Why do bad things happen to good people?

That is a question that has been asked for ages.  I believe Dr. Schuler even wrote a book with that title or something similar. 

Well here is one answer to that question.

1 Peter 1:6-9(NKJV)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 

whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 

receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Seems simple enough.  And please note as I have mentioned before, the manner in which we handle the hard times is of great importance to God.  I believe it is part of the test.  As Romans 5:3 tells us we need to glory in our tribulations.  I think the significance in doing so is that it is an outward manifestation of our inner faith. 

What does it mean to be worthy?

Did you ever think about that?  Before we are saved we are deemed unworthy.  But once we accept Jesus we are counted worthy.  What does that mean?

Revelation 3:4(NKJV)

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 

worthy

1. having adequate or great merit, character, or value:

a worthy successor.

2. of commendable excellence or merit; deserving:

a book worthy of praise; a person worthy to lead.

To me the word that stand out is deserving.  In our house when our kids were young we talked a lot about "earning the right" which I think is kind of the same thing. 

In the example above it seems to me that Jesus is saying these guys over here have earned the right to hang out with me for a bit.  We know that all who accept Jesus get in to Heaven but that we all get different rewards in Heaven based on the service (work) that we did for God here on earth.  One of the ways I could see that playing out is this.

Some people who are saved did the bare minimum so the will get a glimpse of Jesus now and then from afar when they are in Heaven.  Other folks who did a lot more may be invited to hang out with Jesus occasionally.  And some will even get to join his inner circle. 

Do I have a Scriptural basis for this thought?  Sure do.  In Revelation it talks about the 24 Elders seated around the throne of God.  Notice that not everyone gets to be in that inner circle seated around the throne of God.  Only the ones whom God has deemed worthy are seated there. 

Pointing out sin isn't very loving….

When Christians point out immoral behavior we are often told that we shouldn't judge and to point out their immorality isn't very loving.   I have often pointed out that it actually is very loving.  How else will people know to change.

I would like to offer these verses to back up my belief.

Ezekiel 33:7-9(NKJV)

“So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. 

When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 

Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

Seems to me God is saying we have a responsibility to speak the truth.  If we don't speak up then their blood is on our hands.  If we do speak up and they continue in their ways, then their blood is on their own hands and we have fulfilled our obligation.  We are good to go.   

"I know your works"

Hmm.  I wonder if there is any significance to this?  There are some who believe that all you have to do is accept Jesus and that is enough.  As I have written before, accepting Jesus is enough to get you saved but that is it.  Your reward in Heaven will be based on your works. 

Here are a few verses to support that view.  This is Jesus talking.

Revelation 2:2(NKJV)

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 

Revelation 2:9(NKJV)

“I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 

Revelation 2:13(NKJV)

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 

Revelation 2:19(NKJV)

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 

Revelation 3:1(NKJV)

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 

Revelation 3:8(NKJV)

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 

Revelation 3:15(NKJV)

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 

 I have a simple question.  If works is as unimportant as some believe, why is Jesus so focused on it?  Hmm?

Do Christians have an obligation to take in Syrian refugees?

The short answer is no I don't believe we do.  But let's dig into this a bit deeper.  As always I want to take a look at Scripture.  I happen to be in Revelation and found something that I think is relevant. 

Just so we are all on the same page let me summarize.  There is a war in Syria.  Many refugees, mostly Muslim but some Christian as well. 

The enemy, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), has made it very clear that in their view this is a religious war.   They have stated their intention to hide among the refugees in an attempt to infiltrate this country and kill our citizens. 

Not only have they threatened to do  so here, but they have actually done it elsewhere.  In Paris around 150 people were killed this past week by terrorists, some of whom came in to the country as refugees.  In addition there have been other ISIS terrorists caught in other cities hiding among the refugees.  So this is more than just an idle threat.

Quite understandably there are many people that say hey, why bring that nonsense and chaos over here?  We don't want to expose our families, our children and our grand children to that risk.

There are some out there who say that isn't very Christian of us not to let them in.  Christ said that we should love every body and not letting them in isn't very loving.  I would counter with this. 

We are told to love God will all of our mind, heart, and soul.   We are then told to love our neighbor as ourselves.  I would suggest that it isn't very loving to our neighbors to expose them to the risk.

But what about all of the "innocent" refugees who aren't the bad guys. 

The fact that they are letting the terrorists hide among then negates their innocence in my opinion.  The Bible tells us that we are to confront evil, and not to do so makes us just as guilty.  The fact that they aren't turning in the bad guys hiding among them tells me either they don't see them as evil or they are failing in their responsibility to confront evil. 

Either way that forfeits the innocent claim.  And that isn't just my opinion, it is what God said in the Bible.  Just think of Sodom and Gomora where the innocent perished with the guilty because the innocent didn’t do enough to stop the evil.
 

But going further I think the problem is this.  Many people, including many Christians, think Jesus is all love and no hate.  Accepting of everything and punishing nothing.  That there should be absolutely no limit to our charity.  Nothing could be further from the truth.   

I have written in the past of specific Scriptures that say not to provide charity in this or that case. 

In a similar fashion there are many who would say that Jesus doesn't hate anything.  I will show you Scripture in a minute where Jesus Himself names something that He hates.

 Lets take a look.

Revelation 2:12-16(NKJV)

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

One of the things that the Bible makes very clear is that God views any one who worships another god as His enemy.  They have made that choice and declared themselves enemies of God. 

I believe that Jesus is making the same point above.  Jesus says he hates  other religions and He will actively take up the Sword (of His mouth) against those who follow other gods…….unless.

Unless what?  Unless they repent.  Do you see the Syrian Muslim refugees repenting and accepting Christ?  Neither do I. 

Seems to me that trying to convince us that the Bible says we should let people who have stated their intentions to kill us in to our country out of some misguided sense of compassion is just the type of trick Satan would use. 

Let me be clear that I am not against providing help to some of the refugees who are truly in need.  I just think we should take the time to determine who those people are.  I don't think not letting them in immediately in any way makes us less Christian. 

Why does God exercise judgment?

We take for granted that God exercises judgment.  We read about it in both the Old and the New Testament.  But have you ever wondered why God exercises judgment?  In other words, to what purpose?  What is the point of the judgment?

I ran across this Scripture today and the light went on.  Here is a place in Scripture where God Himself gives at least one reason that He exercises judgment.  Take a look.

Ezekiel 30:19(NKJV)

    Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt,      Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”’”

So one of the reasons is to prove who is boss so to speak.  He uses judgment to punish, correct, and generally bring people and nations back in to line.  That brings up some interesting questions in my mind.

One of the questions is this: does providing too much charity interfere with God's judgment on an individual? 

Now let me be clear, I am not talking about letting people starve to death.  I believe we should do what we can to make sure that people have food and shelter.  But is it really compassionate to provide a middle class lifestyle to those who haven't earned it?  Middle class lifestyle?  Yep, by providing things like cell phones, air conditioning, cars, cable tV,etc.  Things that are luxuries that people have to earn.   

By doing so are we actually interfering with God's judgment?

What am I talking about?   There is plenty of Scripture in both the OT and NT that talks about what you need to do to be successful in life and if you don't do those things you will not prosper. 

Such as seek wisdom, understanding, and knowledge and your ways will prosper as we are told to do in Proverbs.  What is the implication here?  That if you don't do these things your ways won't prosper. 

So if we have people who are not doing these things so their ways are not prospering and we step in and provide a middle class lifestyle for them anyway, are we not directly contradicting God's plan of how things should work?  Are we not in our "human wisdom and compassion" attempting to negate God's judgment?

Something to think about isn't it?   

Contradictory? In Isolation-Yes, In Total-No

One of the things we hear about are all of the contradictory things in the Bible.  And taken in isolation the criticism could appear to be justified.

But as I have written many times, the Bible is a book of balance and has to be taken in it's entirety and in context.  Here is an example.  Compare these two Scriptures.

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Vs.

1 Peter 1:17-18(NKJV)

And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 

knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 

Now doesn't that seem a bit contradictory?  We have Timothy saying God gave you a spirit of power, stop living in fear.  We have Peter saying you should live your entire life here in fear. 

This is where context comes in.  They were talking about two different things in my opinion.  Timothy was saying stop being a spectator, take charge of your life.  Peter was saying "fear God" as in obey and strive to do all you can to serve Him while here on earth.

Both make sense in my opinion when taken in context. 

Even As Your Soul Prospers-What Does That Mean?

This is one of my very favorite passages in the Bible. 

3 John 1:2-4(NKJV)

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

What do you think in means for your soul to prosper? 

prosper

1. to be successful or fortunate, especially in financial respects; thrive; flourish.

verb (used with object)

2. Archaic. to make successful or fortunate.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prosper?s=t>

Here is my take on it.  First off I would note the word used.  Prosper.  When's the last time you heard a socialist talk about prosperity?  Just one more indication of why I don't believe Christianity is socialist.

But more importantly look at definition #1.  To thrive and flourish.  What does it take for our souls to thrive and flourish.

I'll tell you what doesn't do it.  Going to church on Sundays and never picking up a Bible between visits.

It takes real effort and hard work for your soul to prosper.  It takes diligence and perseverance.  It takes communication with God through prayer. 

I feel sad for all the people out there who have accepted Christ and then sit there and wait for their lives to get magically better.  Read the verse again.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.  "
 

Think about that.  If all you do is accept Jesus but never make any attempt to build that relationship how can you expect to prosper in other areas of your life when your soul isn't prospering?  Hmm? 

Oh well, add this one to the list of things to ask God about when I get there! :)

Here is a section of Scripture that I just don't get.  And it is one of those sections where those who say that the Bible doesn't contain a single contradiction have a hard time explaining away. 

Now before I go on let me once again provide a disclaimer and explanation.  As I have said before, the Bible is a book of balance.  To get the full meaning you have to take it in it's entirety.  Not any single verse by itself has any real authority. 

I also try to always look for confirmation between the OT and NT.  In addition when I have to compare something that Jesus said to what one of the Apostles said, I always place more importance on what Jesus said.

Take a look and then I will continue.

2 John 1:9-11(NKJV)

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 

for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

The first sentence makes perfect sense to me as does the 2nd.  It the rest of it that makes me wonder. 

"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;  "

Really?  So if some one isn't a Christian I shouldn't even let them into my house?  I shouldn't even say hi?  Simply saying hi makes me as evil as the non believer?

What happened to all of that love your enemy stuff?  What happened to all of that love your neighbor stuff?  Or how about this?  What happened to this?
 

Mark 2:15-17(NKJV)

Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

If I had to guess I would guess that the differentiation that was not made here he is talking about your inner circle of friends vs. your witnessing and outreach activities.  But it just isn't clear. 

In fact even then I would still have some trouble with this because how many of us have seen unsaved become saved through the friendships that have been built over the years?  It seems to me the verses in 1 John 2 are telling us not to do that. 

Oh well, add this one to the list of things to ask God about when I get there!  :)

The Holy Trinity

One of the central tenants of my Christian belief's is that God and Jesus are always in agreement.  Anytime I find something where one seems to contradict the other I keep searching both the Old Testament and the New Testament looking for Scripture to reconcile the difference because I don't believe they are ever in disagreement.

Here is one Scripture that I think backs up that belief.

1 John 5:6-7(NKJV)

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 

For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 

We know that God is the Father and Jesus is the Son.  In addition we know that Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Word made flesh. 

So if the Father and the Word are one, it would be illogical that they would teach diametrically opposed things as truth.  Therefore when I find something in the New Testament (Jesus) that seems to contradict something in the Old Testament (God), or vice versa, I know that I must be missing something and I keep searching.

And this is where the 3rd part of the Trinity comes in.  As I search I depend on the Holy Spirit to guide me to the correct understanding based on Scripture.

Make sense? 

Now how do you get the Holy Spirit to guide you?  By asking Jesus to come into your life and lead you.  It truly is that easy.  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;…"

I'm sure I have commented on this passage before.  It is clear, concise instruction on how to tell good theology from bad.  Testing the spirits as it were. 

Many false prophets.  How do you tell the Godly from the ungodly?  That is a good question isn't it? 

Well Scripture made this one easy for us.  There have been many times when I have wondered "God, why don't you just come out and say it?".  From reading the Bible I now know why but it is still nice when God makes it simple.  This I think is one of those times.

1 John 4:1-3(NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 

By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 

and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

Could it be more simple than that? 

If they don't affirm the divinity of Jesus, then you don't want to be taking any other spiritual advice from them.  Plain and simple.  At least that is what this passages is telling me. 

Reserved For Fire!

I vaguely remember hearing that God promised not to flood the world again but couldn't remember were exactly.  I'm pretty sure it is in the OT after the flood.  What I liked about this verse is the confirmation of the OT.

2 Peter 3:5-7(NKJV)

For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, 

by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. 

But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

The other thing I find interesting is that God doesn't leave it up to speculation how the world will end this time.

Fire. 

Eternal Fire!

Assyrian and Babylonian Exiles

I found this interesting.  Never really noticed it before.  It gives an explanation of why there was both an Assyrian exile and then many years later a Babylonian exile. 

Why the two?  Why didn't God take care of the problem all at once?  

Ezekiel 22:30-31(NKJV)

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. 

Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath; and I have recompensed their deeds on their own heads,” says the Lord GOD.

Looks to me like God was giving them a second chance.  God dished out the first punishment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel hoping that Judah would take notice.  But God found no one willing to stand in the gap so God brought the hammer down again! 

Now that is effective testimony!

I have always believed that the most effective testimony is to simply share what we have personally witnessed and experienced God do in our own lives.  That is what the beginning of 1st John seems like to me.  Simple and heartfelt "hey we were there and this is what we personally witnessed.". 

Not beating anyone over the head with the Bible and trying to talk them into accepting Jesus but just simply sharing our testimony, invite them to accept Jesus,  and then get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit go to work.

1 John 1:1-4(NKJV)

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—

the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—

that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

As R.C Sproul once said.  Something to the effect of "I had to learn that I was part of God's plan but I wasn't the whole plan."

Some Might Ask, How Is This Just?

 

Ezekiel 21:1-3(NKJV)

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 

“Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, preach against the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel; 

and say to the land of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I am against you, and I will draw My sword out of its sheath and cut off both righteous and wicked from you. 

We are told that we serve a just God.  Some might ask how is it just that the righteous die along with the wicked?  I'm going to take a shot at that but right now I don't have any particular Scripture at my fingertips to back up my explanation.  That will be something to watch for in my future studies of Scripture.

I think Scripture recognizes two types of righteousness.  Individual righteousness and community righteousness.  It just seems to me that God holds the individually righteous partially responsible for the degradation of society. 

It's as if God is saying to the individually righteous that they didn't stand up and resist evil like the should have.  Therefore they will pay the same price. 

Just a guess on my part.  As I said above I'll be keeping an eye out for Scripture that either confirms or denies that view. 

"By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words"

One of the debates in Christianity is whether Christianity is socialist or capitalist.  I believe I have written in the past that I think it is much more aligned with capitalism than socialism.  One of my main reasons for believing that is that Scripture makes very clear that your rewards in Heaven will be merit based.  Salvation is available to all for the asking but our rewards in Heaven are based on our usefulness to God here on earth. 

So for me at least, it would be illogical that God would have one system in Heaven and the diametrically opposed system here on earth. 

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.  Winston Churchill

And another word for envy is covetousness.  One of the aspects that has always puzzled me is how red letter Christians justify covetousness.  The belief that it is OK take from those who have more and give to those who have less simply because those who have more, have more. 

Well I ran across this Scripture today.  Seem like St. Peter had similar concerns. 
 

2 Peter 2:1-3(NKJV)

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 

And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

Remember folks, Satan is the master of deception and there is no easier way to deceive Christians than to make something sound Biblical when it isn't.  How do we avoid being deceived?

Oh that is easy.  By having the Holy Spirit guide you daily in your study of Scripture.  How do you get the Holy Spirit?  Just ask Jesus into your life.  When you accept Jesus, God's Son, you also get the Holy Spirit to guide you.

So if you have never asked Jesus into your life, why not do it now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  "Dear Jesus…."

If you would like to study more about this subject I would like to recommend a book to you.  It's called Is Capitalism Christian?  It is a book of essays by different authors on the subject.  It explores the issue from both sides.

http://www.amazon.com/Is-Capitalism-Christian-Franky-Schaeffer/dp/0891073892