Is God Good?

I have often heard the question asked, "Is God Good?"

When I answer in the affirmative, the follow up tends to be, "well then why does He allow suffering?" Or even, "Then how can He send people to Hell?"

It would seem that everyone wants to experience His grace, mercy and love but no one wants to hear His truth!  We want the good and none of the bad. The Bible clearly says the God is love (1 John 4:8), but it also says that He is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:29).

So if God is good, then how come He punishes those who refuse to repent? I appreciate this quote from Salvation Army officer,  Samuel Brengle (1860-1936): In his book Love Slaves he writes that "Fire will not only bake our food, but it will burn us. Water will not only quench our thirst and refresh us, but if we trifle with it, it will drown us."

God is good, but He is not to be trifled with. He has given us the freedom to choose eternal life in Heaven or Hell, to follow or reject Him. We can accept His wisdom and submit to His will, and live in true joy and peace, or, we can reject His offer of life in Christ, and pay the eternal consequences. Holding  us accountable for our sins does not negate His goodness.

God is good, loving, compassionate and slow to anger, but He is also holy and righteous. We can't continue on a path that breaks His laws and not expect to be disciplined anymore than we can continually break man's laws and not expect punishment. I can choose to obey the law of the land and enjoy the privileges of being a citizen in good standing, or violate those laws and reap the consequences...the choice is mine but being punished in the courts is not the fault of the ones who set the law in place, it is the fault of the lawbreaker.

Is God good? Absolutely.

Is He fair? Undoubtedly.

The question isn't really is God good but Who will I follow and obey, my own idea of truth or His?

For me, Psalm 84:10 says it best, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked."

Out Of the Mouth of Babes...

"Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise."

Jesus said this in reference to Psalm 8:2 which says, "Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."

Ok, my son CJ is no longer a baby but he does like to praise!  Back in December, shortly before turning four, he wrote a song about Jesus Christ.  Sarah put it to music and we have song this little chorus a few times now in church.

You Are Mighty

Oh, Jesus, what a mighty Savior are You!

Jesus, You're a mighty Savior!

Jesus, You are mightier than anything!

Jesus, You're the strongest; Jesus You're the best!

Jesus, You're the strongest; Jesus I love You!

What I think is awesome is that all the words were his.  This was a 4-year old's thought about Jesus.  We have found the song to be quite addictive and the whole family has been singing it around the house, at work, in the car, etc.

CJ reminds me that we really should have a child like faith when it comes to our Savior.  Adults make things so complicated!  Jesus is mighty! Jesus I love you! Basic truth from the mouth of a child!

That's the kind of faith I want. 

Surveying the Land

Some people think morality is relative to our culture and time in history. Some feel truth is based on a universal standard (God's Standard) for all of us.

Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Later Jesus has this little exchange with Pilate: Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world--to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38)

Would you take this informal survey?

1. Do you believe in absolute truth?

Jesus and Politics!

In the heat of the moment it is hard to think clearly. Therefore I am writing this post on politics and religion now. Some think politics and religion don't mix. I am not writing this to inflame but to encourage us all to put our focus first and foremost where it should be: On Jesus Christ.

First of all, I believe we should let our Christianity influence our voting. As believers we should pray about each election and cast our votes accordingly. We are also called to pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. 2 Tim. 2:1-2 says, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Verses 3 and 4 says why: "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

Instead of constantly criticizing whatever party is in power we should first pray for them! Yes we can speak out against injustice and evil practices. We should stand up for those less fortunate. However, in that, we should model Christ. Would Jesus speak in anger or love? Would He send emails proclaiming certain leaders evil and stand with picket signs and protesters in front of buildings? Would He argue over birth certificates and which countries are being invaded and why?

I believe He would quietly and effectively get to the heart of the matter. Through direct questions Jesus always spoke directly to the heart. He spoke to the need, the thirst.

Jesus was not a politician. He had ample opportunity in Israel to speak against and for political systems when He was on the earth. Instead He went about His Father's business.

I have no problem with Christians participating in the political forum or running for office. However there will be no perfect system on this earth. History is littered with "Christian" governments. It was these very governments which brought us the Crusades, the Inquisitions, etc.

You cannot legislate morality. If you could than the 10 commandments would have been enough! Instead the 10 commandments showed us our need for a Saviour. Everyone in government can become a Christian but unless the people seek God for themselves you will still have sin running rampant across the nation. As a matter of fact you may have it running rampant in the "Christian" government as well.

2 Chronicles 7:14 is often quoted in re. to Christians in politics. Reading this Scripture in context, though, I find that God spoke to Solomon and the people during the temple dedication and said if His people humbled themselves He would heal their land. This was a specific promise to Israel. It was not a promise that if we elect Christian politicians than all would be right in the world. You can say it typifies God's character and you would be right. To say anything else though is a gross misuse of Scriptures.

If we would put as much energy into cementing our own relationship with God and sharing His truth of salvation with others as we did in attacking and promoting political parties THEN we could truly make a difference.

Matthew 6:33 says to seek first God's Kingdom and His righteousness.

Run the race. Work out your salvation daily. Focus on Him and His truth!

Just A Thought #6

No Compromise

I have found myself thinking of the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel Ch. 3) recently. Three guys known for their encounter with God in the fiery furnace. Looking over the story again I find it amazing. Here were 3 men who worked for the King, refusing to compromise to get ahead or to literally save their own skin.

I also found myself thinking about my own walk with the Lord. How have I compromised with the world over the years? I am sad to say that God's standards and mine have not always seemed to match. This is something I have been working through over a season.

I believe fully that we are all ministers of the Gospel. It does not matter if we are pastors or plumbers, deacons or diesel mechanics. We are all called to be light to the world around us. The hands and feet of the Gospel.

I believe we need a spiritual balance in order to be in the world but not of it. We don't have to be in a job that is labeled "full time ministry" to minister. We can and should be lights to the world around us. Not compromising God's standards to fit in but not being sticks in the mud either. Remember people were attracted to Christ but He always spoke truth in love. He never compromised.

The challenge to us as believers is to stand for truth. Sometimes this means doing so in the secular world, sometimes it is with other believers. This may be with an individual or if we see something within our church community that can be addressed in love. When we are certain that it is God's timing and God's direction, then we can speak, trusting Him to give us courage, and not be intimidated. If the words are not received, we can continue in prayer for the people, but rest in knowing we have been obedient and the rest is up to God.

We need balance. We are to be in the world but not of it and not so heavenly minded we are no earthly good. Not to be cliche but that is the balance we need. Focused on Christ but aware of those in need around us. Focused on the King but people unbelievers are drawn to.

Ask yourself that question I mentioned earlier. Have you compromised?