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God\'s Purpose in Suffering
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When you endure trials and suffering such as stress, betrayal, tragedy, disappointment, criticism, contempt, malice, rebukes, disrespect, disobedience, dismissal, tantrums, mind games, and such, and you respond correctly, you will be sanctified. This is what is meant by God's illustration of the refiner's fire (Zechariah 13:9, Haggai 2:7-9, Malachi 3:1-3, faith Is Much More Precious Than Of Gold" target="_blank" href="https://seekfind.net/1_Peter_17_The_Trial_Of_Your_Faith_Is_Much_More_Precious_Than_Of_Gold_.html">1 Peter 1:6-7, Isaiah 48:10-11). Many of the most evil seeds sown into the heart are the direct result of responding to a trial in the flesh. We need the Holy Spirit especially during a trial, but we tend to turn to the flesh for help. We need the ministry of the Church during trials, and we ignore the ministry that comes from the elders at our peril. This is part of the assembling together of the Body of Christ. Trials are brought into the life of the Christian to cause growth (1 Peter 4:12-13). This is the correct way to respond to suffering:
How can we know anything about anything? That’s the real question Topic: Persecution and TrialsThe kids were encouraged to make the posters expressing their thanks during the Thanksgiving season. But this one child\'s poster was removed because the child wanted to thank Jesus. The 3rd Circuit Court upheld the school\'s actions. But Judge Alito \"stood on the wall\" in opposition and filed a blistering dissent that stated, \"Public school students have the right to express religious views in class discussion or in assigned work.\"... 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. Education has become one of the most anti-Christ elements of society. Why would Christians stand in the counsel of the ungodly? Why would Christians cause their children to stand in this counsel. There are wonderful alternatives to the secular and public... \"This is what the LORD Almighty says: \'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. Haggai 2:6 Most of the world\'s charities helping in the effort are Christian and American. Indonesia is the world\'s largest Muslim nation, yet Muslim nations, including the fabulously wealthy Saudi regime, have given chump change compared to those countries... 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ\'s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil], ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Suffering is one of many forms of temptation. When we suffer, we are also drawn... Dear Brothers and Sisters, The trials of the saints have been many, but the victory is assured. Here is a "Word of Wisdom" gleaned from the writings of a forerunner of this present Move of the Spirit, offered as a word of encouragement to all who are going through "something": "When trials come our first inclination is to ask what we have done to deserve this, or why does God allow... Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.... Haggai 2:7-9 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith... 1 Peter 1:6 & 7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of Jesus Christ FREE on-line BOOK (a... Isaiah 48:10-11 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory to another. Many are called, but few are chosen. Look at the place where the chosen are chosen: the furnace of affliction. God does... If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. You may hear a question like this: \"God knew everything before he created it, so why did God make people who he knew in advance would turn on him and go to hell? I guess the same can be said for why did God make angels he knew would turn on him too?\" In these... While there is a lot we cannot know about God, there is a lot that we can know. We can know what God reveals about Himself. Consider the following points. God does not have any joy in seeing any person suffer. God is absolutely just, and there will be no suffering in vain. Every person will see, in the end, that everything is fair, just, and right. ... Our walk is one of overcoming the lies that we have been told. We need to see reality as it really is. If we could see reality regarding suffering, then we would always be thankful. It is the lies that are in our hearts that make us unthankful and unable to reap the benefits of suffering. Some of these lies were in our hearts from the day we were born.... This page is provided to answer a specific question, but don\'t get tied up in detail and forget where you are going. You get past the questions/attacks so you can proclaim the Gospel. It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Evolution is NOT Science Many... If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Fun Stuff With Evolution Let\'s have fun with some of the obvious and strange facts surrounding the theories that say that things can create themselves. These are the theories that are generally called by the name Evolution. What is the molecules-to-man evolution conjecture / fabrication (sometimes erroneously called the Theory of Evolution)? It\'s simply this:... Expect Persecution. Accept it as a gift from God. Blessed is everyone who is persecuted. Everyone who is righteous is persecuted. Woe to those who are not persecuted for their righteousness. Never be persecuted because you are doing wrong or because you are being a jerk. You probably know a Christian who is obnoxious. There is no goodness in suffering for doing wrong. But the ungodly will try to control you,... Topic: FulfillmentRomans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed [Apocalypse, Unveiling] in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apocalypse, Unveiling] of the sons [huios, mature sons] of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same... It pleased the Father that all fullness should dwell in Jesus. Colossians 1:13-20 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven,... As a person, you have a destiny. There is only one way to fulfill your destiny. Many people try to be fulfilled by using all types of systems and ideas that could never have the potential for their fulfillment. You were created to be fulfilled, and pleasure, possessions, power, success, friendships, and such things, good as they are, could never make you fulfilled. You were created to be fulfilled in only... God\'s process is that He leads and we submit to that leading. The Holy Spirit flows and we yield to that flowing. God\'s process is tied to God\'s pattern and leads us into God\'s pattern. God\'s process and pattern lead us into the life of the coming age. The processes of this present evil age lead into death, destruction, and misery. \"I would much rather say that every time you make... Topic: The Human MindWhy Are Rationalized Speculations False? Evolution is an alternate story to what God says happened. God\'s story checks out scientifically if we eliminate the Atheistic assumptions of Atheistic science. In fact, God\'s story matches what we can observe while the competing story, evolution, does not. The evolutionists have not even been able to tell an uncheckable lie, but even if they were able to tell such a lie, that would not... Intelligent People Accept This? I was quite surprised. For years, I wondered how the creationists and evolutionists could look at the same data and come out with such different answers. The same is true of the socialist and the politically conservative. The same goes for the religiously ungodly and the Christian. At a certain point, I realized that it\'s possible to rationalize anything, and very intelligent people can rationalize insane ideas and... Why Resort To Post-Modernism and Chaos Theory? Short Answer The reason evolution-scientists had to resort to post-modernism and chaos theory is that it was a last-ditch effort to save the debunked hypothesis of evolution. Under post-modernism, there are no absolutes, so observation means nothing. Science is defined to mean whatever the evolution-scientists want it to mean. Under that form of lunacy, people can believe in evolution despite the obvious scientific facts. Evolution... If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. False Logic Evolution\'s false logic fools some people and one of the most tricky methods that Evolutionists use is presupposition. Presupposition is, in a way, like a hypnotic suggestion. Evolutionists like to get control of children at an early age so they can use presupposition and other techniques to brainwash them. They make presumptive statements... A Teacher of logic Takes an Illogical Stand and Will Not Admit It A personal testimony: I heard an acquaintance, a teacher of logic, conversing with some students. The question was, \"Even though it\'s illogical, can we still believe in God?\" The answer the teacher gave was, \"Yes, as long as you remember that it\'s totally illogical to do so.\" This seemed like an odd conversation for several reasons. First, it seemed... 1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all... God is looking for a willing, submissive mind. The human mind was never created to be used outside of a submissive relationship with God, but rather to be in submission to the Holy Spirit. When people try to be brilliant on their own, their pride will come before their fall. 2Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not... Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? ... If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. Rationalism We are using the myth of Evolutionism as an example of false proof supplied by Rationalism. Rationalism is a religious doctrine that enables other false doctrines and false religions. It is the idea that, \"It popped into my head, so it must be true.\" Sometimes, it\'s shocking what people will fall for. The only... Rationalism Causes Denominations and Divisions Rationalism is the basis of many of the divisions within the Church. Rationalism caused the disorders of the inquisition and the crusades. Without rationalism, there would be no denominational Babylon as we see it today. It is the force that adds to and takes from the Scripture. It is behind every family and church disorder. It is a source of endless torment and suffering. See... Theologians and Bible Scholars Sometimes Use Rationalized Speculations Theologians are guilty as charged in many, many cases. They go beyond what the Bible actually says and seem to do so without any regard for the sin they are committing. Liberal theologians make the mistake of thinking that the Bible has no more authority than their own carnal minds. Here is a little science on the problem of the human mind. God... It is the proclamation of the Gospel, not argumentation, that transforms minds. See Give Them the Gospel. How Can We Know Which Assumptions Are Valid? There is no such thing as a valid assumption. Assumptions prove nothing, not even the assumptions made by a famous evolutionist. Not even if they call those assumptions, axioms. Not even if they claim that their assumptions are the correct assumptions. Evolution isn\'t science. Detailed Answer One of... The real question is, \"Who do you trust--Do you trust your own understanding or do you trust God?\" Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed [literally, Transfigured] by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Notice that it does not say to be transformed by the removal of your mind. ... but how does... Science and Logic are Limited Tools It is illogical to apply logic past its own limits and then claim that the results make sense. It is unscientific to apply science past its own limits and then claim that the results are valid. Human weakness keeps scientists and theologians from understanding because human minds are sadly lacking in the ability to perceive. The invention of instruments, such as the microscope and telescope, have... Topic: The Purpose And Meaning of Your LifeGod\'s purpose for our lives is that we become like Jesus. To become like Jesus. Amazing! We could never do that on our own, so God is working everything in the universe to bring about that good result--His Good Purpose! The reality is that we can\'t even help Jesus do this. We can only receive it. What we are receiving is a restoration of our relationship with God through the blood of Christ... God has wonderful plans, a destiny, for mankind to enter into glory. This is the purpose of life. This is the reason for living. God has a plan and a method to accomplish His purpose. Sin is literally falling short of the Glory of God. Falling short, missing the mark, losing out... that is what sin is. Jesus came to set us free from sin. Those who love sin reject Jesus and what... Ungodly people miss out on all the good things--ungodly Christians miss out too. For ungodly people there is only aging, death, and decay in a universe that has no purpose. For godly Christians, there is wonderful joy and purpose. Ungodly people miss out on all of this. Ungodly Christians also miss out on finding the purpose of life, but God has made it easy to understand His purpose. Ungodly Christians are those who are born again, but... God's Purpose Is To Bring You Back Into His Family. We're talking about God's family. You can't join God's family. You can't buy your way in. You can't work your way in. You must be born into this family. The way is simple. All who will receive Jesus as their savior from sin are born as spiritual babies into the family of God the Father. Did God send Jesus to save you... Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [Apokalupsis: removal of a covering or veil] of the sons of God. Apocalypse (two Greek words, apokalupsis, and apokalupto meaning approximately the same thing) Literally, it means the removal of a covering or a veil. God often provides the interpretation of Scripture within Scripture. There is one Scripture that gives us the key to the word, veil. Hebrew... If you understand the meaning of your life, you will be content in every situation because you know without question that you will be satisfied when you awake in His likeness. Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. We are now the little children of God, and the apocalypse, that great unveiling or manifestation of the sons... God\'s Purpose Is To Have You Grow Up To Maturity. God\'s purpose: you grow up into Him. You become joined to Him in a wonderful close relationship that fulfills you and transfigures you. Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be... Transforming you--this is God\'s plan. He has a plan for Transforming you. It is by grace, and grace is through faith. God\'s good purpose for us is to conform us, by His Spirit, into the image of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28-29 He wants us to be transfigured--a metamorphosis 2 Corinthians 3:18 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed, transfigured, by the renewing of your mind. God is the... Every Person Who Is A Member Of The Body Of Christ Has And Is A Ministry? You have a ministry. You have a holy calling. The gifts of the Spirit are given by the laying on of hands of the presbytery. Even this holy work of laying on hands for receiving gifts has, among many Christians, been distorted. Many have called themselves to this work instead of following the calling... First, let it be known that no amount of human effort will ever fulfill the purpose for your life. God created you for a purpose. It is a good purpose. He never created anyone to operate as a being who is separate from Him. He created you to be joined to Him in a wonderful way. God is Love. That doesn't make God less, but it does show that most... As a person, you have a destiny. There is only one way to fulfill your destiny. Many people try to be fulfilled by using all types of systems and ideas that could never have the potential for their fulfillment. You were created to be fulfilled, and pleasure, possessions, power, success, friendships, and such things, good as they are, could never make you fulfilled. You were created to be fulfilled in only... If you are born again, you are heading toward a goal. When you\'re heading toward a goal, you want to understand the goal, you want to have a vision of where that goal is so that, when you arrive, you end up in the right place. That goal is that our whole being be saved. Jesus already paid the price for all of this. All that is really required is that... The entire creation is waiting for the manifestation, the unveiling, of the sons of God. Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. The word, manifestation, is a translation of the Greek word, apocalypse. The Greek word, apocalypse, means, "the removal of a veil." The only Biblical reference that explains this metaphor is a reference to Jesus that explains that the... You are called to be a priest and a king. A priest brings the needs of the people before God and intercedes on their behalf. A priest also brings the messages of God to the people. This is your calling. A king rules. You will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever considered this question: Who will you be ruling over in the Kingdom... Actually, it\'s hard to take a position on the rapture. There are so many different competing theories out there that it\'s a little bit difficult to say exactly what the rapture is. We would have to start by asking, \"What do you mean when you say, \"rapture?\" We take a position against speculation, and there is certainly a lot of end-times speculation. There\'s big money in predicting the end of... So what is the meaning of life? You were designed and made for better than what you have been experiencing. You probably know intuitively that we are living far below what God has planned for us. You were designed and made for glory, to have the power of the Spirit of God flowing through you. Your spirit was made to be joined to the Spirit of God. Your mind, your... Jesus said, "You must be born again." Nicodemus didn't have a clue what Jesus meant. He asked, 'How can I be born again?" It's a great question. The answer is, "you must believe in Jesus for deliverance from your sins." Being born again is getting started on the road to spiritual success. Once you get started, hopefully, you take ground, hold the ground, and go on to total victory. ... Question: What is meant by against such there is no law in Gal 5:23? Answer: The fruit of the Spirit is what grows when you yield to the Spirit. There is no law against the fruit of the Spirit. The point is that the fruit of the Spirit is the work that God does through you as you yield to Him. It is not the work you do but it is of the... Topic: Repentance and RepentingThe English word, repent, means to turn around and proceed in the opposite direction. However, repent is not an entirely accurate translation from the Greek. Nor is it always an accurate translation from the Hebrew. To repent is often literally to have a new mind. This could be taken as a purely intellectual exercise as, \"I had in mind to paint the room yellow but changed my mind,\" but it\'s... Question: In practical terms what does true repentance involve in daily life? Answer: To repent is to have a new mind. God\'s intent is that you change your mind or, literally, have a new mind. Repentance is having a new mind. Romans 12:2 You Will Be Transfigured [metamorphoo] Just As Jesus Was Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a... Ephesians 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ; Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conversation refers to the whole manner of life) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your... If God requires total holiness, how can a Christian live total holiness? Is it even possible? Yes, It is possible to live in total holiness, but watch out for this. Do not modify holiness to be something that you can do. Do not think that holiness is something that you can do. Holiness is something that God causes you to become. You just receive it or reject it. There is a... Question: Can a person truly repent if he or she doesn\'t know how God views his or her life and actions? Answer: The simple answer is, \"No.\" A person needs to know how God views his or her life and actions. The Holy Spirit convicts the person. The Father draws the person to Jesus. When a person is born again, they have a slight idea of how wicked they are in the... If you have not read Stories Versus Truth, you may want to read that before reading this. You may hear someone say that they don\'t want to repent because they think life will become dull and boring. In these types of discussions, don\'t let Satan turn any discussion into a contest. Discuss without turning the other person into a loser or turning yourself into the winner. Answer: Ask them why they think that life... \"It is because of him [the Father] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.\" 1 Corinthians 1:30 NIV Holiness is progressive. It is a change in what we are. It is a basic change in our very nature. You were designed for righteousness, holiness, and total redemption. There is an upward spiral of righteousness, holiness, and redemption... Acts 2:38, Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins , and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. KJV Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, \"Have a new mind, and be baptized every one of you into the Name of Jesus Christ for the release from bondage to, and pardon from... |
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