Bible Question:
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 |
Bible Answer: 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 |