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Scottish minister: God is sovereign over everything -- even war
BP NEWS ^ | Apr 8, 2003 | Jeff Robinson

Posted on 04/08/2003 3:45:52 PM PDT by Dubya

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)--The sovereignty of God as presented in the Book of Revelation should remind Christians that God is in control of all the events of history, including warfare, Scottish minister Eric Alexander noted in a two-sermon series at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Alexander, a Presbyterian minister, said Revelation 4-5 paint three pictures that should give believers assurance during uncertain times. The chapters unpack God's kingship, His guidance over the history of creation and the central act of history -- God's redemption of sinners in Jesus Christ, Alexander said.

"We are conscious that these are critical hours in which we live," he said at the Louisville, Ky., campus in mid-March. "We are aware of the question, 'Where is the hand controlling the events we are passing through?'

"The relevance of the Bible at such a time as this and the relevance of Revelation is that it takes us to this throne of God. It [Revelation] is not there to satisfy our curiosity, but to give us a perspective on the world in which we live and the whole of history, so that we are able to see it [history] from a different vantage point from the rest of the world."

The apostle John presents the throne as the central feature of his vision in Revelation 4, Alexander said. This is highly significant because the eternal kingship of God is evident by John's pointing out that the throne is constantly occupied.

John penned Revelation while suffering in exile on the island of Patmos, which Alexander described as "a kind of Alcatraz in the ancient world." Paul's audience -- the seven churches in Asia -- also were undergoing intense persecution. John shared his vision to encourage the churches and to remind them that God was still on the throne despite their suffering, he said.

Alexander recalled where he was when terrorists attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001 -- in the clubhouse at St. Andrews golf course in Scotland.

Alexander remembered how a fellow golfer reacted to the news after learning Alexander was a minister. The man's words echo the very thought that sometimes enters a believer's mind during seasons of suffering, he said.

"He said to me, 'I guess your God has gone for a holiday,'" Alexander said. "And that is the deep fear that lies even in the hearts of some trembling, faithful souls: 'Is God really on the throne?' And John clearly gives us the answer in the outset of his vision."

In Revelation 5, John's vision includes an angel holding a scroll. This scroll is the record of human destiny and divine purpose for the world, Alexander said. The scroll is both complete -- it contains no blank spaces -- and is sealed.

This points to the fact that, while every event in history is in God's hands, it is sealed from the sphere of human speculation or knowledge, Alexander said. It also shows that there is God-ordained purpose for every event in life and that all God's purposes in the world are a closed book to human beings.

"John weeps. It has made him deeply sad and the mystery of life is beginning to engulf him," he said.

Believers should note that John points to the climax of history in Revelation 5:6. The "Lamb standing, as if slain," is Christ, who is the key to history," Alexander said.

During times of war and suffering, Christians must look to the Lamb and take comfort in the fact that His purposes - even though mysterious from a human perspective - will not be thwarted, he said. This should lead Christians to worship God in awe and wonder, he added.

"That Lamb is the crucified, risen, exalted and now reigning Lord Jesus Christ," Alexander said. "He is the key to history, the key to life. Christ is the key to every mystery that life brings to us because He was slain and with His blood purchased a people for God.

"That is the central thing about the whole of history. It is the building of the church, which is the central element in history. When that work is done and when the church of Jesus Christ is complete, that is when God will bring down the curtain on the affairs of this sad world. May God help us that we may have that special view of the world which comes from dwelling near the throne."


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: faith; godisholy; iraqifreedom; sovereigntyofgod; thegospel
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Eric Alexander

1 posted on 04/08/2003 3:45:52 PM PDT by Dubya
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To: Dubya
"God is in control of all the events of history, including warfare"

Absolutely, No amount of technology or power can be counted on. If the Lord turns against you, "All your technologies are His" and can and will be used against you.

2 posted on 04/08/2003 3:53:54 PM PDT by DannyTN (Note left on my door by a pack of neighborhood dogs.)
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To: DannyTN
Thats true. Thanks for bring it out.

Saddam craped in his own mess gear and its all over for him on this earth.
3 posted on 04/08/2003 4:00:11 PM PDT by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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To: Dubya
"Thy will be done..."

Though I pray too for goodness, right and truth in us to carry it out.

4 posted on 04/08/2003 4:04:05 PM PDT by onedoug
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To: onedoug
Thanks onedoug.
5 posted on 04/08/2003 4:06:02 PM PDT by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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To: DannyTN
If so, God really screwed up on 9/11.
6 posted on 04/08/2003 4:07:38 PM PDT by RJCogburn (Yes, it's bold talk)
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To: RJCogburn
"If so, God really screwed up on 9/11. "

Really! How so? What do you know of His ways and purposes?

Being sovereign doesn't mean that everything bad in this world is His fault. He allows evil to exist for a time, for His purposes, which I suspect are many. He gave man free will. And He gave man dominion over the earth. But He still grants and removes authority according to His will.

7 posted on 04/08/2003 4:13:49 PM PDT by DannyTN (Note left on my door by a pack of neighborhood dogs.)
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To: DannyTN
Really! How so?

Without getting into some theological argument, it is pretty obvious how.

8 posted on 04/08/2003 4:22:12 PM PDT by RJCogburn (Yes, it's bold talk)
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To: DannyTN
I would suggest that he knows exactly the same as you, or anyone else, do on the subject.
9 posted on 04/08/2003 4:27:39 PM PDT by US admirer
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To: US admirer
I would suggest that he knows exactly the same as you, or anyone else, do on the subject.

Not exactly, but relatively about the same amount. One small difference. I know that I don't know enough to accuse God of "screwing up".

10 posted on 04/08/2003 4:32:17 PM PDT by DannyTN (Note left on my door by a pack of neighborhood dogs.)
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To: BibChr
Ping...
11 posted on 04/08/2003 5:13:58 PM PDT by MikeD (Why yes, I AM a rocket scientist)
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To: RJCogburn
RJCogburn (Yes, it's bold talk)

Also fairly arrogant!

Come out and play Rooster!

12 posted on 04/08/2003 5:15:36 PM PDT by STD
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To: DannyTN
Got to agree with you. God doesn't screw up. He NEVER has. He is incapable of "screwing up" because He is perfect.

Anyone who believes in GOD knows that.

Also, if we acknowledge there is GOOD, we must also believe, just as strongly, that there is EVIL.

Man (mankind) was given free will. It is how we live our lives that determines our "eternal" outcome.

God didn't screw up on 9/11, evil did, evil men did. "EVIL" happened that day. Those who committed that EVIL crime against humanity and I might add to God that day, have met their eternal fate. I bet knowing what they know now, they would change their decision. They are finding out first hand how long eternity is...

This life is but the "blink of an eye" compared to eternity. Knowing that, and having a "free will".. we are all to strive to do things which are pleasing to God. Even knowing that, some people choose the dark side. It really is as simple as that.

I'm not saying those that are questioning "why God would let this happen" are bad people or non-believers, NOT AT ALL. I just think if they search the Bible a little more, they will find the answers. Do some research on Christian sites asking the question "Why do bad things happen to good people". There are tons of scripture out there to help all people through times that are hard to understand.

Even when there doesn't seem to be answers, when we just can't find the answer to our questions,.. there is scripture that will comfort peoples hearts. But I honestly believe that if a person keeps reading, they will find scripture or verse that will answer their questions. Many answers are in how Jesus responded to things. Like when Lazarus died. Jesus CRIED out. He mourned him. (Which to us is proof that you are not an unbeliever if you mourn the loss of a loved one,..after all Jesus did!! Then Jesus raised him from the dead. Which was proof that our loved ones will live again).

Hard times.. for sure. Confusing times too. But we must always keep our eye on the TRUTH.

God is great.

Vets
13 posted on 04/08/2003 5:21:58 PM PDT by Vets_Husband_and_Wife
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To: MikeD
thanks
14 posted on 04/08/2003 5:26:41 PM PDT by BibChr (BILL CLINTON: obscure 20th-c fig, name eventually struck from Presidential role [22nd Cent Enc])
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To: All
And I am glad that our President understands this. We are more blessed than we deserve by far....
15 posted on 04/08/2003 5:30:39 PM PDT by rwfromkansas (God Reigns!)
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To: DannyTN
There is really no point in talking to folks like RJ....they can't consider the things of God.
16 posted on 04/08/2003 5:31:28 PM PDT by rwfromkansas (God Reigns!)
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To: Vets_Husband_and_Wife
Good reply! Free will means men are free to choose good as well as evil, though God weeps to see it. And sometimes good grows out of evil. While (as C.S. Lewis says in one of the Narnia books) we are never told what would have happened, consider that 9-11 as horrible as it was may have shocked this country out of its complacency lest worse befall us (Smallpox? Nerve gas? Nuclear obliteration of large cities?)

This minister sounds like he knows what's what. One of the faults of the Episcopal Church is a deficiency in really good preaching. In our fairly large church, we have two priests who couldn't preach their way out of a paper bag, one talented newbie who needs some experience, one reasonably good preacher, and one genius who is on fire for God. (I guess I shouldn't complain.)

I don't know what it is about the Scots Presbys, but they seem to have more than their fair share of really good preachers. My complaint with our average Southern jackleg preacher is that they bring plenty of emotion but insufficient scholarship to the task, but Scots preachers always seem to come loaded for bear as far as scholarship is concerned. At the same time they have that fire that Episcopalians and Catholics often lack.

The cool accent doesn't hurt either. :-D

17 posted on 04/08/2003 5:35:56 PM PDT by AnAmericanMother (. . . there is nothing new under the sun.)
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To: AnAmericanMother
I would alter your statement somewhat. We do choose our actions, but our actions fall within God's plan ultimately; they never fall out of his plan and fulfill a predetermined course for the world that is not just a big overview necessarily, but more. A sparrow can't fall out of a tree without God ALLOWING it to happen.
18 posted on 04/08/2003 5:39:44 PM PDT by rwfromkansas (God Reigns!)
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To: Dubya
During times of war and suffering, Christians must look to the Lamb and take comfort in the fact that His purposes - even though mysterious from a human perspective - will not be thwarted, he said. This should lead Christians to worship God in awe and wonder, he added.

"That Lamb is the crucified, risen, exalted and now reigning Lord Jesus Christ," Alexander said. "He is the key to history, the key to life. Christ is the key to every mystery that life brings to us because He was slain and with His blood purchased a people for God.


Amen!
19 posted on 04/08/2003 5:44:21 PM PDT by k2blader ("Mercy, detached from Justice, grows unmerciful." - C. S. Lewis)
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To: Vets_Husband_and_Wife
Man (mankind) was given free will

Uhh, where is that written?
20 posted on 04/08/2003 5:55:36 PM PDT by Gamecock (As seen on Taglinus FreeRepublicus - 5th Edition)
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