Christian Relationship Tips

Questions usually arise from roadblocks we encounter as we are gathering information on a subject of interest. If we are merely curious about the subject, a shallow answer may suffice. But, if we really need accurate answers for some driven need, the questions are usually of higher quality – with much thought preceding the inquiry.

Recently, I received these questions from a visitor to my website: “Why didn’t God just create us perfect to begin with? And how does a perfect God create imperfect beings? At the end of time, He will make us all perfect beings – those that have accepted him – so why not just do this to begin with …?” There is a lot of thinking behind these questions.

The following response may not hold up before God when I stand before Him. But, then again … it might.

The Perfect God

The Bible declares we have a perfect Creator (Deut 32:4, Mt 5:48, and Heb 7:28). When He was by Himself, sin did not exist. “In Him there is no sin” (1Jn 3:5). This “Being” is beyond anything we can fathom. At some point, He decided to create morally sentient beings – and reveal things about Himself to those creatures. Now, let me ask you some questions. If all those creatures were perfect for eternity, how well would God actually be known? For example, now we know He is capable of anger. If all was perfect around Him forever, how would that ever be exposed? How could His longsuffering, patience, empathy, mercy or justice ever be known? You already know the answer. These traits would be forever veiled.

I believe God decided to reveal aspects of His character that would only come out if there were morally accountable beings in rebellion to Him. In that setting, many complexities of his character – some subtle and some not so subtle – would be revealed for all to see.

Created Innocent … and with the capacity to sin.

God created two orders of beings with the capacity to sin – angels and man. Had they been created perfect, they would never have sinned. They were created innocent – and then sinned. Most believe this passage refers to Satan: “You were in Eden, the Garden of God … You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created – until unrighteousness was found in you … You were internally filled with violence and you sinned … Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty (Ezek 28:13, 15-17). “You said in your heart … ‘I will raise my throne above the stars of God … I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isa 14:13,14). This was probably the first sin. It did not surprise God. He declares He knows “the end from the beginning” (Isa 41:21-23, 42:9, 44:6-8, 45:21, Rev 1:8, 22:13).

Adam was created in God’s image (Gen 1:26,27). Initially, he was free of sin. God allowed Satan access to an innocent Adam and Eve in the Garden. Had they been perfect, Satan’s ploy would have failed. But, the fallen angel prevailed. With Adam’s rebellion, monumental changes were ushered into this world. Here are a couple. God decided that Adam’s “gift” to billions of descendants would be … to inherit a sin nature. But, there was another “gain.” Satan became “the god of this world” (2Cor 4:4). And, he brought his legions.

God allowed these disasters in both orders, but is Himself innocent of wrongdoing. “God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lusts” (Ja 1:13-15). Every sinful creature will acknowledge this at The Judgment – “even he who did not keep his soul alive” (Ps 22:29 and Isa 45:23,24). Our perfect Creator is going to come away from this clean.

More On The Angels

Many believe a third of the angels were infected by sin. The dragon of Revelation 12 is identified as Satan and “his tail swept away a third of heaven” – a third of the angels joined his rebellion (Rev 12:3-9). My guess is that God created a finite number of angels and they do not reproduce (Mt 22:30).

We may find that all the angels could have rebelled, but only some did. If that is true, it is possible that at a certain point, the unpolluted angels were confirmed in righteousness forever. On the other hand, Michael, Gabriel and the rest, may have been locked in as righteous from the start as “His chosen angels” (1Tim 5:21). But whatever the case, I believe the angels “who kept their place” credit God for that – or else they too would have gone Satan’s way. I do not think they see themselves as “superior” angels (See Jude 9). Do you think they trust themselves – even now – to keep themselves from ever sinning – even once – for all eternity? But my point here – I think Satan’s angelic ranks has hit its limit. There will be no increase.

God’s Opportunity

With this setting and reality, God made some determinations. Since He is still the ultimate Ruler, He can impose His will – at will. “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth …” (Ps 135:6). For starters, it appears the fallen angels are so heavily accountable that no remedy for their rebellion will ever be extended. But, with man, God decided to mount a “rescue operation.” But, how could He navigate in this sea of sin and righteously work with fallen man, redeem him, and yet not violate His own demands for justice? How could He work in this environment and come away with no blame or sin – and yet deal with rebellious creatures in a powerful and dominant way? These are “things into which angels long to look” (1Pet 1:12).

In this complex scenario, God revealed many things about Himself. But, some of these “scenes” are one time events. For example, I do not believe He will ever prepare another body for Himself, enter into that order of creatures – and allow them to murder Him. That is who Jesus is – and exactly what He did. Through that death, God could extend mercy – with justice being met. He requires life for sin – and when He gave His own (that had no guilt of sin upon it), He could apply it against my guilt. That is why I say, “Jesus died for me.” He died to pay for my sins. This is an act of undeserved – yet needed – mercy. The act of the cross is laced with inexhaustible depths of wisdom, compassion, righteousness, justice and power that I believe will be on open display for eternity. But the act itself will be a once in eternity event.

This fallen creation offers many opportunities for God to expose some things. For example, as “the god of this world” how did Satan’s rule go? Maybe this fallen age will stand as an eternal demonstration (and warning) of what kind of rule comes from a creature who wants to be God. And look at the children he helped produce … us! Jesus told the Pharisees their father was the devil (Jn 8:44). Morally responsible creatures out from under the moral jurisdiction of the true and living God produce an age of violence, perversities and death.

“I Don’t Like This! I Never Asked to be Born!”

Well, I’m not so thrilled either. But, if my suspicions are accurate, can you stop God? His only restriction is that He cannot, and will not, violate His moral character. ” … He does according to His will in the host of heaven (angels) and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His Hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” (Dan 4:35).

“For the Lord of Hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His outstretched Hand, who can turn it back?” (Isa 14:27).

“Even from eternity, I am He; and there is none who can deliver out of My Hand; I act and who can reverse it?” (Isa 43:13).

“I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).

“… our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Ps 115:3).

Also read Job 9:1-12, Isaiah 45:9 and Romans 9:10-22.

Conclusion

I believe this situation of fallen moral creatures will prove to be a once in eternity, limited event. Sin will only be a reality in two created orders – angels and man. Any other orders (assuming there are, or will be, others) will never be so affected. I realize, some of you may not like what I have forwarded here. But if you have a better answer as to why a perfect God created imperfect beings … well, I’m listening.

Robin became a Christian in 1977. Educationally: BA, Bus Admin (Milligan College ’90) and M-Div (Emmanuel School of Relign ’92). Major writings include, “No Tithe for the Christian,” “Love and the Bible,” “Death and the Bible,” “Abortion: How Abortion Resides in the Weakest Form of Human Thought” and “Capital Punishment and the Bible” These are FREE at http://www.freelygive-n.com/Free_Christian_Ebook_Home.html . They are unique and original!

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Why Would A Perfect God Make Imperfect Beings?

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Yesteryears the church was the pillar of the community. The church was there for the community, not just for its members. The church was concerned about the whole man, not only his spiritual self. The Black Church also served as a school house for the community. Many of our parents were educated in a church school. In times when Black folks did not have access to televisions and newspapers or other means of media, the church was where people assembled for information that was necessary for their total needs.

In times past, the Black Church served and met the needs of the people of the community. Today’s pastor’s have to step away from the pulpit for a little while and get involved with the communities needs.

When Rosa Parks said, “Enough is enough!” The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., came from his pulpit and took to the street with the community at large. A church that is contained inside of four walls serves its pastor and members only and is only concerned about church work – and not God’s work. You see, God’s work is ministering to the needs of the whole man, like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, and caring for the widows and orphans.

The Black Church of yesteryears did church work so well that we did not need convalescent homes, foster homes, or adoption agencies. We did not need Home Care providers because the church folk cooked, cleaned and cared for the sick.

The Church, the pillar of the community in times past could galvanize the community to disseminate information by just toning the church bell. The church needs to tone the bell today for literacy, self-determination via business ownership, and valuing the family. The church needs to step up to the plate and assess the needs of the community. If you are serving a community that has a large population of children in foster care, high unemployment rates, single mothers, health care system disparity, illiteracy issues, and high crime rates, your message needs to address those needs. You cannot use an “out of the can” message. It is easier to talk spirituality to people when their physical needs are met.

The church can change the dismal path of the urban communities. We only have a few media outlets that have a positive agenda for African-American people. However, if we had no radio, television, or newspapers, the pastors could outdistance all media combined when it comes to spreading the right message to its people during Sunday morning service alone. Many churches hold 2-3 services per day. Can you imagine what would happen if the appropriate and empowering message went forth? Imagine what would happen if the pastor encouraged each member to give $5.00 per month to a fund to build Black owned businesses like supermarkets, hotels, motels, etc. This would create jobs, jobs, and more jobs in the community. How can Black pastors ignore the young, Black fatherless boys in their community who need a role model and mentor? Bishop Edward R. Turner, raised in a home with a mother and father, understands the difference it makes to have a father figure in a male child’s life. He organized The Sons of Hope, under the leadership of Mark Ware. The group is made up of 65 young men from the ages of 7 to 21. I watched them train and as they said in unison, “We have hope, we don’t carry guns; we carry fountain pens with which we sign contracts and checks.” I have never seen such discipline and respect. These young men are a part of a Financial Literacy Program. I also heard Bishop Turner say to his congregation, “If you want a pastor who is confined to these four walls, I am not the one!” Bishop Turner is an unorthodox and “out of the box” preacher.

I hear so much about what the Black pastors are not doing, so I begin my journey of trying to catch one doing “good for the hood.” I found Bishop Turner to be one who looks out for the community, and sometimes at the expense of his members. I heard him say once, “Building and empowering men and women can do more for the community, than building churches.” Allow me to introduce a preacher who is trying to give people on earth a taste of heaven. Approximately 15 years ago, while driving by the Power of Love World Ministries at 1430 W. Manchester Avenue, in Los Angeles, I would observe a crowd of young people on the church parking lot. I decided to check it out. I was impressed at what I heard from the Bishop – Bishop Edward R. Turner.

He was awakening his flock to the cold realities of life. He admonished them, saying, “You are the head and not the tail! You are more than a conqueror. You will not stay on welfare! You will be homeowners! You will go back to college and get your degree; and you will own your own businesses!” The young flock all nodded their heads in agreement.

I thought to myself, other preachers are telling people what Heaven is going to be like, preparing the people to live in Heaven, but this preacher is preparing the people to live productive and meaningful lives here on earth. I said, “Wow!” I then began monitoring his work. Most of his members bought homes, they went back to school and obtained degrees, and many of them started their own businesses. Bishop Turner believes the concept that “I am my brother’s keeper.” He started the Community Day 15 years ago, with activities that included a Job Fair, Business Expo, Homebuyer’s Expo, Clothing Distribution, and a Massive Food give-away. People of the community looked forward to Community Day. They would leave with empowering information, plenty of clothing and food.

Turner is a man of faith and a man with hope. He possesses what our people at large are in need of – FAITH and HOPE. Bishop would hang the food give-away banner a month before Community Day. Six years ago he had no commitment for the food to feed the thousands of people they always fed, still he hung the banner. The food commitment came two days prior to the event. Bishop was also elated to give away ten bikes that year. “Walk like you got it ‘til you get it,” is synonymous to Bishop’s faith. When you walk in destiny, help will come to you. Help did come and now Bishop is the Director of the Multi-Faith Clergy Council, under the leadership of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. With the help of Sheriff Baca, the Multi-Faith Clergymen, and the Community Workers, Community Day took a quantum leap in 2003. It was held at Southwest Community College, with over 20,000 attendees. Ten cars were given away. It was a great success! Ask and it shall be given. During Community Day 2004, 20 cars were given away. Hope comes to South Central and faith is manifested in the “hood.” It is time for all ministers to step up to the plate and to do the right thing-now!

Dr. Rosie Milligan is an author, literary agent, publisher, motivational speaker and founder of Black Writers on Tour Conference. (www.milliganbooks.com and http://www.blackwritersontour.com ) You can get her reports at http://www.milliganbooks.com .

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The Church Needs to ‘Do Church vs. Have Church’

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