Scott’s Blog

I thought you might like to see the questions that have come in so far as a part of the “Ask Any Question” campaign.

• How does anger become sin? Is it ever justified to become angry?
• Is speaking in tongues for today or just for the days of old?
• What happens when a Christian or a non-Christian commits suicide?
• Where does a Christian go when he dies? Is he/she asleep until Christ returns or is he in heaven awake?
• Does God allow bad things to God’s people or cause bad things to happen to God’s people?
• How do I turn it over to Jesus?
• How do the Jews who don’t believe in Jesus atone for their sins today? In the Old Testament they did animal sacrifices, do they still do that today?
• What happens to our pets at the rapture?
• Can I have your #?
• Should I be ashamed to leave my family to go to my wonderful after life? I love both so very much.
• How much do you weigh? (If I know this handwriting, it came from my son!)
• How do I allow myself to trust my spouse after being cheated on twice in the last year?
• How do I know I’m saved? What is the “sinner’s prayer?”
• Does the Bible talk about cremation?
• Who were the Nephilim Giants in the land in the Old Testament?
• Are demons really fallen angels?
• Did the witch of Endor really call up Samuel?
• Are we the generation that will see Jesus coming again? What will it be like?
• How can I base my faith on the Bible, being written, compiled,  translated and interpreted by the human hand and mind?
• It is a weakness in my faith to feel fear and hurt at times for the pain and suffering experienced in this world?
• In the study of creation in Genesis, where did the wives of the sons of Adam and Eve come from?
• Where did God come from? How did he get here?
• I heard a pastor say that hell is in the center of the earth. Where do you think Hell is?
• If a tree fell in the woods and no one was around, would it make a sound?
• What percentage of the congregation has read the entire Bible?
• It states in the Bible, “As far as you are able, live at peace with one another.” My question: What is the difference between making peace and keeping peace? Is there every a time that one cannot extend the hand of peace to someone whom you feel is only going to hurt you again and continue the turmoil in your life?
• If we are to be like Jesus, who among other things was a great evangelist, why are you so against this type of witnessing?
• Why are there so little sermons on hell these days, do you think that even the elect are blind to teaching this in modern times?
• Election vs. predestination (I think what is meant by that is predestination vs. free will)

Well there you have it! As you can see I have my work cut out for me! Some of the questions will be answered through this blog, several will be a part of the new series for next year. Thanks for sharing your questions. If you have a question you’d like included just go the EBC home page and click on the “Ask Any Question” form at the top fo the page.

It will be fun and beneficial for our family to walk through these issues.

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It’s fairly early and I’m sitting on the love seat in our living room listening to a thunder storm. Flashes of lightening illuminate where the sun is not yet shining. Loud cracks of thunder remind me there is an overwhelming power out there, and the rythmic falling of the rain reassures me that the power is restrained, controlled.

It’s a nice morning for me, the power is controlled, and I trust the holder of the power.

I need that reminder this morning, maybe you do as well.

Yesterday was one of those days. Emails with situations that seems unsolvable, an appointment with a lady whose husband is a jerk; controlling, abusive. The families with serious medical issues this week. The phone call later in the afternoon from one of our precious families that their medical situation has taken a turn toward the worst. Major procedures are needed and will only forestall death for a few years, maybe.

I’ve been sitting here this morning listening to God’s restrained power in the storm, thinking, praying, repenting.

Suffering is difficult, but it is so good. Suffering is a gift of God’s grace because it reminds us to place our focus, our hearts, our passion with Christ in heaven, at home. The truth is I live under a curse right now. Sin. Anything good is a gift of mercy. I get so much that is good! Suffering helps me stay focused on what is true. Suffering helps me hang on to Jesus with an appropriate desperation. Suffering helps me remember that I’m living in the dot, not the line.

The power is controlled, and we can trust the holder of the power. Cling to Him, celebrate Him, don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember, on the earth we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome, and because of that, you have overcome too.

Suffering helps us understand the truth of 1 John 2: 16 (For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.) Suffering helps move my cravings to the only place they will truly be fulfilled  -  Jesus.

Suffer well today.

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I can’t believe its been two months since I’ve been here to blog. Sorry! I will do better.

Last month Brenda and I took Seth, our middle son, to Wilkes University for football camp and to begin his college experience. After a few weeks of 15 hours days filled with football; classes started. Seth is majoring in mechanical engineering and he’s a part of the Air Force ROTC program. We were excited that Seth would be able to be home over Labor day. Bren and I are learning that there is nothing quite so special as having all five of us in one place at the same time. It was wonderful to to be together.

Even though he was “home,” Seth wasn’t around very much. During the times he was with us we couldn’t help but notice that he seemed a bit distracted. When we had some time to talk, albeit very briefly, he told us he was feeling somewhat over committed. Some days begin with football meetings at 6:00AM, followed by a course schedule of 17 credits and then more football practice and ROTC commitments and meetings in the evenings. His courses are challenging; calculus and physics with all the associated labs. All that added to the normal stress of a new life means Seth is going through some difficulty.

I find it very hard not to coach my sons and I found myself coaching Seth. He got more advice than he wanted I’m sure. We talked about “seasons” where busyness is overwhelming and how to manage them. We talked about managing his body and his mental and emotional life so that the situation wouldn’t take over and control him. We talked about time management and the wisdom of limiting commitments. Seth was gracious, he is a wise person for 18 and filled with tenacious courage. I really admire him. I’m sure he’ll work it out and be fine. He’ll learn from the process and move forward.

However, one of the pieces of advice I gave Seth got me thinking. I told him to “Use your resources.” In other words, use the people and things around him to help him manage his tasks and succeed. On its face, there is nothing wrong with that advice. In fact it is good advice. It’s just far too limited. I realized this morning when I was praying for Seth that I didn’t encourage him to use his greatest resource. I was praying that Seth would find God as his Strong Tower, a great help in times of need. I asked God to hold him close and hold him up, to make him strong and to be the core of Seth’s power plant.

I realized that where I failed my son was in not simply encouraging him to take his overcommitted life to God for wisdom and strength. I gave Seth lots of pointers that he already knows. I should have taken him to Isaiah 40:28-30 where God says this about himself: “Have you never heard or understood? Don’t you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No on can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.”  I should have taken him to Psalm 18 where the great warrior David writes this: “I love you Lord, you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.” I could have taken him to Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the godly run to him and are safe.”

I know that Seth is going to be fine. I know that this time of difficulty will strengthen him for the challenges that God has planned for him. However, Seth isn’t going to be fine simply because he has some coping skills. Seth is going to be fine because he belongs to the Strong Tower who will give him strength and wisdom and courage for the adventure.

Go ahead; use your resources.

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