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| Is God in control? |
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Many Christians would read that and say, “What do you mean is God in control, of coarse he is. That’s what we are taught from birth! Don’t even think about questioning that you weak minded heathen!” Believe me I’m ready for that answer from some again. But you guys are different and would never say anything like that to me, right? This is my very first Blog so I don’t really know what to expect other than you guys are the best and most wonderful group of believers this side of the Mississippi, alright enough sucking up and greasing the skids for the reply. I went through an early mid life crises when I turned 30. Okay I’m narrowing down my age now. Part of that crisis was a spiritual one in nature. Part of it was not being 20 anymore, can you relate? To make matters worse I didn’t have a forum like this to ponder such topics nor mature believers as friends to use as a sounding board. Friends who know that questioning is part of growing not blasphemy. My friend and fellow Bible Study Group member Mike said that there are basically two types of believers; Calvinists and Armenians. Calvinists believe that God controls EVERYTHING and Armenians believe that man has control as well. I suppose there is a continuum of belief there too. This control question along with a few other issues was fueling the spiritual breakdown with in my heart. I have since come to the conclusion that I may never know the answers to all of my questions as long as I’m 98.6 and vertical. I have also come to the conclusion that I can still question. Most of the members in my BSG believe that God has a grand plan and EVERYTHING is somehow a part. I don’t. At least right now I don’t. I am always open to new ideas and hopefully my beliefs will grow as I do. I have always wondered how the terrible unspeakable crimes that occur in this world could possibly be part of our makers plan. My wife says that even through grief people can be brought to Christ. I can certainly see the grieving process as a part of growing the kingdom. C. S. Lewis says, “Pain is Gods megaphone.” I cans see all of that. I can also see that there is enough grief and pain just in life. We have sickness, natural death, accidents, bankruptcy, etc. Why the horrible violent crimes. How could that be Gods plan? I was reading NIV- 1 John 5:19 and it says, “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” When you read the study notes it clearly spells out that in no way is the suffering in this world in His perfect plan. We are in a fallen world gripped by Satan and the free will of man. Some would argue that is part of Gods plan. I think the real question should be why and when does God intervene? I believe he can at any time. It is after all his creation. This is a much deeper question that can not be answered in a paragraph or two. I doubt it could even be answered in a life time. That my friends is why they call it faith. Some things are allowed to “happen” and others not. I don’t, however, believe that the things he allows to happen are part of his plan in every case. We stray by choice, OUR choice not Gods. And we are enticed by Satan to stray. Sometimes I look at this world as a testing ground, a place to see what kind of metal you’re made of, and a place to get it right and bring as many folks to Christ as possible. If we have some fun along the way, hey BONUS! I can see that as Gods plan. It just rubs me wrong when people in duress say that God has it all under control, kind of like when someone uses a word wrong. They’re inferring that things will go their way in that certain situation if they pray enough. I want to say how do you know? What makes you think that? Did my friend Renee May think that as she was saying good bye to her father for the last time on her cell phone as her plane crashed into the Pentagon? How about Adam Walsh? How about the Kennedy family? I said to myself when I started that I wasn’t going to tarnish this Blog by mentioning specific crimes and there I go. Sorry but I think I had to in order to push my point across because I know that there are some believers that simply won’t see it other wise. I think the best scripture to describe discussions like this is Proverbs 27:17. I also think the better phrase for those in need would be, “Regardless of what happens my faith lays in God the father and my hope in my savior Jesus Christ.” |
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| You mentioned 9/11... On 9/14, as most of us were focused on the Memorial Service at the National Cathedral, someone we both know was in a doctor's office getting a life-altering diagnosis. He would tell you that the ultimate point is in your last statement. Our faith must be in God and not in our assessment of the circumstances that surround us. We have to remember His perspective. After all, God's goal isn't to give us the best 70 years (give or take) that anyone's ever seen--He's fitting us for eternity.
Remember Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
And later:
"...we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Too often we think of Sovereignty (the belief that God has it all under control) only in terms of who's pulling the levers and pushing the buttons. Yet in every other situation I know of, we think of sovereignty is determined by "who gets the final say." (No one ever questions a nation's sovereignty because there's speeding on their highways!)
Remember Job's words, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after I awake, though this body has been destroyed, then in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" (19:25-27)
Our God is sovereign and I am confident that He will have the last word on all things. And because He is Good and Faithful and True, that is enough. |
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Craig |
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February 05, 2007 at 11:08pm |
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| Wow! You put into words what I felt 13 years ago when God pulled me out of the funk I was in. I stated in my blog that I realized that I may never know all of the answers. I am content with that as well as his love and eternal promise. I have the verse 2 Corinthians 4 taped to my desk. My concern is folks that feel God is a vending machine and will "come through" in the here and now by saying that he will fix it because he is in control and I pray. You and I both know that is not true. There in lyes my point. |
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| Craig,
Dan shares some words from Paul ("For our light and momentary troubles... [read above]") which should CONVICT us all regarding how we treat others (incl clients, employees, neighbors, spouses). God does not call us to pursue "fairness" in all of our dealings and relationships, He calls us to LOVE them!! (see 1 Cor. 13:4-7 for example)
This is always an EYE OPENER to me!!
I love you brother,
Mike |
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R |
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February 06, 2007 at 4:58am |
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| Hello Craig,
First, though my comment may seem un-loving, it is not meant to be that way. I am for you. Next, what I have written here reflects on what I thought about from reading your blog.
Also, by the time I wrote it out, 3 or four replies had already been made... and I have not read them so I don't know what inquires they are.
Regardless, here is my response, this is how I took it. I'd like to make a couple additions and inquires to your blog: 1. Do you do anything with your acknowledgement of Satan? Do you wield your weapons of warfare (2 Cor.10:1-6)? Have you studied about taking authority (book of Acts, Eph 6)?
Next, you asked, "They’re inferring that things will go their way in that certain situation if they pray enough. I want to say how do you know? What makes you think that?"
Is this an admission that you have not exercised your faith to the point that you received what you asked for?
In John 14, Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name (e.g. I ask these things in the Name of Jesus), that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (12-14)..."
and in James chapter 1, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (2-8)."
Some have the gift of faith, while others have a portion that I believe when exercised can and will grow: "God has dealt to each one a measure of faith... let us prophesy in proportion to our faith... (Rom.12:3,6)." ~ "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit... (1 Cor.12:7-9)."
People can argue all they want saying, "just look around people don't get what they ask God for." But all the while there are a few of us, that keep believing that God can back up His word, and we see that He does, if we will believe as the disciples believed. My question to you is, are you fostering faith by what you've written, or attempting to weaken someones faith? How is this encouraging one another in the faith? We don't need to explain the how and why we need to walk by faith (in Him the answers are yes, and we speak the Amen).
Regardless, Blessings to you as you wrestle with God. He is still better to wrestle with than the world, because He is not out to destroy us.
New Model Church
homeprospects@yahoo.com
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Craig |
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February 06, 2007 at 9:41am |
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| I don't think that your comment was or is unloving just off my mark a bit. I believe everything you said and appreciate you scripture recommendations and knowledge. I will read all of them. I was especially taken back though by your question was I trying to weaken someone else's faith. How did you get that? I think you really need to read it again, especially the last line. The thrust of my intent in this blog is that I believe God does not plan or intend for bad, horrific things to happen. Read my scripture recommendations. Yes I have studied a bit about Satan and his limited power here on earth. And our participation of his work. Our BSG read "When The Enemy Strikes" by Charles Stanley. Great book! I was deeply devastated by the loss of my mother when I was eleven. I have a difficult time watching the news for the horrible crimes that occur every day. 9-11 almost put me over the top. I lost a friend in that tragedy. When I hear people say that God will deliver for them from specific earthly pain like a vending machine on demand I cringe. I have seen this not happen time and time again. I know that might sound abrasive at first but you seem like an intelligent well read Christian so I ask you to look deeper at my thoughts. My intent here is to prepare people with some good sound advise; be prepared for what may happen in life and fully understand why God may some times not deliver as prayed for. No one took the time to do this for me when I was an eleven year old boy. As a result it took me the best part of 20 years to recover and really begin to discover Gods power, love and grace. Many people would rather argue about this point than take a good hard look at it. Is God in control in that he allows things to happen, yes. I said that in my blog. I wanted to also state that there is something more than the pain we feel here on earth. There has to be. It's in Gods word. Read Psalm 33. Ultimately His plan will play out and what we see and feel here and now are but a blip on the radar. When we are in the middle of it, however, it seems difficult to see that even for the most mature believer. One more correction, I am not wrestling with God nor his word but rather you and all of my brothers and sisters, Proverbs 27:17. I truly believe that this has value. I would like to leave you with this: Please read Psalm 119 in its entirety. It's long but so accurately spells out how I have felt and continue to feel on this topic. |
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Chris B |
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February 06, 2007 at 4:37pm |
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| Hey Craig,
Man! I just love your boldness and the way you speak your mind. I think that God loves when we do this. You have certainly given me a lot to think about. I know we have talked about this before and it's great that you bring it up again. I hope to be back with some more comments after prayer and study.
I love you brother
Chris |
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R |
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February 06, 2007 at 8:10pm |
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| Hello Craig,
Seems like I asked you a few question but have gotten no replies, will you?
You asked, "I was especially taken back though by your question was I trying to weaken someone else's faith. How did you get that?"
My answer: You wrote, "it just rubs me wrong when people in duress say that God has it all under control..." What is implied here, is that you are saying God won't have everything under control for them, so there is little reason for them to believe Him. If this is your meaning, do you think that would build up someones faith?
You also wrote, "they’re inferring that things will go their way in that certain situation if they pray enough. I want to say how do you know? What makes you think that?"
Now let me ask you: what makes you think that all of the bad experiences that you have knowledge about determine what the truth is? From the above quote what you are implying is again, that these people can't know, so therefore they don't need to have faith. That is the logical conclusion.
So, your above statement (to me), is not a faith builder either. And so, I gave you the reasons that I believe are from scripture, in my reply post.
I think what is going on, is you are relying on your experience or the experience of others, but those do not change the fact that some faith believers get exactly what they ask God for, even protection.
To state that there are a bunch of people who didn't get what they asked God for, and that you want to prepare others for that reality... this is a faith bulider?
Listen, I'd rather hang out with Jesus than Thomas. Thomas didn't need to tell anybody how to doubt, they already knew that. But how to believe to raise the dead, that takes believing faith.
Also, if you are a New Creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor.5:17), we don't need to go back into the Psalms to find out who you are related to, but we do need to turn to the Cross and move forward from there so that we are transformed into the image of Christ (Rom.12:1,2).
Let's do this together since it is our reasonable service to do.
New Model Church
homeprospects@yahoo.com |
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| Holy COW!!! How utterly profound!!!
Calvinists and Armenians...I'm with you...it isn't that simple.
Brilliant BLOG. |
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| Cut Thomas some slack--it's a pretty cheap shot to fault him for saying something that most of us would have been thinking if we'd been in his place. Take a look at Thomas' record:
-- Even thinking they would be stoned, he's still the one who spoke up to say let's go with Jesus.
-- He'd appear to be one of the more forthright disciples, blurting out questions/comments that had to be on everyone's mind.
And when all was said and done, even though it cost him his life, he took the Gospel to India establishing churches that are still active today. |
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| LOL!!! Pastor Dan!!! Thomas is the man :-) Awesome insight. |
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| Mistakenly hit "submit" a few sentences too soon...
The hang out with Jesus rather than Thomas is a bit unfair. As long as Jesus is an option there really isn't a contest, now is there?
Jesus didn't choose Thomas just as a negative example. Sometimes the only way to get folks to stop standing around looking at one another is for someone to swallow their hesitation and just pick up a bundle and head up the ladder. (Right, Craig?)
Thomas was the kind of guy that understood that. Some folks look at his words and call him a doubter. I look at his actions and call him a leader. |
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| "As long as Jesus is an option there really isn't a contest, now is there?"
-- That is precisely what I would have said. HOWEVER, we ALSO do not have a record of what else Thomas was saying to his fellows when Jesus and presumably the gospel writers were NOT around, do we?
-- Plus, the Thomas' founding of churches in India occurred well AFTER Jesus invited him to insert finger into wound (Matt 12:39)
-- And in Thomas' defense, he was probably one of the first to recognize who Jesus really was, stating "My Lord and my God"; also his questions are encouragement to ALL of us that similarly question
But THOMAS isn't the topic of this blog. I happen to like New Model's questions. There is potential for great dialogue here! |
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Craig |
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February 07, 2007 at 5:48am |
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| New Model,
I think I see where your hitch lies now. You base your belief or belief in general or faith IN God ON God’s delivering to an individual’s personal situation. In other words if God doesn’t pull through…………….. Is that it? I’m not being trite here I just want to see clearly where you’re issue is. That seems to be the tone in both of you blog responses to me.
Question for you to help you understand my point:
Do you think that bad things have happened to strong believers? If so do you think that they prayed for them not to happen? My answer to booth of these questions would be a yes. So with the scenario of my answer we have a strong believer who prayed for protection, as you put it, and didn’t get it, now what? Since YOUR faith seems to be based on the delivery system you have no where to go but into sever doubt and depression. Not a faith building place to be my friend.
I have a good friend who lost her mother in a car accident when she was young. Her father was in the car at the time and as a result had severe survivor’s guilt. He went on to built a strong bond with his two daughters and continued with life. He then came down with lung cancer about two years ago. Di prayed for healing and her father died a few months later. Now her only remaining blood relative, her sister Susan, age 45 with two small children, is dieing from cancer as well. Susan has been on many prayer chains all over this country. I don’t doubt for a minute that God could heal Susan if he chose to intervene. Di is very angry with God right now. She asks why is God doing this to me. The inspiration for this blog was partly due to her. I wanted to give her something to prepare her for what could happen.
I’m sorry that you missed my answers to your questions again. I’m also sorry you have a problem with Psalms. If you had read it I think you would have better understood me. I wasn’t using it to determine my lineage but rather my feelings. I will actually cut and paste from the original blog to break down my point if I still haven’t already made it:
I think the real question should be why and when does God intervene? I believe he can at any time. It is after all his creation. This is a much deeper question that can not be answered in a paragraph or two. I doubt it could even be answered in a life time. That my friend is why they call it faith. Some things are allowed to “happen” and others not. I don’t, however, believe that the things he allows to happen are part of his plan in every case. We stray by choice, OUR choice not Gods. And we are enticed by Satan to stray.
It just rubs me wrong when people in duress say that God has it all under control, kind of like when someone uses a word wrong.
They’re inferring that things will go their way in that certain situation if they pray enough. I want to say how do you know? What makes you think that? Did my friend Renee May think that as she was saying good bye to her father for the last time on her cell phone as her plane crashed into the Pentagon? How about Adam Walsh? How about the Kennedy family?
I said to myself when I started that I wasn’t going to tarnish this Blog by mentioning specific crimes and there I go. Sorry but I think I had to in order to push my point across because I know that there are some believers that simply won’t see it other wise. I think the best scripture to describe discussions like this is Proverbs 27:17.
I also think the better phrase for those in need would be, “Regardless of what happens my faith lays in God the father and my hope in my savior Jesus Christ.”
I know that the title of the blog raised some eye brows. Don’t you think that’s why I titled it that? I also know that my boldness has the same reaction. I have been told that enough in my life. I like what Pastor Dan said about Thomas asking the questions that are on everybody’s mind. I don’t mind being a lighting rod. I could only hope to be as bold as Thomas and strive to be Christ like. I am at least consoled that my pastor gets me. Now I have the energy to continue to work on you. I also like What Pastor Dan said in his first response to me. He said that God never promised us a perfect 70 years. That is the point. So why do we continue to base our faith on that? We need to focus on what he did promise us.
With love,
Craig
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| As you know, I went dyslexic on your Blog Craig...I think it was cuz I really needed to read Psalm 27:14. Thanks for sharpening my iron.
:-)
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
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| Craig,
Something else came to my mind today, in church of all places, that brought me back to your thoughts in this blog. After losing his livelihood, servants, house, and family,
Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (Job 1:20-22)
Craig, THIS is why Christians with a strong relationship with God can praise Him and TAKE COMFORT in Him in ALL things, no matter how tragic. It isn't that the believer can expect a happy life or that every prayer will be answered exactly the way they want, but that God gives so much more than He takes away. And even if Almighty God took away EVERYTHING you have in this life, the eternal LIFE He has given us and the awesome privilege of being called a child of God still far outweighs all that we might lose in this lifetime. So take heart, give praise in all circumstances! ~mike |
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| Good point, Mike. I even think that the reason Jesus prays, "not my will..." is that he's already getting his answer and he's honest enough to know that it's not coming in the form of changed circumstances. |
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5:18 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and his hands make whole. |
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Craig |
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April 15, 2007 at 4:55pm |
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Who says we differ J? I find it funny that so many people read this and then think they are taking a different opinion than me when if you read it again you will see that we agree more than you think. I said that we may never know as long as we are 98.6 and vertical. Also read the last line, I think that sums it up. We agree on both counts and probablly more.
I guess there are two themes going on in my mind and in my blog. One is that I ahve a big problem when people use the sucess in there lives or the delivery system to guage their faith. God is not a vending machine. It bugs me when people pray for sucess in a certain situation or for their favorite football team to win, etc. I believe in "protection" but just wonder why people think it will always happen if they pray. I have demonstrated that it doesn't in three short examples. That doesn't and shouldn't weaken our faith, should it? If YOUR answer is no then don't expect God to produce where, when and exactly how you want.
Two is that there is free will and clearly this domane is Satans (too many quotes to list). The free will is ours because God gives it to us. If the free will is ours and we are in a fallen world then who is in control? Read your own quote, "In the world ye have tribulation". Why do we have tribulation, because this is not heaven. He is also telling us to find comfort in him when the waters get rough not to expect him to make it up to our standards. Some things are allowed to happen and controlled by other forces. |
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JReed |
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April 15, 2007 at 5:19pm |
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| I have to agree and disagree at the same time. And the part I love most about your blog Craig is that I was just in this converstion earlier today after service. Lets see if this fits with you. We choose what we do, and we put our selves through all the problems we go through but the Father knows all that is and will be so he can still plan the future in order to bless thoughs that recieve blessings and is able to "control" the out come. And another way to look at this is all things must first go through the fire to be pruified right? So why would God pull us out of the fire before our time? His timing is perfect and that is where faith falls into play, things are bad but I know that I will get through this because God's word said I will. He will pull us out of the fire when we are purified! What I think I am trying to say is that both views are part right (as also mine) but the true point is faith in God's word. |
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Craig |
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April 15, 2007 at 5:52pm |
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When you say, "we choose what we do and we put our selves through problems" I think that only refers to a very small part of what I was explaining. Bad things happen to us sometimes that have nothing to do with choices we make at all. Getting on a plane which ends up crashing into the pentagon has nothing to do with a bad choice or problems we create, does it? Sometimes they come from evil forces not of God. That free will is someone elses. Those choices were guided and persuaded by someone else. Bottom line for me is: 1. Expecting that God will deliver a specific request upon demand is wrong. I know that word is strong but that's how I feel right now. 2. We must be on guard for satan. He is real and can influence us. Read "When the Enemy Strikes" by Charles Stanley. That's the whole theme of the blog in a nut shell. Thanks for your comments JReed. I tried to leave you a message not sure if you got it. |
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Kathy |
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April 15, 2007 at 6:56pm |
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Hi Craig! This is one of those theological issues that won't be resolved on MyChurch! This debate has been argued for generations and, like most complex issues, is multi-faceted. I commend you for taking a stand that was sure to generate opposition, as there are definitely 2 distinct camps of thought! I too believe that, although God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, and surely can intervene at any time He chooses, most of what happens in our lives is not planned and orchestrated by God. Does He know everything that will happen? Yes. He knows all and is not constrained by time. Does He have a master plan for our salvation and our eternity? Yes, absolutely. Does He plan every victory, every tragedy, every disaster, every brain tumor, every breast cancer, every ballgame winner, every hangnail? No, and praying for these things does not force His hand to change them. As Pastor Dan said, God is sovereign, and ultimate control belongs to Him. He always gets the final word. But I believe we will be surprised at how insignificant all our earthly concerns are, even the tragedies and death, when we come into His plan for us in eternity. For now, I will use my free will as carefully as I can, because my choices are shaping the world. Two final responses to comments here: 1) How does it hinder someone's faith to offer them a fuller theology when they are seeking deeper answers? Yes, it shakes us initially to hear something that opposes what we have always been told, but the truth is we have not always been told enough! It strengthens my faith, not weakens it, to come to a fuller understanding of God. 2) We do not control God with our prayers. This was the theology of one of Job's friends, that if things aren't going well in our lives, that means we are out of God's will, or our faith is weak. Whether He gives us everything we ask for is not a sign of how great our faith is. He hears our prayers, and He alone chooses His response. Living a life of faith is not all colored in black and white. Why are we afraid to look into the grays? Thanks for a good blog, Craig! I gave you a star. |
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Sue |
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April 15, 2007 at 7:09pm |
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Hello Craig, Can I recommend a book? It is called "The Sovereignty of God" by Arthur Pink. There is a picture of it on my page under my favorite books. This is the best book I have ever read outside of the Word of God. This book covers this topic in great detail. It is a classic...a must read (In my humble opinion bro :) I read the blog and skimmed through the first part of the comments, so forgive me if I repeat something someone has already said. I must be in the camp with the majority of your Bible study group. I think the best example of God's will being carried out, even when it appears to be for evil is found in Job. You know the story, where Satan seeks whom he may devower. And God reminds him of Job. God allows satan some liberties over Job, but sets limitations. Satan cannot cross these boundaries. The choice word you used in this blog is "perfect" will. To know God's perfect will, we must go back to the Garden of Eden. It is God's perfect will that we live in harmony with Him in the Garden. But since mankind ate of the forbidden tree, we are now born with sin. Because of this we must suffer the consequences of a fallen sinful people. This is why I believe that we suffer these things. Not because God is not sovereign, or because we haven't prayed. I firmly believe that prayer can and does change these things, if it is in God's "revealed" will, but it is certainly not His "perfect" will that the things you listed are carried out. And there is a difference. Just my thoughts brother....take them or leave them :) |  |
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Craig |
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April 16, 2007 at 11:17am |
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Kathy- WOW! You really Hit all my points and seem to understand where I am comming from. You are the first person who completely understands what I was saying. I like the way you numbered your points too. That's very logical thinking. I never said that I didn't accept it as Jean said above, I am just questioning it. I guess you could say that I am airing my feelings at the same time too. I must also say that even with the responses that have seemed to attack me over this blog I have gotten something from. Again all I can say is WOW! I keep reading your response and find something new each time. I think that you are on to something when you say that it shakes people to hear something "new" or goes against what they have thought all their lives. I knew that this blog would do that. Thanks for your time, thought and prayer. Talk to you soon. |
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Craig |
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April 16, 2007 at 2:00pm |
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Jean, I think we (both of us) should stop focusing on how we differ and look at the question. If you read the two responses from both Kathy and Sue you will se an on going dialog that brings out a wonderful breath of knowledge and a connection between three (me, Kathy and Sue) Christians and whom ever else reads this. We are right that we may never know the answers to this and many questions and by having the boldness to respectfully ask them we learn. That is what this site is all about. Because we don't know the answers is the very reason we SHOULD ask. I never said that I didn't accept it either. Don't quit understand why you would think that because I am questioning it that I have't accepted it like you. That's not at all what this is about.
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Craig |
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April 16, 2007 at 6:11pm |
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Sue, Of course I will take your comments. I will take anyones comments as long as they are loving and not putting words in my mouth. Sometimes I even take the not so loving ones. I will admit that I get frustrated as you could probablly see by my on going dialog with a guy above. He clearly did not get me or my whole blog. He accused me of trying to weaken other peoples faith. That really hurt. Jean seems to think that I am in a quandary. Not at all. I am enjoying this point counter point immensely. I do think that my views hit dead on with Katy's though. I also see agreement between you and I. You said that in Job God allowed Satan limitations nevertheless gave him liberties. It's those very liberties that make it Satan that does the evil. It may seem like semantics to some but not me. Thanks again for your comments. Craig |
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