I do not link up every sermon to this site, but this one has such a core doctrine of Christianity that I felt compelled to link it in.
Is Jesus really God? Today's sermon will answer that question. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is God, but the passages that are shared in today's sermon will show that Jesus is creator (Colossians 1:16) and that Jehovah is the creator who created things Himself (Isaiah 44:24) therefore Jesus is God. Other proofs of Deity are given as well. The title of the message from Colossians 1:15-20 is "Who is Jesus." You can find the message at bancroftbaptist.com then click sermons
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Trust God Not Politicians
Another election cycle has passed. Some Americans are celebrating, others are disappointed, and some do not even care. I must admit that I am relieved that the political calls have stopped. I am also celebrating that a personal friend was actually elected to the Iowa Senate, but even as I celebrate his election, my ultimate trust is not in him.
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Elections like other actions definitely have consequences. People on both sides of the political isle recognize that that there is reason for concern for the future of this country but they obviously have different ideas concerning the solution. As I become discouraged over some results and celebrate others, I must remind myself that my hope for the future must not be placed in a politician or a ballot measure, but in my God. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)
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I am not writing these things to suggest that we as Christians should have no concern for the political process. When I plant the garden, I trust God to make the seeds grow, but I must actually put the seed in the ground first. In other words, I believe Christians should be involved in the voting process and should be informed as they vote. At the same time we must keep things in proper perspective and realize that even when we have proud elected officials who lie, we can still trust God. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)
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As we realize how corrupt many of our politicians are, and as we see that few of them even care about what God has to say, it may be tempting to become afraid. I am not suggesting that there is no reason for concern. I actually believe that Christians may face more and more persecution in the days ahead; however, I do not want us to fear, I want us to have confidence in the power of our God even if we do suffer. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)
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If we allow our faith to be shaken by mere election results, then the enemy wins more than just a political campaign. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) As Christians, our job is the same regardless of who is in office. Our job is to remain faithful as we serve the Lord and bring glory to Him through our lives. We may face further challenges as we do that, but as we remain faithful we are able to be used for God’s glory.
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We must also remember that God is the ultimate judge who will hold wicked men accountable in the end. The Thessalonians faced persecution for their faith and they were given these encouraging words by the Apostle Paul. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8).
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Remember that God is in control and that in the end He wins. We can trust Him no matter what happens.
-
Elections like other actions definitely have consequences. People on both sides of the political isle recognize that that there is reason for concern for the future of this country but they obviously have different ideas concerning the solution. As I become discouraged over some results and celebrate others, I must remind myself that my hope for the future must not be placed in a politician or a ballot measure, but in my God. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)
-
I am not writing these things to suggest that we as Christians should have no concern for the political process. When I plant the garden, I trust God to make the seeds grow, but I must actually put the seed in the ground first. In other words, I believe Christians should be involved in the voting process and should be informed as they vote. At the same time we must keep things in proper perspective and realize that even when we have proud elected officials who lie, we can still trust God. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)
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As we realize how corrupt many of our politicians are, and as we see that few of them even care about what God has to say, it may be tempting to become afraid. I am not suggesting that there is no reason for concern. I actually believe that Christians may face more and more persecution in the days ahead; however, I do not want us to fear, I want us to have confidence in the power of our God even if we do suffer. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)
-
If we allow our faith to be shaken by mere election results, then the enemy wins more than just a political campaign. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) As Christians, our job is the same regardless of who is in office. Our job is to remain faithful as we serve the Lord and bring glory to Him through our lives. We may face further challenges as we do that, but as we remain faithful we are able to be used for God’s glory.
-
We must also remember that God is the ultimate judge who will hold wicked men accountable in the end. The Thessalonians faced persecution for their faith and they were given these encouraging words by the Apostle Paul. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8).
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Remember that God is in control and that in the end He wins. We can trust Him no matter what happens.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Mooching vs. True Needs
Ephesians 4:28 says, “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” I want to work hard and have a little extra so that I can give to those who really have true needs. As a pastor we often get calls asking for gas or food. It is often difficult to know if the needs are real or if we are just being taken advantage. Because the calls come from strangers it is even more difficult especially as we consider Hebrews 13:2, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
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At the same time I realize that many people are just mooching off the generosity of others. Churches are to be charitable, but there are actually clear guidelines in the scripture for showing charity. Imagine if the majority of the people who came to church refused to work and just tried to live off of the generosity of others. It would not take long before there were not enough resources to go around. A sad result would be the inevitable depletion of resources that should be available for those who really do have needs. Consider the faithful Christian widow with no resources who does not have enough to get by. Imagine if we were not able to help her, because others were constantly mooching.
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Even as we think of the widow, the scripture shows that only certain widows are to be helped on a permanent basis. I Timothy chapter 5 explains that in order to get steady support from the church, a widow must have no children or nephews (it is their responsibility to care for her), she must not have other resources to live off of, she must be godly, she must be over 60 years old, and she must have been charitable herself. Not just any widow is allowed to mooch off the church. If she has true needs, she is not mooching, she is being blessed by the provision of God as she serves in prayer.
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A similar issue was dealt with in the letter to the Thessalonians. Evidently some of them were not working and were mooching off of others so Paul wrote: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
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Paul had taught about this issue when he was in Thessalonica and he had written about it in his first letter to them as well, so this is at least the third time he has brought it up. Evidently, some people still were not listening, so he finally had to say in vs. 14, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
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In other words we are not to associate with those who are simply trying to mooch off the church. Verse 15, then makes it clear that we are not to consider them enemies, but we are to tell them to do what is right.
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As I write these things, it may be tempting to become cynical about helping others. I pray we not do that. There are those who are not moochers, but who have genuine needs. It may be a medical need or a loss from some tragedy. We should be eager to help with such needs. Let us not forget about verse 13 of the II Thessalonian passage: “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”
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At the same time I realize that many people are just mooching off the generosity of others. Churches are to be charitable, but there are actually clear guidelines in the scripture for showing charity. Imagine if the majority of the people who came to church refused to work and just tried to live off of the generosity of others. It would not take long before there were not enough resources to go around. A sad result would be the inevitable depletion of resources that should be available for those who really do have needs. Consider the faithful Christian widow with no resources who does not have enough to get by. Imagine if we were not able to help her, because others were constantly mooching.
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Even as we think of the widow, the scripture shows that only certain widows are to be helped on a permanent basis. I Timothy chapter 5 explains that in order to get steady support from the church, a widow must have no children or nephews (it is their responsibility to care for her), she must not have other resources to live off of, she must be godly, she must be over 60 years old, and she must have been charitable herself. Not just any widow is allowed to mooch off the church. If she has true needs, she is not mooching, she is being blessed by the provision of God as she serves in prayer.
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A similar issue was dealt with in the letter to the Thessalonians. Evidently some of them were not working and were mooching off of others so Paul wrote: “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)
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Paul had taught about this issue when he was in Thessalonica and he had written about it in his first letter to them as well, so this is at least the third time he has brought it up. Evidently, some people still were not listening, so he finally had to say in vs. 14, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
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In other words we are not to associate with those who are simply trying to mooch off the church. Verse 15, then makes it clear that we are not to consider them enemies, but we are to tell them to do what is right.
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As I write these things, it may be tempting to become cynical about helping others. I pray we not do that. There are those who are not moochers, but who have genuine needs. It may be a medical need or a loss from some tragedy. We should be eager to help with such needs. Let us not forget about verse 13 of the II Thessalonian passage: “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”
Friday, October 19, 2012
Responsibility & Self Defense
This time of year reminds me of deer season. I haven’t hunted in years but I still have the old shotgun. I have never had to use that shotgun for self defense, but it is there if it is ever needed.
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The issue of self defense is a serious issue, especially as we consider that it may lead to a life being taken. In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords and then we find out that a couple of them were already carrying. I believe this implies Christ’s consent for the defensive carry of weapons. Having said that, I believe that there are also some important warnings that Christians must consider as we approach the responsibility for self defense and the defense of others.
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Psalms 82:4 says, “Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” I believe that this verse gives permission to use even deadly force to save the lives of others. This however does not mean that we have the right to avenge crime. We simply have a right to protect those who are victims as the crime is being committed. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) I am not a lawyer, but as I understand the laws of Iowa, they follow these same Biblical principles in this area. We can use self defense, but we are not allowed to hunt down and kill criminals after the fact.
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What about a criminal who is simply stealing but not threatening life? Exodus 22:2-3 explains that he should make restitution, but if he cannot make restitution that he should be sold into slavery. Though slavery is not part of our culture, this passage shows the severity of the crime and that as strict as the law was, it did not involve death. At the same time this passage also makes provision for a situation where a home is broken into at night. In that situation the scripture allows for deadly force, because in the dark of night it would be difficult to know if the person was simply coming to steal or if they were coming to harm. The laws of Iowa are a bit more vague in this area, but both they and the scriptures remind us of the sanctity of the life of even a thief.
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I am a strong advocate of self defense and of the defense of the innocent victims of criminals, but I cannot defend those who own or carry weapons with a hope that they will be able to use them for the thrill of violence. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalms 11:5)
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Still, there may be times when it is necessary to use force to stop the unjust violence of wicked people. Psalm 144:1 shows that it is good to know how to use weapons in case the need arises. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” The Psalms also remind us that although God allows for the use of weapons, our ultimate trust must be in Him, not them. “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.” (Psalm 44:6-7) I am thankful for my gun, but it might jamb. However, I can always trust my God no matter what he allows to happen.
-
The issue of self defense is a serious issue, especially as we consider that it may lead to a life being taken. In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus tells his disciples to buy swords and then we find out that a couple of them were already carrying. I believe this implies Christ’s consent for the defensive carry of weapons. Having said that, I believe that there are also some important warnings that Christians must consider as we approach the responsibility for self defense and the defense of others.
-
Psalms 82:4 says, “Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” I believe that this verse gives permission to use even deadly force to save the lives of others. This however does not mean that we have the right to avenge crime. We simply have a right to protect those who are victims as the crime is being committed. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19) I am not a lawyer, but as I understand the laws of Iowa, they follow these same Biblical principles in this area. We can use self defense, but we are not allowed to hunt down and kill criminals after the fact.
-
What about a criminal who is simply stealing but not threatening life? Exodus 22:2-3 explains that he should make restitution, but if he cannot make restitution that he should be sold into slavery. Though slavery is not part of our culture, this passage shows the severity of the crime and that as strict as the law was, it did not involve death. At the same time this passage also makes provision for a situation where a home is broken into at night. In that situation the scripture allows for deadly force, because in the dark of night it would be difficult to know if the person was simply coming to steal or if they were coming to harm. The laws of Iowa are a bit more vague in this area, but both they and the scriptures remind us of the sanctity of the life of even a thief.
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I am a strong advocate of self defense and of the defense of the innocent victims of criminals, but I cannot defend those who own or carry weapons with a hope that they will be able to use them for the thrill of violence. “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.” (Psalms 11:5)
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Still, there may be times when it is necessary to use force to stop the unjust violence of wicked people. Psalm 144:1 shows that it is good to know how to use weapons in case the need arises. “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” The Psalms also remind us that although God allows for the use of weapons, our ultimate trust must be in Him, not them. “For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.” (Psalm 44:6-7) I am thankful for my gun, but it might jamb. However, I can always trust my God no matter what he allows to happen.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Do We Know What Love Is?
My wife and I will celebrate our 6th anniversary this fall. I regularly tell her that I love her. I talk to my little brother on the phone quite a bit as well. I also regularly tell him that I love him. Though I love both my brother an my wife, the love that I have for my wife involves a romantic component that the love I have for others does not have. So what is love?
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The greatest command of all is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and then to love your neighbor as yourself (see Matthew 22:37-40). I fear however that we do not really understand what love is.
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Just because I say the words, “I love you,” does that really mean that I am showing love? Sometimes those words are not loving at all and are actually said for selfish reasons in order to try to get something or to influence someone. Real love is more than just words. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:18) The words themselves are not the same as love, but rather they should be a part of the evidence of love. The other part of that evidence should be the actions or deeds that are done out of love. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16)
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As we consider love in action, the word charity comes to mind. In fact, in one of the most popular English Bible versions, the Greek word “agape” is translated love 86 times and charity 27 times. This reminds us that charity is certainly an aspect of love; however, we must also realize that although love should involve action, it should also involve more than that. The word “agape” has the idea of affection or benevolence. We typically think of affection as “love” and benevolence as “charity”, yet both aspects are found in this one word.
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I Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the love chapter, yet the word “agape” in this passage is often translated “charity”. The context however clearly shows that this love is to be more than just charitable actions. Consider verse 3: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Giving goods to feed the poor is how charity is often defined, yet this verse is teaching that a man could give everything he has away and still not have charity. The reason for this is that although love involves doing things, it is also much more than just action, it includes affection as well.
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Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”. Mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, patience, and forgiveness, are the sort of things that show love. Yet Colossians 3:14 shows us that love (charity) is to be put above all those other things that we typically think of as actions of love. I believe that the reason for this is that if you have love, then the other things are more likely to fall into place.
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As we try to understand the concept of love, let us remember that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The heart is the idea of the affection, the soul is the idea of your life/actions, and the mind is the idea of your thoughts. There are many aspects of love. May it abound more and more.
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The greatest command of all is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind and then to love your neighbor as yourself (see Matthew 22:37-40). I fear however that we do not really understand what love is.
-
Just because I say the words, “I love you,” does that really mean that I am showing love? Sometimes those words are not loving at all and are actually said for selfish reasons in order to try to get something or to influence someone. Real love is more than just words. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (I John 3:18) The words themselves are not the same as love, but rather they should be a part of the evidence of love. The other part of that evidence should be the actions or deeds that are done out of love. “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16)
-
As we consider love in action, the word charity comes to mind. In fact, in one of the most popular English Bible versions, the Greek word “agape” is translated love 86 times and charity 27 times. This reminds us that charity is certainly an aspect of love; however, we must also realize that although love should involve action, it should also involve more than that. The word “agape” has the idea of affection or benevolence. We typically think of affection as “love” and benevolence as “charity”, yet both aspects are found in this one word.
-
I Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the love chapter, yet the word “agape” in this passage is often translated “charity”. The context however clearly shows that this love is to be more than just charitable actions. Consider verse 3: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Giving goods to feed the poor is how charity is often defined, yet this verse is teaching that a man could give everything he has away and still not have charity. The reason for this is that although love involves doing things, it is also much more than just action, it includes affection as well.
-
Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”. Mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, patience, and forgiveness, are the sort of things that show love. Yet Colossians 3:14 shows us that love (charity) is to be put above all those other things that we typically think of as actions of love. I believe that the reason for this is that if you have love, then the other things are more likely to fall into place.
-
As we try to understand the concept of love, let us remember that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The heart is the idea of the affection, the soul is the idea of your life/actions, and the mind is the idea of your thoughts. There are many aspects of love. May it abound more and more.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Do I Really Have to Share?
We have been trying to teach our little boys to share. This can be a difficult concept. We want to teach them that they must share their toys with each other, but we also want to make sure that one of them does not use the idea of sharing as an excuse to demand that his brother give up the toy that he wants.
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Unfortunately even adults struggle with this concept. As Christians we are to share with those who are less fortunate than we are, yet we must also point out that it is not right to demand that others share their possessions simply because we want them. Consider the tenth commandment: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.” (Exodus 20:17)
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Rather than teaching our boys that they have to give up a toy anytime anyone asks for it, we are trying to teach them the concept of charity and showing love for each other. One of those ways has been to encourage them to find another toy to trade with their brother so that they can get the toy they want. As we have implemented this concept we have also had to tell the bigger boys that they are not allowed to force the little ones to trade if they do not want to nor should all the little ones gang up on the big one to take away his toy.
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What about adults? Do they have the right to demand that others share their “toys“? There is a huge difference between charity and forced compliance. Charity is giving out of love. That is what I hope to teach my children as I encourage them to share. Forced demands, however, get results based on strength rather than love. Compliance is simply the result of a threat. For example if someone threatens you with a weapon and asks for all the “toys” in your wallet, you do not give them the wallet out of charity but because of force. Another command clearly deals with that. “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
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This actually brings us to an important question: can forced charity really be called charity? The reason that I am asking this question is because if someone is giving out of compulsion rather than out of love- though the giving may actually be benefiting someone else- it is not actually real charity.
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I can condition my children to respond in a certain manner, but as I teach them to share, I want them to learn the concept of love so that even if they want to play with a toy, they would love their brother enough to let him play with it as well. I also hope that they carry those concepts into adulthood so that they are willing to share with those in need, but also not so selfish as to demand that others share with them.
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Galatians 5:14 says, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Loving neighbors will not demand that others share their excess, but loving neighbors will also help those who really are in need. A Biblical concept of love should help us to share without being greedy.
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Unfortunately even adults struggle with this concept. As Christians we are to share with those who are less fortunate than we are, yet we must also point out that it is not right to demand that others share their possessions simply because we want them. Consider the tenth commandment: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.” (Exodus 20:17)
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Rather than teaching our boys that they have to give up a toy anytime anyone asks for it, we are trying to teach them the concept of charity and showing love for each other. One of those ways has been to encourage them to find another toy to trade with their brother so that they can get the toy they want. As we have implemented this concept we have also had to tell the bigger boys that they are not allowed to force the little ones to trade if they do not want to nor should all the little ones gang up on the big one to take away his toy.
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What about adults? Do they have the right to demand that others share their “toys“? There is a huge difference between charity and forced compliance. Charity is giving out of love. That is what I hope to teach my children as I encourage them to share. Forced demands, however, get results based on strength rather than love. Compliance is simply the result of a threat. For example if someone threatens you with a weapon and asks for all the “toys” in your wallet, you do not give them the wallet out of charity but because of force. Another command clearly deals with that. “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)
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This actually brings us to an important question: can forced charity really be called charity? The reason that I am asking this question is because if someone is giving out of compulsion rather than out of love- though the giving may actually be benefiting someone else- it is not actually real charity.
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I can condition my children to respond in a certain manner, but as I teach them to share, I want them to learn the concept of love so that even if they want to play with a toy, they would love their brother enough to let him play with it as well. I also hope that they carry those concepts into adulthood so that they are willing to share with those in need, but also not so selfish as to demand that others share with them.
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Galatians 5:14 says, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Loving neighbors will not demand that others share their excess, but loving neighbors will also help those who really are in need. A Biblical concept of love should help us to share without being greedy.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Why do Bad Things Happen?
Why does God allow disease? Why are people killed by hurricanes? Why did so many people lose their homes to forest fires? Why do bad things happen? Why did God even allow sin into this world?
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The above questions have been asked by generations of people who have tried to figure out God and what He is doing. Of course we look forward to a heaven utopia with no problems or trials at all, but if we had been born into such a utopia, it would be much more difficult to really appreciate God. The fact that we have problems drives us to God for our comfort.
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Psalm 107 is a great place to see this laid our before us. In the very first verse we are reminded that God’s mercy endures forever. Then it goes on to show us how God provided deliverance from trials. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” (Psalms 107:6)
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The Psalm also points out that many of the trials that were faced were because people rebelled against God (vs. 11-12) or acted in a foolish sinful manner (vs. 17), yet even when the problems were their own fault, God still helped them when they cried unto Him. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.” (Psalms 107:13, see also vs. 18)
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As we come to vs. 23 we are given the illustration of a storm at sea to show that as God sends the storm, He is able to get the attention of men so that they turn to Him. “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” (Psalms 107:23-30)
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Throughout this Psalm we are shown God’s power and God’s mercy. As He shows His mercy and helps us, it should remind us to praise Him. Psalms 107:8 says, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” That same verse is repeated in verses 15, 21, and 31 as well. As trials come and God delivers, we should be reminded to praise Him.
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As we come to the end of the Psalm, we see that some people suffer loss and others are helped. Today there are many who look at trials and realize that God is their only hope. There are others who become angry at God for causing or allowing the trials. The righteous however understand the goodness of God. Psalm 107 concludes with these words: “The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” (Psalms 107:42-43)
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Rather than getting mad at God, the righteous turn to Him, trusting His lovingkindness, as they understand that He loved us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. For those who still refuse to turn to God in a world filled with trials, I believe they would be even less likely to turn to Him in a utopia where they saw no need for His mercy.
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The above questions have been asked by generations of people who have tried to figure out God and what He is doing. Of course we look forward to a heaven utopia with no problems or trials at all, but if we had been born into such a utopia, it would be much more difficult to really appreciate God. The fact that we have problems drives us to God for our comfort.
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Psalm 107 is a great place to see this laid our before us. In the very first verse we are reminded that God’s mercy endures forever. Then it goes on to show us how God provided deliverance from trials. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” (Psalms 107:6)
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The Psalm also points out that many of the trials that were faced were because people rebelled against God (vs. 11-12) or acted in a foolish sinful manner (vs. 17), yet even when the problems were their own fault, God still helped them when they cried unto Him. “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.” (Psalms 107:13, see also vs. 18)
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As we come to vs. 23 we are given the illustration of a storm at sea to show that as God sends the storm, He is able to get the attention of men so that they turn to Him. “They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” (Psalms 107:23-30)
-
Throughout this Psalm we are shown God’s power and God’s mercy. As He shows His mercy and helps us, it should remind us to praise Him. Psalms 107:8 says, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” That same verse is repeated in verses 15, 21, and 31 as well. As trials come and God delivers, we should be reminded to praise Him.
-
As we come to the end of the Psalm, we see that some people suffer loss and others are helped. Today there are many who look at trials and realize that God is their only hope. There are others who become angry at God for causing or allowing the trials. The righteous however understand the goodness of God. Psalm 107 concludes with these words: “The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” (Psalms 107:42-43)
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Rather than getting mad at God, the righteous turn to Him, trusting His lovingkindness, as they understand that He loved us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to die for our sins. For those who still refuse to turn to God in a world filled with trials, I believe they would be even less likely to turn to Him in a utopia where they saw no need for His mercy.
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