Answers To Your Questions – Page 2

Why Do People Abandon God?

“But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the LORD, and all Israel followed him in this sin.”

2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

Have you ever wondered why some people, once they are aware of God, ever consider abandoning Him? There are many reasons why we abandon God. At the height of his popularity and power, the king abandoned the Lord. What happened? Often it is more difficult to be a believer in good times than in bad. Tough times push us toward God; but easy times can make us feel self-sufficient and self-satisfied. When everything is going right, guard your faith.

Are Christians Being Persecuted In America?

I was asked “Are Christians being persecuted in America?” Before we can answer that question when need to understand what “persecuted” means. According to Webster’s Dictionary “persecute” means to subject someone to hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of their race or political or religious beliefs. So by that definition, “Are Christians being persecuted in America?” Yes! Folks, we no longer live in a society generally supportive of Christians. Remember how progressive secularists acted with their anti-Christian animosity, when we took a stand on same sex marriage. Christians lost their businesses, their jobs, thrown in jail, and sued in court. Is that persecution for our religious beliefs? Yes it is! Will it get worse? Yes it will! But folks, that is ok! Why? Jesus said, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” (Matthew 5:11-12 NLT) Let the blessing flow!

Thoughts on the Pandemic

Good morning my dear friends and family! If you don’t claim me as a friend or family…..well, good morning anyway! I’ve been thinking…..I know…. Bobby thinking…..that can be dangerous! What I’m about to say may make some mad and want to unfriend or unfamily me, but if you really know me, I won’t lose any sleep over it. All you nut cases out there who think that the government is trying to close down the church need to read your Bibles! The government or even satan himself has no power over the church. If you read God’s Word you would know that. This pandemic might have a great outcome. God’s church would be restored to what it should be. Folks, the way the church operates today is not the way God intended from the beginning. It has been corrupted over the years and has lost its power and glory. Did God create this Caronavirus to get our attention….No, this virus is a man made mistake. Is God using this Caronavirus to get believers attention……Yes! The church is not the buildings and all the fancy programs. We are the children of the almighty God, Yahweh and we don’t need those buildings and programs to serve Him. We are the temple of God, not those buildings. Over the years we have let Satan influence our way of thinking and that has made a mockery of God’s church. Folks, this a wake call to the church…….get back to your first love!

Suggestions For Reading the Bible Through

The Bible is not just literature; It is the inspired Word of God. Just as the Holy Spirit was present in the writing of Scripture, so must He be present in our reading of the Word. We can read the Bible without the leadership of the Holy Spirit and still learn Bible facts, but we will never gain insights into the truth and application of God’s Word until we ask the Holy Spirit to open our minds and reveal his truth to us. Each day as you start to read, pray that God’s Holy Spirit will help you to understand what you have read and apply the truth to your own life.

Set aside a definite time every day to read the Bible. The beginning of the day is best. Consider that time as a daily appointment with God and keep the appointment faithfully. No matter how you may feel, read from the Bible every day. It always has a message for readers.

Read the Scripture deliberately, without letting the pressures of predetermined time limits cause you to hurry. Drink deeply of God’s Word and make the people, events, and teachings come alive for your life.

Use Bible reading/study helps such as commentaries, concordances, Bible dictionaries, Bible atlases. These resources should never take the place of reading the Bible itself.

Do not be disturbed if you do not understand some passages. Sometimes further reading or consulting a study help may clarify the problem. Even today, theologians and other scholars debate the ultimate meaning of certain statements and events in the Bible. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you into a growing, deepening understanding of God and His Word.

Keep a notebook or a journal as you read the Bible through. Record what you read and any observations or insights you gain. Writing down or paraphrasing what you read will help you remember and apply God’s word in life situations.

From Doubt to Faith

[24]But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

[25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

[27] Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

[29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 20:24-29

Why is it that some people believe the gospel and others do not? Perhaps the experience of Thomas can supply at least some of the answers to this question. From this text we can observe three barriers to faith that Thomas had to overcome in order to believe in the resurrected Lord.

Continue reading “From Doubt to Faith”