Can it be possible that God did create a beautiful universe but then somehow lost control?  Could that be why we see the terrible world in such a mess with no justice or fairness?

Sincerely,
Hypothesizing

Dear Hypothesizing,

This world is full of all sorts of disease, pain, violence, and strife – but God didn’t cause those things; sin did.  All bad things are a result of sin.  When God made the world, He placed mankind in the Garden of Eden and gave us a joyously blissful existence in that paradise.  Who caused the pain?  We did.  It is sin that has brought all of the death, disease, decay, pain, suffering, troubles, and heartaches into our world.  We all, in varying degrees, are reaping the benefits of a world with sin in it.  Sickness is a consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden.  One of the curses of their sin was that we all must face our own mortality – life is finite.  Sickness, disease, and pain are a part of the human existence.  When God gave us freewill, He gave us the right to cause problems for ourselves and others, and if He simply removed all the consequences for our actions, He would be removing our freedoms as well.

However, God also planned before the foundation of the world to save us by sending His own Son to die (Eph. 1:3-4).  Even though He isn’t responsible for our choices, God sent the perfect cure. This world isn’t fair – if it were, it would be heaven.  Instead, we live in a fallen world where man has been exiled from paradise.  This world is not our home; Christians await a better world (Heb 11:16).

    I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.  I didn't always, but after having two beautiful, healthy children and seeing so much beauty in the world, I decided it wasn't an accident.  I decided that it was all real.  My problem is, I'm a huge sinner.  I smoke and drink and fight with my mother sometimes.  I've had three abortions... one just recently.  I can't understand how God or Jesus can forgive me.  Is it possible?  How do I accept Jesus as they say?  I thought I had, but apparently I haven't.   I don't know how to.  I feel so lost.  How do I accept Jesus as my Savior, and what if I keep sinning?

Sincerely,
Broken

Dear Broken,

Yes, you can be forgiven.  Yes, you do need to start making changes in your life... and yes, we can help.

We recommend two things:

1. Read our article "What Must I Do To Be Saved?" to see what the Bible teaches on salvation.  Read the verses we reference for yourself (that way you can see that we aren't just making this stuff up!).
2. If you feel comfortable, e-mail us back, and we can get you in touch with a congregation near you that can answer your questions, support you as you seek the Lord and make changes in your life, and help you get to heaven.  Not all churches are faithful, but we know of many congregations all over the country that will show you what the Bible says and make sure that you get Bible answers for your questions.

We wish you the very best.  You are doing the right thing by reaching out, and you are being very courageous in trying to change your life.

     I have the most wonderful son in the world; he is seven and has Down syndrome.  My question is: after he dies and goes to heaven, will he still have Down syndrome, or will he be like us?

Sincerely,
Mom

Dear Mom,

Down syndrome is a body issue, not a soul issue.  Your wonderful son is a soul (Gen 2:7); he has a body.  When we die, our spirit separates from our body (Jas 2:26).  At that moment, your son will never again face the health issues he does now.

In the end times, the Bible says Babylon will be destroyed in an hour.  Is America Babylon?

Sincerely,
Patriotic

Dear Patriotic,

The idea that the Babylon of Rev 18:10 is referring to a current or future nation comes from a wrong understanding of what the book of Revelation is about.  The book of Revelation is primarily dealing with events that have already happened.  That is what the apostle John said in Rev. 1:1 and Rev. 1:3.  Revelation deals with suffering that the church faced in its early history and the perseverance and victory of the church through those trials.  If you would like a better understanding of the book of Revelation, we recommend you listen to our sermon series on the topic.  It can be found here.

I am sick with allergies (environmental and food), bronchitis, and stomach issues that include GERD and IBS.  I have also found out that I have chronic ear disease with a hole in one eardrum.  I have all sorts of little things going on.  My question is: is it something I have done?  I want to fix it whatever it is, but I first need to know what it is that I have done.  How do I find out if it is my fault?

Sincerely,
Sick Of Being Sick

Dear Sick Of Being Sick,

You might be hurting for living unfaithfully… but that is only one of several reasons why people suffer.  Here are the two other reasons why people suffer:

1. Sometimes bad things simply happen because they happen.  Job suffered greatly, and his children died, but it wasn’t his (or their) fault.  Job hadn’t done anything wrong, nor had his kids.  It all happened because Satan wanted to do evil (Job 1:6).  As long as we live in this world of sin, there will be troubles.  Sometimes, there isn’t anyone at fault… just time and chance wreaking havoc in a sinful world (Eccl 9:11).
2. Sometimes people suffer so that God can be glorified.  Jesus’ disciples asked Him why a certain man had been born blind, and Jesus answered, “So that God’s works might be revealed in him.” (Jhn 9:1-3)  This man’s ailment provided an opportunity for God to show His glory.  There are times that we suffer, so God can teach us and teach others through our pain (Eccl 7:2-3).

You are doing the right thing by examining your life and making sure that you are right with God.  If you would like to have Bible classes or need a congregation, we can help you find a faithful one near you (our e-mail is askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org), but unfaithfulness isn’t the only cause of suffering.