5. You’re taught “God’s in charge, but not in control.”
If this above statement is true, then GOD HELP US! This is one of the major deceptions sweeping through the church in our day. Many preachers and teachers subscribe to this teaching because, “A God of love wouldn’t … (insert judgement here).” Or, the famous question we’re all asked, “If God is love, how could he allow…(insert tragedy here)” Or the statement is reworked into “God’s in charge, but He’s left us in control.” If that’s true, I’m done, because only Jesus Himself can sort out our wickedness (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). I will remind you of what the Lord said about Himself through Isaiah the prophet,
That men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other, the One forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all these. Isaiah 45:6-7
“Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— an earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’ Or the thing you are making say, ‘He has no hands’? Isaiah 45:9
He is the Sovereign Lord! Go read the end of the book of Job where the Lord Himself speaks from the whirlwind (Job 38-42).
Many hold to the above beliefs because they can’t explain everything, or they don’t want to embrace a God who still judges. But, we can understand so much because through the Holy Spirit and the scriptures, the Father has disclosed Himself to us (John 14:21). But can anyone explain all that God is doing or has ever done?
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36
At the end of the day it comes down to true faith. Faith is not believing God is real, but trusting Him in all situations — even the ones we don’t understand or cannot explain.
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:17
After _______ (insert God’s judgement, hardship, trial, persecution, tragedy here), do you believe He is still good?
For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5
If you are in a church that doesn’t teach the complete sovereignty of God you will eventually be tossed back and forth (Ephesians 4:14). Those questions we started with will plague you and lead you to unbelief. Jesus is the Rock! Build on Him with full assurance, knowing that when the storm comes —if you trust in Him completely— you will not fall.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
10 SIGNS IT’S TIME TO FIND A NEW CHURCH
- They pride themselves in “an under an hour” service.
- The go–to pulpit Bible is the Message or Passion translation.
- Your pastor resembles a celebrity. Or, in fact, he actually is one.
- The sermon for tithes and offerings is longer than the actual sermon.
- You’re taught “God’s in charge, but not in control.”
This list is being built out weekly, please check back next week for the next sign.
