Basically Biblical Archives - Frank Ball Promoting God's Story in You Thu, 25 May 2023 20:31:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5 https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/GSIY-Favicon.gif Basically Biblical Archives - Frank Ball 32 32 Help! https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/help/ https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/help/#comments Mon, 01 May 2023 05:00:28 +0000 https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=78743 I don’t know what to do. When I don’t know what to do, I pray a lot. Maybe that’s why the apostle Paul encouraged us to “pray without ceasing.” Even when I think I know what to do, I might be wrong. In March of 2015, when I picked up my grandson from school, I […]

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I don’t know what to do.

When I don’t know what to do, I pray a lot. Maybe that’s why the apostle Paul encouraged us to “pray without ceasing.” Even when I think I know what to do, I might be wrong.

In March of 2015, when I picked up my grandson from school, I asked him, “What did you do today?” You can guess the answer. Supposedly, he had learned nothing after having to sit in all his classes and listen to the teacher. He had textbooks, reading assignments, and homework. After all that, he had learned nothing? I wasn’t buying it, so I prodded him for answers. Soon, the moment he got into the car, he could tell me something he had learned.

Now I had a problem.

What if God were to ask me the same question, and I said, “Nothing”? He would say, “I was with you all day and took you through unusual situations. You saw and heard so much, and you didn’t learn even one thing? I’m not buying it.” I decided I had better pay attention and keep record of at least one thing I had learned each day. Eight years later, that list added up to almost 50,000 words. Evidently, God was right. I was learning something—a lot more than I thought.

Here’s where I’d really like your advice:

In October of 2022, I began a weekly collection of my thoughts as I’m trying to be accountable. If the Lord should ask what I’ve learned, I’d like evidence that he isn’t wasting his time with me. I gave a weekly list to friends, titled “Frank’s Random Thoughts for the Week.” They seemed thrilled, so I decided to post them on my Facebook and LinkedIn pages. I posted them to a couple of email writer’s groups. Evidently, some thoughts are “keepers,” because people file them for their own personal reference and say I should write a book.

What do you think?

So far, I’ve written about twenty pages under the title Ten Thoughts to Ponder. Should I keep going? Would you read such a book? The first page is titled: “Quest for Truth.” To see what that page looks like, CLICK HERE.

If you’ve taken time to read this blog and look at the sample page, I’m impressed.

Sometimes I wonder if anybody ever reads my stuff. I’d be even more impressed if you’d tell me what you think. Would you email your comments, suggestions, or ideas to me at frank@frankball.wr.ardent.dev? Or just post a comment at the bottom of this page.

Where there is no guidance, people fall. But with the good advice of many counselors, there is safety. — Proverbs 11:14, The Discussion Bible

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]]> https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/help/feed/ 2 The Inquisitive Mind https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/the-inquisitive-mind/ https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/the-inquisitive-mind/#respond Sat, 01 Apr 2023 05:00:28 +0000 https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=78657 What nature was Jesus talking about when he said we must be like children or we can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven? A teachable spirit, perhaps. What do you think? After asking his father a half-dozen questions and each time hearing, “I don’t know,” the youngster said, “Are you bothered by my asking so many […]

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What nature was Jesus talking about when he said we must be like children or we can’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven? A teachable spirit, perhaps. What do you think?

After asking his father a half-dozen questions and each time hearing, “I don’t know,” the youngster said, “Are you bothered by my asking so many questions?”

“Of course not,” Dad said, “how else would you learn anything?”

What good are questions without answers?

Jesus often taught in parables, and his disciples didn’t always understand. The Bible reveals only a few times when they asked for an explanation. When they didn’t ask, did they always understand? I don’t think so. Maybe they didn’t want to admit their ignorance. Imagine Jesus asking a question, and not one disciple volunteered an answer. Why would they be reluctant to even guess? To avoid embarrassment, perhaps.

For fear of being wrong, we don’t want to guess.

If you’ve been a student in classes similar to mine, you know the difficulty a teacher often has in getting students to answer questions. Some won’t respond, because they don’t know. Thinking they might be wrong, others remain quiet. Not wanting to appear smarter than everybody else, those who do know won’t raise their hands.

A discussion of ideas becomes possible when people know they can freely express their thoughts without being judged.

Why are answers so important?

Having the right answer might get a good grade on my paper, but the ability to reason, consider possibilities, and arrive at a logical conclusion is much more important.

Most of all, we need to learn how to learn, and questions help us do that.

My young son approached me, looking needy. “Would you help me with my homework?” he said.

I gave him what he asked for but not what he wanted. What’s the difference? He asked for help, but what he wanted were the answers. If I gave him what he wanted, he wouldn’t have to think through the questions and discover the answers.

“Have you read the chapter?” I said.

“Yeah,” he said weakly.

“Go back and read the chapter again. All the problems are to see what you’ve learned from that chapter. If you still can’t answer a question, come see me, and I’ll be glad to help you.”

He never came back, looking for help. Because he learned to read the material, hink through the processes, and find the answers on his own, he became an A student.

To encourage discussion, we need questions without an obvious answer.

When people page through The Discussion Bible for the first time and see all the questions, I wonder about their expression. Are they impressed? Confused? And then they say, “Where are the answers?”

When I hear that question, I can’t help but smile. I understand a little about human nature. We naturally want the answers without the hard work of discovery—if we can get it. I always liked the school texts that had the answers in the back of the book.

God doesn’t mind lots of questions.

Jesus said the Holy Spirit was given to guide us to the truth (John 16:13). Therefore, I think he enjoys our questions. He invites them. Be curious. Go to him with a deep desire to learn from him. Keep asking your questions and listen with an open mind. Occasionally, he’ll supply an answer—the one we most need to hear.

Those who keep asking will receive. Those who keep seeking will find what they are looking for. And the door will be opened to those who keep knocking. — Luke 11:10, The Discussion Bible

Click to view on Amazon:

$9.95
Ebook

$16.95
New Testament

$19.95
Old Testament Volume 1

$18.95
Old Testament Volume 2

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]]> https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/the-inquisitive-mind/feed/ 0 The Discussion Bible https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/the-really-cool-discussion-bible/ Sun, 15 Jan 2023 06:00:28 +0000 https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=78419 The Discussion Bible offers tens of thousands of questions you never thought to ask but are essential to encourage personal insight and group discussion. There is no “answer book,” because most of the questions have no right-or-wrong answer. When students think there’s one right answer, they’re reluctant to say anything. These questions are open for […]

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The Discussion Bible offers tens of thousands of questions you never thought to ask but are essential to encourage personal insight and group discussion. There is no “answer book,” because most of the questions have no right-or-wrong answer. When students think there’s one right answer, they’re reluctant to say anything. These questions are open for people to freely speak their minds without fear of being wrong.

Like all translations from one language to another, the biblical text is an interpretation of what the writers might have said if they were speaking to today’s audience in English. A word-for-word translation is awkward, if not meaningless. For example, consider Hebrews 12:1 from the Hoffnung für Alle German Bible: Da wir nun so viele Zeugen des Glaubens um uns haben, lasst uns alles ablegen, was uns in dem Wettkampf behindert, den wir begonnen haben – auch die Sünde, die uns immer wieder fesseln will. Mit Ausdauer wollen wir auch noch das letzte Stück bis zum Ziel durchhalten. In word-for-word translation to English: Since we now so many witnesses of faith around us have, let us all discard what us in that competition hindered that we begun have—also the sin that us always again bind want. With persistence want we even yet the last piece to the goal through hold.

Because of traditional rendering of Scripture, most people think the Bible isn’t worth the read, because it’s too difficult to understand. You’ll find The Discussion Bible verses easy to read, and with the help of so many discussion questions, possible to understand and apply to everyday life. After more than thirty years and countless hours, Frank Ball’s first draft of The Discussion Bible in both print and ebook formats is now available on Amazon. In print, we have almost a million words that requires a lot of paper, making publication necessary in three volumes. Since the ebook isn’t overwhelmed by word count, it’s easily affordable for anyone with a Kindle reader on their cell phone, notebook, or computer.

Click to view on Amazon:

$9.95
Ebook

$16.95
New Testament

$19.95
Old Testament Volume 1

$18.95
Old Testament Volume 2

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]]> Good or Bad? https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/good-or-bad/ Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=41693 If the devil uses good things for evil, do you think God can use evil things for good? Religious prejudice has labeled many things as evil: dancing, playing cards, the game of pool, theaters, bowling alleys, jewelry, sweets, and even money. Books like The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia have […]

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If the devil uses good things for evil, do you think God can use evil things for good? Religious prejudice has labeled many things as evil: dancing, playing cards, the game of pool, theaters, bowling alleys, jewelry, sweets, and even money. Books like The Da Vinci Code, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia have been condemned. Christmas trees are bad because they were used in idolatry and sexual sins. Some say Santa is bad. So are Christmas lights. Because of its commercialism, some say we sin by even celebrating the holiday. Is a pipe wrench good or bad? It’s good for fixing a leaking pipe, but it’s bad when used as a weapon to kill someone. The same is true for guns and knives. Apart from their perceived use, things are just things. So the perception and their intended use is what makes them good or bad. I think the song “Big Rock Candy,” which encourages drug use, has wonderful lyrics if a mother singing those words gives her baby peace and rest. On the other hand, singing “Rockabye Baby” might be bad if it created insecurity and the fear of falling when the bough breaks. Who thinks winning millions in the lottery wouldn’t be good? Then I could have riches beyond my dreams. While that might look good to me, could it be bad? Jesus said it’s next to impossible for a rich person to make it to Heaven. Maybe I should be content with what God provides each day. And be thankful. After Joseph in Egypt saw how God had used evil circumstances to put him in a position to save the world, he could tell his murderous brothers, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” God makes a habit of using evil for good. He does it all the time. If I can’t see the good God has for me, I need assurance that God will use the evil for good. The apostle Paul told Christians that God would supply their needs. They needed that assurance because it didn’t always seem that way. He told the first-century Christians in Rome that they didn’t have to worry about persecution, crucifixion, or being eaten by lions. Why? Because all the bad things will be good if we love the Lord and are working to see his purpose fulfilled. All those who love God and are working to fulfill his purpose should know that all things will work together for good. Out of his glorious resources in Christ Jesus, my God will take care of everything you need. Our God and Father is worthy of all the praise and glory forever. Absolutely! — Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:19-20, The Discussion Bible

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]]> Sixteen Reasons Why I Love God https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/sixteen-reasons-why-i-love-god/ Wed, 01 Dec 2021 06:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=41059 “Sixteen Reasons Why I Love You” was a hit song in the 1960s, written by Bill and Doree Post in 1959. The song was made famous by Connie Stevens in 1960, her second top-forty hit after “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb.” If we can find sixteen reasons to love any person, shouldn’t we be […]

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“Sixteen Reasons Why I Love You” was a hit song in the 1960s, written by Bill and Doree Post in 1959. The song was made famous by Connie Stevens in 1960, her second top-forty hit after “Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb.” If we can find sixteen reasons to love any person, shouldn’t we be able to give as many reasons to love God? Moses gave the Israelites ten commandments, and one of them stands above the rest. Jesus said loving God is the most important of all commandments (Matthew 22:36–37). Why? Because our salvation depends upon it. A man came to Jesus, saying, “What must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus didn’t say, “It’s God’s free gift. You don’t have to do anything.” He didn’t say, “Repent and sin no more. Then you will be saved.” He didn’t say, “Confess that I am God’s son who will die for your sins. Just believe, and you’ll be saved.” After keeping all the commandments of Moses’ Law, the man lacked one thing, which came in three parts. Jesus said he needed to (1) sell everything he had, (2) give to the poor, and (3) come follow him. Why did he say that? Unless I’m willing to give up all my attachments, even my own life, I can’t be his disciple. To follow him, Jesus said I must “take up my cross.” In other words, I must be willing to give up everything. That’s love. As I listened to the “Sixteen Reasons” song,” I knew I should love God more than anything. So I accepted the challenge to list that many reasons why I love him. The easy part was thanking him for all his gifts, but wait. If I love God only for the gifts, I might worship the gift more than the giver. That’s idolatry. I had to do some deep soul-searching to find words for how much God means to me. Saying, “I love you, God,” is easy. Christians think and sing such words all the time. But can we write sixteen reasons, being specific about why? I took a month to write my sixteen. What are yours? While Jesus walked along the road, a man ran up and knelt before him. “Most excellent Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” Jesus looked at him with love in his eyes. “You lack one thing. Go and sell everything you own, and give the money to the poor. You will have treasure in Heaven and can follow me.” After hearing this, he walked away sad, because he was very wealthy. — Mark 10:17, 21–22, The Discussion Bible My Sixteen Reasons
  1. Loves me. Because God first loved us, we have no excuse for not loving him. — 1 John 4:1
  2. Gives me what I need, not what I want. Out of his glorious resources in Christ Jesus, my God will take care of everything you need. — Philippians 4:19
  3. Shares the burdens I cannot bear alone. Take my yoke upon you, and learn to walk my way, for I am gentle and humble of heart. In me, you will find rest for your souls, because my yoke fits and your share of the load is light. — Matthew 11:29
  4. Demands of me more than I can do. In all situations, no matter how little or how much I have, I must depend on Christ for my strength and guidance. — Philippians 4:13
  5. Raises my feeling of self-worth by using me for good. To fulfill God’s purpose before the world began, we were saved by grace and called to good works in Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy 1:9
  6. Brings peace in the midst of the storm. You don’t have to worry about anything. In prayer and praise, express your desire to God, surrendering to his will, and his peace, which the world cannot understand, will bring calm reassurance through Christ Jesus that everything will be all right. — Philippians 4:6
  7. Walks with me and talks with me. Everywhere. As I walk through the most trying times of my life, a dark valley of the shadow of death, I still don’t have to fear, because you’re at my side. Like a shepherd who protects his lambs, your rod and your staff keep me safe. — Psalm 23:4
  8. Makes me better all the time. Like someone looking into a mirror, when we see the Lord in the glory of the new contract, we become more like him, being changed from glory to greater glory by the work of his Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18
  9. Recalculates when I take a wrong turn. Even if we choose not to believe, he still loves us, because he cannot deny who he is. — 2 Timothy 2:13
  10. Knows where I’m going, and I don’t. God knows where he is taking me, and when the tests are over, my value will be like pure gold. — Job 23:10
  11. Lets me experience God’s love, not just receive his gifts. No person has ever seen God face-to-face. But if we love others, we have him living within us and his love finds its full expression through us. — 1 John 4:12
  12. Feels my pain. As Jesus saw her crying and saw the Jews also crying, he was deeply distressed in his spirit. — John 11:33
  13. Saves me from death. While we were God’s enemies, we were welcomed as if we were his friends, given life through the death of his Son. — Romans 5:10
  14. Makes me to be like him. Beloved, we may be God’s children, but we don’t yet know what we will become. But the more of him we see, the more we’ll want to be like him, for we shall see how great he really is. — 1 John 3:2
  15. Adopts me into his family. In seeing us alienated from him, through his good pleasure in Jesus Christ he sought to adopt us into his family. — Ephesians 1:5
  16. Makes the impossible possible. When Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, God sent a strong east wind all night to divide the waters and leave dry land in between. With a wall of water on their right and left, the children of Israel crossed the middle of the sea on dry ground. — Exodus 14:21–22

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]]> Superhero https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/superhero/ Wed, 01 Sep 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=38952 Why do people love episodes about Superman, the Hulk, Hercules, and other superheroes? I can’t speak for others, but as for me, I get to experience the thrill of victory in face of terrible odds against the worst of enemies, who have equal, if not greater, power. When the story is over, I must come […]

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Why do people love episodes about Superman, the Hulk, Hercules, and other superheroes? I can’t speak for others, but as for me, I get to experience the thrill of victory in face of terrible odds against the worst of enemies, who have equal, if not greater, power. When the story is over, I must come back to reality and face the threats that could actually kill me. Because I know how weak I am, I’m looking for protection and a guaranteed victory. I am no superhero. The apostle Paul says righteousness, truth, and faith are my protective armor. Knowledge of God and assurance of my relationship with him guard my mind from a fatal blow. My marching boots should take me where God wants me to go. My method of attack is to wield the sword of God’s truth. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? If only I knew how to do all that, which explains why I find myself praying all the time. When Paul says I should “pray without ceasing,” he isn’t telling me to keep banging on God’s door until I get what I want. He’s telling me to continually listen for his voice, always seeking his direction. Could that make me a superhero like Moses or Elijah? Probably not. A famous plaque says, PRAYER CHANGES THINGS. The mistake I make is thinking I control the one who does the changing. To stand against the forces of evil, Superman’s cape or Thor’s hammer won’t work. Fantasies aren’t effective against enemies who are real. Paul said nothing could separate him from God’s love (Romans 8:38–39), which included beatings, shipwreck, and imprisonment—and ultimately, death. Am I interested in a superhero’s life like that? Maybe so. If the reward justifies the cost. Our struggle is not with people but with the forces that influence our desires. We are pressured by spiritual wickedness in high places of authority—social prejudices, government leaders who tell people what they want to hear, and the media that filters, distorts, and spins the “truth” to suit their agendas. That’s why you need every piece of God’s armor to stand strong in the battle and protect yourself from the evil. — Ephesians 6:12–13, The Discussion Bible One of my favorite superheroes is the blind man Jesus told to go wash in the Pool of Siloam and left with the ability to see. What happened to him? To read his story, go to FrankBall.org and click on the Born Blind book.

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]]> Heavy Burdens https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/heavy-burdens/ Thu, 01 Jul 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=37446 Why are my burdens too heavy to bear? Maybe you’ve heard the common saying in church: “God won’t put more on you than you are able to bear.” If that’s true, then why am I struggling? I wonder if I’m the only one who hears preaching that sounds so good but isn’t working out for […]

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Why are my burdens too heavy to bear? Maybe you’ve heard the common saying in church: “God won’t put more on you than you are able to bear.” If that’s true, then why am I struggling? I wonder if I’m the only one who hears preaching that sounds so good but isn’t working out for me. I want it to be true, because it would be so good if it were. But then I have to face reality, and I wonder. What am I missing? I’ve learned that I’m not the only one who bore a load too heavy for him to carry. The apostle Paul said, “You need to know, my friends, about our extreme calamities and persecutions in Asia, beyond the limit of human endurance, so severe that we looked forward to being in Heaven” (2 Corinthians 1:8, The Discussion Bible). Does God love me any more or less than the apostle Paul? I don’t think so. If God put more on him than he could bear, I should expect the same. That would be really bad news for me if it weren’t for what Paul said after that: “Expecting to die, we had no strength to trust in ourselves but could only rely on God, who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9, TDB). If I will trust the Lord instead of myself, he will make a way, and I can find joy in the journey. But if I rely on my own strength and complain about having to walk through the fire, I get to take the same walk, but without the joy. So what will it be? I think I need to apply another word from my friend Paul: “I have no reason to speak of my needs, because I have learned to be content, no matter what the circumstances are” (Philippians 4:11 TDB). Take my yoke upon you, and learn to walk my way, for I am gentle and humble of heart. In me, you will find rest for your souls, because my yoke fits and your share of the load is light. — Matthew 11:29–30, The Discussion Bible

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]]> Shoes that Fit https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/shoes-that-fit/ Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=37311 Should we ignore what God says to the churches? If the shoes don’t fit, we don’t have to wear them. But what if they do fit? With the pandemic, I wonder if many people who call themselves Christian have embarrassed themselves because their faith has been tested and found to be false. Of course, there […]

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Should we ignore what God says to the churches? If the shoes don’t fit, we don’t have to wear them. But what if they do fit? With the pandemic, I wonder if many people who call themselves Christian have embarrassed themselves because their faith has been tested and found to be false. Of course, there are countless exceptions—like the thousands of Jews that Elijah didn’t know had not bowed to Baal. But generally speaking, the judgment in Revelation might be appropriate for some Christian organizations. We call them nonprofit ministries, but I wonder how many times God will say in judgment, “I never knew you.” I’m afraid that some have not stood for what is right and have yielded to social pressure and official declarations made without laws being passed. Have we behaved like cowards who don’t know God, acting upon human discretion instead of hearing God’s voice? In our great desire to please our congregations, paying salaries, and meeting expenses, we might have missed the target of pleasing the Lord. Have our ministries improved so much that we don’t deserve what God said to the churches 2,000 years ago? Just possibly, or maybe probably, some of the words in Revelation could apply to the church establishment today. You have abandoned the great passion you had for me in the beginning. Look up, and see how far you have fallen (Revelation 2:4–5). You have embraced the pursuit of fleshly pleasures like Balaam (Revelation 2:14). You allowed that woman Jezebel, who called herself a prophetess, to teach, enticing my servants to commit prostitution and eat the food of idols (Revelation 2:20). I know what you have done, that you have a reputation for being alive, but actually you are mostly dead. Wake up and nurture what little life you have, which is close to death, for your deeds have not been in complete obedience to what God wants (Revelation 3:1–2). Since you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth like vomit. While you say, “I am rich, my business is thriving, and I have everything I could want,” you don’t realize how pitifully poor, blind, and naked you are, spiritually destitute (Revelation 3:16–17). Remember, God is addressing church people with these words, not outsiders. If the shoe fits, we might ask why. On Judgment Day, many will say, “Lord, didn’t we prophesy, cast out evil spirits, and do many wonderful deeds in your name?” Then I will tell them, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you disobedient lawbreakers.” — Matthew 7:22, The Discussion Bible

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]]> Slap in the Face https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/slap-in-the-face/ Tue, 15 Dec 2020 06:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=31491 Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek,” as if sustaining one slap isn’t enough. Why would Jesus say that? Restraint shows true strength. Retaliation is a thoughtless natural reaction. Forgiving one offense is difficult enough, but willingness to accept another one is remarkable, since most people lack that kind of self-control. Scripture says controlling […]

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Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek,” as if sustaining one slap isn’t enough. Why would Jesus say that?
Restraint shows true strength.
Retaliation is a thoughtless natural reaction. Forgiving one offense is difficult enough, but willingness to accept another one is remarkable, since most people lack that kind of self-control. Scripture says controlling our spirit is a greater victory than conquering a city (Proverbs 16:32). We might need God’s help to do that.
Not striking back shows how we are different.
Jesus’ disciples are known by their love (John 13:35).
When I was in grade school, Daddy said, “Bullies want you to react. Don’t give them a reaction, and you’ll take away their fun. Then they’ll find someone else to pick on.”
A few times, I was shoved to the ground, but I wouldn’t rise up to fight. In response to cutting words, I smiled and walked away. When my sandwich was stolen, I acted like I was glad someone else had it. When kicked, I didn’t react.
Daddy was right. Soon, bullies not only left me alone, but they seemed to respect me.
Two wrongs don’t make a right.
If I respond in kind, I’m doubly wrong by doing the very thing I’m reacting against. As I began to treat others as I would have them treat me, I was amazed. They usually responded to my kindness with kindness. Often, their offense turned to support.
I should take Peter’s advice: “Don’t retaliate, insulting or injuring others after they have done that to you, but do the opposite, blessing them, for you will be blessed when you bless others” (1 Peter 3:9). My heart should be the heart of God, which is revealed in 2 Peter 3:9. He doesn’t want anyone to perish.
Love calms many storms.
When Jesus talked about allowing a second slap without reaction to the first, he was offering a Christian principle of forgiveness that Jews knew little about. The Jews understood justice, not mercy. They expected an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. For them, Jesus’ message had to be a real slap in the face.
If your enemy is hungry, prepare a feast for him. If he is thirsty, give him your best wine. Your generosity will amaze him—as much a shock as coals of fire being poured upon his head—and God will reward you. — Romans 12:20, The Discussion Bible

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]]> Final Choice https://frankball.wr.ardent.dev/final-choice/ Thu, 15 Oct 2020 05:00:28 +0000 https://frank-ball.wr.ardent.dev/?p=27808 Some people say a loving God would never allow evil in the world. Others say it’s the devil’s fault. Or it must be our fault. Who is right? God said, “Don’t do it.” Adam was told not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve was told she would die if […]

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Some people say a loving God would never allow evil in the world. Others say it’s the devil’s fault. Or it must be our fault. Who is right?
God said, “Don’t do it.”
Adam was told not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve was told she would die if she did. With every other tree suitable for food, she had no reason to disobey. But then Satan came along to make the fruit inviting.
Did God send Satan?
The Bible doesn’t say. What we do know is that God didn’t protect Adam and Eve from sin. He didn’t build a fence around the tree but allowed Adam, Eve, and Satan to go there.
God bears responsibility for what he allows.
Standing at the curb, an off-duty police officer saw a man with a gun enter the corner store, heard shots fired, and saw the man running away with a fistful of cash. Our courts held the policeman guilty of a crime, because he could and should have intervened.
As he should, God allows evil so we can repent and turn to him.
The angels of Heaven were given free will, but they were already part of God’s great power and glory. When Satan said no to God and fell from glory, he and a third of the heavenly host made their final choice. There was no turning back.
God created people a little lower than the angels, with the ability to rebel against God, be sorry for their mistakes, and turn wholeheartedly back to God, choosing his will above their own.
God doesn’t make robots.
Christians still have free will. After we have seen the light, a choice for darkness would be our final answer, as it was for the angels who fell. Therefore, Christians can’t afford to keep sinning. We need to be like Peter, bitterly weeping afterward, until we have repented and recognize our relationship with Jesus as something worth dying for (Luke 14:26).
Those who have seen the light, accepted the gift of salvation, and received the Holy Spirit, having tasted the goodness of God’s word, experiencing the spiritual strength of the world to come, if they turn away, they have no means to gain repentance and forgiveness, since they crucify the Son of God a second time, putting him to open shame. — Hebrews 6:4–6, The Discussion Bible

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