“We’re all ignorant, but only in different subjects.“ ~ A.W. Tozer

Where are you? 

And yet we don’t have to stay that way on those particular subjects. You know we can’t all be specialists, but we each can know where to go with our questions. Today, do you have questions on all the pain and evil here?

God is all powerful.
God is all loving, and yet..
Evil, pain and suffering exist here.

Seems so incongruous to us huh -- it’s actually a trilemma. How could an all loving God allow such evil and suffering to happen here? And why is it a trilemma? Well, it’s because...

God is all knowingGod is all good.God is all wise.God is eternal.

...and that changes the paradigm completely for you, and then you have the issue of time. 

Listen, there are some emotionally satisfying answers as time goes by. You’ve suffered pains. I’ve had back pain from hard work before, I’ve experienced the pain from family members not loving each other, but doing the opposite. How has the marriage of your parents gone, those two you love so much -- smooth or way too rough and painful? 

There is a hill called Calvary where Jesus hung on a real Cross yet three days later emerged from that borrowed tomb. There is suffering, there is a Savior, there is a relationship we each can enjoy, there is daily comfort from Him. He conquers not in spite of the mystery and darkness and pain from evil here, He conquers through it and makes you the person He wants you to be.  

Ask a lot of honest questions yourself. Be a polyglot and listen well to other people's responses (like from reading heavily their ideas) and their perspectives. I'm convinced that answers are not just theoretical, they are also relational.  

A little child knows that his mother would never cause him pain or do him harm, and yet now here is a needle coming right towards him in what she calls a doctors office. He's got questions, but has got to trust her cuz of their love relationship. Later on he'll fully understand why.  

Do ..respectfully question the questioner first. Behind every question is a questioner. There is always a reason behind the question, is it philosophical or from a felt need? Is anything wrong with anything? Is there a moral wrongness to anything in your life? People need to be opened up with their own assumptions, that’s why Jesus often responded to questions with questions.

“Nothing is so self defeating as a question that has not been thought through before it is fully posed.“ ~ C.S. Lewis

Prethink it on through. And ask. I say go ask God a lot of pointed, honest questions (don’t demand or feel you have a right to His answers now), yes know that He will answer the ones that are best for you and others to have answered from Him at this time. Come as you are.

Happy New Year, and be encouraged. H.O.P.E. Hold On, Pains End.

It's a new year with 365 new chances and we can have hope in Christ.. despite our specific needs, hurts, or current longings. I want to commend you to our anchor of the soul--the God of hope.

God says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

"And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security." ~ Job 11:18

Whatever God does or allows in your life is motivated by his love for you and for others. It can all work out and together for good if we believe and love Christ in return (see Romans 8:28-29). Most false teachers outside and inside the church, cult leaders as well as so called word-faith prosperity preachers won't tell you what I will tell you here. 

Life here has some pain, bummers, sorrow, afflictions, troubles, and death. So many people think that they will get a pass on this stuff. But it happens to everyone. It might start with the passing of your grandparents.. not an easy time. 

And so many word-faith (false, off base) teachers within the church with their aberrant doctrines (so called Christian minsters) keep telling us that if we have faith and give to them then we will get the hundredfold blessing and find ourselves out of debt and rich.. like them cuz so many fools gave to them even when they didn't have enough for their bills. Some even used their credit cards to give to em.. presumptuously expecting to get rich (go read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Go hear the audio book Christianity in Crisis and Counterfeit Revival by Hank H). 

We have a living hope, but there are struggles. Hey, even the best of marriages or businesses have problems. And Christians can learn through trials and struggles. We / They will grow through the hardships as we press in to know the Lord--yes, hope can be found and can develop through the troubles or tribulation. 

Christians will have more trials ahead and some with suffering that will yes.. actually work for rather than against.. them. Sure, as they look to, worship, serve, and get closer to the Lord.

"Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made." ~ RC Sproil

Sometimes it seems like we are being refined by fire until we are more pure like pure gold. God likes us holy--He loves us and want us mature, strong and pure. Notice what the Bible tells us of Paul the Apostle and his missionary team.. "They preached the Gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples and encouraging them to continue in the faith. 'We must endure many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God..'" Acts 14:21-22

Jesus basically told us that in this world you will have some struggles. Why? Man’s sin, his bad choice in the garden of Eden and later other sins elsewhere because we've all sinned.. they have changed this planet and the people here. But no worries.. God loves you anyway. He sent Jesus who died in your place on the Cross. And He's alive again.
  

"The Christian Message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity–hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory–because at the Father’s will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross." ~ J.I. Packer

Christ in the Bible says, “Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” John 16:32-33

"The hope that God has provided for you is not merely a wish. Neither is it dependent on other people, possessions, or circumstances for its validity. Instead, biblical hope is an application of your faith that supplies a confident expectation in God’s fulfillment of His promises. Coupled with faith and love, hope is part of the abiding characteristics in a believer’s life." ~ John C. Broger

"Without Christ there is no hope." ~ Charles Spurgeon

The fall (of man in the garden) has marred this sin-cursed earth. There should have never been aging, obesity, sickness, baldness in women or men, poverty, disease and or death in this place--it wasn't part of His original plan and design. He was well acquainted with sorrows, temptation, sufferings and grief--He knows. Through the trials, through the dark and stormy night, (biblical) faith holds a light up if you will. No matter the size of the storm. Ever seen a light on a ship, or from a light house -- when you do it's time for hope. And that shines out in the blackness of night to help guide to hope and safety. We want to shine out basically reflecting His light out, because so many people still need to hear the Gospel of hope. So many need that living hope in Christ and they can enjoy Him today.

"Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand." ~ Thomas Aquinas

"The law works fear and wrath; grace works hope and mercy." ~ Martin Luther

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation." Psalm 42:5

Check it out in the Bible--God loves you as much as He loves His own Son Jesus. This hope we have is kinda like an anchor of the soul in this life of turbulence. Hey, if it has troubled your heart, it troubles his. Christ weeps when we feel the pain.. yeah, when we hurt.. He hurts. But He allows things to happen so that we will turn from sin..so we might turn to Him. It’s because he really loves us. 

Death is not the end of existence for people, it is just a change in your existence and location. Turn from sin. Call out to God in faith. Listen, the Bible is filled with an eternity’s worth of reasons for us to have hope in Christ. facebook.com/shareJesus

Ever Think About Your Future Eternal State?

I just had a wonderful time chatting with, and witnessing to an ole friend who approached me to catch up on things. He commutes to Dallas from Fort Worth and eats at Denny's every morning at the same time--he's a man of habit. I have known him for a couple years and he has a great sense of humor. 

I'll call him, Bob. Anyways, Bob is a great shoeshine man and his "woman keeps him matching," he says. Yup, his ball cap always matches his slacks each and every day (that's better than I can do).. just like it should be with any downtown professional dressed for success. Bob's got a lot of ball caps too. I never met anyone that does better work on shoes than Bob. People line up and wait for Bob to do his thing with his snapping waxy rag on their work zapatos. Nice guy too. You'd love him. What a joy it was! 

Q: Ever consider what your future eternal state will be like? That sounds like such a good and serious question huh. I've got a handful more to consider: 

Where will you spend eternity? What do you believe about a life or existence beyond the grave? Do you even care? What will happen to the physical body that you now live in? What about your family members, or all decent people and evil doers that you know—where will they be? What exactly will happen to people after their bodies reach room temperature, are cremated, buried etc? How will you plan in advance? Want to hear what Kurt and Liney really believe and some rock-solid truth regarding these important questions? 

We believe in the bodily resurrection of everyone; yes every human being who has lived. We believe in the everlasting blessedness of those in right relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ, and in the everlasting punishment of all those who have rejected God's forgiveness in His Son. Some people say that is so harsh to believe in the punishment part--so cold blooded, but we have good grounds to believe in the truth of both these statements just the same. Please remember that our God is merciful, loving and very just (you wouldn't ever want to live in a town where injustice was the rule of the day would you?). In the end, all of us will see how incredibly fair God really is. 

Besides, not believing in these things as taught in the Bible will not make them go away. What has been prophesied in the past by the prophets of old—the words that we find in the Scriptures—have been fulfilled with 100% accuracy thus far and will be fulfilled with precise timing in the future as well. In fact, there really are not many prophecies left to be fulfilled. We believe that at death the spirits and souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation ..will pass immediately into God’s presence and then remain there in conscious bliss rather than in boredom, until the resurrection of the glorified body when Christ comes back for His own. 

At that time those souls and bodies will then be reunited and associated with Him forever in glory to wholeheartedly continue worshipping Him in truth. The spirits and souls of the unbelieving will not be in God’s presence right after death (..until they come to their final judgement before Him. They also will not be annihilated into nothingness either. If they were annihilated, they couldn't experience everlasting torment as they each will indeed experience). Yes, the spirits and souls of the unsaved will certainly be conscious of condemnation and will be in misery until that final judgment of the great white throne at the close of the millennium, when soul and body alike shall be reunited and ultimately cast into the lake of fire (a very real place of pain--no party), not to be merely eradicated into a non-existence but to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord almighty, and from the glory of His holy power. (See: Luke 16:19-26; 23:42; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Jude 6-7; Revelation 20:11-15).

That's how it will be. Are you ready for the Rapture of the Church and all this stuff to play out before you? Please come to Christ on His terms today! I am answering questions and praying for my friend, Bob, and will pray for you as well ..if you want me to. I don't want you or Bob to miss being caught away, for the retirement benefits are out of this world! Why not think about and pray about some of these practical and future happenings for a few moments ...things that are slightly more important than deciding upon the right place for lunch today? Read More… Like to know God in a personal and meaningful way?

Apolo What?

Here This summer we've had the privilege of rubbing shoulders with some wonderful Christians and also with some interesting unbelievers of different religious preferences. Lots of fun. What an excellent joy!

Throughout the history of the Church, Christians of various backgrounds have been called upon to explain why we believe what we believe. Paul the apostle described his ministry as "the defense and confirmation of the Gospel." The apostle Peter felt strongly that you need to "Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet. 3:15). Yes, this activity of believers has come to be known as apologetics which means "defense."

O that my life may useful be.. as I serve Jesus faithfully; and may the world see Christ in me—this is my earnest plea! ~ Hess

Have you been involved in any apologetics activity lately? It is often very enjoyable building friendships with people of other belief systems and win them.

Jesus really wants the doubt out—yours first and then theirs. He "said to them, 'Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?'" (Lk. 24:38). Sometimes your holy life can be your best argument; your best defense!

When Jesus Christ walked down the dusty paths on this little planet some 2000 years ago, He was so glad to encounter many different kinds of people who put their trust in various places, things or people. And He was very concerned for those in need too. I like how Christ never showed preferential treatment to anyone as He reach out and touched people to heal them, to literally save them in the grandest sense of that term, and to restore them.

You remember how without any doubts Jesus was good at witnessng for the Father. Repentant Zacchaeus, a juicy sinner (like I was in the '70s), believed and wanted to make restitution, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house… For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk. 19:8-10).

God still meets needs today. He meets all mine and can yours as well. He LOVES us all the same and still deeply CARES about each one of us (I'll tell you more about God's agape love in an upcoming posting).

Are you in Jesus? Today, you too can enjoy God's love in Christ as you worship, as you fish for souls following His lead, as you help others do that kind of stuff too. You and I are to be His serving hands, His feet on the go or waiting. We're His spokes-persons who don't want to play fast and loose type of games with what's real…with the truth, with other's lives, with eternity! Hey, too much is at stake for those around us.

But what else is involved in a legitimate form of apologetics ministry that Christians can and should take part in?

Well, it involves refuting those who contradict (Tit. 1:9, 13); reproving the worldly deeds of darkness (Eph. 5:11); shunning false teachers (2 Jn. 10–11); casting down false arguments (2 Cor. 10:5); exposing the doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1, 6); calling sinful dissenters to repentance (2 Tim. 2:25; Tit. 3:10); and warning apostates of the certain and terrible judgment that awaits them if they don't repent (Matt. 23; Heb. 6:4–8; Jude 8–13).

Such fearless ministry was not only modeled by Jesus, but it was by every Old Testament prophet and every New Testament writer. That takes straightforward speech that contends earnestly for the faith (Jude 3–4), and as a result denounces every form of deception. Who can complain about that?

See More About It…

www.fish4souls.org

How Does Logic Play Into It?

If it's truly illogical, does that mean that God is "in it" wanting you to step out in the so called venture of faith? It would seem that some Christians unfortunately believe that's how to confirm something is right for them—they prefer to go by their "feelings."

But God wants you and me to prayerfully use logic all through the day without enthroning our brains!

Christian, have you prayed about it? Do you have a peace about it being the will of God? Would it be sin for you to do it when it might not be for another person… or is it a non-negotiable that would be sin for anyone to do (according to what the Bible says)?

Have you or others worked out the circumstances in such a way that you could afford to do it …or is there something else circumstantially blocking your way? Is it legal, does it wisely edify people... or could it potentially create a stumbling block for a weaker believer who has their eye on you as their example?

What is your inner motive? Does it protect people from all different kinds of danger? Would it serve your own personal interests or those of another ..thus honoring God? Is the inner witness of the Holy Spirit telling you to go for it? How do proven Christian counselors advise you to proceed? Do they point you to the Scriptures?

When you run into a cultist or some irreligious party animal out there in the world …who is temporarily sober… or maybe into someone really into Buddhism, how do you tactfully approach them? Segway'n our way in and through a witnessing situation does take some logic and reasoning capabilities …unless you really want to flub it. Do they throw up smoke-screen topics or excuses?—do they take you on rabbit trails?—are they closed minded?—what diagnostic questions do you ask them? What if they've been burned by a so called Christian or Christian leader before?

Is there common ground to be found? Are they an open-sinner or a closed sinner …ya know, with the palm of their big hand up in your face as they tell you where to go? If they claim to be born again, what temperature are they?--red hot, cold, or lukewarm? Are they merely into dead religion? Are they a defeated saint living in sin, but wanting assurance of salvation? Are they saved but lacking an assurance, but really should be experiencing that? Are they married to an unbeliever? These thoughts are not bad to be thinking about, unless we possess some self righteous superiority complex?

God expects us to love Him with our whole heart and mind. I wish I could give you a foolproof method for discovering the will of God in every situation. Discovering it can be tricky at times, but God sure isn't trying to keep that from you. He wants all of us to know His will. Sometimes we just get too busy to inquire or wait on Him.

I ran into a Buddhist not too long ago who told me "Kurt, you have your truth and I have mine and my truth is as good as your truth. Both are true and valid." He was sincere, but sincerely wrong and I basically needed to silently talk to his Maker ..in a non-strange way. He who would talk to men about God, would do well to first listen and talk to God about men.

Buddhists just don't believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to get into Heaven to live eternally with the Father …as Christ claimed to be.

It's so amazing what the many different world religions make Jesus out to be—a plain old prophet, a spirit brother of Lucifer, a mere teacher, the Archangel Michael …so many things other than the one and only Savior of the World ..who solely deserves our worship and full obedience. God's anointed logic, rather than human logic does need to come into play, but it's no game. We are dealing with life and death matters.

Sure we need to be a friend and blessing to be around, speaking the truth in love. I don't consider myself a good witness, but I know God can help me in this area. Personally want to be a more focused, better listener. I want to be a logical servant and live the life (which is easier said that done). I want to maintain a right spirit, to care, to use facts, use the Bible and allow the Lord to use me to scripturally refute the lies that my friends have swallowed …and do so without hurting them …even if they say they don't believe in the Word. There certainly is enough evidence to be had in advance.

Oh to wisely witness using the Scriptures with grace, authority, salt and logic as Jesus did…

"...so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isa. 55:11, nkjv).

Perhaps you have some questions about logic in a general sense or in regards to apologetics.

Read More…

http://www.fish4souls.org/FArtiApolo/Logical_reasoning.pdf