Lively Hope

The mother of all clichés might be this one. The idea is that God is mysterious and we are simple pawns in His celestial game. What right do we have to understand anything? He has it all under control. Everything happens for a reason. He allows evil. He gives and takes away, and, just toContinue reading "God moves in mysterious ways?"

that if you are born again you have changed kingdoms? that you are just as righteous as Jesus? that your spirit is a new creation? that you are seated with Him in heavenly places? that you are filled with His Spirit? that you are adopted into His family? that His love was poured into yourContinue reading "What if I told you…."

Most Christians should know that God did not make this statement. Nevertheless, many of God’s children quote it more frequently than any other verse in the Bible. The book of Job has become more important than the four gospels for many. Identifying with Job’s sufferings seems to bring comfort for some reason. The truth ofContinue reading "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away?"

One of the most horrible answers to evil and suffering in the world is that “God allows it.” Once again, God is the perpetrator or an accessory to crimes against humanity. Such a belief system effectively challenges the justice system of any civilized society. If God allows evil, what right do we have to punishContinue reading "God allows evil?"

A typical response to bad things happening is that they “happen for a reason.” Once again, the believer who says such things is revealing a glaring lack of understanding as to how the Kingdom works, and how the world works. There is a default belief system in many that rests in the idea of aContinue reading "Everything happens for a reason?"

This is a typical response by many Christians to any event in the world that seems tragic or incomprehensible. It is meant to convey that while world events, tragedies, sicknesses and death may be mysterious to us, we can take comfort because God has everything under control. This is a fundamental misunderstanding that leads toContinue reading "God is in control?"

How often have we been exhorted that if we only had a tiny bit of faith like a mustard seed, that is all we need? This has bothered me for years because I see so many with “little faith” and big problems. Was Jesus extolling the virtues and potential of tiny faith? So the LordContinue reading "The Mustard Seed Mystery"

And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Luke 7:21) As we preach and teach the wonderful truths of God’s grace and love, there are those whose current circumstances do not reflect the message that is being shared. For some, the blessings of the gospel seem far away and out of reach.Continue reading "Are You Offended At God?"