Suffering - on a Hot Day...

Our 'Sunday Service' yesterday morning was devoted to the subject 'Why does God Allow Suffering' and we were presented with a series of UTube-like visuals and Cartoon film clips, and a talk which was designed to help us come to terms with this question.

I sat and pondered. As I do. And on the way home I talked over my ponderings with the boss. I admitted to her that I had never, ever, in my life asked the question 'Why Does God Allow Suffering?' and therefore was there something wrong with me? She, of course, said that there was, but this issue was not particularly it. I could not believe that people should ask such an impertinent question. In my view, we are lucky toget away with the little suffering we do endure......

So last night, I left the family BBQ and wet downtown to see an openair conducted by some followers of Jesus who want to reach out a bit to people they would not normally contact. A lovely evening and I sat on a wall and listened as men stood up in turn and gave public announcement of their faith. A bit dated in language and style, but bless 'em they made an effort.

During one of the talks a big and rather drunken man shouted out that he had lost an 8 year old son recently and 'where was God in that, then?' Some of the guys there talked with him, and he calmed down. My heart went out to him. I choked back tears. He had no understanding of God at all, no sense of the love of God, no idea of the relationship that he could have with a loving Heavenly Father. He went lurching on his way. I pray he finds peace..

So there is suffering, there is hurt, and people do ask that question....May God be merciful and reveal His purposes to us....

Great BBQ! Good food and fellowship with lovely people. My family!

Another thing I can't believe.....

Before I launch into today's rant....I have decided to blog more and FB less. FB is too open and invites comment from people who can't really be bothered....I know, I've done it on other people's FB! S, avid reader, expect more....

I read the other day that some followers of Jesus find denominations a good thing. Others thought they actually helped christians to be more united. Others couldn't give a hoot one way or the other. Unbelieveable!

Search as I may, and to be honest, I haven't searched much, I cannot find a single Bible verse that suggests that denominations are helpful or desirable. Personally, I think they are contrary to any idea God ever had about church. I am dismayed that believers can see any virtue in any thing that divides the body and that they are totally man-made and probably devil inspired to keep the church from demonstrating the unity Jesus prayed for in His last hours on earth.

People say that it gives people to find and expression of church that suits them. Frankly that's nonsense. We should not be in the least interested in what suits us, purely in what suits Him! The scripture is clear about how church should be. If you are interested, read for yourself and see how your church group marries up with the Bible. Be prepared to be dismayed!