Here are the benefits of family bible study on why does God allow natural disasters, faith and how can I recognize God"s voice?
Why does God allow natural disasters?
Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, mudslides, wildfires, and other natural disasters? Tragedies cause many people to question God’s goodness. It is distressing that natural disasters are often termed “acts of God” while no “credit” is given to God for years, decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. God created the whole universe and the laws of nature - Genesis 1:1. Most natural disasters are a result of these laws at work. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result of the earth’s plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake.
The Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ holds all of nature together - Colossians 1:16-17. Could God prevent natural disasters? Absolutely! Does God sometimes influence the weather? Yes, as we see in Deuteronomy 11:17 and James 5:17. Number 16:30-34 shows us that God sometimes causes natural disasters as a judgment against sin. The book of Revelation describes many events which could definitely be described as natural disasters - Revelation chapters 6, 8, and 16. Is every natural disaster a punishment from God? Absolutely not.
In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God allows the earth to reflect the consequences sin has had on creation. Romans 8:19-21 tells us, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in the hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” The fall of humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the world we inhabit. Everything in creation is subject to “frustration” and “decay.” Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering. 15 Minute Family Devotions on the Art of Praying, Angels in the Bible and Cross-dressing
We can understand why natural disasters occur. What we do not understand is why God allows them to occur. Why did God allow a tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia? Why does God allow hurricanes to destroy the homes of thousands of people? For one thing, such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity. Churches are usually filled after disasters as people realize how tenuous their lives really are and how life can be taken away in an instant. What we do know is this: God is good! Many amazing miracles occurred during the course of natural disasters that prevented even greater loss of life. Natural disasters cause millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of millions of dollars in aid are sent to help the people who are suffering. Christian ministries have the opportunity to help, minister, counsel, pray, and lead people to save faith in Christ! God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies - Romans 8:28.
Faith
Faith is the central issue of Christianity; everything hinges on faith. However, even many Christians are often confused as to the role of faith in their everyday walk with God. What is faith? How does faith come? What is the relationship between faith and work? These are some of the questions this episode explores as we look at the subject of faith.
What is faith?
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is an assurance of things hoped for despite our being unable to physically see or have them.
How do we get faith?
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Faith comes to those whose hearts are open to hear what God is saying to them. So without preaching the Word of God, there will be no hearers and no faith. i.e., Preaching + Word of God + Hearers = Faith.
Why is faith so important?
Hebrews 6:12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. It is through faith that we are able to access the promises of God; notice the need for patience to be working with our faith. Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. It is through faith alone that we are justified before God; this is faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross.
Why does James say that we need work as well as faith?
James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. At first reading, James appears to contradict what Paul says, but the key to interpreting James' statement is found in the following verse: James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Just as the body contains the spirit, so also genuine faith contains the potential for all the good works God wants us to do. Faith alone justifies us before God, but since real faith contains the potential for good works, a lack of good works is proof that faith isn't real. Devotional Topics for Family on the Lamb of God, True Children of God and Perseverance
Does God allow our faith to be tested?
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (3) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (4) But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (7) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Both James and Peter make it clear that our faith can be tested and that the right response through these tests is to rejoice.
What is faith for?
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in what Christ has done for us puts us in the right standing with God. Hebrews 11:5-6 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. It is through faith alone that we are able to please God. Mark. 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Faith makes impossible things possible.
May the Almighty God encourage us even more that have abiding faith in Him in Jesus' name. Amen.
How Can I Recognize God"s Voice?
This question has been asked by countless people throughout the ages. Samuel heard the voice of God but did not recognize it until he was instructed by Eli - 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Gideon had a physical revelation from God, and he still doubted what he had heard to the point of asking for a sign, not once, but thrice - Judges 6:17-22, 36-40. When we are listening to God's voice, how can we know that He is the one speaking? First of all, we have something that Gideon and Samuel did not. We have the complete Bible, the inspired Word of God, to read, study, and meditate on. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" - 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When we have a question about a certain topic or decision in our lives, we should see what the Bible has to say about it. God will never lead us contrary to what He has taught in His Word - Titus 1:2.
To hear God's voice we must belong to God. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" - John 10:27. Those who hear God's voice are those who belong to Him--those who have been saved by His grace through faith in the Lord Jesus. These are the sheep who hear and recognize His voice because they know Him as their Shepherd. Weekly Family Bible Study Lessons about Celebrating Birthdays, Who am I in Christ and Godly Sorrow
We hear His voice when we spend time in Bible study and quiet contemplation of His Word. The more time we spend intimately with God and His Word, the easier it is to recognize His voice and His leadership in our lives. Employees at a bank are trained to recognize counterfeits by studying genuine money so closely that it is easy to spot a fake. We should be so familiar with God's Word that when someone speaks error to us, it is clear that it is not of God.
While God could speak audibly to people today, He speaks primarily through His written Word. Sometimes God's leading can come through the Holy Spirit, through our consciences, through circumstances, and through the exhortations of other people. By comparing what we hear to the truth of Scripture, we can learn to recognize God's voice.
However, to descend the voice of God, here are some things we can use to help:
1. Who benefits from this? Am I the only one?
2. Does this line up with God's word?
3. Is this being done out of love for another?
4. What is love in this situation?
5. How will this affect relationships?
6. Is this a win-me? Win-win-me others, win-win-win-me others God?
The bottom line is we must do all this by faith, it is not always an easy task however when we miss it, God is there to take care of the situation.
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