theVibe: 07.23.10

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

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!

Summer Voices 2010

06.27.10 – when god interrupts your life – Todd Stocker 07.11.10 – athens america – dustin barnes

Jordan Ray – Midway Site Coordinator

Townhouse Fire Update – Need your help!

UPDATE: 06.14

Furniture and clothing donations can be made on Tuesday night between 6:30 – 9. Please bring items to the AlleyKids area. Thank you! If you have any questions please contact Brian (http://www.thealley.org/Brian )

theVibe 05.27.10

theVibe 05.20.10

Step 12: Carry His Message

Well it is finally over, last night we concluded our series on the 12 steps. I plan on us spending some time talking about discipleship in recovery and then launching into a longer series on the foundations of recovery, primarily sections of Mathew, 1 Corinthians, and the entire book of James.

What we talked about last night was this idea that those of us who have been spared from the horrors of addiction, have a responsibility to help others escape it as well. My hope if you are following this is that you will have an even deeper relationship with God by this point in the steps. Then, having had that “spiritual experience” you will get busy with the business of helping others to find recovery.

Noone promised us when we got saved that all was going to go well. But even in our low spots we can still find a fellow believer who is in worse shape than we are. Or better yet a non-believer who has yet to hear the Good News.

We need to ask ourselves a few simple questions and then it is time to start kicking rear and chewing bubble gum.

• Do I have a personal relationship with Christ?
• Does ever increasing Victory in my life over sin?
• Do I believe that there are people in this world whom I can help?
• How much of my spare time do I terminate on my own selfish ends?
• How much, or specifically in what ways could I begin to give back?
• Am I consistent in my life as to how people view me?

With these questions contemplated we really need to strap on our tennis shoes and hit the ground running. There are hurting units out there and within our Church who desperately need the love of Jesus and the peace that that relationship brings.

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