Why Do Bad Things Happen?

The outrage that is swirling around our nation since the Casey Anthony "not guilty" verdict was handed down is a logical reaction, especially if you think she was definitely guilty of killing her daughter Caylee. On the other hand, if you are of the mindset that such outrage is not necessary because you believe that Casey was either "not guilty" or that the prosecution did not prove its case; then you aren't angry with the jury decision.

It truly is very sad, horrible, tragic, and upsetting to see someone get away with murder. But that's what evil does.

Jesus told us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world."

While reading several blog and Face book comments, I have found that many Christians believe that little Caylee is in heaven with Jesus. It is a comfort to know that the Bible does tell us that there is an age of accountability (usually considered as age 7 up to age 12) where a child is automatically admitted into heaven upon death because such a child has not reached the age where he/she would be held accountable for his/her sins - precisely because a decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has not been made.

There is no doubt that evil exists in this world. One of the worst kinds of evil is harming a child. Killing a child is unfathomable to most people - especially those who are loving mothers and fathers to their own children. Jesus had harsh words for those who would commit offenses against children:

Mat 18:6 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Mar 9:42 "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Luk 17:2 "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

But the promises of our Messiah - Jesus Christ - fulfilled what Micah wrote of in the Old Testament:

Mic 7:19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our [fn] sins Into the depths of the sea.

There is forgiveness. It is the gift of God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is the ONLY WAY that ANYONE can be forgiven for their sins.

The evil that exists in this world is because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. From Adam and Eve's original sin - to the sins of today - we all "fade as a leaf" because of our iniquities.

"The greatest evil is the rejection of God and the hate towards man." - Pastor Miles McPherson.

When did Pastor Miles say that quote? In the first of his series on The Rock San Diego: "Why Do Bad Things Happen - Part 1, Why Evil?"

I highly recommend watching and listening to each of the sermons in this series. It may help to put many things in perspective.

The next sermon in the series is The Rock San Diego: "Why Do Bad Things Happen - Part 2, Why Worship?"

~Christine

Hat Tips to all links.

Rock TV: Who Is God?

Miles McPherson, Pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego CA is now broadcasting his Sunday sermons on Rock TV. The current TV series is also available on the new website that shares videos of the sermons he presents at the church every Sunday. The new series is called Who Is God? Here are links to the first three broadcasts:

Miles McPherson: Rock TV Episode One - Who Is God?

Miles McPherson: Rock TV Episode Two - Who Is God?

Miles McPherson: Rock TV Episode Three - Who Is God?

Who Is God?
Isn't that a question that all of us end up asking? Who is God? For me, being raised in the Catholic church I later realized just how little I knew about God. As a child, I can still recall looking up at the huge crucifix of Jesus on the wall of the church and asking, why did he have to die like that? Did he really need to die for me? For you? For us all?

As I grew older, I gradually came to learn what was missing. It was a lack of understanding what the Bible says about God, Creation, our sinful nature, Who was actually worthy to forgive the sins of the world, and why Christ's sacrifice on the cross was necessary for the salvation of mankind.

In turn, my part was to believe in Christ and accept what Jesus offered, confess my sins, repent of my sins, and ask Jesus to enter into my heart to be Lord and Savior of my life. Jesus promised that he would send the Holy Spirit to live inside of me -to help guide me in my walk with Christ and to help me understand what the Bible had to say.

Jesus asks each of us, "Who do you say that I am?" How we answer that question determines where each of us will spend eternity.

It is my hope and prayer that those who read here will take the time to follow this series. Who knows? Perhaps the questions that you have had your entire life about Who Is God? will be answered!

God bless,
Christine


Hat Tip:

Miles McPherson.com

No Compromise: Standing Firm On Your Faith [Update]

What an AWESOME SERVICE at The Rock Church today!!! Watch the video of Carrie Prejean with Pastor Miles McPherson: No Compromise: Standing Firm On Your Faith

Carrie Prejean, Miss California and Miss USA’s first runner up, will appear at the Rock Church during services on Sunday April 26th. Prejean is a member of the Rock family and actively serves in church outreach ministries.

During the Q&A portion of last Sunday's Miss USA pageant, Prejean expressed her belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman, touching off a firestorm of widely publicized criticism from Pageant judge and nationally known celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton. In subsequent appearances, Prejean has stood fast in her morals and biblical truths, refusing to compromise her faith.

Sunday's services will feature a discussion with the Rock’s Senior Pastor Miles McPherson, who spent time with Prejean in the critical hours following the pageant. They will share the story behind the controversy that we haven’t heard.

*******
Update:

Prejean stands up for her beliefs

The above article is typical of secular media. If you want to get the REAL STORY, you need to watch the entire video of Carrie Prejean's appearance at the Rock Church yesterday.

In this post update, I would like to talk about the main reasons that born again biblically-based Christians will NEVER accept same-sex marriage as valid. For some background information, I would point you to my sister blogsite "Protect Biblical Marriage" - especially the following posts:

1. Ten Declarations for Protecting Biblical Marriage

2. October 1st Webcast for Marriage

3. Religious Freedoms at Risk

What happened to Carrie Prejean is absolute proof that if national "hate crimes" legislation were to pass, millions of people will find their religious freedoms at risk. So you see, there is much more to this hotly debated issue than originally meets the eye.

There are dozens of blogposts that I could cite from Talk Wisdom about this subject. However, if I had to pick just one, I would recommend viewing the video of Pastor Miles McPherson - Marriage, The Image of God.

That message was given in February, 2008. It was given approximately 90 days before the California Supreme Court overturned Proposition 22 which simply stated, "Marriage in California is recognized as the union of one man and one woman."

In November of 2008, Proposition 8 passed by a majority of 52% of Californians (remember - most people in this state are very liberal) to place marriage as being recognized as the union of one man and one woman into the California Constitution.

Pastor Miles goes through the reasons why the passage of Proposition 8 is so very crucial for religious freedoms today.

Instead of backing up their Miss California winner, take a look at what the "officials" told Carrie to say to the press:

She told the congregation that officials from the Miss California USA pageant urged her to apologize.

Prejean said the officials were worried that her comments would cost their contest financial backing, and they tried to prepare her for post-pageant interviews by discouraging her from discussing her religious beliefs.
“ 'You need to apologize to the gay community. You need to not talk about your faith. This has everything to do with you representing California and saving the brand,' ” Prejean recalled being told.

In one of her T.V. interviews, I recall Carrie stating that if the Miss California organization doesn't think that she represents the state and wants to take back her crown - they can. This young woman was not going to back down! Bravo!!

In my study of the Bible and from various Christian sermons, lectures, and books, I have discovered that there is so much symbolism between God ordained marriage and the relationship between Jesus Christ and the church (all believers).

Marriage is God's idea! It was created by the Creator of the Universe! As Pastor Miles states in the above video, the enemy of our souls wants to poison God's will for our lives. Satan wants to twist the truth of God and make it into something that is the opposite of what God intends for our lives. This is true about ANY sin, by the way.

Notice in the San Diego Union Tribune article (above) that one church (that self-identifies as gay-behavior-affirming) allowed Carrie to have the right to have her opinion on this volatile issue. However, it wasn't left at that. Here's that portion of the article:

At the Metropolitan Community Church of San Diego, a gay-friendly church that holds services in University Heights, members said yesterday that they respect Prejean for standing up for her beliefs and support her right to speak her mind. They disagree with her position or insistence that God's blessing of marriage be reserved only for the union of a man and a woman.

“The Christian message is about freedom – freedom of speech and freedom of choice,” said church member Phil Ouellette.

Metropolitan church board member Bud Cheetham said same-sex marriage should not be scorned under the guise of spirituality.

Notice that Bud Cheetham didn't mention God's will.

Notice that he didn't mention God's Word - the Bible.

Notice that he didn't mention Jesus Christ.

What did he state as his point of reference for his beliefs?

Spirituality.

He stated, "same-sex marriage should not be scorned under the guise of spirituality."

That is poison. That is a distortion. That is placing man's beliefs over God's Word, will and guidance via the Bible.

What is spirituality? It is whatever man claims it to be. It is whatever man wants it to be. It is man's attempt to be his own god. It is a way to send people into a kind of spiritual oblivion - ruled by man's feelings, emotions, sexual proclivities (especially sinful ones), and dismisses God's laws, the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and the reconciliation of God towards man when he/she accepts Christ as Lord and Savior.

All throughout the Bible Jesus is portrayed as the Groom and the church is the Bride. It is a blood covenant (consider the virgin bride), just as Christ's sacrifice was a blood covenant for our redemption.

In marriage, "the two become one flesh" when the marriage is consummated. In typical marriage vows, the pastor often states, "and let no man put asunder" - or - let no man break up such a covenant.

As we reach the culmination of history, there will be an event called the rapture. This is when Jesus returns and believers "meet the Lord in the air" to be with Him forevermore. After the rapture of the church, there will be a "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" in heaven with all saved believers. It will be a celebration like none other.

While here on earth, we are to eat the bread and drink the wine (juice) in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our salvation. The elements represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. As often as we eat of the bread and drink of the juice - we affirm the Lord's death until he comes again (at the rapture) for his Bride - the church of Christ.

Marriage is a church issue. It doesn't (and shouldn't) have anything to do with the government. Don't be blinded by all these legal maneuverings. It doesn't have to do with what is "fair" - it has to do with what is right! This is why marriage is being attacked.

As Pastor Miles states in the video, "Same-sex marriage is an attack on God's symbol of salvation and the power of His image."

It is a perverted version of God's symbol of salvation and the power of His image.

This is why (perhaps unbeknownst to some) a true, born-again Biblical Christian CAN NOT EVER SUPPORT same-sex marriage. You can't have one foot in the world, and one foot in God's Will for your life without being split apart! Plus, the truth is that you will drift towards one direction or the other. It is impossible to honor God and man at the same time. One will triumph over the other. It's a given.

This is why Carrie Prejean, when asked that question, had to decide between answering the way the worldly crowd would want her to respond in order to win the earthly Miss U.S.A. crown, or, answer from her born-again, God honoring convictions in her heart to please God and have the eternal crown of life as provided through Jesus Christ our Lord!
We know her choice.

What is yours?

Webcast For Marriage - Oct. 1st!

Important Webcast for Marriage!

While only those 18 and older will be voting on Proposition 8 next month, their decision will have the greatest impact on those unable to vote: children. Young people are constantly bombarded with messages in the media and at school that homosexuality and same-sex marriage are acceptable and good for our society. Many are confused by the conflict that arises between the culture and their family's morality. Pastor Miles McPherson of Rock Church in San Diego is particularly concerned about the impact of homosexuality on young people.

Tomorrow [TONIGHT! OCTOBER 1ST!] his church will hold a special rally for young people that will be broadcast throughout the state and nation. We encourage you to tune in and help young people you know better understand this crucial issue. The Fine Line: a Rally for Youth, Young Adults, and Parents

The Fine Line: a Rally for Youth, Young Adults, and Parents will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Rock Church in San Diego. The non-partisan event is free and open to the public.

The Fine Line also will be broadcast live via satellite to approximately 150 churches throughout California who have signed up with the CCN Network. (Locations may be found by going to http://www.iprotectmarriage.com/.)

The iProtectMarriage.com website is also prepared to live stream the event to thousands of users statewide.


"The goal of The Fine Line is to equip and empower young people and their parents to engage on this issue, and go out and DO something," said Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the Rock Church, and a former professional football player with the San Diego Chargers. "The church is under attack. Marriage as designed by God, between a man and a woman, is under attack. We need to motivate young people to be informed, to be strong, to be out there in the real world, confident and active."

The event will be simulcast by Church Communication Network from the Rock Church, San Diego's largest Christian congregation and one of the fastest growing churches in the United States. Known for its multicultural and innovative worship and community service, the Rock features a high-tech sanctuary that seats 3,500. The Mountain View, Calif., based Church Communication Network provides programming in an array of ministry areas.

The youth-oriented evening will include music by rock groups the Katinas and Stellar Kart, and McPherson will speak. Live and video guests will include Ron Luce of Teen Mania, a youth outreach organization; Sean McDowell, a youth oriented Christian apologist; Greg Koukl of Stand to Reason, an organization that trains Christians to think clearly about their faith; Yvette Schneider of Exodus International, a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ; skate pros Brian Sumner and Christian Hosoi; and Kyle Loza, pro freestyle motocross rider and X Games gold medalist.

The program will culminate with an interactive panel in which speakers will present information on why we should vote yes Nov. 4 on Proposition 8, the Protect Marriage Amendment.

The Fine Line is one of three planned simulcast events in support of Proposition 8. Others include a broadcast presentation for pastors and Christian leaders which took place last Thursday, Sept. 25, and a future broadcast presentation to churches Sunday, Oct. 19.

Additional Resources:

The Rock Church

Exodus International

Sean McDowell

Stand To Reason

Teen Mania

Additional Upcoming Events to Support Proposition 8

The following are upcoming events sponsored by various Protect Marriage coalition members in support of Proposition 8.

Oct. 02, 2008 Orange County Protect Marriage Townhall
When: October 02, 2008
Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church (St. Andrews Hall)
1855 N. Orange Olive Road
Orange, CA 92865

Oct. 09, 2008 San Bernardino Protect Marriage Townhall
When: October 09, 2008
Where: Echos of Faith Christian Center
11255 Central Ave.
Ontario, CA 91762


Oct.11, 2008 Auburn Town Hall Rally
When: October 11, 2008
11:00 - 12:00 a.m.
Where: Auburn Library Garden Theater
350 Nevada St
Auburn, CA

Oct. 19, 2008 Ventura County Federalist Society, "Same-Sex Marriage in California: Legal Issues"
When: October 19, 2008
Where: California Lutheran University - Lundgren Events Center
60 West Olson Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

More on Proposition 8


Donate to Yes On Proposition 8 Today!


Three R's of Proposition 8


The Ten Declarations For Protecting Biblical Marriage


Legal Rights of Pastors



Is Your Church Participating in Citizen Sunday?



The Legality of Voter Registration in Churches



Quotes on CHRISTIAN CIVIL DUTY

CHRISTIAN CIVIL DUTY

"Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."


-- John Jay, President of the Continental Congress
and first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court


"God commands you to choose for rulers, 'just men who will rule in the fear of God.' . . . if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted."


-- Noah Webster, author of the first American dictionary


"When we [Christians] withhold our influence and participation, we yield by default to those who promote immoral and destructive policies."


-- Dr. James Dobson


"If America is to survive, we must elect more God-centered men and women to public office; individuals who seek Divine guidance in the affairs of state."


-- Rev. Billy Graham


THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM

"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."


-- President John F. Kennedy, 1961 Inaugural Address


"We believe that all men are created equal, because they are created in the image of God."


-- President Harry S Truman, 1948 Inaugural Address


"The founding fathers had to refer to the Creator in order to make their revolutionary experiment make sense; it was because "all men are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" that men could dare to be free."


-- President Dwight D. Eisenhower, in an article
for the Episcopal Churchnews Magazine



RELIGION AND MORALITY

"How could a society fail to perish if, while the political bond is relaxed [for freedom], the moral bond were not tightened? And what makes a people master of itself if it has not submitted to God?"


-- Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America


"And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government."


-- President George Washington, 1796 Farewell Address


"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."


-- President John Adams, 1798 letter
to a Massachusetts militia division


"The principal of equality . . . follows inevitably from belief in the brotherhood of man through the fatherhood of God."


-- President Calvin Coolidge, 1924
address to the Holy Name Society


"The fundamental basis of our Bill of Rights comes from the teachings we get from Exodus and St. Matthew, from Isaiah and St. Paul. I don't think we can emphasize that enough these days.

"If we don't have a proper fundamental moral background, we will finally end up with a totalitarian government which does not believe in rights for anybody except the State."



-- President Harry S Truman, 1950 address
to the Attorney General's Conference





*Note: many of these quotes are taken from William J. Federer's Three Secular Reasons Why America Should Be Under God


HT: Yes On Proposition 8.com

*******

Update @ 9:34 a.m. PT:

Another Obamabot video that YOU MUST SEE!
Fox News Channel website asks:

YOU DECIDE! Obama Kids Video: Cute or Creepy?

Go and post your comments!!!
My vote? CREEPY!!!

HT: ChesterStreet where I originally got the chance to view the entire video.

Good To Infiltrate Heretical Territory - Or Not?

Ran across a blog called Slaughter of the Sheep. There is an interesting conversation going on between myself and Ken Silva in the "Robert Schuller, Ravi Zacharias and the Rethink Conference 2009" thread.

After you read the post at the above link, you will notice several really good comments. For this post, I am re-posting just the ones between Ken Silva and I (so far):

I know for a FACT that Miles McPherson is attending to share the Biblical Truth to all who will be there. He did the same thing last year. He does not water down the true Gospel message for ANYONE.

Perhaps Ravi Z. is doing the same? Just a thought.

Perhaps it is necessary in this day and age of heresy and apostasy to infiltrate the heretics and apostates in order to steer them back in the right direction?

If they don’t, THAT’S when the Sola Scriptura Bible-based leaders may have to eventually “shake the dust off their sandals.”

By: Christinewjc on September 15, 2008
at 4:31 pm

Ken's reply:

“Perhaps it is necessary in this day and age of heresy and apostasy to infiltrate the heretics and apostates in order to steer them back in the right direction?”

Or maybe this day and age of heresy and apostasy is a judgment from God ala 1 Peter 4:17 because we’ve allowed the infiltration of these heretics and apostates who refused to be steered back in the right direction?
By: Ken Silva on September 15, 2008
at 8:02 pm

Very true, Ken. However, I’d like to know your opinion of Pastor Miles’ attempts to share the truth at their heretical get-togethers?

Speaking of “refusal to be steered back”, the “gay christian” movement is a perfect example of those who refuse to be steered back in the right direction. Several other bloggers and I have posted biblical evidence of their heresy - but they don’t care - AT ALL. What matters most is their “feelings.”

When do we “shake the dust off our sandals” in such a case? I’m not sure - are you?

I, and many others, keep trying to reach them. Sometimes we just need to pray from them.
By: Christinewjc on September 15, 2008
at 8:33 pm

Christine,

Please know I say this gently, k. I’ve not been impressed with what I’ve seen from McPherson as yet. The Adam and Eve “blinged out” opening of the new venue was not right.

That said, in a setting like ReThink he’d be dealing with a language barrier. By that I mean, as with Ray Comfort at the Word Faith conference, these people reinterpret Christian terminology.

For example to Rob ert Schuller “sin” is “negative self-esteem” so unless one very specifically defines their terms those to whom they “witness” to simply think they agree. The speakers there would all claim to be Christians anyway.
By: Ken Silva on September 15, 2008
at 9:30 pm

Oops…need to correct my last sentence. Meant to write:

“I, and many others, keep trying to reach them. Sometimes we just need to pray for them.”

Ken,

I am disappointed to hear that you are not “impressed” with Miles McPherson, but that is certainly your right.

I am not sure where you got this from:

The Adam and Eve “blinged out” opening of the new venue was not right.

Oftentimes, Pastor Miles says things with the kind of verbiage that young people can identify with. It is not meant to mock or replace the truth of God’s Word on the subject at hand.

I’m learning not to be too picayune about such things. As long as the RESULTS do not compromise the Gospel message or what is contained in God’s Word, then using terms that I’m not personally familiar with doesn’t bother me.

I will admit to you that I had the same reservations about Miles’ appearance(s) at both the “ReThink” conference and (especially!!) “The Secret” conference. However, when I listened to his presentation (and saw the results of people who attended that were searching for SOMETHING - but not knowing that they needed Jesus Christ) and then found out that out of all of the speakers, they saw the truth being shared by Miles - I had a different perspective on why he attended.
By: Christinewjc on September 16, 2008
at 12:57 pm

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

One more brief point. When Miles was backstage, the previous speaker at The Secret conference was Tony Robbins. He told Pastor Miles (paraphrased here), ‘None of us believe in this “Secret bull****.’ Glad you are here to share the truth.’

Admittedly, it takes a very strong Christian pastor, leader and apologist to go into “heresy territory” and share the Gospel Truth. I, and the thousands who attend The Rock Church see this unique ability in Pastor Miles.
By: Christinewjc on September 16, 2008
at 1:02 pm

Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Note that my last two comments are awaiting moderation.

What do you think of this exchange?

As a born-again, Bible-believing Christian, what are your thoughts about "infiltrating" heretical groups and conferences and sharing the Gospel Truth with the audiences there?

Do you think that this type of action just might be badly needed in this day and age?

Or, do you think that showing up for such conferences damages the credibility of any born-again, Bible believing and teaching pastor/speaker/evangelist?

HT: Slaughtering the Sheep blog

P.S. Opinions among Christians on this are probably all over the place, so don't hesitate to write just because you disagree with mine.

Pastor Miles on Fox News!

Pastor Miles McPherson of The Rock Church in San Diego appeared on Fox News with Megyn Kelly today! He also gave a brief speech and a prayer at the Republican National Convention this evening!

Here's a link to the video clip from Fox News:


Pastor Miles & Megyn Kelly Video Clip

Update @ 11:20 a.m. PT on 9/3/08

Carlotta of Christocentric has the text of Pastor Miles' speech and prayer at her blog.

Notice that the C-Span transcriber purposely took out Pastor Miles' reference to Jesus Christ at the end of his prayer!!

Part of my comment over there (awaiting moderation) about this:

Is this so awesome or what??!! Pastor Miles did a FABULOUS job both in the Fox interview and during the RNC convention speech!

How “politically correct” the C-Span transcriber was to eliminate any mention of Jesus Christ in Miles’ final words of his prayer! Trouble is, they may want to blot it out of the written text version - but they can’t eliminate it from the ears of all who heard Jesus’ name proclaimed last night!!

*******
Update @ 11:42
Found the video clip of Pastor Miles at the C-Span website. [Note: When you get to the site, type in Miles McPherson in the flash video search text box.]

Video Clip of Pastor Miles McPherson at RNC

Oh my...THE VIDEO CLIP SITE LEFT OUT PASTOR MILES ENTIRE PRAYER!! If you click on the "show transcript" box, you will see that the text ends right before the prayer!!

Wow...how arrogant is that??? C-Span - YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!