On my way home from work I was listening to a TED talk from Billy Graham from 1998 (which is excellent - we would do well to take his example of talking about our faith with folks outside the church). Traffic was bad so there was time for another video and it really bothered me. The topic was "how could God Almighty allow a tsunami to happen (Tom Honey)". An explanation exists but his point was a kind, gentle understanding sympathy was more appropriate than a Bible backed explanation. Having experience hardships in life, to me past personal tragedy and pain was God showing me his hand to grab onto.
John 16:33 - Jesus told us we'd have pain in this life, Hebrews 2:17-18 affirms Jesus suffered like us and Revelation 21:4 and Romans 8:18 gives us hope for heaven.
On this side of heaven we see it dimly, we don't have all the details (1 Corinthians 13:12), but we've been given the big picture that God created a beautiful world for us (Genesis 1:31-2:24) but mankind had fallen (Genesis 3:1-24).
Romans 3:23 affirms what we witness in life, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and Romans 8:22 affirms what we see in earthquakes and natural decay of Uranium and dying stars in the galaxies. "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
As Christians, having trusted Jesus for salvation we have the promise in Romans 8:28, that "we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who live God and are called according to his purpose" - We see this played out in the life of Joseph in Genesis, he affirms this truth after a life of confusion, hurt, betrayal, imprisonment, mistreatment and injustice. He says in Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
As Christians, having a personal relationship with God, through Jesus the son of God we also know as 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison," and Romans 8:18 says our current suffering is not worth comparing to glory we will know in heaven. 1 Corinthians 2:9 affirms Isaiah 64:4 that no eye has seen, no ear has heard nor heart and mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. We do get a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 20:11-22:21
I understand that some people can be turned off by hearing speaking Biblical truth in the midst of tragety but for others it's the life saving power of God. My hope is that your faith will be in giving the life giving Word of God to people suffering around you.
Helpful Resources:
John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 13:12;Genesis 1:31; Romans 3:23; 8:22,28;Genesis 50:20; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 John 5:13;
Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?
When We Suffer: A Biblical Perspective on Chronic Pain and Illness
Revelation study on Heaven
(20:11-21:8) God abolishes sin and death, creating a new heaven and earth
(21:9-22:5) Christ's bride shown as a beautiful city of God
(22:6-21) Everything revealed to John says REPENT! Jesus is coming soon!
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/seven.amazing.ted.talks.by.christians/47552.htm
John 16:33 - Jesus told us we'd have pain in this life, Hebrews 2:17-18 affirms Jesus suffered like us and Revelation 21:4 and Romans 8:18 gives us hope for heaven.
On this side of heaven we see it dimly, we don't have all the details (1 Corinthians 13:12), but we've been given the big picture that God created a beautiful world for us (Genesis 1:31-2:24) but mankind had fallen (Genesis 3:1-24).
Romans 3:23 affirms what we witness in life, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and Romans 8:22 affirms what we see in earthquakes and natural decay of Uranium and dying stars in the galaxies. "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."
As Christians, having trusted Jesus for salvation we have the promise in Romans 8:28, that "we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who live God and are called according to his purpose" - We see this played out in the life of Joseph in Genesis, he affirms this truth after a life of confusion, hurt, betrayal, imprisonment, mistreatment and injustice. He says in Genesis 50:20, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
As Christians, having a personal relationship with God, through Jesus the son of God we also know as 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison," and Romans 8:18 says our current suffering is not worth comparing to glory we will know in heaven. 1 Corinthians 2:9 affirms Isaiah 64:4 that no eye has seen, no ear has heard nor heart and mind imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. We do get a glimpse of heaven in Revelation 20:11-22:21
I understand that some people can be turned off by hearing speaking Biblical truth in the midst of tragety but for others it's the life saving power of God. My hope is that your faith will be in giving the life giving Word of God to people suffering around you.
Helpful Resources:
John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 13:12;Genesis 1:31; Romans 3:23; 8:22,28;Genesis 50:20; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 John 5:13;
Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?
When We Suffer: A Biblical Perspective on Chronic Pain and Illness
Revelation study on Heaven
(20:11-21:8) God abolishes sin and death, creating a new heaven and earth
(21:9-22:5) Christ's bride shown as a beautiful city of God
(22:6-21) Everything revealed to John says REPENT! Jesus is coming soon!
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/seven.amazing.ted.talks.by.christians/47552.htm
