askthepastor

Why does God allow suffering like we’ve seen in Haiti?

~ brandon ~ Leave a comment

Through out history theologians and pastors have tried to answer such questions.  Evil and suffering are very hard to synthesize with belief in a loving God.  I don’t pretend to have the answers, but let me share some key thoughts.

First, God is a loving, powerful God but not just a loving, powerful God.  He is also wise, all-knowing, holy, righteous, just and wrathful.  Any adequate answer about suffering must deal with all of God’s attributes, not just one.  For example, while preventing all suffering from happening might seem loving, it might also violate other aspects of God’s character.

Second, because God is all-knowing, He sees not just the immediate suffering, but how that suffering connects to every other event—past and future.  Jonathan Edwards’ perspective is quite helpful in this regard.  He suggests that God sees through a microscope and a macroscope.  In the microscope God sees each event individually.  In this regard He rightly hates suffering.  In the macroscope God sees each event as it connects to all other events.  In this way, He may be inclined to allow that which He hates, because of outcomes we can never fathom.

Ultimately our response to tragedies like Haiti’s comes down to trust.  Can we trust God enough to say, “While I may never understand, I trust God’s reasoning in allowing this tragedy.”  Having trusted His reasoning, we are then free to respond with His love.

Who was present at the first Nativity?

~ brandon ~ Leave a comment

The Gospels tell us that Mary and Joseph were present, and shepherds arrived soon after the birth.  These shepherds came to see the child whose birth the Angels proclaimed (Luke 2:8-15), and the Scriptures foretold (Matthew 1:22, 23).  When they arrived, the Shepherds Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  From there they departed to tell others the good news!

Traditionally we also place the Magi in the stable soon after Christ’s birth.  However, they did not visit Christ in the manger.  As Matthew’s gospel attests, they visited Him in a house (not a stable), when he was a child (not a new born) (Matthew 2:1-12).  Likely they arrived in Bethlehem a few months after Christ’s birth.  Like the shepherds, these men recognized Jesus to be more than a baby; He is the promised Savior.  This Christmas we cannot return to the manger in Bethlehem, but we can accept Jesus for who is:  the Lord and Savior of mankind, the greatest gift ever given.

Christians and the Environment

~ brandon ~ Leave a comment

Q—My friend and I argue about environmental issues.  He doesn’t think Christians should be worried about it, but I do.  What do you think?

A—I think we should not worry about anything (Matthew 6:31-34).  I think we should also be wise stewards of all of God’s blessings, including our environment.  However, that doesn’t necessarily mean we must save the planet.  Before we can determine was wise stewardship looks like, we must ask ourselves, “What does our Master desire that we do with His property?”

So, does God want us to save His planet?  I doubt it.  Genesis 3:17 clearly teaches that God cursed the Creation and Romans 8:20-22 supports this.  The New Testament also foresees a day when God will destroy this earth with fire and create a new earth in its place (2 Peter 3:12; Revelation 21:1).  Since He cursed it and will destroy it, I don’t think He wants us to save it.

So, what does He want us to do?  Genesis 1 pictures all of creation as a life support system for mankind.  It teaches us that mankind sits at the pinnacle of the created order—and everything else is intended to support our life.  Wise stewardship, then, is caring for the planet to maximize human life.  From shelter to clothing to gainful employment and all that life entails, we are to invest Creation in support of all aspects of human existence.  This means all environmental policy, personal or national, must be judged by its impact upon people.

Ask the Pastor

~ brandon ~ Leave a comment

Q—Do you have advice on looking for a church?

A—My advice is to find a healthy congregation where you can use the gifts God’s given you to serve Him. Begin by listing the congregations close enough for you to become involved. As Christians, we are called to serve others. So, if I drive an hour to church, I likely won’t have time to serve in the ministries of that church.
Having made a list, pray over the list. Then plan to visit each congregation on your list. During your visits, avail yourself of any information you can concerning the congregation. Ultimately we are looking for a healthy church. Such a church is centered on God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:16, 17); God centered in worship (Psalm 100); driven by the mission of the Church (Matthew 28:19, 20); intentional in disciplemaking (Matthew 29:19, 20); and marked by loving community (John 13:35). Through prayer and careful consideration of the congregations you visit, the Spirit will lead you to the place where you can worship, serve and grow as you follow Christ side-by-side with brothers and sisters.

Ask the Pastor

~ brandon ~ Leave a comment

I’ve been writing a column in the local newspaper for about seven years now. It’s called, “Ask the Pastor,” and attempts to answer all manner of questions from a Conservative, Biblical worldview. The questions come from friends, family, enemies and strangers. Feel free to pass along any questions you’d like to ask.