20 minute read
Answers to your top 10 questions for God
It’s times like these that we’d all like Jesus to sit down with us and answer a few questions. It may surprise you, but God has given us the answers to so many of our questions already. They are in that big book you’ve probably got lying around somewhere - The Bible.
We asked three pastors to give us some insight and help us find those answers. They may not be what you think, but they are definitely interesting.
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Recently, we asked people what questions they would ask God right now if they could. Some people had gone to church their whole lives and others had rarely, if ever, gone; however, the questions are pretty much the same. We picked out the top 10 and gave them to a few pastors to tell us what God’s book has to say. As the pastors answer the questions, take time to look up the Bible verses they reference. Let God speak to you.
Question#1
Pastor Chris: As I think back on some of the most difficult events in my own life, it was those events that ended up profoundly shaping my spiritual journey. God will often use difficulties to test and refine my faith. During those times, God was teaching me to draw close to Him, that He was near, that His grace was enough, that He does still care even in the midst of pain and suffering. It’s there that I am reminded that Jesus also went through pain and suffering on the cross that ultimately brought about the redemption of all mankind for those who put their trust in Him. His pain and suffering brought about the ultimate hope that we have. I can look back and totally see how God has used these difficult events in my life for His glory and it causes me to trust in Him more every day. I can see how things that I wished never happened have led me down a path where God has allowed my life to influence so many others in a way that I would have never thought possible. God is the master redeemer and the master planner, and he is working all things together for our good and for his glory. (Psalm 34:18, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3-4, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Romans 8:28) .
Pastor Gene: The pandemic is certainly a trial, and God uses trials to refine us (James 1:2-4). It is also within the realm of possibilities that God is pouring out His wrath. Hebrews 12:25-28: “God’s wrath has been poured out on the nations in judgment. He has demonstrated His righteous anger.” However, there isn’t a neat-and-tidy way to determine cause-and-effect in tying physical sufferings to personal sins (Luke 13:1–5; John 9:1–3). All in all, when we are faced with tribulations, God reminds us that He is our help and that He alone is our strength (Psalm 121:1-2; 73:25-26).
Pastor BJ: I do think God teaches us through circumstances and experiences in life. In Psalm 32:8, we read what may be God’s message to David,“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” God knows all and is able to teach us who are limited.
Experiences of difficulty often put us in a spot where we may be more open to God. More open to learning and being molded and shaped. To growing. In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes about growing, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
A common truth to learn and relearn throughout life is about our need for and dependence on God. Paul wrote about being given a thorn in the flesh to keep from becoming conceited. And even though he wanted it gone, he was told “My [the Lord’s] grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Like Paul, difficulties and hardships can help teach us that when we are weak, we are strong through the power of Christ. And that the Lord’s grace is enough for us in whatever we experience.
In all times, like this pandemic, it is important that we are open and seek God, asking what God may want to teach us in this time.
Question#2
Pastor Chris: In Genesis 2-3, God had a close personal intimate relationship with Adam and Eve. There was peace and harmony in the world. God gave them one rule: Don’t eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve decided to willfully disobey God and do what they wanted to do. At that point sin entered the world and the world became a broken place. God tossed Adam and eve out of the garden, they were separated from God and no longer had a close intimate relationship with him. Things were no longer as they should be. From this point forward things were cataclysmically changed. This is the basic reason for why bad things happen. The world is now a broken place and things are not as they
The natural question that comes from this then is: If God is good and all powerful, why doesn’t he do something about it? First of all, God could wipe out all the bad and evil in the world, but be careful what you wish for, because if God wiped out all the bad and evil in the world that would include you and me. So God’s solution to all the brokenness was to send his son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Whoever puts their trust in Him will be given eternal life in heaven where one day all things will be restored to the peace and harmony and the way things once were (John 3:16).
Pastor Gene:God is not only love but He is just. His anger and discipline are real (Psalm 7:11; Romans 1:18; Hebrews 12:3-7). Jesus tells us that we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). The Bible also promises us that, “God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) We also know that discipline (Hebrews 12:3-7) and trials (James 1:2-4) have a purpose in refining our faith.
Pastor BJ: One reason God lets bad things happen is because God gives us free will (Joshua 24:15 demonstrates free will). Free will is what allowed Adam and Eve to choose what they did when sin entered the world (Genesis 3). Free will is what allows us to choose what we do, including when we sin. This sin results in bad consequences both directly (e.g. – a sin against someone) and indirectly (e.g. – because all of creation is impacted by sin, one can experience sickness or starvation several steps removed). If God did not let bad things happen, our free will would need to be taken away.
Question#3
Pastor Chris: Those who believe in Jesus Christ and have put their faith in what He did for them on the cross will get to spend eternal life with God in Heaven (John 3:16 & Revelation 21:1-7). Those who have not put their faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Hell (Matthew 25 & Revelation 20:10-15).
Pastor Gene: What happens to you when you die depends on your relationship with Jesus Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(Romans 6:23)
Question#4
Pastor Gene: We know the world is coming to an end (Matthew 24:3-14). We also know the signs of the end of this age (Matthew 25). However, we don’t know the day or the hour (Matthew 24:36). Be careful that you don’t listen to those claiming to know.
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Question#5
Pastor Chris: When I am filled with fear and worry I turn to Philippians 4:6-7 in which God says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Typically, when I am worried or anxious about something, it is usually something that is out of my control, and when I fret over something that I cannot control that is the recipe for anxiety and fearfulness. I need to put my trust in the one who is in control. In order to center myself, I ask myself these four questions:
1) Do I truly believe that God loves me? (Romans 8:38)
2) Do I believe that God gives good gifts to his children? (Matthew 7:11)
3) Do I believe that God is sovereign? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
4) Do I believe that God is working all things together for my good and His glory? (Romans 8:38)
If I can truly answer yes to all of these questions, then I can put my case in His hands and trust him with it. (1 Peter 2:23, 5:7) (If you can’t answer yes to these, make sure to read the answers for #7 & #8.)
Pastor Gene: Granted, there is a lot of uncertainly and instability in our world. It is not a lighthearted matter. Whether financial crisis, war, disease, or natural disaster, there are several things that threaten life and liberty. However, instead of fear and worry, we can have faith and confidence in Jesus Christ. Even in the worst of times, we can pray and give thanks as He promises an inner peace (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27). For that matter, God gave us a Spirit of power and not fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
Pastor BJ: This is a very normal and realistic response in the face of threat and unknown. I think the reality is that we are always vulnerable. I think we often live with the illusion we’re “in control” and don’t see our vulnerability. Situations like this pandemic or a poor health diagnosis/prognosis or many other things can remind us of our vulnerability. Despite this, we actually don’t need to be afraid. We don’t need to be afraid by…
1)Knowing God is with us. When we put our trust in God, our security and well-being can be found in God. In Isaiah 41:10 we read, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God offers to be with us and help us.
2)Knowing that God who is with us, is supremely capable. Psalm 103:19 says, “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” God is bigger than this pandemic. Bigger than our greatest fears.
3)Focusing on God. We can avoid fear by turning our focus away from the concerns of this life and toward God. One thing I took away from the book Too Busy Not to Pray is my need to focus more upon God, the mountain-mover, rather than the mountain(s) in my life. This doesn’t mean ignoring needs and concerns. It is important to do what God gives us the ability to do. But, our first step (and ongoing) needs to be focusing on God. Praying to God. Then, we do what we can using our minds, abilities, and resources (which are provided by God). And keep praying through it all (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Instead of being afraid, we can actually have peace no matter what our situation. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Instead of being anxious, we can seek God out of gratitude and talk with God about what is on our heart and mind. And this leads to peace.
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Question#6
Pastor Chris: Whenever I am doubting the leaders of our nation I need to remind myself of who is ultimately in charge and who puts those leaders in positions of authority and then balance that with praying for those leaders, at the same time praying that God would give me wisdom and discernment in how to respond. (Daniel 2:20-21, Mark 12:13-17, 1 Peter 2:13-14, and Colossians 1:16-17)
Pastor Gene: We are called to respect government officials and those who have authority (1 Peter 2:13-15; Romans 13:1- 7). However, these officials and agencies are fallible, occasionally incompetent, and sometimes evil. We need to pray for them and validate their claims. All in all, ultimately our trust is in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Pastor BJ:It is important to recognize and respect authority. And, our trust ultimately needs to be in God. Not in humanity. Not in healthcare, protocols, or leaders. Our trust needs to be in God. Even the best human efforts are flawed. Mine sure are. In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Submitting or surrendering to the Lord requires trust in the Lord.
Question #7
Pastor Chris: 1 John 4:8-10 says that God is love; it’s the essence of who He is. With God, love is not something He does, it is who He is. God does not love me because of what I do, God loves me because of who He is. God proved once and for all how much He loves us by sending His son Jesus Christ to die on a cross while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). He took the punishment for my crime even when I didn’t deserve it. He extended to us this life changing gift of grace and forgiveness that restores our relationship with Him if we are willing to receive it. Ephesians 3:17-19 says that God’s love is so high, so long, so deep and so wide that we can’t even begin to humanly comprehend it. And in Romans 8:38 it says that there is nothing you can do to make God love you less - nothing. There is nothing you can do to make God love you less, nothing, not even on your worst day! God’s love is unconditional, and there is nothing you can do to separate yourself from God’s love through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Gene: God loves the whole world enough to send His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and give us eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). No one has a greater love than the one who willingly dies for others like Jesus did for us (John 15:13). In fact, God loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). With that said, the question isn’t whether God loves us but rather, whether we love God.
Pastor BJ: Yes. God loves us probably more than we can ever imagine this side of heaven. Jesus tells us that… “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16- 17). That is love.
Question#8
Pastor Chris: Romans 3:23 says that we are all sinners and our sin separates us from God. But the good news is found in Romans 5:8 which says that God loves you, and He demonstrated how much he loves you by sending His son Jesus to die on a cross for our sins. In Romans 10:9-10 it says that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord you will be saved and go to Heaven. In a practical sense, you simply pray to Jesus and invite him into your life and make Him the leader and Lord of your life. While the words don’t matter as much as what the genuine desire of your heart is, your prayer might look something like this: “Dear Jesus, I admit that my way of life is not working, I admit my sinfulness and believe that you died on a cross to forgive my sins. Today, I invite you into my life and commit my life to you. Please make me new and fill my life with a renewed passion and purpose. Amen.” And then in 1 John 5:11-13 it says, “This is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.” By believing the truth of these scriptures you can have a deep confidence that you will go to heaven when you die.
Pastor Gene: We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). You can’t work hard enough or do enough good things to earn a place in heaven. Your only hope is to call upon the name of the Lord in faith (Romans 10:13).
Pastor BJ: This is an important question with or without a pandemic. Life is short; less than a blink in the span of eternity. The way any of us can be sure of entering heaven after this life is by putting our faith and trust in Jesus.
When Paul and Silas were in prison, the jailer in charge of Paul and Silas asked a similar question. “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts. 16:30-31)
Living with assurance of salvation in the next life allows us to live with hope and freedom in this life. Living ready to die helps one to live.
Paul says more about this in his letter to the Romans. He writes, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10).
Question#9
Pastor Chris: Once you have a personal relationship with the God of the universe, His presence now dwells within you through the Holy Spirit. You can talk to God through prayer and God will begin to speak into your life as well, and you can begin to understand your purpose in life and what God wants you to do. I believe that there are five main ways that God will speak to His people:
1) God will speak to us through His creation. (Psalm 19:1-4)
2) Through the Holy Spirit to our thoughts. (1 Kings 19:12)
3) Through wise Christian council. (Exodus 18)
4) Through life’s past and current circumstances. (Acts 16:6-10)
5) And the main way God speaks to us is through His Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16)
When you pursue all of these avenues and all five of these things seem to be pointing in the same direction, I believe that you can be confident in what God is calling you to do.
Pastor Gene: There are innumerable situations that we don’t, won’t, and possibly can’t know what to do. We often lack knowledge and experience to know what to do. In some situations, not even the experts know what to do. However, as we pray and ask God for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5-8), we are wise to listen to professionals with experience and expertise (e.g. doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, etc.). With that said, ultimately God is our help in time of trouble (Psalm 121:1-2).
Question#10
Pastor Chris: Prayer is simply a conversation with God. Scripture says that we can come boldly before the throne of God. Your prayer does not need to be lengthy and showy, it just needs to be authentic and genuine. You can talk to God like you are talking to a friend over coffee about anything that matters to you. If it matters to you it matters to God. (1Peter 5:7)
You can pray anytime and anywhere, prayer can be a constant conversation with God all day long about whatever is going on in your life. (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Pastor Gene: In troubled times, it is possible we do not know what to pray for, but it is encouraging to know that the Spirit of God intercedes for us when this happens (Romans 8:26-27). Otherwise, using the model for prayer that Jesus gave us (Matthew 6:9-13), we are instructed to praise the Father for who He is and revere His name, anticipate the coming of Jesus with joy and expectation, request God’s will to be done and expect to be part of His plan, ask God to meet our daily needs, ask God to forgive our sins, and plead with God to deliver us from the power of sin. We also know that we should pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:2) and the needs of others (3 John 1:2). And don’t forget, claim God’s promises (John 16:24).
Pastor BJ:Jesus shared about how to pray. In Matthew 6, we read of Jesus teaching us to pray not to be seen by others. He also teaches us to not go on and on, thinking many words are better. It can help to think of prayer much like talking with a friend. Jesus gave a model for prayer in what is called the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
The answer
God has the answers to all of our tough questions: they are all found in Jesus. An overall message God is trying to tell us in the Bible is that God loves us. The important question now is whether you will make Jesus your final answer. That is where your peace will be found…no matter what’s going on.
If you don’t have a Bible, download a free Bible app @ www.youversion.com
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PRAY: PRAISE.REPENT.ASK.YIELD
Here are some ideas to guide your time with God. Above all, be real with Him and ask for His help and leading.
P – Praise God for who He is and what He has done.
Speak to God the truth of how amazing God is.
R – Repent by confessing your sins, asking for forgiveness, and turning away from it.
A – Ask God for what you need.
Y – Yield by spending time everyday listening for what God wants you to hear from Him.
Recognizing that God’s will is best, surrendering our will to His.
Holy Bible references: Pastor Gene (ESV), Pastor B.J. (NIV), Pastor Chris (NLT)
Gene Stockton Lead Pastor Heartland Church hcbchurch.org
B.J. Van Kalsbeek Congregational Life Pastor SunnybrookChurch.org
Chris Ver Steeg Lead Pastor ElevateCommunityChurch.com
