The Curse of Sin and Man's Intelligence

I have often wondered why there are so many diseases and illnesses in our world. In my understanding every affliction we deal with is a result of sin. Sin has not only cursed our souls but all of creation.

Yet through the afflictions all of creation (or the environment) God has given us wisdom in how to overcome so many of the problems sin has inflicted. For instance, we know that exhaust from cars and other vehicles in addition to fumes from coal plants causes pollution which in turn causes sickness and long-term health problems. The problems of lead paint. We have discovered ways to create the same products and quality of product through different means that provide a less damaging impact upon us.

Here is an article that may shed light on providing a cure for AIDS. They have yet to determine if this man is completely cured, but so far, all tests have indicated that there is not a trace of AIDS/HIV remaining. I hope that they will thoroughly investigate and research this man's condition, and for future patients, doctors will be able to provide a more informed decision concerning their treatment.

Here is the tension with issues like this. We know that many people have AIDS/HIV due to a lifestyle that contradicts Biblical teaching, so do we really want to eradicate the consequences of those sinful actions? How many times have I heard, "Those gays get what they deserve for their immoral lifestyle." God is a god of compassion. He entered our world to deliver us from the consequences of our rebellion. He did not come to condemn us, we were already condemned.

I pray that we do find a cure for AIDS/HIV because what a blessing would it be to see the sick and dying to have a new chance to love and serve God. May we as believers bring mercy and compassion to this dying world with acts of mercy and the gospel. May we be known for our love rather than what we are against.

Evangelism

Evangelism is scary word because we think of it in terms that make it difficult and daunting. However does need to be difficult or require learning a set speech or even certain questions. Evangelism should be easy and natural flowing out of our love for God and daily communion with him.

Here are some thoughts on evangelism:

We have not made enough of the fact that evangelism has a great deal to do with what you expect God to do.

We have often not made the best literature available in abundance. God brought the gospel to us, not only in the person of Christ, but in words.

My common way of evangelism is to ask questions. I just keep probing until I discover the person's philosophy concerning root issues. It doesn't take a lot of brains to ask the questions. I've learned to get into the thinking of the person. They appreciate that. I respect them as I converse, but I keep probing.

The full article can be found here.

Links & Thoughts

Here are some links and thoughts.

God ought to have rule, influence and meaning to all aspects of life. Or put it another way, all aspects of life should fall under the leading and direction of God. There is not a single area of our lives that God is not interested in. He is our Lord, and Jesus died that you might have life and have it more abundantly. Do you want to see people listen intently while you talk about God? Live a life that he is demonstrated in all of your actions and words. (Not that my thoughts here have any direct relation with the topic of the article.)

I have avoided TV due to the ongoing political diatribes, well now, I may avoid TV due to the ongoing battle over Christmas. Check out this article and then do not be surprised over the response. My question, "Since when should we be surprised at people without Christ living like this?" Another thing, should we not see this as a condemnation of the lethargy of the church in the US? We need to take seriously the call to discipleship and MAKE DISCIPLES and not church attenders.

Here are a couple of pictures to enjoy.





And more thoughts:

Since I am still up and not feeling very tired (the joys of not normally getting home until 4 am on my work week), please continue to pray for us and the possibility of starting a church. I have come up with Core Values, a statement of belief, a rationale for starting a church, working on a covenant, and even have a mission and vision for the church, but we are still not living in the area that we desire to start this church. We need more income to get back out on our own.

• So please pray that God would provide for us as we need in order to do His will.
• Also, please pray that God would allow me to be a witness for Him at work. I have been through a lot over the past 2 years and the last 6 months have been the worst. Not to mention the past 2 weeks have been terrible. Praise God that state changed very rapidly on my way to work Saturday. (God uses the smallest comments to make the biggest impact many times.) All that to say, my attitude has been a struggle lately due to a battle with patience and anger.
• Please pray for the people that God intends to reach through us. We can say all of the right things but without the power of the Spirit, nothing will ever happen.
• Please pray as a church will be presented with the opportunity to be our church sponsor.
• Please pray for a co-worker and how it is best for me to relate to them and what God desires to do in them through me.
• Please pray for our family worship time: that it would be more regular and an opportunity for God to be glorified in us.
  

In Christ Alone.
Aaron