Results 1 - 6 of 6
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | rclouviere | 223740 | ||
I need some help. I've been having many questions lately and can't seem to get a satisfying answer. 1) God has said he will meet all of our needs (even cares for the sparrow, and he obviously thinks more highly of us); however, I'm sure there have been some Christians who have starved to death even after asking for help from God??? 2) Also, while I'm aware God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but, in looking at the old testament', and comparing it with the new testament, He seems very different (killing of entire races of people, even children, death penalty for adultery, etc., but in the new testament, with Jesus, He seems so compassionate and loving and forgiving. thank you for your help |
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2 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | Makarios | 223741 | ||
Greetings Rclouviere, You asked: "1) God has said he will meet all of our needs (even cares for the sparrow, and he obviously thinks more highly of us); however, I'm sure there have been some Christians who have starved to death even after asking for help from God???" Scripture says that God hears our prayers (1 Peter 3:12), but God also allowed Stephen to be stoned (Acts 7) and His people are martyred in His name (Revelation 6:9). From our standpoint, we could never know that God would use the martyrdom of Stephen to bring about a young man named Saul (Acts 7:58), who would later be known as Paul, spurring him on to reach everyone for Christ! We simply do not know all of God's purposes and why some prayers are answered and others seem not to be; we are simply to stand firm in our faith that God stands on His promises and will never waver in our defense, even if our stand leads to death (Psalm 48:14). "2) Also, while I'm aware God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, but, in looking at the old testament', and comparing it with the new testament, He seems very different (killing of entire races of people, even children, death penalty for adultery, etc., but in the new testament, with Jesus, He seems so compassionate and loving and forgiving." Both the Old and New Testaments point to one and the same God, who is a God of both love and judgment. God did judge people in the Old Testament when the circumstances called for it (Exodus 7-11). But He also displayed His love and grace - see Genesis 3:15 and the promise of a coming Redeemer and God's provision for Noah and his family (Genesis 6:9-22). Also, God in His grace sent prophets to carry His revelation and established covenants (Genesis 12:1-3; 2 Sam. 7:12-16). In the New Testament, the love of God was continually manifested to the people through Jesus Christ. But also keep in mind that some of the most scathing denouncements from God came from Jesus (see Matthew 23:27-28,33). So, God is a God of love and judgment in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Blessings to you, Makarios |
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3 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | rclouviere | 223742 | ||
Makarios, thank you for the great answer. In looking in Matthew, Jesus says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" I'm sure there have been Christians who have died from starvation?? This verse seems to say, if we pray, God will answer by meeting all of our needs; however, it is my understanding that we just have to have faith God will do the right thing (not necessarily what we want). But, this verse seems to be in conflict with that. | ||||||
4 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | stjohn | 223744 | ||
rclouviere, the gist of the chapter in which you find the passage that speaks of God taking care of His children is not so much about whether or not we are kept from starvation, but it is more about not worrying about temporal things such as food or clothing. We are to learn form it that we should keep our minds and hearts focused on God and His kingdom. As Christians we should be thinking about the heavenly and eternal things and not temporal worldly things. When our mind is set on God's kingdom and our future of eternal heavenly existence; how can the things of this world bother us? This life and this world as we know it will pass so quickly it will seem like a flash when compared to the joy we will receive forever in God's holy presence. Frankly, my friend, if God should choose to hasten my journey to be in His presence by starving me, then I welcome it with the Joy of knowing that seeing His face will be that much sooner. John |
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5 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | rclouviere | 223784 | ||
I couldn't agree more. However, maybe I'm trying to look into the verses too much. Doesn't it say, in essence, that he will take care of us at all times? | ||||||
6 | HELP! Having questions and no answers | Bible general Archive 4 | Makarios | 223787 | ||
Greetings Rclouviere! Sorry for my delayed response. Mark 11:23-24 does say, "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours" (NIV), but there are, in fact, limitations on what God will give us. We must not ask out of our own selfishness (James 4:3) and it must be in accord with His will (1 John 5:14 - see NASB). Even Jesus prayed, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me" (Matthew 26:39 - see NASB). We must "abide in Him" and in His will and let His Word "abide in us" (John 15:7). Blessings to you, Makarios |
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