Why do you hate God? - Joey Ferrell

Some years ago, a brother in Christ was riding in the car with me and a few other preachers returning from dinner to a conference. A conversation came up regarding a certain questionable action that some were in disagreement of whether it was a serious issue or not. This particular question was about a strong suggestion regarding people swimming at the public venue (hotel/conference center) where we were at. All of a sudden, this brother said “why do you hate swimming?”

Well, we all laughed at the question because it really came out of nowhere. It was a funny thought. If someone disagreed with one or the other, then the implication was that they hated that question/subject/action. Maybe you had to be there, but it was quite amusing. And then, it became a normal question, that some of us that were in that vehicle still use today.

A plethora of questions arose. “Why do you hate drinking?” “Why do you hate cussing?” “Why do you hate lying?” and then the ultimate one… “Why do you hate sin?” Well...that one had a pretty universal answer. We should hate sin because God hates sin and my Lord had to die because of sin!

But…here is the question of consideration.

“Why do you hate god?”

Most likely, if you have read this far you may be making a face, or thinking “who is this guy and who does he think he is asking such a question.” Well, I am the guy asking the question…because, the reality is that I have had to ask myself this question time and time again.

Why?

John 3:20 is the overpowering verse, stated by Jesus, that answers this question:

For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

Did you see that? EVERYONE who does evil….well, sin is evil, and sometimes I sin, as does everyone else that is human. Some are evident sins, others are secret sins. Some seem more serious than others, but sin is sin and sin is sin, and if I continue in sin and continue committing sin, then I am guilty of the evil that hates the Light, thus I could be one who asks the question of myself - why do you hate God?

This question is a serious one because it certainly has serious ramifications. The writer of Proverbs pens these words of God:

“But he who sins against me injures himself;

All those who hate me love death.”

Proverbs 8:36

Personally, I hate death, and I want to do better in my life each day. But, that requires admitting to myself and God that I have sinned against Him, as well as sometimes doing the same with others if my sin is against them. I cannot live day by day continuing in the sin that causes such a separation between me and God.

There is hope! There is forgiveness! There is unity with God!

Paul wrote to the young evangelist Titus and gave us that hope….but it is a hope in obedience, a hope that only can be found in the love of God and His mercy that puts those sins in the past where He will remember them no more against us! God provides that way for us, and we should desire that mercy and healing of our iniquities and no longer “hate God!”

 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3-7

I hope you find these verses an encouraging motivation for a brighter tomorrow. One thing is for sure, out of all of the questions posed above, or that you may think of, we can all answer the question of “why do you hate sin” with the answer of because I love God!

God loves you and so do I. May God bless.

Don't ever give up! - Joey Ferrell

In life, we all face some pretty tall mountains. There are hardships in family, detriment in finances, work may change for us in a moment’s notice. Health may turn south in the least appropriate times (if there ever is one). But…as a Christian, I know that I have hope!

I cant help but think about some of our brothers and sisters in the Bible who faced some pretty serious challenges. Think about Job. Consider Paul. How about Ruth. Elijah. The list can go on and on.

The biggest challenges that can ever be put before us, the largest “holes” in our lives, the most devastating of devastation can come…and we STILL have God on our side!

Faithful Christians have hope. We can know that the trials of this life are only temporary, even if they are unto death. What is the answer to these feelings of despair sometimes? Well, consider a few verses with me as we think about the encouragement we can have through the inspired words of the Holy Spirit:

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in Your word.

Psalm 119:114

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:24

This list of verses could go on and on. As a Christian, we can have our hearts eased, our minds rested, and our souls satisfied that God will “always have our back.”

I will close with just one additional verse that gives me a lot of hope, and I hope that it will you too:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21