Imagine::Saskatoon Shines [October 3, 2010]
Eldon Boldt

Sermon Notes

Luke 21:11 (AMP) There will be mighty and violent earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues: malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases which are deadly and devastating); and there will be sights of terror and great signs from heaven.

1. WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

Ecclesiastes 8:17 (NCV) I also saw all that God has done. Nobody can understand what God does here on earth. No matter how hard people try to understand it, they cannot. Even if wise people say they understand, they cannot; no one can really understand it.

We live on a broken planet

Romans 8:20-22 (TEV) 20 For creation was condemned to lose its purpose, . . . Yet there was the hope 21 that creation itself would one day be set free from its slavery to decay and would share the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 For we know that up to the present time all of creation groans with pain, like the pain of childbirth.

God is not the author of evil

Lamentations 3:33 (NIV) For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

1 Peter 4:17 (NIV) For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

God grieves when people hurt

Ezekiel 18:32 (NIV) For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!

Death is universal and inevitable

Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NIV) All share a common destiny--the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them

What do you want me to learn and how should I respond?

2. WHAT CAN WE DO?

Proverbs 3:28 (CEV) Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today.

Job 30:24 (NLT) "Surely no one would turn against the needy when they cry for help.

3. WHY MUST I HELP?

It pleases God.

Hebrews 13:16 (NLT) Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.

It Shows My Love Of God.

1 John 3:17 (NLT) But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help—how can God's love be in that person?

It Brings God's Blessing

Titus 3:14 (TLB) For our people must learn to help all who need their assistance, that their lives will be fruitful

I'll Be Rewarded In Heaven

Matthew 25:40 (TLB) "And I, the King, will tell them, 'When you did it to these my brothers, you were doing it to me!'

It's a Testimony To The World

Isaiah 58:10 (NCV) if you feed those who are hungry and take care of the needs of those who are troubled, then your light will shine in the darkness, and you will be bright like sunshine at noon.

It Makes Me More Like Jesus

Philippians 2:4-5 (GW) 4 Don't be concerned only about your own interests, but also be concerned about the interests of others. 5 Have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.