| Author | Message | ||
     Admin (Admin) (38.136.62.186) Rating: |
Imagine for a moment that you live back in the time of Jesus. Imagine further that you have leprosy, a disease that is rare today but which back then meant a very slow and wasting death-the flesh goes numb and the extremities of the body begin to rot and fall off. Add to this horror the fact that you are an outcast. Every time you walk down the street you must shout out,"Unclean, unclean," so people can get out of your way and not be contaminated by your disease. Into this setting comes Jesus Christ. You've heard stories of this man.His reputation has preceded him. You've heard of his power to heal. And so you move through the throngs of people, yelling, "Unclean,"at the top of your lungs. You know Jesus is in the middle of the crowd,and you're desperate. You want to get to him. You may not have much power as a leper, but at least you can clear a room or break up a crowd faster than most people. Finally you reach the feet of Jesus. You're broken, deserted and hopeless.You think that with Jesus you just might have a chance, but you also know that if he turns you down and walks away, you're finished. It's over. Through your tears you cry out, "Jesus, if you want to, you can make me clean." Then something you've never seen before begins to happen. You see a hand reaching out to clasp your shoulder. Instinctively you draw back not wanting to infect this man. But the hand grasps you anyway, and stays there for what seems an eternity. From above you a voice says simply, "I want to. Be clean." This is a story of power, a story of love unleashed. I tell it often to those who simply cannot believe they are worth God's attention, his love and the death of his Son. They believe God can love. He just can't love them. They feel that what they've done, or like the leper, who they are, makes them unlovable. The wonderful promise of Scripture is that God is bigger than anything we can do that's wrong. God can reach deeper than any pit we can dig for ourselves.We cannot commit a sin that God cannot forgive. The wonderful promise of Scripture is that God is bigger than anything we can do that's wrong. God can reach deeper than any pit we can dig for ourselves.We cannot commit a sin that God cannot forgive. Two apostles, Judas and Peter, are good examples of just how far God's care and forgiveness can reach. Peter was an individualist in every sense of the word. When the crowds were heading north, Peter was heading south. When every other apostle expressed apprehension about their devotion to Jesus, Peter jumped up and said, "Not me, Lord. I'd die for you in a minute.If everyone walks out the door on you, I'll stick around. Count on it." Within minutes of Jesus' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, Peter stood outside the home of the high priest and denied to three different people that he had ever known Christ. Pretty fickle, wasn't he? When Jesus was around, he was all full of love and devotion. When it came to putting his own skin on the line, he said, "Some other time." As Jesus was being led to his death, he passed by where Peter was standing and their eyes met. Peter, knowing what he had just done, was crushed by the weight of his own guilt. He went out, wept bitterly and pleaded with God to forgive him. That is just what God did too. After the resurrection, Christ affirmed Peter's role in the church as a shepherd of his people (Jn21:15-19). Then there's the other apostle, Judas Iscariot, Christ's betrayer.Judas didn't deny Christ verbally and publicly. Instead he acted as a bounty hunter and sold Christ to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. Judas was also crushed with his own guilt when he recognized what he had done. But, unlike Peter, he didn't ask for forgiveness. Instead he took the job upon himself of punishing and judging his act, and so committed suicide. How ironic that the one Judas betrayed paid the same price, death-the death designed to bring Judas to repentance and life! Many of the people I speak with consider themselves to be like Judas and Peter. They are going through enormous guilt and don't know where to turn for comfort. Like the two apostles, they have a choice. Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus and denied him. Both of them deserved eternal punishment.Yet one man chose to be his own judge, jury and executioner. The other chose to turn and face his sin in all its ugliness and ask for forgiveness. He is remembered as the impetuous, beloved disciple who spoke boldly for Christ,and became a pillar of the church. God loves each of us as much as he loved Peter. There is no sin too big that he can't forgive. He wants to forgive us. He's able to forgive us. He's ready to forgive us. | ||
| Charles Koh New member Username: holmes Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
God being Perfect and Absolute, does not know sin. For if He knew, it would make Him a sinner, for whatever God knows, God Is. Read the Prodigal Son Story again, God the Father is always at home in his Heaven of perfection, but man the prodigal son has ran away from being the Son of God, and hence all the evil and suffering and self-condemnation. Yet when the son REALISES AND REMEMBERS HIS TRUE IDENTITY AS THE SON OF GOD, he yearns to return HOME. ANd the Father seeing his son afar off, ran to him with Joy to receive his son again. When the son condemned himself and saying he is 'unfit to be thy son', God did not answer. He did not answer because God does not know sin, all He knows is He is in the Eternal Present Now, In Heaven. His Son has left Now, and has returned Now. "I created man, and all is Good, very Good". It is always Good, for to God being Heaven in ALL TIME (this eternal NOW), his son, the 2 aspects of his SON(in the story), has ran away(prodigal son), and also his son is always at home(the stay at home son). And he said "Son, ALL that I have is thine", if only the Stay at Home Son of God knew of his Divine Inheritence and not condemn his ran away other self. That is why the bible said "The one and only begotten son of God". For to God, all his sons are the same, perfect, absolute, with him and "all is Good, very Good". THerefore only man condemns himself out of ignorance, for the Bible always teaches forgiveness. God cannot condemn sin, for if he did, he would have known sin "in the far away land", and it would make him a sinner, for GOD IS, Whatever he thinks, for he is the creative power. BUt man uses his own God given power of self-awareness, ran away, steeped in ignorance, and then condemns himself and gets stuck in a cycle. | ||
| Charles Koh New member Username: holmes Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
I might add, to God, being perfect and absolute, does not judge man, for to him, all his Sons are Good, perfect, the same and equal in his goodness. The only begotten. When prodigal son rejects himself and thinks he is unfit to be the Son, God merely tells his servant to bring the best robe(robe of perfection) and a ring (an ancient symbol of the absolute, as a ring goes round, has no end nor beginning) and make merry with a feast (abundance of Heaven/Home). | ||
| Chippie Sheppard New member Username: chippie Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Isa 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I, the LORD, do all these things. KJV. God is not evil and does no wrong and He is the perfect judge. What is meant but this passsage? | ||
| chris murphy Member Username: chuck_jones Post Number: 38 Registered: 09-2003 Rating: N/A |
I know everyone's gonna jump on me for this but God created everything, including evil. | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 118 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Perhaps what appears to be evil is not. | ||
| Chippie Sheppard New member Username: chippie Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Having created evil would mean that He would know the way to overcome evil. | ||
| chris murphy Member Username: chuck_jones Post Number: 39 Registered: 09-2003 Rating: N/A |
That is the best answer I've ever heard. Most people hit me with the old "God created free will, not evil" line. | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 119 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Why would God create evil? Why would he want evil to exist. It is like he sets up his children to fall. Why would I make the personal choice to worship a God like that? | ||
| Chippie Sheppard New member Username: chippie Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Well, let's take a look at our choices, are we only allowed to choose to fall? Ro 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. KJV | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 120 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Then why would God create evil? | ||
| Wendy J.G. Member Username: wendyg Post Number: 42 Registered: 01-2005 Rating: N/A |
God does not create evil. He has only created good...every good and perfect thing coming down from Heaven above ... what He did do was give us free will from the beginning. He created mankind with the ability to choose and do good or to choose and do evil. Same as us today in 2005. We can choose good or evil. The Ten Commandments really say, "Don't do this ...it will cause you pain." There is no point creating us only capable of choosing God and His ways...we are free to choose. Thus we create evil or good depending on our choices. We choose to sin, we choose to hate, we choose to have bad attitudes. I am not saying we choose sickness at all...but sometimes the hard things that happen to us are stepping stones to getting onto the right road to our heavenly Father. Hard times tend to push us closer to God and His will and good purpose and to more faith in Him and His living Word...Jesus. Some people get better after hard circumstances ...others get bitter. This life on imperfect Earth is so tough at times...God isn't far away disinterested. He didn't create us and then forget us...He gave us every good thing and the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus is praying for us! We can choose to do good or evil....to love and trust God and others as we love ourselves or we can choose evil, to study war and hatred. Leaving God out of our lives is a free choice. Our hearts get hard and only God Himself can soften us up again. God created only goodness and man capable of decideing whether to have faith or be unfaithful. God is good...there is no darkness in Him at all. | ||
| Chippie Sheppard New member Username: chippie Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
I do not know why God would create evil. He told us what not to do. Gen 2: 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it. For in the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die." KJV | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 122 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
The bible says that God made the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. "Knowledge" is the operative word in this case. Are we taking the Bible literally at this point? If so then what happened to the phrase: "God saw to it that it was good." That is in genesis somewhere in the creation story. | ||
| chris murphy Member Username: chuck_jones Post Number: 40 Registered: 09-2003 Rating: N/A |
Does the bible say that "Knowledge" is the operative word? Before he created free will, he must have created evil, no? | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 123 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
If one is to interpret this part of the Bible literally then one must realize that God did not create the tree of good and evil. He created the tree of knowledge of good and evil. The two are different. I guess, he did not want us to know if we were doing good or evil. Wonder why? Perhaps it is our own judgements of good and evil that cause death. Note the religious wars. | ||
| Chippie Sheppard New member Username: chippie Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
In agreement. Take a look at this site, http://www.godonthe.net/evidence/satan.htm. If we know how to recognise the enemy then his defeat is so much quicker. If I cannot stop myself from sinning then... Why would God love somebody like me? | ||
| Wendy J.G. Member Username: wendyg Post Number: 44 Registered: 01-2005 Rating: N/A |
God did not create evil. He instead created the angels and humans....who were all capable of choosing evil. A third of the angels and Lucifer decided to choose evil. We, today, have that choice also. Adam and Eve chose to disobey and by so doing they chose evil. They chose because they disobeyed God the Father's express wishes. Yahweh said they might eat of all the fruit on all the trees...except the tree that gave the knowledge of evil and good. They then chose and so could tell/imagine/know what evil was. Wee babies are born without knowledge of good and evil, as far as I know, and we teach them what is good and what is evil. Mostly to avoid pain but also to educate and instill wisdom. Our children grow up and many choose evil instead of obedience to God's express wishes...(and incidently often with total disregard for their parent's ideals, beliefs and suggestions.) All through time it has been this way. And yet God has unlimited patience with us and doesn't will that any of us die in our sins and transgressions. Just as earthly parents can choose to continue to love their offspring who go astray and even if they are estranged....continue to love them unconditionally....or, unfortunately, decide to stop loving them and hate them- God is constantly forgiving us when we confess that what He considers wrong ...we consider wrong as well. And with compassion He welcomes us home with arms wide open when we return. Leading us toward Himself. However ...as He wanted us to choose fellowship with Him unhindered by sin...(by our freewill not as robots who could not help but love Him)he gave us the ability to volunteerily stay close to Him or to go far away. If we loved Him because there was no other choice would that satisfy His desire to have loving children and sweet fellowship? We run around in circles trying to twist His words to suit our life style and then wonder why unhappiness results. | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 125 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Yeah. Evil is more a verb than a noun. | ||
| Chippie Sheppard Junior Member Username: chippie Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Evil is subtle, noun or verb, evil is evil, just how bad could it be to take a bite of some fruit? Remember the only two people in the world without belly buttons. Lucifer was created, how is it that he had the ability to fall/corrupt himself? Where or how is it that evil came about on it's own without it being a part of intelligent design in beginning? I know it is an oxymoron to say that evil came from good but how could Hashem not have knowledge/recognition of evil? (with respect Dear Lord) or is it because God is perfect and evil cannot hide from Him? Can anybody really understand salvation despite our evil nature? Php 4:7 'And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' KJV | ||
| amy Intermediate Member Username: amylc Post Number: 127 Registered: 06-2004 Rating: N/A |
Chippie, by going on about evil,and the devil, you are actually empowering and glorifying their existance. I chose not to do that. | ||
| Wendy J.G. Member Username: wendyg Post Number: 46 Registered: 01-2005 Rating: N/A |
I feel alot of the above questions, Chippie, I answered but still you ask them. I am not as patient as God by a very long chalk but I will try to say one more thing without waffling. Chippie you asked "just how bad could it be to take a bite of some fruit?" It was not an apple or a pear or probably any other kind of earthly fruit. It was making that decision to ignore that command from God. "Don't go there ...it will cause you pain." And pain followed and follows all down the centuries. God gives us freewill to follow Him and obey His commands out of love ...or disobey and rebel against His principles and teachings. Thank goodness that along with God's justice, there is also mercy. Because He is Eternal, everywhere at once and all-powerful and all LOVE ...He thought of a way around this terrible tradegy and provided a Lamb, His own dear son, His only Son whom he allowed to DIE and be separated from Him in that cruel death. Jesus knew no sin and yet He died for each human ever created or to be created. Jesus Christ then paid the price. He laid down His life willingly in order than we might be friends with God despite our fallen state. Despite a sin-marred, corrupt world...that deserves destruction... God provided the Answer, the DOOR, the Way, the exact representation of His image. The LAMB of God who takes away the sin of this world and and takes away the JUST penalty we all deserve. AND THE ONLY THING WE HAVE TO DO IS REPENT...(TURN AWAY FROM KNOWN SIN) AND BELIEVE, HAVE FAITH,TRUST IN THAT WORK ON THE CROSS AS THE ONLY BASIS FOR SALVATION. Then we can take it or leave it...a free gift. But it isn't an easy or wide road...it is hard but again God provides the answer...the Holy Spirit. He is come to be our helper, the power of God in us, bringing us into Truth increasingly. So we can relax in that peace of God but we also have an important task... to love others into the kingdom... where Jesus is king now and will be king, a soon and coming King. Where jesus rules on Earth for a thousand years. That would be a good topic...what will it be like on Earth when Jesus returns?? | ||
| Chippie Sheppard Junior Member Username: chippie Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Please forgive me,I was labouring a point. Your suggestion Jesus returning as a Topic would be of far more worthy of discussion. | ||
| Chippie Sheppard Junior Member Username: chippie Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
Back again after a bit of reading, I would like to add some more. OVERCOMING THE DEVIL "We are not ignorant of his devices." (2Cor.2:11) 1. Where did the devil come from? A. God created the devil: Pro.16:4 The Lord hath made all things ... even the wicked lsa.45:7 I form the light, & darkness...& create evil: I the Lord do all these things Ezk.28:14,15 Anointed cherub... from the day thou wast created Jn.1:3 All things were made by Him (Jesus) Col. 1:16 By Him (Jesus) were all things created B. The devil's fall through pride: Isa.14:12-15 Thou hast said...) will be like the most High Ezk.28:13-17 Thine heart wast lifted up because of thy beauty 1Tim.3:6 Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the (same) condemnation of judgement as) the devil 2. The devil is under God's control & restrictions: A. Satan could only afflict Job as God permitted: Job 1:6-12 All he hath is in thy power; only on him put not ... hand Job 2:1-7 He is in thine hand; but save his life B. God rules over the entire world: Dan.4:17 The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, & giveth it to whomsoever He will Dan.4:34,35 He doeth according to His will ...& none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doeth Thou? Psa.24:1 The earth is the Lord's (See also Acts 17:24) Psa.89:11 The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine Job 41:11 Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is Mine C. But, within limitations, He allows the devil to rule it: Jer.27:5 I (God) have made the earth...& have given it to whom it seemed meet (appropriate) unto Me Lk.4:5,6 All the kingdoms of the world ... all this power & the glory of them ... is delivered unto me (Satan) Jn.12:31 The prince of this world (See also Jn.14:30; 16:11.) 2Cor.4:4 The god of this world Eph.2:2 Prince of the power of the air D. The devil rules over the fallen angels: (See Mat. 12:24; Lk.11:15; Rev.12:3,4,7-9.) 3. Victory over the devil: A. God's power is much greater than the devil's: 1 Jn.4:4 Greater is He (Jesus that is in you than he (the devil) that is in the world Lk.10:17 The devils are subject unto us through Thy name Lk.10:19 I give unto you power..over all the power of the enemy: & nothing shall ... hurt you Phi.2:9-11 At the name of Jesus every knee should bow Jam.2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; the devils also believe, & tremble (See also Zech.3:2; Jude 9.) B. Jesus defeated the devil: 1 Jn.3:8 The Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil Heb.2:14 Through death He (destroyed) him that had the power of death, that is, the devil Col.2:15 Spoiling principalities & powers... triumphing over them Lk.10:18 I saw Satan fall as lightning from Heaven C. Jesus' power to exorcise (cast out) demons: Mat.8:16 He cast out the (devils) with His Word Mat.9:32,33 When the devil was cast out, the dumb spake Mat. 12:22 One possessed with a devil...& (Jesus) healed him Mat. 12:28 I cast out devils by the Spirit of God Mk. 1:34,39 He cast out many devils; & suffered not (did not allow) the devils to speak Lk.4:33-36 With authority & power He commandeth unclean spirits Lk.9:42 Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, & healed the child Lk.8:27-33 [Jesus rebuked Legion; the devils went into the herd of swine] (See also Mk.5:1-15) Acts 10:38 Jesus ... (healed) all that were oppressed of the devil (See also Mk.1:23-17; 7:25-30; 9:17-27.) D. Jesus gave His disciples power over the devil: Mat. 10:1 He gave them (His disciples) power against unclean spirits, to cast them out Lk.9:1 He ... gave them power & authority over all devils Acts 5:16 There came [to the disciples] them which were vexed with unclean spirits: & they were healed every one Rom.16:20 The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet (See also Acts 8:6,7; 19:11,12; 26:17,18.) E. Jesus gives all believers power over the devil-including you: Mk. 16:17 These signs shall follow them that believe; In My name shall they cast out devils Lk.9:49,50 We saw one casting out devils in Thy name [It wasn't only the apostles who had this power] Jn.14:12 He that believeth on Me, the works I do shall he do also l Jn.2:14b The Word of God abideth in you & ye have overcome the wicked one 4. The spiritual warfare: A. Our war against the devil: 2Cor.10:3-5 The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God Eph.6:10,11 Be strong-put on armour...stand against the devil Eph.6:12,13 We wrestle ... against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness ... withstand (See also 1Sam. 16:23; Rev.12:7,17.) B. Be on guard against & resist & defy the devil: 1 Pet.5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walketh about, seeking whom he may devour 1 Pet.5:9 Resist (the devil) stedfast in the faith Eph.4:27 Neither give place to the devil Mat.4:10 Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only Mk.8:33 Get thee behind [away from] me, Satan C. Promises to claim when fighting & overcoming the devil: Isa.59:19b When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him Mat. 16:19 Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound Lk.10:19 I give unto you power...over all the power of enemy Rom.16:20 The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet Jam.4:7 Resist the devil, & he will flee from you 1 Jn.2:14 Ye are strong, & the Word of God abideth in you, & ye have overcome the wicked one 1 Jn.4:4 Greater is He (Jesus) that is in you, than he (the devil) that is in the world D. Be prepared for battle when confronting the devil: Mat. 12:29 How can one enter into a strong man's house ... except he first bind the strong man? Mk.9:29 This kind can come forth (only) by prayer & fasting Acts 19:13-17 [Seven sons of Sceva attempted exorcism without being full of Jesus themselves, & met disastrous results] E. United prayer for deliverance of the oppressed: Mat.18:19,20 If two of you shall agree...ask, it shall be done Eccl.4:9-12 Two are better than one F. They must get filled up with Jesus & Word once they're delivered; or they may end up worse than they were at first: Lk. 11:24-26 Unclean spirit, gone out of a man [returns to him, finds him empty, & re-enters with 7 other spirits] (See also Mat. 1 2:43-45a) 5. The devil's devices: A. Don't be ignorant of the devil's devices: Gen.3:1 a The serpent was more subtil than any beast 2Cor.2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices Eph.6:11 Stand against the wiles of the devil B. The devil is a liar & deceiver: Gen.3:1 b [Creates doubt of Word:] Yea, hath God said? Jn.8:44b For he is a liar, and the father of it Acts 5:1-4 Satan filled. heart to lie to the Holy Ghost 2Cor. 11:3 As serpent beguiled Eve ... so your minds be corrupted 2Cor.11:13,14 Satan ... transformed into an angel of light (See also 2Thes.2:9-11) 1 Jn.4:1,3 Beloved, believe not every spirit (See also 1 Tim.4:1) Rev.12:9 The devil, Satan, which deceiveth the whole world C. The devil tries to turn men from salvation: Mk.4:15 When they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, & taketh away the Word (See Mat.13:19; Lk.8:12.) Acts 13:8,10 Elymas...child of the devil (sought) to turn away the deputy from the faith 2Cor.4:4 The (devil) hath blinded the minds of (unbelievers) lest light of the gospel... should shine unto them D. "The hinderer": Zech.3:1 Satan standing at his right hand to resist him lThes.2:18 We would have come...but Satan hindered us E. Specific "devices" to be on guard against: Mat. 16:21-23 [Leads men to contradict & doubt truth. Ex. of Peter] Jn.13:2 Devil, having put into the heart of Judas ... to betray Acts 13:10 Child of devil ... not (ceasing) to pervert right ways 1 Cor.14:33 For God is not the author of confusion Col.1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness 2Tim.1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear 1Jn.3:10 [Hatred:] Children of devil ...loveth not his brother 6. Accuser & tempter: A. Satan tempts men to sin: (See Gen.3:1-6; lChr.21:1-3,7,8; Mat.4:3-9; lCor.7:5; Lk.4:1-13) B. The devil is the accuser, like a prosecuting attorney: Rev. 12:10 The accuser of our brethren...which accused them be¬fore our God day & night Job 1:6 The sons of God came. ...before the Lord, & Satan came also [Note: "Satan" means 'accuser"] C. Jesus is our advocate, like a defense attorney: 1 Jn.2:1 If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous Rom.8:34 Who is he that condemneth? Christ ... at the right hand of God, maketh intercession for us Heb.9:24 Christ is ...entered. ..into Heaven, to appear in the presence of God for us (See, also 1Tim.2:5) 7. The devil is a destroyer: A. He causes bondage, snares & oppression: (See Lk.8:29b; Acts 10:38; Rom.8:15; lTim.3:7; 2Tim.2:26.) B. Disease: (See Job 2:7; Lk.13:11,12,16; 2Cor.12:7.) C. And destruction: (See Jn.8:44a; Heb.2:14; 1 Pet.5:8,9.) D. God sometimes uses the devil to punish the disobedient: (See 1Sam. 16:14; 1Cor.5:5; 1Tim. 1:20.) E. Satan seeks to subvert the saints: Job 1:8-11 Doth Job fear God for nought? Put forth Thine hand Job 2:3-5 Put forth Thine hand...& he will curse Thee Lk.22:31 Satan hath desired to ... sift thee as wheat 8. Judgment of the devil & his demons, & final end: A. Some are bound, awaiting judgement: 2Pet.2:4 Angels that sinned ... into chains of darkness Jude 6 Reserved in everlasting chains unto judgment B. Apparently most are still loose, their time not yet come: Mat.8:28,29 Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? C. Devil not yet cast out of Heaven; has access to throne: Job 1:6; 2:1 Sons of God ... before God, & Satan among them Rev.12:10 Which accused them before God day & night Rev. 12:7-9, [The devil completely cast out of Heaven at the begin¬ning of the last 3-1/2 years, in the time of the end] D. Devil will be bound 1,000 years In God's prison: Rev.20:1-3,7,10 [Satan bound 1,000 years, afterward released for a short time before being thrown into lake of fire] E. Devil & his demons finally thrown Into lake of fire: Mat.25:41 Everlasting fire prepared for devil & his angels Rev.20:10 The devil was cast into the lake of fire & brimstone 9. Your armour & weaponry to defeat the devil: A. Your spiritual armour: Eph.6:11,13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Rom.13:12 Let us cast off the works of darkness, & let us put on the armour of light 2Cor.6:7 The armour of righteousness on the right hand & on the left B. Your mighty shield: Eph.6:16 Take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked Psa.91:4 His truth shall be thy shield & buckler Psa.3:3 Thou, 0 Lord, art a shield for me (See also Psa.28:7; 33:20; 115:9; 144:2; Pro.30:5.) C. Your Invincible sword of the Spirit: Eph.6:17 Take ... the sword of the Spirit ... the Word of God Heb.4:12 The Word of God is ... quick (alive & powerful, & sharper than any two-edged sword D. Your breastplate: Eph.6:14 Stand...having on the breastplate of righteousness (See also Isa.59:17) 1Thes.5:8. Let us ... put on the breastplate of faith & love E. Your impenetrable helmet: Eph.6:17 Take the helmet of salvation 1 Thes.5:8 Let us ... put on for an helmet, the hope of salvation 10. Power, freedom & deliverance from the devil's darkness: A. God gives us overcoming power: Lk.10:19 I give you power over all the power of the enemy Eph.3:16 That He would grant you ... to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man 2Tim.1:7 God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, & of love, & of a sound mind B. Freedom from the devil's snares & bondage: Psa.91:3 He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler Psa.124:7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, & we are escaped Pro. 14:27 Fear of the Lord [helps] depart from snares of death 2Cor.3:17 Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty 2Tim.2:25,26 Acknowledging of the truth...that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil C. Delivered into God's glorious Kingdom of light: Acts 26:18 Open their eyes ... turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God Col.1:12,13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness... partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light D. The devil cannot separate us from God: Rom.8:38,39 Neither angels, nor powers...nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from ... Christ Jesus 1 Pet. 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God... unto salvation 11. Our astonishing angelic allies, the hosts of Heaven: A. They outnumber the devil's forces two to one: 2Ki.6:16,17 They that be with us are more than they that be with them ... mountain was full of...chariots of fire Rev. 12:3,4 (Satan's) tail drew the third part of the stars (angels) (See also Rev. 5:11) B. Their fantastic flaming weapons: Gen.3:24 Cherubims & a flaming sword, which turned every way 2Ki.6:17 The mountain was full of horses & chariots of fire round about Elisha (See also Num.22:23; lChr.21:16.) C. They battle against & defeat the devil: Rev. 12:7-9 Michael & his angels fought against ... the (devil) & his angels [& the devil's forces were defeated] ©1999 Aurora Production Discovering Truth Bible Basics by John Lee FASCINATION FOR EVIL Definition: To fascinate is to grip so as to take away the power to move, act, or think for oneself; to attract and hold by charming qualities. 1. Because the Lord abhors evil, those who are drawn to it alienate themselves from Him. Genesis 6:5,6 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Proverbs 1:28,29 Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer; they shall seek Me early, but they shall not find Me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 6:16,18 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: ... "An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief. Proverbs 15:26a The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination unto the Lord. Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear. Micah 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but He will not hear them: He will even hide His face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings. 1 Corinthians 10:5,6 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 2. It is not a sin to be tempted with evil; it becomes a sin when we choose to entertain it. Romans 7:19-23 [The enemy is always trying to tempt us; but we don't have to give in.] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause ... I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the Tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. James 1:13,14 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 3. We can't be thinking the Lord's thoughts while enticed by Satan's thoughts. Matthew 6:24a No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Luke 11:34 The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 2 Corinthians 6:14b What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 4. The lord will judge those who entertain a fascination for evil instead of choosing His ways. Deuteronomy 30:191 call Heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. 1 Kings 18:21 a And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him. [See also Amos 5:15.] Proverbs 1:29-31 For that they hated [godly] knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: 30They would none of My counsel: they despised all My reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. Isaiah 65:12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before Mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not. Isaiah 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5. Those who entertain the Devil's thoughts will eventually act upon them. Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Matthew 12:34b,35 [As the saying goes: 'The thought is the father of the deed.'] For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. Romans 1:21,28 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. James 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 6. Although it may seem innocent enough at the start, toying with the Devil is a deadly game! Genesis 3:1a [The only one smarter than the Devil is God, and without His help we're no match for the old Serpent:] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. Proverbs 26:24,25 [We need discernment to see when others are trying to deceive us to get into mischief:] He that hateth, dissembleth [disguises it] with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; 25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. [See also Proverbs 12:20; Jeremiah 9:4-8] Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. 2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 1 Peter 5:8,9 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 7. Don't entertain evil for an instant! Proverbs 3:31 Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. Proverbs 4:14-16 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. "Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. t6 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall. Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Luke 8:13 [If you stray from the Word for long, you're open prey for the Enemy to attack:] They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 2 Corinthians 10:5 [Cast] down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Ephesians 4:26,27 ... Sin not ... 27 Neither give place to the Devil. 8. Don't allow the Devil a point of entry; avoid situations which lead to temptation. Deuteronomy 7:25,26 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the Lord thy God. 26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 119:37 [David prayed desperately:] Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way. Proverbs 4:25-27 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. 26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. 1 Peter 3:11 Let him eschew [turn away from] evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue [pursue] it. 9. Have no fellowship with those who promote evil. Ephesians 5:6,7,11 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. " And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Exodus 23:2a Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Proverbs 4.14,15 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Proverbs 24:1,2 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with un¬righteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will ©1999 Aurora Production Discovering Truth Keys to Happier living by Kieth Phillips | ||
| Hanson Street Member Username: hansonstreet22 Post Number: 62 Registered: 03-2004 Rating: N/A |
lsa.45:7 I form the light, & darkness...& create evil: I the Lord do all these things I've read that before ... and that brought up a lot of questions... but when i looked further into it i noticed that most of the versions i looked at said that the Lord created "destruction" or something of that sort ... and other words that differ from evil .... i don't know though ... either the Lord created evil or allowed for it ... i always believed he allowed it but i guess it's possible that he created it but either way without evil we wouldn't have love which is greater than faith and hope and is the most important part of the commandments LOVE your God and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR so i dont know ... i rambled on a lot but i just wanted to see your thoughts on that verse? and also what version you got that verse from? | ||
| Chippie Sheppard Junior Member Username: chippie Post Number: 9 Registered: 03-2005 Rating: N/A |
I withdraw all personal sentiments and apologise to all if I have led them to adopt personal opinion that God is responsible for evil. www.carm.org God creates evil Isaiah 45:7 and Amos 3:6 (Isaiah 45:7, KJV) - "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things." (Amos 3:6) - "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" Is God really the one who created evil? To answer the question we must first look at how the word for evil "rah" is used in the Bible, examine the context of the Isaiah 45:7 passage, and look at other passages on the same subject. First of all, the Hebrew word for evil "rah" is used in many different ways in the Bible. In the KJV Bible, it occurs 663 times. 431 times it is translated as "evil." The other 232 times it is translated as "wicked", "bad", "hurt", "harm", "ill", "sorrow", "mischief", "displeased", "adversity", "affliction", "trouble", "calamity", "grievous", "misery", and "trouble." So we can see that the word does not require that it be translated as "evil." This is why different Bibles translate this verse differently. It is translated as "calamity" by the NASB and NKJV; "disaster" by the NIV; and "woe" by the RSV; Second, the context of the verse is speaking of natural phenomena. "I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; 6That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun That there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, 7The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these." (Isaiah 45:5-7). Notice that the context of the verse is dealing with who God is, that it is God who speaks of natural phenomena (sun, light, dark), and it is God who is able to cause "well-being" as well as "calamity." Contextually, this verse is dealing with natural disasters, and human comfort issues. It is not speaking of moral evil; rather, it is dealing with calamity, distress, etc. This is consistent with other scriptures. For example, "And the Lord said to him, "Who has made mans mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Exodus 4:11). "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" (Amos 3:6). From the above two verses we can see that the Lord is involved in calamity and problems in the earthly realm. Exodus 4:11 is speaking of human frailty and Amos 3:6 is speaking of woes in a city. It is not a moral evil that God brings, but calamity and distress upon people. Of course, this raises other questions of why God would do such a thing, which I won't cover here. But, we can trust that whatever God does is just and is used for teaching, guiding, and disciplining His people. Third, there are other verses that clearly show that God is pure and that He cannot approve of evil. The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He," (Deut. 32:4). "Thine eyes are too pure to approve evil, and Thou canst not look on wickedness with favor," (Hab. 1:13). We can see that the Bible teaches that God is pure and does not approve of evil, that the word "rah" (evil) in Hebrew can mean many things, and that contextually, the verse is speaking calamity and distress. Therefore, God does not create evil in the moral sense, but in the sense of disaster, of calamity. | ||
| William Lloyd Gwynn Junior Member Username: playpsyche Post Number: 21 Registered: 01-2005 Rating: N/A |
I believe that God created the heavens and the earth. I also believe in evolution, to a point. I can see God as being the bearer of calamity and disaster as He created this universe. Being a Just God, why would He break the laws of His very own creation? Being a Just God is proven in the fact that He gives us, little protoplasmic 'morsels' that we are, a choice in everything. We're not commanded to worship God, but asked to make a decision. Things are left in our hands. One can assume (one always assumes a risk of foolishness when assumptions are a-fly), therefore, that nothing in this universe is truly planned. Calamity occurs because it is of the laws of this universe, which he created and 'rules' in a Just mode. In this sense, one could- truly- make the jump that God made calamity, and thus made evil- in the sense that man understands evil (as a form of misfortune). God made this universe according to His plan. What we call the Laws of Nature, are the stipulations for existence that He 'programmed' into all things. God does not choose to purposely damage of destroy us (a discussion of this topic if best for another forum), rather, it is an aspect of the laws of this universe, which God, being a perfect and Just God, will not circumvent, precisely because He is a Just (law abiding) God. |
