And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall
be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
It's probably the most pressing question being asked these days...
be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
It's probably the most pressing question being asked these days...
"Why God, why?" Two recent mass shootings have left us asking, "Why?" In the first incident, shoppers and store clerks were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They were gunned down inside an ordinary neighborhood supermarket for being black. While a few days later, nineteen innocent school children and two teachers were slaughtered in their classrooms by a troubled young man who was bent on killing.
On this Memorial Day when Americans honor and mourn those who gave their lives for their country, we are also mourning the losses of many other lives as well. These being the mounting casualties of senseless gun violence within America's borders.
For untold numbers, it has been a week of tears and sorrow. Where was God when the shots rang out? Theologians who think themselves as spokespersons for God will give their opinions. While psychologists and grief counselors will try to make sense of it all. But in spite of their best intentions, how can anyone bring understanding to such horrific events?
The reality is, what people do to one another, whether it be showing kindness or killing them, we have the free will to do good, or to do bad. God has not made us into pre-programmed robots. We can make our own choices. Whether it be by words or actions, God has given us the freedom to say and do as we please. He also allows us to experience the consequences of our choices, as well.
We live in a fallen, sin-laden world. And because of our so easily prone to sin nature, to include being daily bombarded with Satan's temptations and the world's material allurements and enchantments, it's a miracle there aren't many more acts of madness and violence.
The holy Bible declares that "God is love" (1 John 4:8 and verse 16). In fact, the most well-known verse in the Bible attests to this. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him (God's Son, Jesus), should not perish forever in eternity, but shall have the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
God is good, and God is love. His mercy endures forever. But the questions I wish to ask in response to the understandable cry of "Why God, Why?" is, Why do we blame God in the first place? Why do so many of us refuse to believe and trust in Him? Lastly, how come nobody blames the devil?
D.B.
Note: According to the Scriptures, God has promised to one day create a new heaven, and a new earth. This is a theme that is carried throughout His word. On that glorious day, evil will pass away. It will be gone, forever. Those who are "in Christ" (meaning they have repented of their sins and have asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior) will get to enjoy this new heaven and new earth for eternity.
On this Memorial Day when Americans honor and mourn those who gave their lives for their country, we are also mourning the losses of many other lives as well. These being the mounting casualties of senseless gun violence within America's borders.
For untold numbers, it has been a week of tears and sorrow. Where was God when the shots rang out? Theologians who think themselves as spokespersons for God will give their opinions. While psychologists and grief counselors will try to make sense of it all. But in spite of their best intentions, how can anyone bring understanding to such horrific events?
The reality is, what people do to one another, whether it be showing kindness or killing them, we have the free will to do good, or to do bad. God has not made us into pre-programmed robots. We can make our own choices. Whether it be by words or actions, God has given us the freedom to say and do as we please. He also allows us to experience the consequences of our choices, as well.
We live in a fallen, sin-laden world. And because of our so easily prone to sin nature, to include being daily bombarded with Satan's temptations and the world's material allurements and enchantments, it's a miracle there aren't many more acts of madness and violence.
The holy Bible declares that "God is love" (1 John 4:8 and verse 16). In fact, the most well-known verse in the Bible attests to this. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him (God's Son, Jesus), should not perish forever in eternity, but shall have the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
God is good, and God is love. His mercy endures forever. But the questions I wish to ask in response to the understandable cry of "Why God, Why?" is, Why do we blame God in the first place? Why do so many of us refuse to believe and trust in Him? Lastly, how come nobody blames the devil?
D.B.
Note: According to the Scriptures, God has promised to one day create a new heaven, and a new earth. This is a theme that is carried throughout His word. On that glorious day, evil will pass away. It will be gone, forever. Those who are "in Christ" (meaning they have repented of their sins and have asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior) will get to enjoy this new heaven and new earth for eternity.
