Articles
IDK, But He Does
IDK, But He Does
By Krystal Dunlap
IDK. Three letters that I, as a math teacher, cannot stand. When students are asked why they reached an answer, the response “idk” shows up more than you might believe. I want to respond back with confusion and frustration. If they came to the correct answer, they must have done something to get there. They should be able to explain why their answer is what it is.
In real life, though, I admit to using “idk.” Much happens in this world that is beyond my comprehension. Some face punishment for following God while others can freely commit evil acts without any recompence. Some deal with poverty and famine while others live a luxurious life in comparison. Some people are tormented with multiple illnesses while others are naturally healthy.
Being the inquisitive individual that I am, I have searched for the reasons why. Scripture teaches that the nature of this world is a roll of the dice, so to speak (Ecc. 9:11). There are occurrences that are simply a result of the capricious nature of the physical realm. Through the actions of the first humans on earth, Satan was given limited power to torment mankind (1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 6:12). He will continue to do so as long as the Lord permits. Though difficult, some burdens serve righteous purposes, helping us grow closer to God (2 Cor. 1:8-10). In the end, we are told it “all works together” for good of His people (Rom. 8:28).
However, these reasons do not always fulfill my short-sighted desire for an answer to why. They are truth, but are difficult to hang on to during immediate trials. I may be able to state them when asked, pointing to my Bible as proof. Eventually, though, I find myself coming back to that wretched answer of “idk.”
This is when faith must step in. Truly, we cannot answer the specifics of this world. There is much that we do not know. However, God has a full grasp of everything, and everyone, down to the hairs upon our head (Matt. 10:29-30). He, being the all-wise Creator, knows why it all happens (Ps. 139:6, 17-18). He has promised to intervene when necessary, keeping those He loves from too much (Isa. 43:2). In the end, the Lord will use His understanding on the day of judgment without any questions or doubts in His mind (2 Pet. 2:4-9; 3:1-13).
So, we should not feel tormented by the “idk’s” that we face, for He has it all in His hands (Ps. 95:4-5). Let us rely on Him, allowing faith to fill the gaps when why has no direct answer.
Was Satan Ever in Heaven?
By Paul R. Blake
A fellow evangelist recently shared his concerns with me: “What are your thoughts about those who think and say that Isaiah 14:12 and Ezekiel 28 refer to the origin of Satan or are talking about Satan? Many say that Satan was an angel and sinned and was cast to earth? Is that true? That would suggest then that God created Satan as an angel, and then he rebelled, and God cast him out.”
Answer - There is a lot of speculation and confusion on this subject in the denominational world. However, I am as astonished as you are that some members of the Lord’s Church seem so smitten with this doctrine. Just let the text speak for itself. Isaiah 14 is talking about a man; it says so more than once in more than one way. He is a pagan Babylonian king who is feared and powerful who ends up in a grave. Not Satan; a man. “You will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say… Those who see you will gaze at you, And consider you, saying: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms… All the kings of the nations, All of them, sleep in glory, Everyone in his own house; But you are cast out of your grave… like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people” (Isa. 14:4ff, 16, 18-20ff).
Ezekiel 28 is talking about the king of Tyre. It is clear in the context. “The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, ‘Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre’… Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him’…” (Ez. 28:1-2ff, 11-12ff). People love myths and mystery and want to make more out of prophetic and figurative language than is actually there.
Luke 10:18 records a prophecy of Jesus who spoke of Satan's fall from power. Jesus used the "prophetic past tense" just as did many of the prophets who spoke of future events. Heaven does not always mean God's abode in scripture, and this is especially true in prophecy. When speaking of a ruler, a fall “from heaven” represents a fall from the heights of power and glory. “Falling as lightning” simply means that Satan’s fall from power over death and sin will be sudden and catastrophic, nothing more.
Satan was never an angel in heaven who sinned and was cast out. To advocate this creates a contradiction in the unchangeable and perfect natures of Almighty and All-powerful God and the eternally sinless realm of heaven. It is a position built on a combination of denominational mythology and a weak, limited grasp of the text. The Bible does not speak regarding the circumstances of the origin of our Adversary; therefore, admonish brethren to use their time wisely in pursuits other than empty speculation. “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge-- by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith” (1Tim. 6:20).
What If God...?
What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we didn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain to water them?
What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away the Bible tomorrow because we would not read it today?
What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to pay for our own sins?
What if the door of the church building was closed because we did not open the door of our minds?
What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if God met our needs the way we give to Him of our means?
Test Your Bible Knowledge
1. List a Psalm of praise __________
2. List a Psalm of prayer __________
3. List a Psalm of sorrow __________
4. List a Psalm about the Messiah __________
5. List a Psalm by Moses __________
6. List a Psalm by Solomon __________
7. List a Psalm by Asaph __________
8. List a Psalm by the sons of Korah __________
Upcoming Sermons
5/9/21 AM - Where Does God Stand?; PM - Grieving in Heaven
5/16/21 AM - Scott Black; PM - “Solomon” - Doug Sanders
5/23/21 AM - “Come Let Us Reason Together”: The Logic of Scripture; PM - Mary: “Blessed Among Women”
5/30/21 AM - “Aaron Shall be Gathered to His People”; PM - Andy Brenton
