Approaching the Murder of Steve Cain through the Eyes of God . . .

Introduction: The "why" question is not a new one; it goes back thousands of years. It was asked in the Old Testament by Job and the writers of the Psalms, and it was especially relevant during the 20th Century, where we witnessed two World Wars, the Holocaust, genocides in the Soviet Union and China, devastating famines in Africa, the killing fields of Cambodia, the emergence of AIDS, the genocide in Rwanda and the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo. And the 21st Century didn't start any better. There was 9/11 and now the Syrian slaughters, and on and on. Why do all of these horrific things happen if there's a loving and powerful God?   Why do bad things happen to good people?

God is not the creator of evil and suffering.

This answers the question you hear so often: "Why didn't God merely create a world where tragedy and suffering didn't exist?" The answer is: He did! Genesis 1:31 says: "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

God can use suffering  to accomplish good.

In Romans 8:28 the Bible promises, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I.             God is with us, Today!

A.  It is ok to grieve the loss of a friend and a loved one!

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

B.  God is a god of comfort and reaches out to those who are hurting.

“The Lord is near to those who are broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

C.    God expects us to approach him in times of pain.

“Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

II.           God wants us to face the obstacles of life victoriously!

A.    God made us in His image.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

B.    God has made us victorius!

                        Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be                                               changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the                                 trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be                                 changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal                             body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and                         the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the  saying that is written:                        “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death,                                   where is your sting?”    1 Corinthians 15:51-57

“Super Christians” Are Overrated

Somewhere along the line, many Christians have come to believe that it’s not their responsibility to tell others about Christ. 

 The article I've chosen to post today comes from the grandson of Billy Grahman.  I agree with Will whole heartedly.  The demise of churches is due to an expection that a breed of "super Christians" will do the vast majority of the work to win souls for Christ.  This is the biggest lie Satan has told everyone.  Listen to what God has taught from the beginning:

Deuteronomy 6

          4      “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!

          5      “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and                     with all your might.

          6      “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

          7      “You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit                   in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when                     you rise up.

          8      “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your                   forehead.

          9      “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

It is our responsibility to spread the word. Read the article, Pray for God to lead you to someone today, and be refreshed know that we can make a difference one person at a time.

WILL GRAHAM

I think there’s a misunderstanding out there that I’d like to confront.

The rationale behind this varies. Some think that it’s their pastor’s job to preach the gospel, not theirs. Others believe that proclaiming the hope of Christ is the domain of the traveling evangelist or revivalist. Some think that if they live an upstanding Christian life, their good works will do the talking so they don’t have to. Finally, and perhaps most prominently, many simply feel like they’re not worthy or – more specifically – not equipped with enough Bible knowledge to reach out to those who need Jesus.

My friends, eternity is at stake, and excuses aren’t good enough. I’m going to tell it to you straight: As a Christian, it’s your responsibility to share the good news with those around you!

“How?” you may ask. Here are three easy tips to share your faith as a part of everyday conversations.

• Speak. This may sound basic, but it’s where it all starts, and where many become sidetracked. It’s important that you live your life and exemplify your faith in such a way that people will notice that there’s something different about you. However, your actions alone are not going to bring them salvation. What will you say when they ask you about your beliefs? Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (ESV). Don’t be pushy. Don’t shove your faith down your friend’s throat. But be aware of opportunities, be prepared, and be bold. Like a farmer in spring, plant the seed.
• Share your story. You’re ready to open your mouth, but you don’t know what to say. It’s easy! Just share your own story. Talk about how your life was before you met Jesus, how you were introduced to and decided to follow Him, and how He has since changed your life. It’s a natural fit because it’s your own narrative of Christ’s work in you. You can’t forget your own story, and people can’t really argue about it because it’s personal to you. It’s the easiest way to share your faith.
• Quote scripture. God’s word is powerful, living, and breathing. It penetrates the heart and soul. When you use scripture and point to God’s word, it has a direct impact. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty…” (ESV). God Himself is declaring that His words will have an impact. They will not return void. You don’t have the verses memorized? Open up your Bible (or even the Bible app on your phone) and read the scriptures. It will be just as impactful, and you can use it as an opportunity to show your friend how to use and find passages in the Bible.

My friends, you don’t have to be a “Super Christian,” and you don’t have to know the entire Bible. You don’t need to be trained in evangelism. What you do need to do is open your mouth, and you can begin with your own story and with the word of God. You may not see an immediate impact.

You may simply plant seeds that others will water and cultivate and harvest months or years down the road, but you will be doing what you are called to do. And you will make an impact on eternity by allowing Jesus to work through you!

Sermon Discussion Guide 12-16-2012 The god of Adam Lanz Context: The children of Sandy Hook and our nation were unaware last Friday that evil of the worst kind would show up on their campus. Evil came in with guns drawn and blazing. Today's sermon will look to God for reconciliation in the midst of tragedy. Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for every event under the sun. Psalm 22 -- My God, My God why have you forsake me! Psalm 23 -- The Lord is my Shepherd! Discussion Questions 1. Why do bad things happen? Ecc 3:1 (Mark Donaldson) 2. How do I reconcile the bad things that happen? (Psalm 22) 3. Who do I follow in the midst of Crisis? (Psalm 23) 4. What kind of world did God create? 5. What changes happened in the world because of Satan? 6. What does the world look after Jesus intervened? 7. How do I come back to Jesus after the anger fades away? ___________ my grief…. Matt. 5:4 ___________from others … Galatians 6:2 ___________what’s important… Lk 12:15 ___________ on Christ…. Lk 12:15