Q&A

If God knows everything and knew everything even before he created it…..then he had to of known that Adam and Eve would eat from the tree, so then why did he tell them not to if he knew they were going to anyway. Or even better yet, if he could create us to be whatever he wanted us to be, then why did he create us to be rebellious in nature or to be so easily blinded?

I don’t’ have any answers, but am more than happy to share my “thought process” as I think about this question (I actually think about it quite a bit. In addition I often wonder why God made us with just two arms, no ability to fly, one heart but two kidneys, one tongue but two ears, the ability to see only part of the light spectrum, ability to only hear certain ranges of sound, minds that have limited capacity, the ability to taste certain things, etc etc etc. Also, why is the natural world we live in the way it is? Grass is green, the sky is blue, etc. etc.) God could have done things so differently if He wanted to. But, he did it the way He did. Hmmmmmm. Anyway ……

When I think about this question, I will consider this:

1. Wow, God went through with it even though he knew before hand that we would reject Him. What love! (Romans 5:8, I John 4:7-11)

2. In my human mind, I try to think of “doing it a better way” so that humans would not have sinned and we could have avoided the whole “fallen nature” thing. However, every thought experiment I try comes to the same conclusion. My ideas are no good. My ideas would not have worked. They would be contrary to God’s nature of perfect love, perfect holiness, etc. God’s way is the perfect, only way. It just doesn’t work any other way. God is God. He knows what He’s doing. Plus, my mind is limited by time and finite capacity. I can hardly wait to know fully what the mystery is (I Corinthians 13: 8-13).

3. This then brings me to consider that God is the potter and I am the clay (Isaiah 29: 13-16). As Pastor Ben often says, “I am thankful that God provides a way.” I humbly thank God that He is in control and created us in the first place and wants relationship with us. What love God shows to us. It is overwhelming. How can I respond in any other way than to thank Him, trust in Him, and live love to the fullest to have relationship with Him and love others.

Pastor Ben’s recent sermon that focused on Romans 9:14-29 would be a good reference:

Also, the book of Job is great for perspective … especially chapters 38 through 42.

God is good. His mercy endures forever.

Well, those are my thoughts. I look forward to other’s comments.

Jon

Homecoming

These are exciting times around our house.  My wife’s sister who has been living in Australia for the better part of 5 years is moving back to the states and into Cottage Grove no less!  They will be just a few miles away from us and we’re all excited to be reunited.  Her sister & husband had their first child a few months back and decided that it was time to head for ‘home’.  We are all very happy to have them back in the same area code again and of course grandma is beside herself with that new grand-baby!

All this thinking about homecomings and going back to where you are from has got me thinking about God the Father and his children; us.  We read in Luke 15 about the prodigal son, who after demanding his inheritance from his father went out to make a name for himself.  He failed miserably and ended up penniless, homeless & dining with the pigs!  He swallows his pride and heads back home.  His father could not be happier!  Instead of telling him ‘I told you so’ he runs to him as soon as he sees him coming down the road, throws his arms around him and then has a party to end all parties to welcome him back.

¹⁷“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ ²⁰So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

²¹“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.^[a]‘

²²“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

If we can get this excited (and rightfuly so) about people returning home and being near us again just think how excited our Father God is at the thought that one day we will be home with him in heaven.  He paid a dear price for our lives by sending his only son Jesus to live and to die for us just so that we could be washed of our sin and truly welcomed to our eternal home in Heaven.

Check out this video below from Brian Littrell (yes, the Backstreet Boy) of his song called ‘Welcome Home (You)’, I think it’s pretty fitting…

Peace,
Brian

theVibe 07.15.10

Women of Faith Conference

Ladies make plans to join a group from theAlley at the 2010 Women of Faith Conference; 10/22-23 @ the Xcel Energy Center! We will be assembling a group of women to go to this life changing event. Registration is $99 but if we get a group of 10+ it’s reduced to $89.

This year’s theme is ‘Over The Top’ which is in reference to the overwhelming love that God has for us. God does not weigh out his love for us grain by grain but rather he pours out mercy in a flood! Guest speakers & entertainers this year include: Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Mary Beth & Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa and more!  For more information on this great opportunity visit the official website: womenoffaith.com

Contact Sarah Smith now to reserve your spot in the group!

Critical Spirit vs. Truth in Love

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