Christianity - Not what you think it is.

What is Christianity? What comes to mind?

For many outside of the faith, the first thing that comes to mind is that Christianity is part of a grand conspiracy. Come to our church service. Donate. Leave. And don't tolerate other views - take what we teach you blindly! (...Mind control anyone...)

The point of this post is to not convert anyone, but instead to demonstrate the error in some of the views of those who do not take part of the faith. To promote unity among the human community, so to speak.

Here are some very common objections that need clarification:

1.) Christians are discouraged from seeing if their faith is true. Same goes for Christians and science.

This pains me to see this every time. Christians are actually instructed to test everything, See 1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV

"but test everything; hold fast to what is good."

What is good!?! What does that mean? Some arbitrary Christian definition? 

No - Christians define good through the lens of Love. Love is honest, kind, patient, and a whole host of other admirable quantities. For something to be honestly good, it must be true. So, we are actively (at least we should be) looking for the truth. If something is not true, it is rejected.

2.) Christians are intolerant. I will live my life, and you shouldn't say anything otherwise!

Christians receive a lot of flack for this. Because of point #1 in this post, we know that God is real, and our faith is true. Since we know God is real, and we follow Him, we detest what is evil. 

Want to be LGBT? Support abortion? Don't expect Christian support. And the same goes for a whole host of other practices. 

Why do we do this? 

These practices that Christians reject are known to be unloving and objected to by God. God is literally Love (1 John 4:8). Love seeks the best for others - and while objecting some things will upset some groups of people, when Love prevails, we all are better off for it.

3.) How can you even begin to claim your God is loving? He sends people to Hell that simply disagree with Him!

People send themselves to Hell. 

How?

By rejecting God. God desires that no one should perish, and go to hell - which is literally eternal separation from Him. All of mankind has offended God eternally, and all are deserving of this punishment. God, out of love, sent Jesus to be a stand-in replacement for us. Jesus took our punishment, so those who believe on Him dying and resurrecting from the dead may have eternal life. 

This is the Gospel message - God loves people. 

God's love has an intensity to it that humans will never be able to match. He will not force Himself on people. People in this life can either choose to follow Him, or to reject Him. Those that follow Him will be with Him for eternity. 

Those that reject Him are literally separated forever when they die. This is Hell.

So Why is Hell so bad? 

All good things come from God (James 1:17). Since Hell is the complete separation from God, there is nothing good there. No light. No joy. Only suffering, despair, and pain for eternity.

As I mentioned at the top of this post, This was not written to attempt to convert people. Christianity is not as shallow as some make it out to be - we are a faith based on history, reason, truth, and love. 

What do you think about this post? If you are Christian, please consider sharing with some of your friends, and open up a discussion. 

If you are not Christian, what do you think? Agree or disagree, please comment below! 

Christian Morality is absolute and objective - Heres why!

Christian Morality and the World around us....

So much of Christianity has come into focus in recent years - Politics, Society, and so many others have looked at Christianity and asked 'How could you! That's intolerant!'

What really is being questioned here is not us - no, it is the moral groundwork we stand on. 

Simply put, and not to sound to much like a cliché, Christians answer to a higher power - God.

As Christians, our example in this life is Jesus Christ, who is God incarnated in human flesh. It is through Him that we are saved (See The Gospel in a Nutshell), but also Christ is our teacher. He laid the groundwork of morality itself, and lived a perfect life without moral error.

This is why Christianity has absolute morality which is objective in the sense that it is not dependent on us deciding what is right from wrong. God is perfect and holy to Christians. He has set before us what is right, and what is wrong. There is no in-between here - and to wrong God is considered sin (literally committing an action that separates us from God)

This raises the question though - What does God define morality as?  And how does this square with others who might not believe in God?

This question is actually one of the central topics of the Christian faith - How are we going to live our life?

Without going to far with citing the bible here, Christians are instructed love God, and love our neighbor(1). These are a major foundation to our faith.

We love God first, by following His commands, and trusting in Jesus for our salvation.

We love our neighbor by wanting what is best for them. This might not always be what they want, but should reflect what they need. This includes caring for them, not wishing bad things on your enemies, helping them where you are able, etc.

We love our neighbor by wanting what is best for them. This might not always be what they want, but should reflect what they need.

What this does not include in giving your neighbor things that will harm them. We should not help supply a drug addict, give support to morally compromised legislation (ie: supporting abortions, supporting the LGBTQ crowd for marriage/ adoptions, going to war 'just because', etc)

We would not (and should not) lend our support to these because they either are going to harm others, or go directly against what God has defined as right from wrong. 

At its core though, Christianity teaches love. God first loved us, and as Christians, we are to spread this love to others. We try - but Christians are human, and mistakes happen. People commit horrible crimes in our name, but they don't even represent a shadow of those who truly follow Christ and place Love first in their lives. 

In its purest form, Christianity is a reflection of Love itself - and this Love is literally God(2). And it is this same Love we hope to spread and change the world.

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a great place to start! And Church of course : )

Cited Verses:

1.) "But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him.  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And t*he second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”"

Matthew 22:34-40, ESV

2.) "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8, ESV

Exploring Catholicism: Apostolic Succession, Protestants, and Tipping the Scales

This post. 

I did not think that this post would be created. Ever. 

I am a Protestant Christian, and I wholly believe in the Christian God - Yet I have serious reservations about the Catholic Church. 

Sure - Catholics are well meaning Christians...But don't they err in many areas? Talking to deceased saints...Purgatory...praying to Mary...having a Pope and a church hierarchy...??? 

As a Protestant, these issues are major. Every single one seems to be an enormous blockade in your relationship with God. After all - The Bible doesn't talk about these, right?

Truth be told, I think that in some regards the Protestant crowd is too hard on Catholics. Maybe we have not given them a fair chance to defend their faith. That's where this series of posts is going to cover, giving a more objective view of the Church, and where able, show the scriptural foundations for some of the controversial practices of the Catholic Church. If the Catholic Church is the one true Church, and we have erred...well, that's not good.

Apostolic Succession

What is Apostolic Succession?

Apostolic Succession is the practice of transferring leadership and authority through the ages from the Apostles to present clergy in the Catholic Church. 

First things first though: 

The Catholic Church, Tradition, and The Bible

The Catholic Church is a Church that holds both the Bible and tradition to both be very important and sacred. This sacred tradition is held to be just as authoritative  as the Bible itself. This is important in fully comprehending and understanding Catholic views

Biblical support for this can be found in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and in 2 Timothy 2:2:

2 Thessalonians 2:15, NASB (Emphasis mine)

"So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us."

2 Timothy 2:2, NASB

"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also." 

2 Timothy 2:2 can seem somewhat cryptic, but the point that is made by this passage is that things where handed down through the Church in a verbal format. The bible didn't always exist, and wasn't even completely compiled yet when the NT texts were created. 

Apostolic Succession and the Protestant Church

1.) Controversy

There is some controversy over this topic amongst the Protestant Church. The argument against Apostolic Succession is simply that the New Testament does not give a clear and concise direction of having a Church hierarchy. Because this clear statement is not made in the New Testament, (Some) Protestants say that we should not follow this practice.  

2.) The Catholic Support 

The Catholic Church offers some strong support for their position - Starting in Acts:

Acts 1:20, NASB

"For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘MAY HIS RESIDENCE BE MADE DESOLATE, AND MAY THERE BE NONE LIVING IN IT’; and, ‘MAY ANOTHER TAKE HIS OFFICE.’

This passage indicates something significant - The authority of the Apostles being transferred upon another individual - which many translations and texts use the term 'Bishopric' ('Bishop')  to describe the office of Judas which was transferred to Mattias. This is HUGE, and a massive blow to the comparatively weak position held by some Protestants - of which I was one of before this. In a passage, it is demonstrated that a hierarchy is to exist in the Church, and that this hierarchy is to include bishops. 

Furthermore, it is important to note that authority is being transferred here - that leadership in Apostolic Succession is given the authority to forgive/absolve sins on behalf of Christ Himself. See John 20:23, which the context is Christ charging the Apostles with this:

John 20:23, NASB

If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained

This does not limit God to forgive when we ask of Him directly, but nonetheless this is a significant concept to recognize. 

3.) Could it be true?

I think so. I think that the evidence is strongly supporting a Church hierarchy, and shows that this hierarchy should be traced back to the Apostles. This is a significant finding, and a strong component in showing that either the Catholic or the Orthodox Church is the original as founded by Christ Himself. 

Furthermore, it seems that in some areas the Catholic and Orthodox churches provide more insight and substance to the Bible - these churches pay attention to concepts that maybe not expressly expanded on in the Bible, similar to how the Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, but is fully described in the Bible.

So...Why do this? Why look at the Catholic Church at all? Your PROTESTANT!!

I believe that it is our duty as Christians to be in relentless pursuit of the truth. Christ came and died for us - the least we can do is take our faith seriously, and try out best to follow Him, His commands, and seek to be part of His church. We can never repay Him for the free gift of salvation, but out of love we can follow Him the best that we are able.

This is going to be part of a mini-series - please let me know what you think in the comments below!

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course... : )

You hurt me! ...Now what?

 

"If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector."
 
Matthew 18:17 ESV

But what does this mean...?

(The following is partially a personal interpretation)

Matthew 18:17 is a passage that speaks of how to handle situations between believers, wherein one believer has committed a wrong. It is a fairly serious passage.

The point that I am going to write on is not the process of trying to correct a believers wrong, but on what does 'let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector' mean?

How should you treat a Gentile or Tax Collector?

Tax Collectors in the NT were not held in the highest regard. Some held to, lets say, unethical business practices, and were frowned on by society. 

Jesus still went to them. Remember it was those who were in sin that needed Him the most.

This is what I believe is an important difference here. While Matthew 18:17 clearly speaks of correction to take place through the Church, I hold that this does not mean to abandon this believer. They need the faith just like everyone else. While they may be excluded from Church affairs, we should still be kind, and a witness to them.

We can still lovingly try to lead them back on the right path. And we can still pray for them.

Luke 15:3-7 goes even further:

“So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Luke 15:3-7, ESV

The point is this: Don't abandon a lost believer. We should all be here for each other, even when that means holding our brothers and sisters lovingly accountable.

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course :)

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Love your family

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."
-1 Corinthians 13:4-8, ESV 

So love your family.

It doesn't matter what has happened. Love them. It is part of being Christian - Love others, including you enemies, but especially your family.

What does this love look like? What if they have angered us?

It is simple. Be Patient. Be Kind. Listen to them....You know, Love them!

If you are angry, in your anger do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). 

This is what it is all about! Live our faith, loving others, especially family.

But Wait! My family is ...difficult, not kind, even abusive!

Love them anyway. Pray for them, and hopefully God will correct the situation. 

This doesn't mean to take abuse. Just don't. But you can fully choose how you respond with your words and actions back to others. Some people can be...challenging. Do your best to represent your faith to them! Be kind, and don't repay evil for evil (1 Peter 3:9).

We can choose how we respond. We can choose to not be hostile back, and to do our best to disarm any 'situation' with kindness.

So why write this? Why did I take the time to spell out to love your family?

It is quite possibly one of the most important things that you can do in your personal life. Love changes people - look at your relationship with God! He loves us, and we can truly live knowing this. We can know that He genuinely cares, and wants us to come to Him. Couldn't we easily incorporate this into our own daily lives?

With Love, we can positively influence our families for a LONG time. People remember how you treated them, and this may eventually reflect in how they treat others. Be the Change!

Life ultimately isn't about us - and with love, especially Godly love, we can bless others, especially our families.

So how can you love your family better?

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course :)

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Notes and Cited verses

Ephesians 4:26, ESV

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

1 Peter 3:9, ESV

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Killing Society's Sacred Cow

You are your brothers keeper.

Galatians 6:1 ESV

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

This is a simple message, but no less important. Christians reject sin. We repent of sin. We tell others the Gospel - a central component of which is to repent and accept salvation through Christ.

It is out of love that we should gently point out the sin of our brothers and sisters - not in a nagging manner, but with kindness. Repented sin is forgiven sin (Acts 3:19)!

Acts 3:19 ESV

"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,"

This is an inconvenient truth for todays society - a society which worships self, rejects God, and promotes abhorrent behavior. Society teaches racism, hatred of our fellow man for different beliefs, promotes gender confusion and forced acceptance of LGBT 'values'. It preys on our young, those who are in schools and haven't developed critical thinking skills yet. The consequences of this will be devastating.

Believers cannot leave this unchecked. Some will go around in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15), and attack the church from the inside out. We MUST be accountable to others, especially in an environment where personal freedom in all areas in prized above all. 

Our faith is so important - your life depends on confessing and trusting Christ for salvation (Romans 10:9). 

People can be spiritually deceived - thinking one has lived a good life when they haven't. We must keep the faith, finish the race strong! (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

The alternative isn't pleasant.

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course :)

Please consider donating to support this blog. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and help keep things running!

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Cited bible verses (ESV):

Matthew 7:15 ESV

"“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Romans 10:9 ESV

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified"

A Monotheistic Trio

What is the Trinity? ( For non- Christians/ new Christians)

The Trinity, simply put, is that God has 3 different 'forms' known as 'Persons' - The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each holds a different role, but each is fully the same God.

1.) God the Father who is in Heaven

2.) God the Son is Jesus Christ, who came to Earth, taught people about the Kingdom of God, and how to live. Christ then, living a perfect life, was executed and paid the ultimate price for our sin ( See The Gospel in a Nutshell)

3.) The Holy Spirit resides in believers, and holds many roles. He helps us in various ways

A Common Objection

The concept of the Trinity is central to traditional Christianity, but it holds a unique postion in where the Trinitarian concept is never outright mentioned in the bible.

This presents some unique talking points, especially with some Jews and Muslims who will flatly object to this concept. Typically from what I have seen, these objections go from 'you worship 3 gods' or 'thats not true because....'. The Trinity is a relatively simple concept, but not immediately apparant to some. It is important to make known to people outside the faith the fact the Christianity is a monothiestic faith, and we worship the ONE Living God.

I usually refer people who object to the Trinity to Genesis 1:26, where God says to 'Let us make man in our image'

This is a significant passage - a passage written ages before the events in the New Testament; but shows there is more to God than a passing glance would give.

Jews, and sometimes others will see this, and bring up that Genesis 1:26 is God talking to Angels.

This is impossible.

Why?

Because God SPOKE the world into existance. Since He spoke creation into existance, we can be sure that angels were not 'creating'. The Angels are not listed as creators in Genesis - but God is. 

Furthermore, in the second creation account in Genesis 2, we see that He formed us from the earth - further reinforcing that it was God speaking the 'us' and 'our' in Genesis 1:26.

This must mean that there is more to God.... the Trinity.

This is the simplest way I know to prove that the Trinity is real, and as a central concept, this is important!

If you find that you are witnessing with a Jew for example, it is important to draw evidence from a source that they trust - like the Old Testament. They have no reason to place any trust yet in the New Testament, short of a work by God leading them there. 

Hope this helps!

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course :)

Please consider donating to support this blog. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and help keep things running!

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From the mountains

From the mountains

Recently this question was brought up:

"What happens to those who have never heard the Gospel?"

What do you think? It is an interesting question, and more I read into it, The more it....bothers me. In fact, this question alone is a powerful motivator for sharing our faith. 

Those who never heard the Gospel, and don't place faith in Christ for their Salvation have an unfortunate future.

They stand condemned. 

I can practically hear readers seeing this and thinking - "Geee...That is rather harsh; What about Gods abounding mercies? How is this even fair?" - See below

Romans 3:10

as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

Pause and think about this for a second - literally no one is righteous. No one is 'good', especially compared to a perfect and Holy God. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23, see below). 

There is no other way to God the Father, who is in Heaven, except through Christ who saves us (See John 14:6 below)! 

This fatally wounds the thought that one can claim innocence if they haven't heard the Gospel (See Acts 4:12 below) . These passages demand us to look at our faith in a different light.

We can be eternally grateful for our future....but is there something more? 

Of course!

Tell others! Out of shear love, tell others the Gospel!

Those who haven't heard have a bleak future - and they don't even realize it! 

This is the responsibility charged to the Church by Christ: Go and make disciples. Teach them. Baptize them. ( Matthew 28:16-20) 

This changes things. To tell others what you believe requires that you be confident in you own faith. 

This simple task of telling others literally makes you have a stronger faith, and helps others. Isn't this beautiful?

Interested in Christianity? The Gospel in a Nutshell can be a good place to start! And Church of course :)

Please consider donating to support this blog. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and help keep things running!

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Bible Verses (ESV)

John 14:6

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Acts 4:12

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”"

Romans 3:10

"as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;"

Romans 3:23

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Matthew 28:16-20 

"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”"

Can Truth - Truthfully be the Truth?

Is Truth relative?

I have come across this in recent years, although I have heard that the subject is much older than that. Certain thinkers are promoting the idea 'absolute truth does not exist'. 

I didn't believe it. 

Then I came across groups on the internet that actually supported this idea.

In this post, I am going to point out several flaws in this thinking....if only to be rational! The subject of absolute truth is critical to life. With truth, we can make sound decisions - the most important being "What happens when you die?" (The Gospel in a nutshell). Without it, an existence of 'anything goes' can occur, creating an uncomfortable form of chaos, not knowing what is true, or just a story.

So, without further delay:

1.) Truth does not change. Truth is not relative.

      Ever - not for you, or for me. Real truth is an absolute set of facts, unaffected by opinion. 

2.) The universe requires truth to function. 

      The sun cannot exist and not exist at the same time. An object will have a history on where it has been - affecting its future. This history is absolute, and is truthful. Moreover, the future depends on an honest historical account.

3.) The statement "Truth does not exist" or "Absolute truth does not exist" is self defeating (1).

    That is....are the above statements a truth? They seemingly present one - that truth does not exist! By doing this, these statements ironically show that truth does exist!

BONUS : 4.) The people who say "Truth does not exist" are presenting an absolute truth!

 Now that is interesting!

So why is this important? How does this affect me? 

From a faith standpoint, having and knowing absolute truth is important. How else would you be able to have any form of substantial faith?

As Christians, the "belt of the truth" (Ephesians 6:14 [1]) is important. We need this is daily life. The Devil is the "Father of lies" (John 8:44 [2]) and will use lies, misinformation, "questionable" statements, and even scripture  (Matthew 4:5-6 [3]) to mislead us. 

When we have the truth, we can defend ourselves - knowing that whatever falsehood that was brought before us isn't true. 

I probably could go on - but I think you get the idea. Saying that truth does not exist/ is a subjective and different between people won't get you very far. Imagine doing this with your taxes😁!

Please consider donating in any amount to support this blog. Your contributions are greatly apprieciated! Thank you!  

Resources:

(1) See below book for this argument:

Geisler, Norman L; Turek, Frank. "I don't have enough faith to be an atheist"; Crossway 2004

Bible Verses:

[1] Ephesians 6:14 ESV " Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,"

[2] John 8:44 ESV "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

[3] Matthew 4:5-6 ESV "Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,  and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:

‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’

and,

‘In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ”"

Why does God let bad things happen?

Why does God let bad things happen?

The answer to this question is free will. And love. And sin. Please make sure you read to the bottom!

Let me explain.

God gave every person free will - that you decide your decisions for your life. He did this initially by giving Adam and Eve a choice in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3). Without a choice to follow God or not, we would not have free will. 

Adam and Eve didn't follow Gods' command, and by doing so, committed sin. This sin still affects the world today. (For an overview of the situation from Adam and Eve to present, please see The Gospel in a nutshell)

How sin affects the world

People can decide to do what they want and ignore God. Christ teaches us to love the Lord your God with all your strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves as the most important commandments. This is the core of the issues on earth. 

When people decide to not follow these commandments and everything else associated with them, it causes pain with others. It doesn't even have to be immediate, but someone's sin could hurt another person or group of people years down the road.

Why is Free Will so important?

Love.

God created people to love Him and others. Without free will, we couldn't have an honest love. Sure God could have 'programmed' humanity to love Him. But that would be forced love, and not pure, honest love.

So knowing the above, here is a few reasons why God lets bad things happen:

1.) People are given free will, for God to intervene every time something bad happens would prevent this free will.

2.) This free will is an important point for you to be capable of honest love. 

Then did God abandon me then to this ______ situation that I/others are in? 

no. No! NO! Heres why:

1.) He will never leave you nor forsake you. Ever. 

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”"

2.) God makes things work out for good for those who love Him

Romans 8:28  ESV

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

3.) If you are Christian, remember to Hold on your faith, have Gratitude for what you do have, and to pray with thanksgiving. Remember that He does things In His timing. 

Philippians 4:6 ESV

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

At the end of the the day - try to stay positive, and be grateful. Thank God for what you do have. Bad things will happen on this earth, but you can learn from them. Often I have found bad situations can bring you very close to God, as you learn to lean on Him and trust Him. And that's a blessing!

Thanks for reading!