Who are the God-Haters?

Westboro Baptist Church, which is not affiliated with any Baptist organization, will be picketing the funerals of the Virginia Tech victims. Their reasoning? The Virginia Tech teachers and students who died brought their fate upon themselves by not being true Christians.

“The evidence is they were not Christian. God does not do that to his servants,” Phelps-Roper said. “You don’t need to look any further for evidence those people are in hell.”

You can read the rest of the article here.

I couldn't help but think about a similar situation posed to Jesus.

1 There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

So it doesn't follow that gratuitous suffering stems from the grade of our sins.

Or consider Paul, his life was filled with calamity. (See 2 Corinthians 11:24-28) Did he undergo this suffering because of sin? No way! Paul is one of the Church's greatest saints. The reality is that Paul underwent suffering for his RIGHTEOUSNESS.

So, what are we to do with these lies and false teachings? How do we explain to a skeptical world that true Christians don't believe this?

The irony is that since Christ loves the world (John 3:16) and we are to love what Christ loves (Matthew 22:36-40), the real God-haters are these poor souls from Westboro Baptist. I also wonder how should we correct them. Thoughts?

On Becoming an Elder

"The more anxious a person is to devote himself to upbuilding, the more highly Paul wishes him to be regarded." - John Calvin

90-Second Middle East History Lesson

Here's a brief time line of the empires that governed Palestine.

Quote of the Day

"The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison, but apple pie." - John Piper

Rabbits, Eggs, and the Risen Christ?

What do rabbits, eggs and chocolate have to do with Easter? Find out in this 4 minute video from the History Channel.

Francis Collins on 'The Language of God'

Fresh Air with Terry Gross has a wonderful interview with Francis Collins.

Geneticist Francis Collins is director of the National Human Genome Research Project. He is also an evangelical Christian, and author of the book The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief.

I found this program intriguing for two reasons: First, Dr. Collins argues that evolution is not in contradiction with the Christian faith. Second, and way more fascinating, the brilliant biologist/physicist Dr. Collins walks Terry Gross through his own conversion from atheism to Christianity.

Devotions with Swindoll

Chuck Swindoll is writing some fine devotionals for the Nation Day of Prayer Task Force. Enjoy.