Why does God tolerate the Hitler’s of the world?
I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel
Pastor Tom
April 25, 2010
Romans 9:22–24
Then we consider what we’ve been taught about God. He is supposed to be good and all powerful. If He is, why does He tolerate these unjust situations? Why did God allow Adolf Hitler to be born and grow up and take power? Why did God tolerate that 12 year reign of terror? Why Stalin or Pol Pot, Rwanda and Darfur? Why does He put up with terrorists and those who kill Christians? We believe God is all powerful and could stop the suffering. Yet He doesn’t. Why does God endure the Hitler’s of the world? How would you answer someone who asked you such a question?
I’m here to tell you friends, that there are some very good answers to these tough questions. The Bible text we’re looking at today gives them to us. They will not completely resolve our issues with this question. But they give us a glimpse into the mysterious yet wondrous ways of God in this crazy world. I believe by the end of our time together, you’ll have at least two good answers to the question “Why does God tolerate the Hitler’s of the world?” We’ll see part of God’s tolerance has to do with us!
I AM the Vine - you are the Branches
I AM
Pastor Tom
April 18, 2010
John 15:1–17
I have heard much over the past year about authentic Christianity. I have heard many express a desire to see or be among authentic Christians. I have heard some complain and others wonder if we are really authentic as a church family. These questions or charges have caused much wondering on my part. What is involved in authentic Christianity?
There are many opinions about it. But I think the place to start is Jesus’ own words. He had a fair bit to say about living the Christian life and gave critical counsel to His disciples just before He was arrested. He reveals some basic realities about the Christian life and some ways we must respond to them.
I AM the way Truth and Life
I AM
Pastor Tom
April 11, 2010
John 14:1–6
How do you cope when something seriously weighs you down? Maybe it’s a major decision you need to make. Maybe it’s a complex problem that you don’t know the answer to. Maybe a person in your life causes you great misery or trouble. It could be a health issue, a hurt issue or home issue. A troubled heart affects our smile and inner peace. It can bubble up and spill out in quiet moments when we’re alone or when we’re under stress. So what do you do with it?
I AM the resurrection and the life
I AM
Pastor Tom
April 2, 2010
John 11:1–44
How did it end up here? Jesus hung on the cross like the worst criminal. Most of the people there thought he deserved it. And standing beside me, or should I say barely standing, was his weeping mother. Had I just wasted 3 years of my life? After all I’d seen, could this really be the end? How could it be that the one who claimed to be “the resurrection and the life” was dying in front of me?