Why God Tests Us

Since God knows us better than we know ourselves, why does he still test us? This is one issue which young Christians wonder about.

The answer is that it's for our benefit and his glory. How so? James 1:3 (BBE) replies, "Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope;"

Not only that but we're encouraged to pray for fellow believers. Ephesians 6:18-20  (BBE) says, "With prayers and deep desires, making requests at all times in the Spirit, and keeping watch, with strong purpose, in prayer for all the saints, And for me, that words may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make clear without fear the secret of the good news, For which I am a representative in chains, and that I may say without fear the things which it is right for me to say."

Likewise, we read in 1 Peter 1:6 and 7 (BBE) that our trust in God is built up through testing. "You have cause for great joy in this, though it may have been necessary for you to be troubled for a little time, being tested in all sorts of ways, So that the true metal of your faith, being of much greater value than gold (which, though it comes to an end, is tested by fire), may come to light in praise and glory and honour, at the revelation of Jesus Christ:"

And as I pointed out on Thursday, the Lord works through our trials to help others through theirs. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and 3 (BBE) about one example of encouragement. "We sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the good news of Christ, to give you strength and comfort in your faith; So that no man might be moved by these troubles; because you see that these things are part of God's purpose for us."

While settling another matter, Paul had to explain how we all will be rewarded for our faithfulness in 1 Corinthians 3:8 (BBE). Using a farming analogy, he wrote, "Now the planter and the waterer are working for the same end: but they will have their separate rewards in the measure of their work."

Our Lord and Master also assures us in Revelation 22:12 (BBE) that, "See, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man the outcome of his works."

So it's obvious that we go through the testing of our trust to strengthen it. Like exercising muscles, our faith in Christ grows as we make use of it.

I'll explain what faith is all about in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? Many charismatic churches teach that it's some sort of magical power but they don't use those words for it. But it isn't magic but trust in the Father.

On Thursday, providing the Lord doesn't come first, I'll be posting about why sin is so sinful.

Saturday Song: Iron Butterfly, "You Can't Win"

1968 certainly was a year of unrest in America. From assassinations to student and race riots, America experienced them all.

This particular song by Iron Butterfly shows the futility of fighting the police. Sadly, many anti-war protesters didn't heed the warning and got busted in more ways than one.

Listen to this psychedelic band's song here.

We Christians are instructed not to fight the powers that be. Paul gives the reason why in Romans 13:1 and 2 (BBE). "Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God. For which reason everyone who puts himself against the authority puts himself against the order of God: and those who are against it will get punishment for themselves."

Likewise, we read in Hebrews 13:17 (BBE) about the benefits of heeding those in authority. "Give ear to those who are rulers over you, and do as they say: for they keep watch over your souls, ready to give an account of them; let them be able to do this with joy and not with grief, because that would be of no profit to you." By the way, this applies to those in leadership of our churches as well.

We're also admonished in 1 Peter 2:13 and 14 (BBE), "Keep all the laws of men because of the Lord; those of the king, who is over all, And those of the rulers who are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of those who do well."

And as we're reminded in 1 Timothy 2:1 and 2 (BBE), we ought to pray for our rulers. "My desire is, first of all, that you will make requests and prayers and give praise for all men; For kings and all those in authority; so that we may have a calm and quiet life in all fear of God and serious behaviour."

But what if we're commanded to do what God forbids or not to do what God commands? When the temple rulars forbad Peter and John from teaching , they said to them in Acts 4:19 and 20 (BBE), "But Peter and John in answer said to them, 'It is for you to say if it is right in the eyes of God to give attention to you more than to God: For it is not possible for us to keep from saying what we have seen and have knowledge of.'"
On Monday, I hope to publish about why God tests us.

How Trials Help Us Help Others

This truth might surprise some believers but trials actually help us help others. How so? By us having experiencing the testing of our faith, we can counsel others.

The Apostle Paul summed this up perfectly in 2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4 (BBE) when he wrote, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who gives us comfort in all our troubles, so that we may be able to give comfort to others who are in trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Likewise, the experiences and writings of the Old Testament saints are helpful to encourage one another. Romans 15:4 (BBE) reminds us, "Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope."

And in times of peace, we are also comforted. We read in Acts 9:31 (BBE) what happened after Saul became Paul. "And so the church through all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was made strong; and, living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was increased greatly."

But as we read in 1 John 3:23 (BBE), we are commanded to care for one another by our Heavenly Father. "And this is his law, that we have faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love for one another, even as he said to us."

Another aspect of comforting one another is admonishing against unfaithfulness. Hebrews 3:12 and 13 BBE) reminds us, "My brothers, take care that there is not by chance in any one of you an evil heart without belief, turning away from the living God: But give comfort to one another every day as long as it is still Today; so that no one among you may be made hard by the deceit of sin:"

Finally, Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 7:1 (BBE) why it's so important that we keep each other encouraged and faithful. "Because God, then, will give us such rewards, dear brothers, let us make ourselves clean from all evil of flesh and spirit, and become completely holy in the fear of God."

Because we love God and each other, we naturally wish to help one another. I'll point this unfeigned love out in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? People must understand this truth or their deeds will be phony.

On Saturday, I'll feature a song about the futility of fighting the police.

Why Jesus Was a Man of Sorrows

Have you noticed that Jesus never laughed during his three-year ministry of proclaiming the Kingdom? He might have chuckled as a child but all the biblical accounts picture him as being serious.

In the Old Testiment's greatest prophecy regarding Christ, we read of an individual who was deeply troubled. Isaiah 53:3 (BBE) prophesied, "Men made sport of him, turning away from him; he was a man of sorrows, marked by disease; and like one from whom men's faces are turned away, he was looked down on, and we put no value on him."

Our Lord knew in advance that he was headed for a brutal death and an even more brutal betrayal by one of his own disciples. We read in John 12:27 (BBE) how he felt as his impending crucifixion approached. "Now is my soul troubled; and what am I to say? Father, keep me from this hour. No: for this purpose have I come to this hour."

We also read that Christ knew when it wasn't time for him to die. After saying he was sent from God, the temple rulers wanted to arrest him. John 7:30 (BBE) tells us, "Then they had a desire to take him: but no man put hands on him because his hour was still to come."

But Christ did make a pun once. Simon received the name Peter, which means a little rock, after he declaired that Jesus was the messiah. Matthew 16:18 (BBE) tells us, "And I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock will my church be based, and the doors of hell will not overcome it." The big rock was the truth of Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God.

Even so, Christ's life was anything but easy during his preaching ministry. It even started off with threats against his life. When Jesus read part of Isaiah chapter sixty-two in Nazareth, the people realized that he was declairing himself the messiah. Luke 4:29 and 30 (BBE) tells what happened next. "And they got up and took him out of the town to the edge of the mountain on which their town was, so that they might send him down to his death. But he came through them and went on his way."

In light of all this, there is a silver lining for us in his difficulties. Christ understands experientially what it's like when we suffer. Hebrews 2:17 and 18 BBE) informs us, "Because of this it was necessary for him to be made like his brothers in every way, so that he might be a high priest full of mercy and keeping faith in everything to do with God, making offerings for the sins of the people. For having been put to the test himself, he is able to give help to others when they are tested."

I'm putting together a book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? Far too many churchgoers assume that their church affiliation and infant baptism will get them through the pearly gates but they're hellward bound.

On Thursday, I hope to post about how trials help us help others.

Why We Can't Have Patience Immediately

Wouldn't it be nice to have instant patience? That would help us get through life and especially trials with less stress. But God has valid reasons for teaching us patience.

Patience is actually the end result of trials of our faith. Check out what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:3 and 4 (BBE) about our faith in Christ's promises. "And not only so, but let us have joy in our troubles: in the knowledge that trouble gives us the power of waiting; And waiting gives experience; and experience, hope:"

If we want to learn patience and grow spiritually, we must go through the testing of our faith. As James 1:3 and 4 (BBE) reminds us, "Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope; But let this power have its full effect, so that you may be made complete, needing nothing."

Like anything worthwhile, patience can't be rushed. As James 5:7 (BBE) reminds us, "Go on waiting calmly, my brothers, till the coming of the Lord, like the farmer waiting for the good fruit of the earth till the early and late rains have come."

We also see that patience is just one attribute we must acquire to become mature believers. We read in 2 Peter 1:5-8 (BBE) that in light of the glories of Christ's return, "So, for this very cause, take every care; joining virtue to faith, and knowledge to virtue, And self-control to knowledge, and a quiet mind to self-control, and fear of God to a quiet mind,  And love of the brothers to fear of God, and to love of the brothers, love itself. For if you have these things in good measure, they will make you fertile and full of fruit in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our forefathers in the faith suffered greatly, yet they kept their focus on the reward of the Kingdom to come. John was sent to a barren island as a prisoner. But examine his steadfast attitude toward this harsh punishment in Revelation 1:9 (BBE). "I, John, your brother, who have a part with you in the trouble and the kingdom and the quiet strength of Jesus, was in the island which is named Patmos, for the word of God and the witness of Jesus." From that miserable place came the final book of the Bible.

Most of us won't be called to such an extreme test of our faith and expectation of God's purifying work in our souls. Nevertheless, let's keep in mind what Hebrews 12:1 and 2 (BBE) admonishes us. "For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us, Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God's seat of power."

On Saturday, I hope to publish a post about how it can be hard or even dangerous to return to one's birth place.

Saint Patrick and What We Must Remember

Every March seventeenth, the western world celebrates Saint Patrick's Day. But these people know little about the man whose birthday people are celebrating.

You can Google Saint Patrick's Day if you wish but here's the basic story. He was kidnapped from Britain as a youth by Irish pirates. He managed to escape and go back to his home. But God laid it on his heart to go back to Ireland with the gospel. Patrick did so and that act of obedience changed the entire nation.

As Christians, we're commanded by Christ to proclaim the gospel everywhere. People need to hear the good news of salvation-without-works, as the Apostle Paul pointed out in Romans 10:14 (BBE). "But how will they give worship to him in whom they have no faith? and how will they have faith in him of whom they have not had news? and how will they have news without a preacher?"

In Patrick's case, the people listened to him. But that wasn't the case for God's prophets. Jeremiah 44:4 (KJV) shows how often the Lord tried to bring back Israel to have faith in him. "Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, 'Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.'"

Even our Lord Jesus was rejected by his own people. John 1:11 (BBE) reads, "He came to the things which were his and his people did not take him to their hearts."

Likewise, Christ expressed his anguish in Luke 13:34 (BBE) when he cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, putting to death the prophets, and stoning those who were sent to her! again and again would I have taken your children to myself, as a bird takes her young ones under her wings, but you would not!"

It's easy to preach to those who speak our language but heartbreaking when they refuse to hear the message God gave us. Ezekiel 3:7 (BBE) shows why this is so. "But the children of Israel will not give ear to you; for they have no mind to give ear to me: for all the children of Israel have a hard brow and a stiff heart."

I'll touch on the hardness of people's hearts in my book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? Most of them won't listen to us because they refuse to hear the heavenly Father. What a shame!

On Thursday, I'll be posting about why learning patience doesn't come immediately.

Saturday Song: Bob Marley, "Fussing And Fighting"

Church unity is one command we followers of Christ failed miserably to keep through the centuries. Instead of heeding what the prophets and apostles have taught, we Christians have interpreted the Bible according to our own wishes. Sadly, this still happens today.

Bob Marley and The Wailers hit that proverbial nail on the head with this poignant song. Listen to it here.

Paul alone had to break up many church fights and factions. In Ephesians 4:1-3 (BBE), he explained why we must be one unified congregation. "I then, the prisoner in the Lord, make this request from my heart, that you will see that your behaviour is a credit to the position which God's purpose has given you, With all gentle and quiet behaviour, taking whatever comes, putting up with one another in love; Taking care to keep the harmony of the Spirit in the yoke of peace."

The church at Corinth was one messed-up congregation. They had every kind of problem we have and then some. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:10 (BBE), telling the congregation to stop all their fussing and fighting. "Now I make request to you, my brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will all say the same thing, and that there may be no divisions among you, so that you may be in complete agreement, in the same mind and in the same opinion."

Along with admonishments for unity, Paul gave the church at Rome instruction on what to do with disruptive congregants. Romans 16:17 (BBE)says, "Now, it is my desire, brothers, that you will take note of those who are causing division and trouble among you, quite against the teaching which was given to you: and keep away from them."

And for unrepentant disrupters, Paul had this to say in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (BBE). "This order I give to you, Timothy my son, in harmony with the words of the prophets about you, so that by them you may be strong, fighting the good fight, Keeping faith, and being conscious of well-doing; for some, by not doing these things, have gone wrong in relation to the faith: Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given up to Satan, so that they may say no more evil words against God."

In all our difficulties with those who teach wrong doctrine or make trouble, we must keep the love of Christ in mind. Disruptive people do need to be dealt with but we must do it in humility.

On Monday, I'll post about Saint Patrick and what we must learn from his example.

How Did Saints React to Persecution?

As I said on Monday, the first-century believers reacted to persecution differently than the world's people would have. In this way, they proved that God's supernatural power helped them.

We read in the fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles that the members of the Sanhedrin told the disciples not to preach that Christ was risen and sent them out. Those disciples told their friends what had happened and then they prayed.

Acts 4:31 (BBE) shows how God answered them. "And when their prayer was ended, the place where they were was violently moved, and they all became full of the Holy Spirit, preaching the word of God without fear."

In the next chapter, the disciples ran afoul of the Sanhedrin again. After some discussion, Sanhedrin members  beat the disciples and sent them away. Acts 5:41 (BBE) says, "So they went away from the Sanhedrin, happy to undergo shame for the Name."

But is there no occasion where Christians can claim our lawful rights? Paul and Silas did that in Acts 16:35-37 (BBE) after being unlawfully imprisoned. "But when it was day, the authorities sent the police, saying, 'Let these men go.' And the keeper said to Paul, 'The authorities have given orders to let you go: come out now, and go in peace.' But Paul said to them, 'They have given us who are Romans a public whipping without judging us, and have put us in prison. Will they now send us out secretly? no, truly, let them come themselves and take us out.'"

So, when can we claim our rights? Only when the law of the land allows it. Many times in the New Testament, believers suffered punishment without having any legal remedy. We read about that in 1 Peter 3:17 (BBE) which says, "Because if it is God's purpose for you to undergo pain, it is better to do so for well-doing than for evil-doing."

And as we read in Hebrews 11:37 and 38 (BBE), many faithful followers refused to escape persecution in favour of gaining a better reward. "They were stoned, they were cut up with knives, they were tested, they were put to death with the sword, they went about in sheepskins and in goatskins; being poor and in pain and cruelly attacked, Wandering in waste places and in mountains and in holes in the rocks; for whom the world was not good enough."

Because we faithful Christians are attacked, even by those who call themselves faithful to God, I'm writing a book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? As Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:2 (BBE), "They will put you out of the Synagogues: yes, the time is coming when whoever puts you to death will have the belief that he is doing God's pleasure." How sad that earnest folks still end up doing Satan's work.

On Saturday, I hope to publish a post about people's contentious attitudes.

Why Love Those Who Hate Us?

Christianity is unique in many ways. One of those is that we're called to love our Enemies. In other belief systems, notably Islam, adherents are told to hate their enemies.

Christ made this perfectly clear regarding our persecutors in Matthew 5:44 and 45 (BBE) when he said, "But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you; So that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven; for his sun gives light to the evil and to the good, and he sends rain on the upright man and on the sinner." Verse 45 also is the reason for loving our enemies.

The Apostle Paul also admonishes us to let God deal with the wicked people's castigation but to show them kindness. Romans 12:19 and 20 (BBE) explains, "Do not give punishment for wrongs done to you, dear brothers, but give way to the wrath of God; for it is said in the holy Writings, 'Punishment is mine, I will give reward, says the Lord.' But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head."

Christ expects us to obey his commandments. As he said in John 15:14 (BBE), "You are my friends, if you do what I give you orders to do."

Jesus also addressed would-be disciples in Luke 6:46 (BBE) when he asked of them, "Why do you say to me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

We Christians tend to forget that most of the world's people are unsaved. Most of those folks are also unable to respond to the gospel. As Paul points out in Colossians 2:13 and 14 (BBE), Christ is the one who makes spiritually-dead people come to life. "And you, being dead through your sins and the evil condition of your flesh, to you, I say, he gave life together with him, and forgiveness of all our sins; Having put an end to the handwriting of the law which was against us, taking it out of the way by nailing it to his cross;"

Now I understand that there are those stubborn people who won't respond to our kindness with appreciation. Paul understood that too so he wrote in Romans 12:18 (BBE) that, "As far as it is possible for you be at peace with all men." That includes women too.

Best of all, we will be rewarded for taking the blows meant for Christ. Our Lord said in Luke 6:22 and 23 (BBE), "Happy are you, when men have hate for you, and put you away from among them and say angry words to you, turning away in disgust at your name, because of the Son of man. Be glad in that day, and be lifted up for joy, for your reward in heaven will be great: for their fathers did these same things to the prophets."

I also think that our suffering without retaliating shows us to be noble. Any fool can become angry but it takes great strength of character to shrug off insults, torture, or even martyrdom.

The unique nature of Christianity will be one topic covered in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? All other belief systems are centred on human effort and philosophy. Only Christianity is based on God's wisdom.

Saturday Song: 5 Man Electrical Band, "Absolutely Right"

It sure is hard to apologize, especially when the other person is right. That's what this song is about. The man in the song acted stupidly and came to realize he was in the wrong.

Listen to this Canadian rock band's song here:

Jesus had much to say about forgiveness. After teaching about church discipline Peter asked a question about personal forgiveness. Matthew 18:21 and 22 (BBE) records, "Then Peter came and said to him, 'Lord, what number of times may my brother do wrong against me, and I give him forgiveness? till seven times?' Jesus says to him, 'I say not to you, Till seven times; but, Till seventy times seven.'"

Some occasions require that we make peace with our adversaries in order to prevent harm to ourselves. Jesus warned his hearers, and us as well, in Matthew 5:25 (BBE), "Come to an agreement quickly with him who has a cause against you at law, while you are with him on the way, for fear that he may give you up to the judge and the judge may give you to the police and you may be put into prison."

Jesus also connected forgiveness toward one another with forgiveness from God. We read of this in Mark 11:25 (BBE) where he said, "And whenever you make a prayer, let there be forgiveness in your hearts, if you have anything against anyone; so that you may have forgiveness for your sins from your Father who is in heaven."

We also note from Galatians 6:1 (BBE) that forgiveness and love are inseparable. "Brothers, if a man is taken in any wrongdoing, you who are of the Spirit will put such a one right in a spirit of love; keeping watch on yourself, for fear that you yourself may be tested."

Jesus also warned us about the danger of not forgiving others. Matthew 6:14 and 15 (BBE) says, "For if you let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will have forgiveness from your Father in heaven. But if you do not let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will not have forgiveness from your Father for your sins."

So we know that forgiveness is an act of love and God is pleased when we write off wrongs done to us. That's what forgiveness is.

On Monday, I hope to post on the subject of why we must love those who hate us.

Why Consider Suffering Joyous?

To the natural person, this sounds like pure lunacy. Nobody in their right mind wants to suffer. In fact, we do all we can to relieve pain.

Yet we Christians are exhorted to consider all trials and persecution to be a joyous occasion. We find this explanation of being joyful in the midst of suffering in James 1:2 and 3 (BBE) which reads, "Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort; Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope;"

Likewise Peter, no stranger to persecution, wrote in 1 Peter 1:6 and 7 (BBE), "You have cause for great joy in this, though it may have been necessary for you to be troubled for a little time, being tested in all sorts of ways, So that the true metal of your faith, being of much greater value than gold (which, though it comes to an end, is tested by fire), may come to light in praise and glory and honour, at the revelation of Jesus Christ:"

Certainly the first-century Christians understood the honour of being afflicted for the sake of Christ and the gospel. After the disciples were whipped by the temple rulers and warned never to preach about Christ, we read what they did  in Acts 5:41 (BBE). "So they went away from the Sanhedrin, happy to undergo shame for the Name."

The Apostle Paul also recognized the joy which exists in suffering for the sake of our Lord and Master, Jesus. We read in 2 Thessalonians 1:4 and 5 (BBE), "So that we ourselves take pride in you in the churches of God for your untroubled mind and your faith in all the troubles and sorrows which you are going through; Which is a clear sign of the decision which God in his righteousness has made; to give you a part in his kingdom, for which you have undergone this pain;"

So we realize that suffering persecution is a joyous privilege. It tests our faith in Christ. It also gives us hope of recompense for our righteous suffering at the hands of wicked people. We will also be given a glorious reward when Christ returns for standing firm for him. Understood in light of these verses alone, we rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer the blows meant for Christ.

I'm working on a book called You Think You're Going to Heaven? People need to understand that only God's criteria matters regarding whom he lets into his holy habitation.

On Saturday, I hope to post about the value of recognizing one's faults. I also feature a great Canadian band's hit from 1971.

Why Must Christians Suffer?

Throughout the history of Christianity, believers have had to endure persecution. In Fact, more believers are suffering today than ever before. But why does God let his people suffer?

Since we are Christ's disciples, the Devil hates us. Consequently, he attacks those believers who are doing the most to take people out of his kingdom. Jesus gave this answer to his followers in John 15:18 (BBE). "If you are hated by the world, keep in mind that I was hated by the world before you."

Jesus also explained to his own unbelieving brothers why they weren't hated but he was. John 7:7 (BBE) says, "It is not possible for you to be hated by the world; but I am hated by it, because I give witness that what it does is evil."

The world, meaning society in general, hates Christ because Satan is its master. As Jesus wisely pointed out in Luke 16:13 (BBE), "No man may be a servant to two masters: for he will have hate for the one and love for the other; or he will keep to the one and have no respect for the other. You may not be servants of God and of wealth."

We are to have such devotion to our Lord and Master that all other relationships in this world take a back seat to him. Luke 14:26 (BBE) says, "And turning round, he said to them, 'If any man comes to me, and has not hate for his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, and even for his life, he may not be my disciple.'"

I'll point out the aspect of suffering in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? Suffering for Christ doesn't mean punishment but our Lord tests our faith in him through it. May we all pass the test.

So if you're suffering because you're a believer, you're in good company. The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews shows all the people who trusted in God for rewards not yet received.

On Thursday, I'll deal with the apparent contradiction of suffering for Christ being joyous and why it's so.