2 Corinthians 10

2 Corinthians 10
Paul's Defense of His Ministry 1By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! 2I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. - New International Version.

Reading David Wilkerson's blog. It just gets to you. That through NO strength of our own, but only through the mighty weapons of God, the power of God can change our strongholds - those fortresses that have been set up in our mind once by the devil can fall away and crumble by our simple faith in Christ. Not by our strength, but by His, alone. I pray for Christ to permeate through me, and you, cleansing us, washing us clean from darkness into light by the blood He shed at Calvary.

I urge you to read Corinthians 2 and look at how it speaks to you. Jesus wants you. He loves you so much. Take up His invitation and grow by the living word. He will protect you and watch over you. No fear. No condemnation through Christ Jesus.

Thank you Lord. Amen.

The Trouble with Christianity

The second in a series of six, Wheelock Heath Baptist Church is inviting friends of its congregation to learn more about the Chrisitan faith, where they can ask pivitol questions about subjects like suffering, injustice, religion, hell, science and taking the bible literally.
The second - 'How could a good God allow suffering', was informative and helped answer people's preconceieved notions about suffering.

Pastor Gary Aston lead the discussion and answered the following questions claiming not to know ALL the answers. Here is a shortened and compacted record of the questiones and answers that took place at the end of a successful evening.

Q You explained how Jesus destroys all the sad things. You also said he destroys sin, and how exactly does he destroy it?

A Sin, is rebellion against God. God is to be on the throne of our hearts. As soon as Adam and Eve disobeyed God - He was exchanged ; from Him, to ourselves: ME. Sin distorts everything. Sin is far more than disobeying a list of rules. Anger of God is raised when self is the centre of our lives. he must show His righteous nager against sin. When Jesus comes, Jesus destroys the work of sin. he died on the cross to absorb God's anger for us. If you believe in Jesus, you won't face God's anger. He promised to reverse the effects of the Fall (Adam and Eve sinning), and one day He promises to purge the world of sin.

Q How can a good God five a good reason on purpose for allowing innocent babies or children to suffer in abusive situations?

A. We can't, as humans understand a specifiic purpose; situation. According to God's plans, He is GOOD. God hasn't finished yet. Jesus has come, but the final effects we haven't seen yet. One day evil will be done away with. And the crux is - where would you ask God to stop? If he did take out evil now, where would He stop?.. I don't want to be flippent in my answer - see me afterwards who asked this question and we can talk through it..

Q Accordingto the bible, God imposed suffering on us because of Adam's sin. Therefor, does God continue to punish us? If so, do we pray for God to change his mind?

A Adam didn't know the consequences of the Fall. Though, he chose to disobey God. So, God hasn't 'imposed' suffering on us. Jesus came down so we don't have to face the consequences of sin.

Q The assumption is that coming through suffereing, results in a better person by what you said Gary.. But, what about when a person is left twisted and bitter. How is suffering useful then?

A A little suffering is Good for the soul? I am not recommending that. Suffering is NOT a good thing. We can point those people to Jesus and he can and DOES draw out the poison. Jesus is able to turn things around.

Q Why do some wicked people prosper, live long, and die happy? Why do good people suffer and die young?
A Job comes to mind here - read the book.. And in Psalm 73 Aseph writes Justice may not be done in this life. But ultimate justice will one day be seen to be done. On THAT day.

(Time ran out and the evening drew to a close.)