually believe in GOD 100% and HIS Son the Savior Jesus Christ. If you don't believe, you're kidding yourself.
If you genuinely believe, GOD will carry you the rest of the way. But how can HE do that if you don't even acknowledge that HE is real?
Remember that woman with that awful condition who impressed Jesus so?Matthew 9:19-24 (NKJV)
20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.”
22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing,
24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him.
So be as Abram (Abraham) and just believe. That's what plan on doing everyday. Just simply take GOD at His Word. He never lies. He never changes. He never stops loving His people and he doesn't break promises. We just have to remain faithful.
Keep reading...
Monday, January 7, 2008
What I'm Reading: My GOD Vs. Your god; Hilarity in the Bible
Wow. I know the Holy Bible has everything -- tragedy, comedy, supernatural happenings -- but I didn't know that it could be quite so funny sometimes. I've been reading through Israel's history as written in the Bible, and have been going through the kings that ruled over both Israel and Judah. I just read through the part in 1 Kings 20-40 concerning how King Ahab of Israel had fallen away from GOD's statutes and had taken after his wife Jezebel's god Baal. GOD was really upset, to say the least, so he inspired a prophet, Elijah to give the people an ultimatum to get them back on track. GOD inspired him to present some reality programming to the masses in the form of 'My GOD Vs. Your god' (my own term of course). This is probably the most hilarious thing I've read in the Holy Bible thus far. So how did this all go down?
Let me give you a little summary in case you don't feel like reading the text (1 Kings 18: 20-40). First off, Elijah asked King Ahab to gather the people at a particular mountain, where there used to be a sacrificial altar to GOD (which was in ruins and had been replaced by one to Baal). King Ahab's wife Jezebel had made sure to have all the men of GOD executed (save a hundred which someone managed to help escape and hide), while she had hundreds of her own pagan prophets and priests doing all kinds of dirty in the kingdom. Elijah wanted and needed to set the record straight for the sake of the people.
So this is what Elijah proposed:
“I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Therefore let them give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it; and I will prepare the other bull, and lay it on the wood, but put no fire under it. 24 Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, He is God.”
So the people said, yeah, that sounds like a good, fair way to see who's really boss. So Elijah let the priests of Baal go first. They set up the altar with the meat and get busy calling on their god...and they go at it ALL DAY. Did Baal answer?
And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 So they cried aloud, and cut themselves, as was their custom, with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them. 29 And when midday was past, they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice. But there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention.
So after the Baals made a fool of themselves in front of the people, it was then Elijah's turn (finally!) to do the same and call on whom he worshiped. But since the old altar of the Lord had been destroyed, he had to do a makeshift one with stones. He then set up the wood and placed the meat on it. He then made a kind of barrier or trench around the altar, which he had people fill with buckets and buckets and buckets of water.
Elijah spoke two sentences to Whom he worshiped saying:
“LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.”
That's all Elijah said and did. There was no thrashing about for hours on end. He didn't spill his blood or make an ass of himself like the Baal priests did. So after he spoke, was the fire kindled?
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
Wow! Talk about showing who's boss! Not only was the fire kindled -- which was all Elijah proposed for the deciding factor -- but the fire consumed the meat, the wood, the stones, EVEN THE DUST!, and licked up all the water in the trench too. GOD was not playing around. ...Did the people repent?
Yes, of course. Who wouldn't? But, since I have a bit more to go through the rest of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, et al, I'm sure they and/or the kings mess up again. ...And GOD gives them another chance, and another, and another...(Sigh) Well, no more water; fire next time.
Oh, and yes, the Baal priests were executed. Straight up zero tolerance policy apparently.
Anyway, what do you think of this particular story? Am I alone in my amazement and amusement?
Got any notables from the Bible you'd like to share? -- Leave a comment!
Keep reading...
