God With Us (Part 1)

During my trip to Brazil, I had been hoping for time to think and reconnect with God. But when I finally had some time alone at the end of the trip, this didn’t really seem to happen. It was like I was in a state of being spiritually and mentally frozen and unable to move forwards or backwards. As if my life had been put on pause until I find whatever it is I’m waiting for. But perhaps God is close just waiting for me to move towards him to pull me closer. Walking with God generally seems to involve ups and downs… mountaintop experiences and vast deserts. Maybe most of them are our doing. Perhaps some situations God allows for his glory or to teach us and help develop our character. Many of the times when I felt the closest to God and the most joy were after times of pain or hardship. On the other hand, could a lack of focus on God and a feeling of distance be a result of sin? But what if I asked God for forgiveness? I have been thinking recently of how Christians deal with sin, how God might consider sin in Christian life, and justice issues of mercy versus judgment.

Christians and the church in general have been getting such a bad reputation in today’s society. Instead of being known for our love, obedience to God, and pointing people towards God, we are instead known as hyprocrites. As if we’re no different from the rest of the world and feel that we can keep sinning and just ask for forgiveness afterwards. Because Jesus died for our past and future sins and no sin we commit is unforgiveable (as long as we don’t deny the holy spirit. But if we do this we probably weren’t Christians to begin with). However we were set free from sin and made alive in Christ. Why would we want to again shackle ourselves with sin and hurt both God and ourselves? If we know an action is wrong, why do it? If we truly love God and others and are genuinely seeking God, our actions should reflect this. On the other hand, we don’t want to be too legalistic or judgmental of ourselves and others. God will judge everyone in the end. No one is perfect. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Which is why it’s good that salvation is by grace and not by works. Mistakes are understandable but sins that are done deliberately or repetitively… maybe not so much. I believe that God won’t leave us, even if we sin. But it may be hard for us to hear what He’s trying to communicate with us. And there may be other consequences of the sin.

There was a discussion recently about how miracles seem to happen less in the US compared to other places (like Africa for example). People here seem less ‘connected’ to God. But we still believe that God hears and responds to our prayers. A theory was that because of the wealth in the US, people feel like they don't need God as much. Are there some places where miracles and the actions of God are more apparent and publicly heard about? In particular I was wondering about things I've heard about some pentacostal/charismatic churches or movements. I’ve heard of healing services, prophesy, and other spiritual gifts being displayed commonly. But among many Christians I know, I've sensed a great deal of suspicion or skepticism. I’m sure a lot of churches may not be totally genuine, possibly some leaders are mostly just acting, perhaps some people are taken over by the emotional high and lack a firm spiritual foundation and grounding in the scriptures. I'm not saying that there are not plenty of good churches that are genuine in their love for God. I haven’t investigated or experienced enough pentacostal/charismatic churches to say anything and have no opinions other than support for anyone who loves God and point people towards Him. At some point I should do some research to see if I can find stories or reports of what has been going on and how has God been working through various movements (charismatic/pentacostal, etc). But the point I’m trying to make is: why does it sometimes seem so difficult for us and other Christians to be able to connect and feel close to God? Why don’t we see God doing amazing things in and through us? Why do bad things happen?

Why is life so hard? Is God angry with us? Was it something we did? How can we be reconciled with God? Everyone is asking the same questions.

I saw a BBC article recently related to the recent crisis of flooding in Pakistan (

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8931886.stm)

It mostly spoke about how misguided Americans seem to consider everyone from places like Pakistan terrorists or potential terrorists rather than real people just trying to survive and make a living. But that’s not what I’m addressing. The opening begins with:

“Many Pakistanis who have not been directly affected by the floods ask each other this question: Is it a punishment from Allah? Or is He just testing our faith?

One of the many religious scholars who pop up on our television screens during the holy month of Ramadan was asked the same question last week.

He shook his head and answered with the kind of hokey wisdom only TV preachers are capable of: "If you have transgressed, He is punishing you. If He likes you He is testing you."

Not everyone is reaching out for a divine explanation though.”

I generally don’t attribute natural disasters or random tragedies with acts of God. Although I generally pray and hope God will work some good through the situations somehow. The question I’m wondering is, how does sin in our lives affect us, our relationship with God, and people around us? It probably varies a lot according to the situation and the hearts and motivations of people involved. The simplest thing to say is to just try your best to avoid sinning, ask for forgiveness, and you don’t have anything to worry about. But as we’re so imperfect and it is tragic to see so many Christians and churches joining the world in moral backsliding and degeneration… it makes sense to ask questions. How does God see sin and how can the situation improve? Where am I at with God and how can I know and hear from God more? It’s a bit late to continue this discussion now but the first place to start is to go to the Bible to find out what God says about sin among Christians in his word. To be investigated later…