Today, on Holy Tuesday, we remember Christ’s predictions of His death and the questions of the Pharisees to Him, trying to entrap Him. Atheists ask me one thing more than any other — how can I worship a God who gave my wife cancer? I think it is an understandable question from someone ignorant of the faith when so many Christians themselves treat God like a piggy bank. The most prominent voices in culture on Christianity are prosperity gospel heretics like Joel Osteen, who tells you that God wants you to live your best life now.
Erick, it appears you agree with Osteen that "a Christian about to get fed to the lions is not living his best life now". And you assume such Christian would be in agreement with that.
I believe it's not only possible, but highly likely, that such Christian trusts and believes he IS living his 'best life', counting it an honor and privilege to be worthy of martyrdom. But, forget lions inthe Coliseum. Brothers and sisters from Nigeria to North Korea experiencing this right now, each day.
Yes we live in a fallen world and it's a world in deep need of Jesus Christ. About a year ago, I had to go onto dialysis. I've been dealing with a kidney issue for almost 25 years and I knew that this time would come. Since I've gone on dialysis, God has blessed me beyond all expectations. Although the dialysis is daily, I have more energy and feel so much better. As the Lay Leader in our church, I've filled the pulpit twice in our pastor's absence. I've resumed my duties as president of our men's group.
All of this is the power of God in my life and the power of the prayers of the righteous. Instead of wondering why me, I like to think I'm a product of God's work and what I am able to do glorifies God.
I posted about Tuesday of Holy Week this morning. It’s called “Not just another Tuesday” on Defaulting to Grace. Jesus out-witted and out-played every subset of religious experts on our behalf. It seemed like they may have outlasted him, but then came Sunday.
The Christian, correct response to “Why me?” is “Why not me?” Each of us deserves condemnation—God’s justice, not His mercy. We can’t complain that the Gate to Heaven is narrow when we realize, in amazement, that the Gate is even open. Our purpose while we’re here temporarily is to glorify God in our thoughts, words, works, and plans—come what may. Job had many reasons to walk away from God, but God eventually welcomed him to Heaven because Job, despite all that he endured, prayed throughout. Likewise, our faith and trust in God allow us to live with purpose and gratitude, even along with adversity of every kind.
Well said! I would note that Joel Osteen’s prosperity theology has a large kernel of truth in the center. Jesus came so that we might have an abundant life, filled with joy now and riches for eternity. Just not a promise for lots of fun stuff and pleasantries or a pain free life. The most effective lies always have a kernel of truth inside.
It would be easy to gloss over or hide your Christianity to increase your readership and income. But you don't ...you lay it right out there, which is as God requires of all of us. That is what attracted me to you several years ago and that is what keeps me coming back.
Some Christians view their relationship with God as a two-sided transaction. If a person believes and confesses Jesus as Messiah, then they get access to all sort of benefits. But when a trial, sickness, or injury happen, they wonder why God didn’t keep His part of the deal. Fools.
The best book I've read on suffering and tragedy is Rabbi Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Obviously, the theology is that of an observant Jew, not a Christian, but the wisdom is profound. Catholic nuns who give out the book recognize the benefit it offers while committing to sort out the theology later. It's gotten me through rough times, and I've sent it to friends suffering through tragedy. God is good.
There's an old saying "Life is short; death is sure: Sin's the curse; Christ is the cure." No, God doesn't give us cancer nor any other malady. We exist in a sin-cursed (deteriorating, coming-apart, at least partially filled with evil) environment. So, at its best, we are subject to its ravages that will one day, inescapably accumulate upon us and end our lives. And God spent Himself to eternally redeem us from the curse. That's why the "gospel" is news that sounds too good to be true, but it is, thank God, true. Thanks, Erick.
Erick, it appears you agree with Osteen that "a Christian about to get fed to the lions is not living his best life now". And you assume such Christian would be in agreement with that.
I believe it's not only possible, but highly likely, that such Christian trusts and believes he IS living his 'best life', counting it an honor and privilege to be worthy of martyrdom. But, forget lions inthe Coliseum. Brothers and sisters from Nigeria to North Korea experiencing this right now, each day.
I appreciate your growth in God and your views on our country. Blessings on you and your family from Idaho.
Yes we live in a fallen world and it's a world in deep need of Jesus Christ. About a year ago, I had to go onto dialysis. I've been dealing with a kidney issue for almost 25 years and I knew that this time would come. Since I've gone on dialysis, God has blessed me beyond all expectations. Although the dialysis is daily, I have more energy and feel so much better. As the Lay Leader in our church, I've filled the pulpit twice in our pastor's absence. I've resumed my duties as president of our men's group.
All of this is the power of God in my life and the power of the prayers of the righteous. Instead of wondering why me, I like to think I'm a product of God's work and what I am able to do glorifies God.
Nicely done Erick.
I posted about Tuesday of Holy Week this morning. It’s called “Not just another Tuesday” on Defaulting to Grace. Jesus out-witted and out-played every subset of religious experts on our behalf. It seemed like they may have outlasted him, but then came Sunday.
The Christian, correct response to “Why me?” is “Why not me?” Each of us deserves condemnation—God’s justice, not His mercy. We can’t complain that the Gate to Heaven is narrow when we realize, in amazement, that the Gate is even open. Our purpose while we’re here temporarily is to glorify God in our thoughts, words, works, and plans—come what may. Job had many reasons to walk away from God, but God eventually welcomed him to Heaven because Job, despite all that he endured, prayed throughout. Likewise, our faith and trust in God allow us to live with purpose and gratitude, even along with adversity of every kind.
Well said! I would note that Joel Osteen’s prosperity theology has a large kernel of truth in the center. Jesus came so that we might have an abundant life, filled with joy now and riches for eternity. Just not a promise for lots of fun stuff and pleasantries or a pain free life. The most effective lies always have a kernel of truth inside.
It would be easy to gloss over or hide your Christianity to increase your readership and income. But you don't ...you lay it right out there, which is as God requires of all of us. That is what attracted me to you several years ago and that is what keeps me coming back.
Thank you for sharing what a lot of us believe and live daily. A true message sent by an humble servant. God Bless you and your family slways.
Thank you again this morning for your words of inspiration. There is such power in the Truth!
Thank you for your writings this week it’s much needed. God bless you & your family
Some Christians view their relationship with God as a two-sided transaction. If a person believes and confesses Jesus as Messiah, then they get access to all sort of benefits. But when a trial, sickness, or injury happen, they wonder why God didn’t keep His part of the deal. Fools.
We sometimes forget that this ain't Heaven.
The best book I've read on suffering and tragedy is Rabbi Harold Kushner's When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Obviously, the theology is that of an observant Jew, not a Christian, but the wisdom is profound. Catholic nuns who give out the book recognize the benefit it offers while committing to sort out the theology later. It's gotten me through rough times, and I've sent it to friends suffering through tragedy. God is good.
There's an old saying "Life is short; death is sure: Sin's the curse; Christ is the cure." No, God doesn't give us cancer nor any other malady. We exist in a sin-cursed (deteriorating, coming-apart, at least partially filled with evil) environment. So, at its best, we are subject to its ravages that will one day, inescapably accumulate upon us and end our lives. And God spent Himself to eternally redeem us from the curse. That's why the "gospel" is news that sounds too good to be true, but it is, thank God, true. Thanks, Erick.
Thank you, Just simply Thank you