Bad Things Happen: Satan Gets to Reign; God Gets the Blame
Paperback
Bible StudiesChristian LivingGeneral Christianity
ISBN13: 9781478790228
Publisher: Outskirts Pr
Published: Jul 17 2017
Pages: 114
Weight: 0.39
Height: 0.27 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Why do bad things happen to so many people, good and bad?
I suggest that what our first parents chose to do in Eden matters a great deal more than we ever considered. They (and then we) abandoned proactive moral agency for a more passive (and reactive) existence allowing Lucifer to run roughshod through our world.
This book will first affirm your intuition that there is something terribly wrong in the world, then it will suggest a means to make it right. As a result of reflecting on these ideas, the reader will take hope in a realistic understanding of both sin and perfection and will cease the practice of harsh self-judgment because Jesus' atoning work will feel more comprehensible, accessible and real.
Let's do more than talk about religion and actually get to the root of religion's purpose.
What is the will of God in my life? Does He have a Plan for me? What is His ability to involve Himself in my life? Most of us tentatively believe that what is going on must be the will of God, because He is all-powerful, because He can, and because He is in charge. Or at the very least we may be confused about what is the will of God, given conflicting signals all around us. Some have decided that if such a God is in charge, willfully causing all this mayhem, then the resulting suffering and chaos they observe draw them away from faith altogether.
Perhaps those folks do not internalize very well that which is so fundamental to our theology: moral agency means that God isn't doing this to anyone. God isn't manipulating our lives. Rather, we are doing this to ourselves and to each other. Because of these observations, we can deduce there is also much randomness to the events and situations that occur in our lives.
God's plan for me is that I should understand and exercise my own moral agency, face multiple legitimate and opposing options, express my choices through my actions and then experience all the associated natural consequences. I suggest that truly comprehending and explaining what moral agency is can be a great and positive force of ecumenism in our time. It is something all believers in the Garden of Eden can come together on, along with a core faith in a loving and saving God who awaits our choice to receive His bounteous blessings. This book talks about how to do just that.
In effect, Jesus' offer of salvation revokes the original curse of exile and invites the progeny of Adam and Eve back to the starting point: now we find ourselves in the proxy garden--the modern temple--for a 'do-over'. We once again face the Tree of Life and its opposition proffering death, as if our loving Father is telling us let's try this again and see if you can get it right, but it's all up to you--will you believe me this time? Will you choose me, your Father?
Author's proceeds go to humanitarian efforts at ProvidentLiving.org
Also in
Christian Living
A Child Shall Lead Them PB: Martin Luther King Jr., Young People, and the Movement
Burrow, Rufus
Paperback
Don't Mom Alone: Growing the Relationships You Need to Be the Mom You Want to Be
Macfadyen, Heather
Paperback
Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks, Expanded Edition: A Year-Long Bible Study
Spangler, Ann
Paperback
Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
The King Is Coming Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: It's Time to Prepare for the Return of Christ
Bevere, John
Paperback
The Unseen Battle: Spiritual Warfare, the Three Rebellions, and Christ's Victory Over Dark Powers
Muddamalle, Joel
Paperback
Becoming Like Jesus Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: A Bible Study on the Beatitudes
Chandler, Matt
Paperback
18 Days in Heaven: I Left My Body. I Met Jesus. What He Told Me Will Alter Your Eternity.
Poirot, Gabe
Paperback
Contend: Standing Boldly for Biblical Truth While Winning the War Within
Mitchell, Philip Anthony
Hardcover
Experiencing the Heart of Jesus for 52 Weeks Revised and Updated: A Year-Long Bible Study
Lucado, Max
Paperback
Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?
Thomas, Gary
Paperback
Every Thought Captive Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: How Renewing Your Mind Can Change Your Life
Idleman, Kyle
Paperback
The Elijah Mandate: A Call to Courageous Faith in a Hostile World
Piflaks, Tolik
Tsarfati, Amir
Paperback
The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life
Warren MD W. Lee
Hardcover
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Large Print Edition: Discovering God's Love for You (Large Print Edition)
Keller, W. Phillip
Paperback
The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul
Simons, Ruth Chou
Hardcover
The Meaning of Marriage Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video, Updated Edition: A Vision for Married and Single People
Keller, Timothy
Keller, Kathy
Paperback
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook 25th Anniversary Edition: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
Maxwell, John C.
Paperback
The Women of the Bible Speak Workbook: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today
Bream, Shannon
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Paperback
Twelve Ordinary Men Workbook, Revised and Updated: How Jesus Shaped His Disciples for Greatness and What He Wants to Do with You
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Christian Beliefs, Revised Edition: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know
Grudem, Wayne A.
Paperback
Winning the War in Your Mind Workbook: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
Groeschel, Craig
Paperback
Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity): On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence
Leo XIV, Pope
Hardcover
Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy
Jones, Robert P.
Hardcover
Holy Health: Habits and Rhythms to Heal Your Body and Transform Your Life
Roethlingshoefer, Justin
Hardcover
100 Bible Verses That Made America: Defining Moments That Shaped Our Enduring Foundation of Faith
Morgan, Robert J.
Paperback
Jesus & Your Mental Health: Linking God's Word and Modern Science to Find Peace about Mental Health
Maxwell Lmft, Rebecca
Paperback
Friendship in the Lord: A Catholic Classic on Holy Friendship and Life in Christ a Christian Classic
Hinnebusch Op, Paul
Paperback
Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence
Pope Leo XIV, XIV
Paperback
Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through
Sinise, Gary
Hardcover
When God Doesn't Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can't Live Without
Story, Laura
Paperback
Decluttering at the Speed of Life: Winning Your Never-Ending Battle with Stuff
White, Dana K.
Paperback
This Isn't the Story I Wanted: Grieving the Life You Lost and Trusting the God Who Stays
Langman, Nicole
Paperback
Where Do We Go from Here? Bible Study Guide: How Tomorrow's Prophecies Foreshadow Today's Problems
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
The War on Reality: Recovering Truth in a World That Celebrates Lies
Turek, Frank
Hayes, Phoenix
Paperback
Bible Women: All Their Words and Why They Matter: Expanded Second Edition
Freeman, Lindsay Hardin
Paperback
Revelation: An Insightful Chapter-by-Chapter Journey Through the Book of Revelation
Dewaard, Erica
Hardcover
Parables Workbook: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told
MacArthur, John F.
Paperback
Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience
Thomas, David
Goff, Sissy, Lpc-Mhsp
Hardcover
La Mujer Emocionalmente Sana: Cómo Dejar de Aparentar Que Todo Marcha Bien Y Experimentar Un Cambio de Vida = Emotionally Healthy Woman
Scazzero, Geri
Scazzero, Peter
Paperback
Braving the Truth: Essential Essays for Reckoning with and Reimagining Faith
Evans, Rachel Held
Bessey, Sarah
Hardcover
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important That Happens in Between
Koukl, Gregory
Paperback
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Workbook for Women: Seven Questions to Ask Before---And After---You Marry
Parrott, Les And Leslie
Paperback
Demasiado Bendecida Para Estar Estresada: Devocionales de 3 Minutos Para Mujeres
Coty, Debora M.
Paperback
Pray Like a Champion Today: Sacred Stories from the Sidelines of Notre Dame Football
Wills, Nate, CSC
Paperback
Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck: The Proven Path to Break Free from Debt, Build Real Wealth, and Live Free on Any Income
O'Neal, Anthony
Hardcover
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer
Staton, Tyler
Paperback
American Caesar: How Theocrats and Tech Lords Are Turning America Into a Monarchy
Onishi, Bradley B.
Hardcover
Slaying the Giants in Your Life: You Can Win the Battle and Live Victoriously
Jeremiah, David
Paperback
Liturgies for Resisting Empire: Seeking Community, Belonging, and Peace in a Dehumanizing World
Armas, Kat
Paperback
Aimed & Ready: Your PULLBACK is a setup for your COMEBACK! - Preparing Believers for Kingdom Purpose
Smit, Nico
Paperback
The Case for Christ: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
The Homeschool Bible: Everything You Need to Build a Thriving Home Education
Davis M. Ed, Mandy
Hardcover
A Catechism of the Strange: Stigmata, Relics, and the Miracles That Shape the Soul
Allen, W. Tyler
Paperback
Niv, Premium Gift Bible, Leathersoft, Pink/Brown, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
Zondervan
Hardcover
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
Comer, John Mark
Hardcover
Unoffendable Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better
Hansen, Brant
Paperback
The Faith to Flourish: God's Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life
Caine, Christine
Paperback
How Western Christianity Got It Wrong: Replacing the God of Fear with a Spirituality of Healing
Woodley, Randy
Hardcover
The Secure Soul: Finding Inner Strength and Connection When Trust Doesn't Come Easy
Cook, Alison
Paperback
The Biblio Diet: Live Long, Master Metabolism, Reduce Pain, Fight Depression, and Conquer Cancer with Healing Secrets from the Bible
Rubin, Jordan
Axe, Josh
Hardcover
Bloodline Deliverance Study Manual: How to Set Yourself, Your Family, and Your Bloodline Free from Demons and Curses
Brewer, Mike
Brewer, Andrea
Paperback
A Celebration of Sex: A Guide to Enjoying God's Gift of Sexual Intimacy
Rosenau, Douglas E.
Paperback
The Official Study Guide to I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist
Jimenez, Jason
Geisler, Norman L.
Paperback
Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West
Ehrman, Bart D.
Hardcover
NIV, Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Imitation Leather, Brown (Large Print Edition)
Zondervan
Hardcover
Imagine Heaven: Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You
Burke, John
Paperback
NIV, Value Thinline Bible, Large Print, Imitation Leather, Pink (Large Print Edition)
Zondervan
Hardcover
Minute by Minute: A Pivotal Question from God, My Response, and the Remarkable Miracles That Followed
Moody, Joanne
Paperback
