https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM7xLVsQ320

TD Jakes: The Blessed Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_YaXeq4cwo

TD Jakes: These Are They

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj23N4YFafw

TD Jakes: Fight Back!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnv65r00Sj0

Dr. Michael Yossef: Why Does God Allow Evil; PART 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5wBR4oc07I

Dr. Michael Yossef: Why Does God Allow Evil/PART#2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KffPhLwkHWE

Dr. Michael Youseff: Why Does God Allow Evil/ PART 3 of 3

The concept of why evil is allowed and why bad things happen to good people has always perplexed me a little bit, although I have spent my small share of time in the theology of it.
Why do we (generalizing) assume that all "good things" should happen to "good" people?
And are these "good things" earthly things or spiritual things?

Often, I believe, we have human nature and what satiates pleasure here awfully confused with spiritual blessings and growth.

Agreed..
In my humble view of this, we as Christian or any person really enters into this life, we enter with no guarantees whatsoever concerning whether we will live a fruitful and rewarding life, or one that does not bear fruit and is full of pain, or poverty, oppression and so forth. The Bible clearly states that it is appointed only once for a man to die!
So I have found that all things whether bad or good some how comes from God, and that I must accept this because this is the gospel truth of God's message to us because of God's word in our midst as creatures redeemed by the blood of the Lanb.
So then, why all the suffering? Well, it appears all around us, that being in the heavens and on earth as warfare and suffering many times do seem to go hand and hand as to what anyone of us might go through either coming into life as an infant already in distress, or as an elderly person who is being abused or even preyed upon by wicked family members or even something else that we might encounter as human beings in the mean time at any stage in life.

The Bible seems to indicate on several levels that we who enter into God's kingdom upon death, or through the resurrection process or by being caught up to be with Jesus in the second heaven are assured that at this juncture where time for us meets eternity for us has revealed to us that God will wipe the tears from our eyes, and it will be God who will extricate our earthly sins by casting them as far as east is oriented with west so that we remember these things no more. Jesus said that offenses would come even to the extent of the breaking up of family, denying friends, and that some of us would even be bound and finally led to places where we surly at that point of witness to the death really don't want to go.  And in these things we must be strong. For God has stated clearly in His word for us to by all means ask Him for His help when we have been cast down. However by faith within this process where God may not help us in the way that we want sometimes we still must be strong, and as brave as we can, because whatever Christians might think and especially today, we are in a war that is ancient, spiritual, and physical which started before the foundation of the very earth to this very day. Anything that we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and likewise, anything that is bound in heaven will be bound on the earth also.

The war continues.
Our truest and most effective weapons in this war though are not carnal.
It is all for God's glory, every little bit, even when it doesn't look that way!
We must trust Jesus Christ no matter what our condition and in this we find true and lasting change, a condition of our hearts in love with Christ and trusting only Him!
Here, and in the eternal places with Christ Jesus as heirs and joint-heirs in the kingdom of God serving Him!
Is it worth it to you?

SAE

For the LORD will have compassion on Jacob and will chose Israel again. He will settle them on there own land (or settle them on their own land again).
The foreigner (or the people from all nations) will join them and be united with the house of Jacob (or the new dynasty of Judah united with the old dynasty of Israel).
The nations will escort Israel and bring it to its homeland (or what has come to pass by a mandate of the League of Nations declaring Israel a sovereign state in 1948),
Then the house of Israel will possess them as male and female slaves (or as administrators of God's word and law to them) in the LORD's land.

They will make captives of their captors (or they will become an thriving and victorious military people) and rule over their oppressors (or continuously offset the ones who would wish to oppress them by God's help for them as the word of God dictates their future in Messiah until all is fulfilled by Him).

When the LORD gives you rest from your pain, torment, and the hard labor you were forced to do, you will sing this song of contempt about the king of Babylon and say:

How the oppressor has quieted down,
and how the raging (or how the raging of a violent society)
has become quiet!

The LORD has broken the staff (or the authority) of the
wicked, the scepter (or the injustice) of the rulers. It struck
the peoples (or the people of the world) with anger and
unceasing blows (or unceasing oppression). It subdued
the nations in rage with relentless persecution. All the earth
is calm and at rest; people shout with a ringing cry (or a ringing cry of freedom).

Even the cypresses and the cedars of Lebanon (or from the islands to the mountains)
rejoice over you: "Since you have been laid low, no woodcutter (or foreign occupation) has come against us,"

Sheol (or inner earth; hell fire) below is eager to greet you your coming.
He (or God) stirs up the spirits of the departed for you (or stirs up the spirits for you to do you harm)-------all the rulers of the earth.
He makes all of the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. They all respond to you, saying: "You too have become as weak as we are; you have become like us!

Your splendor has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps (or your harps to constantly play dirges for you in your torment).
Maggots are spread out under you, and worms (or canker worms) cover you (or eat through you in your horror of them)."

Shining morning star (or counterfeit Day Star, lesser son or angel of the dawn), how you have fallen from the heavens!
You destroyer of the nations, you have been cut down to the ground.

You said to yourself: "I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars (or the massive angelic armies) of God.
I will sit on the mount of the god's assembly (or sit on the mount of authority over all spirits angelic and the super human) in the remotest parts of the North (or Zaphon the place of all knowledge according to the totality of God's laws, statutes, and precepts for all creation to exist).

I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the most High."
But you will be brought down to Sheol into the deepest regions of the Pit.

Those who see you will stare at you; they will look closely at you:
"Is this the man (or has appeared to many as a seducing superior man)
who caused the world to tremble (or to cower down to him), who shook
the kingdoms, who turned the world into a wilderness (or a wilderness through war),
who trampled its (or its: Satan's) cities and would not release the prisoners to return home?"
All the kings of the nations lie in splendor, each in his own tomb. But you are thrown out without a grave
(or you have no earthly grave because you have always been a spirit), like a worthless branch, covered by
Those slain with the sword and dumped into a rocky pit like a trampled corpse. You will not join them in burial,
because you destroyed your land and slaughtered your own people. The offspring of the evildoers will never be remembered.
Prepare a place of slaughter for his sons (or the sons of Hamon) because of the iniquities of their fathers.
They will never again rise up to possess a land or fill the surface of the earth will cities.

"I will rise up against them"------the declaration of the LORD of Hosts------"and I will cut off from Babylon her reputation, remnant, offspring, and posterity"-------the LORD's declaration.

I will make her a swampland and a region for wild animals, and I will sweep her away with a broom of destruction."
This is the LORD's declaration.

The Prophet ISAIAH
Isaiah 14
God Ends the Earthly Reign of Satan: God Declares Justice for Jacob and the Nations

Amen, brother!
Wonderful expounding on the topic. I think you are hitting the nail on the head.

I won't purport for one particular theology to be absolutely correct, infallible in all manners, (other than of Christ our Lord as spoken to us from His Word) but I truly enjoy the perspectives of suffering from the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Cost of Discipleship) and that of Jonathan Edwards (Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God), if for nothing else than the perspective that give us on the humility we as lowly humans must have in the presence of an omnipotent but GRACIOUS God.
Bonhoeffer said that if Christ's life could be explained only by 1 word it would be this: Suffered.

The Cost of Following Jesus - Luke 9
57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesusg said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

How can we learn, from Sunday school as young children, that we need to be MORE like Christ, yet we expect everything to go WELL?? (in an earthly sense...mind you).
Suffering is how we get closer to God, truly and deeply, in many ways that can be gained in no other ways. We learn what heartache is first hand....and we understand how to empathize with our brothers. We learn what failure feels like...and we understand what striving for the GOAL truly means. We see our health deteriorate and our bodies becomes feeble....and we learn the brevity of this life and the prospect of the LIFE TO COME!

Praise God. He is Almighty and Sovereign. Not one of His children seeking his name will not have their BEST interest taken into account and ensured by the Lord himself.
With all things we must understand, as you said exactly: We are here to expose the GLORY of God and nothing less. Through trials and strife, God WILL BE glorified, in all things.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, now that's some stuff really worth reading brother and I mean it!
Praise God!
We'll get into it then.

Yes, sir!
Thank you for your threads and posts!

This thing between God and the Devil though. Now here are some things I believe worth noting concerning the attempted overthrow in heaven by Lucifer toward God with a third of the angels in collusion with him.

First off, the Bible really does give us an ample supply of knowledge concerning Satan's fall from heaven and out of God's grace. Now many people believe that God's loving grace only came along with the physical birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior but it did not. In reality, God's grace is an eternal substance potentially available to the totality  God's entire creation just not the man. Even the strongest lion of the field occasionally misses an otherwise easy kill but does not kill. Sometimes even a large snake will be subdued and knocked from the nest of a sparrow who has decided by her instincts to survive and protect her offspring by pecking and then startling it out of her home.

But no matter how it appears, in reality it is God who decides who will live and who will die, or who will do well or not everywhere. You see, reality in this world which was built by God and with purpose actually doesn't have a great deal to do with what most people think that it does. It is very intricate and balanced even down to the single cell of according to the trillions upon trillions and trillions of cells which God has given with perfect knowledge and design to every human being on the planet earth.

So, who are we, that being the creation to assume any role or personal sideline referee status according to what God does or doesn't do. We have no right or authority to make such arrogant and boastful assumptions concerning anything that God might have done in the past; or what God might be doing now! And the reason I assert this truth here is because in order to examine and critique God in any way we must as good and competent managers, intellectual and observant beings, then we must have all of the facts about God and His kingdom and how it works in harmony with God to be able to have the high ground of wisdom and knowledge in order to judge as God judges.
In other words be perfect as God is totally and entirely Perfect.
Can we do this?

If Satan, then Lucifer had the opportunity to walk in the midst of the knowledge of God and examine it as thoroughly as God had built him to understand it, and then utterly fail as it may have happened that God put Lucifer under a delusion to believe in a lie, then as a lesser created being than him before his falling, how is it that outside of the Holy Spirit of God living in us, then how are we supposed to know that God exists in the form of Jesus Christ at all without God showing us the way?

The Bible says that we has all fallen short of the glory of God. So what is God really saying to everyone here?
That God is not Mocked?
The wages of sin is death?
The Bible clearly states that all who oppose Him will not enter the kingdom of God in order to inherit eternal life.
Satan knows this tonight and is concerned to the point of harboring an active and covert agenda against all men if he can swing it.
Tomorrow however, he will live in terror of the Pit that God has especially built hell for him to dwell in because his time for confinment grows nearer every day and he knows it!
He has earned hell I because God has built it for him.
Many unpleasant things await him in the flames of Tartarus there.
God judges everything by the same standard.
And that standard is Jesus Christ!
We are not even worthy enough to bow down in this condition and wipe the dust off of our Savior's feet!
If we tried then we would only tremble and act as dead men at His approach.
Amen?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UiNneN4oh0

John MacArthur: Why does God allow so much suffering and evil?

and what do expect an imaginary deity to do? conjure up unicorns and fairies to fight it? the "evil" that men do is why religion was created, to try to make people do the right thing in a situation where they normally would not and to give us the ILLUSION of control over such acts by praying and believing "god will make it all right in the end" which conveniently relieves us of the duty to do anything but pray.

The only other reason why this perfect creature that loves us unconditionally would do that, is to illicit control over us. Any other reason is sadistic and self serving only to said deities gain.

So which is it?
God or no God?
Your observation here seems a bit contradictory in itself doesn't it?
What illicit control are you talking about?
You also seem to be making a statement here that God is harboring some sort of lawless or unnecessary control over you existing or not!
I'm afraid I'm just not following some things here that you have stated about some personal observation that you've made.
You just basically seem upset about something more than anything to me?
Why should you care, that is, if you don't believe in God, especially in the form of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
I wouldn't.
Your argument sounds a bit archaic and studied to me.
Do you frequent atheistic websites sometimes?

Jimmie

There is a difference in man-made "religion" and Truth. Both take faith, but you're probably fairly correct if you're talking about the former. The latter...not so much.
A clear and concise look at the nature of man and our differences from the animal world shows as much story and history (in my opinion) as it does simple (man-conceived) science.

Some great substance here!
Might I ask if you consider yourself Reformed? (It does not matter either way.)
I appreciate a lot of the Calvinist ideas and points that are made, and I think it really can aid people in understanding our place and what is the center of this universe's existence.
Your comments certainly made me this of this -- as often people can presume what is "fair" and "unfair" for God to be doing based upon how it makes us feel as individuals...which is terribly misconstrued.
That does NOT mean God does not care about us or how we feel, but it is a necessary understanding.

God is not 2 dimensional. He has so many dimensions that we will never be able to fathom, so putting God in a box is often people's first mistake.
Good post!

Jesus answered them, ''Stop complaining among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and then I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught of God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes from Me-----not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is of God.He has seen the Father."


The Gospel of Saint John the Beloved
John 6: 43-46
Jesus Christ Pronounces Revelation: Who Has Seen the Father?

Listened and learned from the Father when?

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

"Poor Jerusalem, storm tossed, and not comforted (or not comforted by the nations), I will set your stones in black mortar (Lit in antimony), and lay your foundations (or your re-payment) in sapphires (or lapis lazull). I make your battlements (or armor or shields) of rubies (or of the best materials), your gates of sparkling stones, and your walls of precious stones (or your walls of precious stones and set with luminous bulging peals).

Then your children will be taught by the LORD (or by One Messiah), and their prosperity will be great, and you will be established on a foundation of righteousness (or on the foundation of God's eternal law according to God's justice for all and in omnipotent strength). You will be far from oppression, and you will certainly not be afraid; you will be far from terror, it will certainly not come near you.

If anyone attacks you they will certainly fall before you. Look, I have created the craftsman who blows the charcoal fire and produces a weapon suitable for its task; I have created a destroyer to work havoc. However, no weapon formed against you will succeed or will prosper, and you will have the power to refute any accusation (Lit refute every tongue) raised against you in judgment.

This is the heritage of the LORD's servants, and their righteousness is from Me. This is the LORD's declaration.


The Book of the Prophet ISAIAH
Isaiah 53: 11-17
Future Glory for God's People: No Weapon Formed Against God's People Shall Prosper

It  is for God and eternity's sake that we live always in our spiritual beings as God has made them!.
The Bible does seem to indicate that we too who have been called name of Jesus are in fact after the same "Order of Melchizedek" as He is.
The Eternal God.
Order of the One.
Order of the House of the Lord.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDjbA5Y2IAM

TD Jakes: Supply and Demand

http://www.god.tv/joseph-prince-/video/destined-to-reign/parenting-keys-for-today

Joseph Prince: Parenting Keys for Today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDxYs4FajX4

TD Jakes: New Sermon 2014<>The Dry Placees

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRk_FFFTxRs

TD Jakes: The Ultimate Sacrifice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEc9F70zLOA

TD Jakes: In Between Places

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxYpukrcDhA

Is the Bible True?<>Winning Walk with Dr. Ed Young

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Er5dC9u5FQ

Winning Walk with Dr. Ed Young<>Jealousy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOBFE3gvwZE

Dr. Ed Young Sr.<>Sex and the Single Life<>The Winning Walk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_91SdJ_zsc

TD Jakes<>"Kill The Bull"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsWjmEIfCUg

Dr. D. James Kennedy<>"What About These Other Gods" /Timeless Works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXZ0r3K5tts

Dr. D. James Kennedy<>"The Cost Of Freedom" /Timeless Works

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNsX684AFnU

Dr. Charles Stanley<>God Will Show You His Will''

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPsCtRzqVTo

"Everyday is Thanksgiving"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az9GXXP3pbM

Sunday Special: Joyce Meyer<>"A Day Of Restoration And Healing (Q&A discussion)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ue0Tdr0aLc

Dr. Charles Stanley<>Our Hearts Desires"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AJ8FtKN9EE

Billy Graham Sermon<>"The Holy Spirit And You" (crusade)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ9GxPHY9-Y&list=UU4iGusDRl5TyrM6xI3v4QgQ

Westwood Community Church: "Soulidify"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ5rOE8oz4I&list=UU4iGusDRl5TyrM6xI3v4QgQ&index=7

Westwood Community Church<>Soulidify Series<>"BE STORYTELLERS"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7y07R_Bguw&list=UU4iGusDRl5TyrM6xI3v4QgQ&index=10

Westwood Community Church<>Soulidify Series / "BE SAVED"

Have a Great and totally Blessed Lord's Day!!

Dedicated to my Christian Brother in the Lord Vince Today!
Thank You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd1cZllrCRk&index=6&list=UU4iGusDRl5TyrM6xI3v4QgQ

Westwood Community Church<>Soulidify Sermon Series<>"BE STEWARDS"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7oFuTPdPMI

"RAVI ZACHARIAS AT THE MORMON TABERNACLE" (HD)

Dedicated to my brother Dan.

Hay, how far is Ogdon from Salt Lake City?

Jim

[span style='color: purple;']Have a Wonderfully Blessed Friday Before Christmas!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OcQXpZwRKY&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0&index=42

"WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM" (The Mormon Channel)