What a relief that Jesus didn't turn away from this man...this father.
We talked tonight about doubts/questions that we have with our faith. Some of the questions that arose were:
- Why does God allow so much pain and suffering?
- What about the "type" of baptism that I had?
- Why doesn't God answer my prayers?
- How do I know that I'm saved? I don't always have confidence in my salvation.
Also, if you have other resources that you would like to bring to our attention, please comment and list them.
If you are uncomfortable sharing your questions/comments publicly, I have set this blog to allow anonymous posts but I will moderate all comments to make sure that our conversation stays appropriate and respectful. After all, this is a public blog and others may be curious to see what we are discussing. You can also email me directly if you would like me to find research to address a specific question/topic anonymously.
Gina, my doubt this week lies heavily on why God allowing so many different kind of religion challenges happen around the world? if God is the only God, why doesn't he STOPs the other GODs from going around and making peoples' life miserables? I shared this class with my family back in Malaysia, some of the facts I heard about their religions' challenges are far beyond what we experience here.. It is really hard to compare the 2 and yet, I wonder why God is allowing things happen there and yet, we are enjoying the FREEDOM in America and still complaining...
ReplyDeleteI want to make it clear that this is a discussion. I don't pretend to have all of the answers, but I will share my own research and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say "religious challenges", I’m not sure if you are talking about other religions that compete with Christianity or challenges that people face as Christians. I’m assuming that you are talking about competing religions due to your next question.
First, I believe that the Bible is the truth—written by men who were inspired by God. The Bible explains that there is only one God (1 Cor. 8:6). There are not competing gods. He exists independently from everything He created. He is sovereign.
God has given us free will (Wow…we could have quite a discussion just on this one point) which allows some to choose to follow Him while others choose false gods or no god. Although people are often quick to point out similarities in different beliefs/religions, there are huge differences in the most important components—creation, sin, heaven, hell, and salvation. Christianity is the only religion that acknowledges that we cannot save ourselves. We can only be saved by grace through our belief in Jesus Christ. (http://www.carm.org/bible-difficulties/matthew-mark/are-we-saved-grace-or-works) Other religions have requirements that must be fulfilled or that one must do to “make up” for his failings. I’m not saying that we don’t have to be accountable for our actions. We need to have a living faith that is evident through our behavior/choices.
God does allow things to happen. When free will is exercised, the consequences of bad choices are felt by all of us at times. I believe that there are times that we go through situations because it is part of God’s plan for our lives…even if it doesn’t make sense at the time. (Remember the story of Joseph with his multicolored coat who was sold into slavery by his brothers? God’s plan for his life was not evident until he was much, much older.) There is a plan. We will all feel pain, fear, and doubt. Sometimes my only condolence is that there is a bigger plan that I just cannot see right now. How do I know this? Partly through my reading but even more so through the things that I have seen God do in my life. I KNOW God is with me. Too many things have happened in my life that are evidence of God for me to NOT believe.
I think Americans have a unique challenge. Because our country was established by Christian men who implemented Christian values and made clear their belief in God, we have been blessed. We truly have been a blessed nation. However, we are seeing that tide change. The separation of church and state, in its attempt to prevent Christians from being persecuted, has resulted in a climate of “tolerance” that encourages people to support others in whatever makes them happy. This very humanistic view of the world cannot be pleasing to God. Because we have the freedom to practice any religion here, we have no excuse for not seeking the truth. I truly believe that if you really seek the truth, you will find Jesus Christ. This challenge is different in other countries where Christianity is not accepted. However, the evidence of God is all around us. Look around at the complexity of this incredible world and everything that is in it!
I pray for a leader who fears and loves God.