"The Problem of Evil"...No Problem at All!

Often when a great tragedy occurs people ask, “How can God exist when there is so much evil in the world?”  They point to God and claim that if He was really up there, He would not let evil people hurt others and wickedness remain. 

What can the Christian give in answer to such blame?  

Christians too, and theologians for centuries have wrestled with the "Problem of Evil" and the goodness of God.  If God is loving and all-powerful why doesn't He stop man's wicked acts?  But when we consider what the Lord says in His word, it isn't too difficult to come to a clear understanding. 

There are three main points I would like to make on this subject from the Biblical worldview:

1. If there is evil in the world, God must exist—for without Him there is no standard.  How does man define evil if there is no God?  Who else decides what is bad or good? 

“…there is none good but one, that is, God” Mark 10:18

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” Proverbs 1:7

“…I had not known sin, but by the law…” Romans 7:7

2. According to the word of God, there is evil in creation because of man's sin. So it is man’s fault, not God's.  Horrible massacres are the results of human wickedness.  Even fatal natural catastrophes (such as tsunamis and tornadoes) are effects of the Curse from Adam’s sin.

 “…cursed is the ground for thy sake…” Genesis 3:17

“…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…” Romans 5:12

“…the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain until now.” Romans 8:22

3. Evil exists today because God is good. If He removed evil immediately, every one of us would be consumed!  The Scriptures state that we are all evil—for we are all sinners.  We are liars, proud, selfish, covetous, disobedient, etc.  We all deserve damnation in everlasting hell.  The very fact that man still lives is testament to God’s goodness!

“There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” Ecclesiastes 7:20

“They are all gone out of the way, they are all together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good no, not one” Romans 3:12

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

Instead of destroying His creation instantly, our Maker gives life, breath, and all things—the greatest gift of all being the ONE WAY of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.  God shows His goodness by giving man time to repent, but the day will come for each person to stand before the Judge.  This is the thrust of II Peter chapter three.  “…The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…” (II Peter 3:9).  How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

Rather than accuse God of negligence or wrong, we must see ourselves for the vile rebels that we are, repent of our sin, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved.

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:21)

Abortion must be abolished.

Be Bold

“Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight” (I Chronicles 19:13).

Joab, captain of the host, has led the mighty men of Israel against the royal city of Rabbah of Ammon. They have come in the name and at the command of David, their king.  The Ammonites have gathered to fight in front of the gates of the fortified city.  Joab and his host set themselves to do battle.

Yet what is this noise behind?  Sounds of feet marching, of hoof beats, and the jostling of chariot wheels?  The men of Israel look over their shoulders and take in the scene.  A huge multitude gathers in the field at their rear, not only footmen, but cavalry also, and 32,000 chariots!  It is a highly trained mercenary army from Syria hired by the children of Ammon to be sure of victory.  It seems as if they will be crushed between the two forces. 

The army of Israel, so far from home, has no chance of gaining reinforcements or aid.  In the face of such numbers and in a grossly disadvantaged position, what can they do?  It is enough to make the stoutest heart hesitate, falter. 

Seeing that the battle is set against him before and behind, Joab has a decision to make.  Retreat?  Make an attack on one side or another, leaving their flank exposed?  Surrender?  Sue for peace?    

The captain of the host swiftly gives orders.  He reorganizes his army into two, and gives the command of the second division into the hand of Abishai his brother.   The two armies must turn to face the enemy at hand—Abishai’s men fighting the Ammonites, while Joab’s men take on the Syrians.  This way they will have each other’s back.  The brothers agree each to send word if one needs help, and pledge to give aid when needed.

Before they turn away to attack the enemy Joab gives this charge to his brother.  “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.”  They throw themselves into the fray, trusting in their God, and the LORD grants them the victory.

As believers, we also face a war.  It is not one against flesh and blood, but instead for the souls of lost people.  Our King, the LORD Jesus Christ, has sent us to preach the Gospel that sinners may come to know Him and be saved from sin and Satan’s bondage.  He has provided us with armour and a SWORD LIKE NONE OTHER–the quick and powerful word of God–the Bible.

It must be recognized that the enemy does not play fair, and when we set out to share our faith, we find not only the adversary, the devil, endeavoring to tempt and dissuade us, but also the world system, which presses us to compromise and to be silent.  And the flesh itself provides yet another foe, causing us to fear man and shrink from the task.

In the face of all this opposition, let us not lose heart.  Do we not have the LORD of all creation as the Captain of our Salvation?  Has He not promised to be with us?  Are we not more than conquerors through Jesus Christ?  He who redeemed us by His blood, He who commissioned us for service, can He not use us?

Let us then as brethren encourage one another.  Let us be vigilant to watch each other’s back. Let us be swift to pray; swift to ask for help; swift to give aid!  We must consider Whom we serve and be valiant in battle for the kingdom of our God.  Let us do our duty and trust the Lord Almighty with the results.  Souls are heading to destruction.  Let us lift up our voices and speak the words of our Saviour: “Be ye reconciled to God!  Repent and believe the Gospel!” 

And may we, as Joab, shout over the noise of battle to our fellow believers in the fight:  “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.”

Out of the Mouth of Babes

This morning, 18 women went to have their babies killed.  I met them there.  I offered them information.  I shared the truth about life.  I warned of the wickedness and effects of the choice that they were making.  I declared the justice and mercy of God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Just five days before, my wife and I lost our firstborn son, William Livingstone Samuel, at 21 weeks prenatal.  With that wound so new and tears running down my cheeks, I pleaded for the lives of those in danger today. 

There were, praise the Lord, women who were outwardly suffering and responsive to my message of mercy and hope.  But how sad it is when I am also ignored, mocked, falsely accused, and bitterly treated.  I am confident that the words of the Lord that were heard (even by those closed to its entrance) will not return void.  And it is no shame to be maligned for the sake of my Lord Jesus Christ and those babies He forms in the womb.  I must open my mouth for the dumb in the case of all such as appointed to destruction.

The Lord aided my voice as I preached and pleaded in the cause of Human Life and Life Everlasting for two hours.  He gave me words, when my own would falter, to share with people one on one.  He allowed me the privilege of passing out tracts and waving at passersbys.  

Many things happened, many conversations, etc.  But I want to share one thing in particular.

At one point, while I was preaching to those in the entry way of the abortion mill,  I suddenly heard clapping and cheering behind me.  Although there were those on the inside reacting and scorning, someone was supporting me.  There were those, behind me and across the street, applauding and saying "That's right!"  "Good job!"  I was greatly encouraged and spurred on in making known the Gospel and the truth about abortion. 

Glancing back over my shoulder, I saw who it was.  Elementary children—maybe 1st through 4th graders—waiting for the school bus to pick them up.  These young students were clapping their hands, waving, and cheering me on.  They were boldly standing for LIFE. I thought of my dear precious son, so new to heaven, and wept all the more, with appreciation of little ones.  

It must have been something for those grownups gathered in the entry of the murder mill to see as well.  They quieted and were silenced.  Thank you, Lord, for the little children.

Psalm 8:2—"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger."

Declaring the Truth about Life AND Life Everlasting!

"And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in thy judgments" (Psalm 119:43)

You may wonder what does a Christian go through when he or she chooses to stand and speak for life publicly.  Allow me to share what all happened today...

Went to the local abortion mill, as I do twice a week, and stood for life from 6:30am to 10am.  

Prayed on the way there for the ability to share the Gospel and wisdom to give an answer. 

Offered help to and shared the Gospel with people going in to have their children killed.  Saw women and girls going in, and mourned in my spirit over both the fear and desperation on the faces of some and the impudence and brazen selfishness on the faces of others.  

Was refused for the most part, ridiculed by mothers, friends, and the staff, and was falsely accused and maligned by the manager.

Grieved at the knowledge that 10+ innocent children were slaughtered today not a 100 feet from where I was standing.

Gave tracts to people going by, including about 15 students waiting for the bus.  

Saw 54 positive responses from passersby.

Had a few people stop their cars to tell me that they appreciated what I was doing.

Had others driving by who ignored me or mocked at the murder of babies, and the word of God.  Was given opportunity to bless those who cursed me.

Witnessed of the Gospel and life to a woman walking by who was just released from prison yesterday after a 10 year sentence for killing someone.  She agreed with me in general about the evil of abortion, but raised doubts about cases of rape.  I answered her questions from the Bible in love, and gave her a tract about life and eternal life.  Let her know I will pray for her and her children.

Talked with a man who in his car on the road, whose girlfriend was inside, sharing with him what the Bible says about life, sin, forgiveness, and salvation.  he was not agreeing with me, but our conversation was civil.  As I spoke with him, the manager yelled profanities at me from the parking lot, where he stands when the abortionist is expected to arrive (he acts as security guard too).  The man and I kept talking.  Suddenly, the manager was behind me pushing on me with his chest and wouldn't leave me alone.  This, I believe, constitutes "assault".  He was angry that I was speaking with the man.  I guess prolife sidewalk counselors are bad for business.  It is the first time he has gotten physical against me, and I am grateful that the Lord protected me.  Got to share the Gospel again with this manager, telling him that I care about him enough to warn him of the danger, and that I desire to see him saved in Christ Jesus.

Warned the abortionist when he came of the need to repent and trust in Christ.  Preached the Gospel to him and to the manager again.  The abortionist yelled back at me and went inside to do his bloody business.

The manager said I was wasting my time, and that it would please him if I would leave and not come back.  I let him know that I am not living to please him, but my Father in heaven.  And my Lord calls His children to speak the truth and stand against evil.  

In each case, the Lord gave me words to say, almost all of it, being straight from the Bible.  "The preparations in the heart of man, and the answer from the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1).  All glory to the Lord for being my Stay, and my Defense.

Praise the Lord, I'm seeing God work in this ministry, even in those who are resisting.  Jesus Christ shows His protection of His servants, and gives the words to say.  Am praying for His continuing conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

 I'm thankful for the three young ladies who drove up from out of state to stand for life today too.  I prayed for other believers to get the burden to join me someday. 

All that in one morning.  

If you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, maybe you should ask your self, what you are doing to share the truth about life and eternal life.  

What are you doing to stand for the lives of the innocent in danger of being slaughtered?

What are you doing so that people can hear the Gospel and learn how they can have everlasting life?

There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down. 

What is in a Word? INVESTIGATE

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15).

   My mind is a little peculiar.  Sometimes things jump out at me.  It is rather strange.

   Real life example- I am sitting in my house, minding my own business, when I see three books on a shelf.  They are on unrelated subjects, and all I can see are the titles on the binding.  But for some crazy reason, my mind starts to try to find how the books are the same and how they are different.  I note that the three books were authored by three different people, that the binding are three different colors, yet that the lettering are all gold colored.  The symbol of the publisher is on the bottom of each book, and each were published by a different publisher.
   Especially the words grab my attention.  My mind sets to work, checking to see if the titles have the same amount of syllables.  Then I start counting to see what letters all three books bindings have in common and discover out that each book contains three L's, if you include the author's name with the title.  I do all this while seated, and never even touch the books.  After this ordeal, my mind is satisfied, that is until I sit here again.  Then my mind will want to check on those titles again, just to make sure that they haven't changed.  

   Another instance- I am sitting at a friend's home.  I see a sentence stenciled on the wall, a clever decoration.  My mind starts to dissect, going through the alphabet, checking to see what letters are used in the sentence, and which are not included, if all the vowels are present or not, etc.  I count to see which letter is used most often in the sentence.

   This type of thing has been happening ever since I learned to read at age 3 1/2 to 4 years of age.  Most times when this happens it really doesn't make much difference, except my mind is getting a workout.  It can even be a mental strain, and sometimes I have to purposefully think of something else.

   But there are some benefits that rise from it at times.

   When looking at a word, I am often struck by the wondering of where that word came from.  I think back to whether I have learned what roots it came from, and search for related words.  For instance, the words course, courier, current, cursive, and cursor key, are related words, derived from a root cursus meaning "to run".  Therefore, when I see a word with the same root, my mind checks it to see how it fits.  From childhood, I have been fascinated with words and their history.
   Moreover, I appreciate the richness and depth that is to be had in the English language, and how words can be grouped in "families".  There are words that can be used to communicate the same meaning, but each can have also its own flavor, and specific dynamic.  For instance, sauntered, ambled, tiptoed, and stomped are all words that can be used to describe someone walking, but each conveys a varying attitude, manner, and quality.  Seeing how words can be the same and different has often been an aid in learning and adding words to my vocabulary both in and out of school.

   Other times, when I see a word, I see words inside the word.  By dissecting these inner words, I can understand the meaning or application of a word.

Let's take a look at the word INVESTIGATE.

INVESTIGATE: to search into; to examine with care and accuracy; It comes from the Latin, investigo, "to follow a track, to search."

Dissecting the word from the viewpoint of studying the Bible, we find certain inner words...

IN - You need to get IN the Bible.  Open it, ask God to teach and shew you what you need to know.  If we don't get into the Bible, how can we expect to know it?
"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy word." Psalm 119:18
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130

INVEST - Spend time in the Bible.  Invest time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on the Scriptures.  It is worth the investment.  And remember, where your treasure is there will your heart be also.
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Psalm 119:97

VEST - The vest covers your heart.  Don't just get knowledge for your head.  Take the truth to heart.
"Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart"
Psalm 119:34

I - See how the Scripture applies to you personally.  Don't just say, "Oh my brother needs to hear that!"  Consider yourself first and see if you line up with God's word and where you need to repent and confess sin and do things God's way.  Then you can share with your brother what the Lord is teaching you and encourage him to do the same.
"I thought on my ways and turned my feet unto thy testimonies" Psalm 119:59

GATE - A gate swings.  It is active.  Put hinges on the truth of the Bible you have learned and swing with it.  Live according to the precepts and principles of the word of God.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105

   Let us be diligent to study the word of truth, to be approved workmen!  Let us not end up ashamed because we neglected the Book of the Lord!

   Let the words of the psalmist be reflected in our desire for the LORD and His word...

"Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation according to thy word.

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.  

I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. 

And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." Psalm 119:41-48

   There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.

Why Stand for Life and Speak for the Gospel?

Stood for life this morning.

Offered information and help to women who were on their way to pay to have their babies murdered.

Prayed for hearts to be turned, and for my people to awaken to what is happening in our own country's cities.

Gave Gospel (English and Spanish) tracts to passersby.

Put signs with Scripture and the facts about abortion out for the benefit of the public driving by.

Carried a sign with the verse "Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5).

Shared about the Gospel and life with the postman and someone who stopped, asking for directions.

Read Scripture and warned a hardened murderer of the need of repentance as he went to slay at least half a dozen innocent Americans.

Preached to the manager, sharing why I was there and gave the Gospel message I give him every week.

Why do I do this twice a week?  Why do I rise early Wednesdays and Saturdays to go to the abortion mill?  Why do I warn the lost?

Like my Father, I am not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Here is an exhortation to us from a brother already departed:

"If sinners are to be damned at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies, and if they perish, let them perish with our arms around their knees imploring them to stay.  If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let no one go there unwarned or unprayed for."  Charles Spurgeon

   Jesus said to "preach the Gospel to every creature".  Are we not to obey our Lord and His word?

This is why I do what I do.  And this is why I exhort all my Christian brothers and sisters to do the same.

Fatherhood, Creation, and Perversion

This Sunday is Father's Day, initiated to remind us all of the need to respect and appreciate the blessing of a father in the home. God as the Creator established marriage and the family.  He laid out the pattern for these roles in the very beginning of Scripture, the first book of the Bible, Genesis chapters 1 and 2: one man for one woman for life.  When an individual or a group of individuals choose to twist God's design, the result is perversion.  God calls it sin.  

We live in a society that has denied the truth of the Creator and His word.  We have turned every one to His own way, and said "Do your own thing."  Children are taught that they are just rearranged slime and there are no rules.  One of the results of this is the rise of homosexuality and other like base practices. I believe this is a direct fruit of rejection of the Creator God (Romans 1:18-32).

Christians and churches as a whole across the country have not spoken the truth, nor have they taken a stand for the truth.  The main cause of this silence is that most Christians are woefully ignorant of what God actually says.  "My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6).  Because of this "lack of knowledge", not only have the lost in this world simply sunk deeper in sin unwarned, but also many Christians have been deceived into thinking it is fine with God.  I know of prominent "Christian" leaders who are treating homosexual relations as a non issue, and won't speak the truth about it.  This is because they either have denied it to be true themselves or they are giving in to the fear of man.  But are we not to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?  Is it loving to let someone continue in sin, without warning them of the danger and the judgment of such an abomination?  Is it loving to tell them that their actions are permissible, when God says differently?  Is it loving to NOT tell them of the way of escape?  The Bible declares, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6).

Are we not to be preserving salt in society?  If we are not doing our job outside the saltshaker, or worse, are allowing our own salt to be polluted by the world's thinking, are we not worthy of being trodden under the foot of men?  If we are silent is it not to our shame? (Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34-35; Colossians 4:6; I Corinthians 15:34)

Are we not to shine the light in darkness, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, even though men love darkness because their deeds are evil? (Matthew 5:16; John 3:19; Philippians 2:15)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I cannot but speak His word "...he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully..." (Jeremiah 23:28).

Anyway, I recently saw something alarming on the official Father's Day ad for JC Penny's.  It shows the picture of a real life male homosexual couple and their children, and talks about how great it is to have two dads.  It is depicting that lifestyle as a normal and healthy, which is a glaring lie.  This large department store company is promoting the homosexual agenda.  Here is an excerpt of my message to them:

~~~

Dear JC Penny's Associate,

   I am contacting you in grief over your recent blatant ads (Mothers' Day and Father's Day).  As a father, I take great umbrage that you would promote homosexuality in the name of a day that is dedicated to preserving honor to the family unit, which is the backbone of our society.  Homosexuality brings great damage to those trapped in it and to their families.  I have always thought of your company as having a good heritage in integrity and wholesome family values, but I am seeing a calamitous shift, endorsing wicked behavior, that threatens the fabric of the family.

   There are a lot who throw the name "homophobe" around, but it does not apply to me, nor to many thousands that stand with me.  I am not "afraid" of homosexuals.  I care about them enough to tell them the truth.  I have spent time and spoken with many of them, and have heard them confess that they know it is wrong and that they are trapped in the sin.  They know it is sin.  I have had the joy of sharing how they can be made free through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and encourage them to return to the Creator's design for the sexual relationship: within marriage, between one man and one woman for life.  JC Penny's promoting such a destructive behavior is only furthering the bondage of those ensnared.  "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25).  I cannot put money into what is destroying so many men, women, and families.  Because of JC Penny's brazen determination both in the face of the truth, and in spite of the concerns of multitudes of customers, my family and I will not be shopping at JC Penny's stores, outlets, sites, etc., until there is evidence that JC Penny's has changed their policies.  I pray that your company will reconsider what it promotes.

~~~

By the way, some have claimed that the Bible has no problem with homosexuality.  That is only a claim from those who either do not know the Scriptures, or those who have an ulterior motive to believe so.  Here are some articles that will explain the Biblical worldview on homosexuality, the Christian, and society. 

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2004/01/19/homosexual-behavior

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/orob/hijacking-the-bus-homosexuality-scripture

I am well aware that it is likely that homosexuals whom I am acquainted may read this. Whether I know you or not, I am praying for you to "Consider your ways" as the LORD said (Haggai 1:7), and repent, turning to Jesus Christ for freedom of this evil sin (I Corinthians 6:9-11).

There is still time to win a battle before the sun goes down.