How do you keep your faith?

[Skwurll]

I'll be referencing a quote by Epicurus that supports my question and plays upon my doubts throughout the body of this message.



I was a very devout believer up until a few years ago. Then doubts and suspicion started setting in. I'm very confused about the issue of religion, if any of you could offer an explanation for me I'd be very much obliged.

1.Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
If so, wouldn't that make him not omnipotent

2. Is he able, but not willing?
If so, then he is a malevolent force that enjoys suffering.

3.Is he both able and willing?
Then why does evil exist in this world?

4.Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?

With all these questions presented, I'll admit I lost my faith in a God.
I would like to hear opinions and explanations from men of faith.
I am not trying to start an argument, and I would appreciate if you refrained from insults.

Please, answer my questions.

[Nobar King]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

You have to believe to keep your faith.

[A Follower]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

Perhaps you have children? Do you keep them locked up at all times? When you want something from them do you force them to do exactly as you wish and nothing else? Or do you hand them a number of rules and let them use their free will and punishing them when they misbehave?

We are God's children, God has given us free will, we can choose good or we can choose evil. Of course God could stop us from doing anything evil, but that doesn't make Him malevolent, it shows He loves us, letting us choose our own path in life. Without free will we wouldn't be human.

So the four possible answers you gave are all wrong, the fifth and correct answer is:
God is able, but the sinners aren't willing to stop being evil. But as long as you believe everything will be all right:

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The evil that exists in the world only affects the sinners, the saved will never be tested beyond their ability to cope.

[Skwurll]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

Perhaps you have children? Do you keep them locked up at all times? When you want something from them do you force them to do exactly as you wish and nothing else? Or do you hand them a number of rules and let them use their free will and punishing them when they misbehave?

That example could hardly apply to me, as I am only 15 years of age and am following a strictly abstinent lifestyle, (Not because of religious beliefs, I just don't want children) but I can see some of your logic.

We are God's children, God has given us free will, we can choose good or we can choose evil. Of course God could stop us from doing anything evil, but that doesn't make Him malevolent, it shows He loves us, letting us choose our own path in life. Without free will we wouldn't be human

So the four possible answers you gave are all wrong, the fifth and correct answer is:
God is able, but the sinners aren't willing to stop being evil. But as long as you believe everything will be all right:

2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The evil that exists in the world only affects the sinners, the saved will never be tested beyond their ability to cope.

Surely a man with free will can choose to hurt the kind. Please explain to me how the evil in the world only affects the sinners, as I have seen how selfish actions have harmed the innocent and your words do not make sense to me

[Pastor Isaac Peters]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

I'll be referencing a quote by Epicurus that supports my question and plays upon my doubts throughout the body of this message.

Is the search function not working for you?

[Skwurll]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

Is the search function not working for you?

I apologize, I am new to this site and I am not yet entirely familiar with the interfaces used to navigate these forums.

[Jacob the Angry Liar]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

I'll be referencing a quote by Epicurus that supports my question and plays upon my doubts throughout the body of this message.



I was a very devout believer up until a few years ago. Then doubts and suspicion started setting in. I'm very confused about the issue of religion, if any of you could offer an explanation for me I'd be very much obliged.

1.Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able?
If so, wouldn't that make him not omnipotent

2. Is he able, but not willing?
If so, then he is a malevolent force that enjoys suffering.

3.Is he both able and willing?
Then why does evil exist in this world?

4.Is he neither able nor willing?
Then why call him God?

With all these questions presented, I'll admit I lost my faith in a God.
I would like to hear opinions and explanations from men of faith.
I am not trying to start an argument, and I would appreciate if you refrained from insults.

Please, answer my questions.

He DOES prevent evil. Why do you think He sends all the evil sinners to hell?

[Skwurll]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

He DOES prevent evil. Why do you think He sends all the evil sinners to hell?

What about all the suffering that the sinners cause on earth?

[Pastor Ezekiel]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

What about all the suffering that the sinners cause on earth?

Who are you to second-guess God?

Please make a thread of your own in the "Introductions" section of the forum, so that we can properly greet you. Tell us about yourself, your church, and how you came to find Jesus.

And if you're here to flame us, better take a look at THIS before making an even bigger ass out of yourself.

[Skwurll]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

Who are you to second-guess God?

Please make a thread of your own in the "Introductions" section of the forum, so that we can properly greet you. Tell us about yourself, your church, and how you came to find Jesus.

And if you're here to flame us, better take a look at THIS before making an even bigger ass out of yourself.

I will be making a thread in the Introductions section momentarily, thank you for pointing that out to me.
And I assure you, I am not intending to flame your site. I am merely seeking answers, as a pastor, this is surely something you can appreciate.

[Meek and Humble]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

God creates evil.

Isaiah 45:7 I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?

Exodus 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?


Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth; )

Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

[Nobar King]

Re: How do you keep your faith?

Their fait depends on your decesiesion.
Satan will fail.