Augustine believed that human evil stems from human free will and the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, while natural evil, which we discussed in our previous letter, is a consequence of our fallen nature and moral failure.
So, murder, rape, genocide, assault, and war are all examples of Human Evil – people choosing to inflict death and suffering on others.
God doesn’t force anyone to behave morally anymore than he forces anyone to believe on Jesus Christ as savior. We each have unconditional free-will and we all live with the benefits, and consequences, of that remarkable freedom.
You can’t blame God for the evil free-will choices of people. But you can ask, “Why does God permit the innocent (sometimes) to suffer?”
Well, here’s the uncomfortable truth: God can and does shield from harm those who seek His divine protection as they ask in faith – everyone else is on their own, and if they live outside God’s hedge of protection, it’s because they choose to be on their own.
Now listen, there are times and circumstances when people of faith will voluntarily confront human evil knowing that they may be harmed or even killed. Their reasons for doing that are between God and them.
There are also times when people of faith wander outside the castle and the King’s protection, so to speak, through disobedience, willful ignorance, or plain old rebellion. Bad things can happen when that occurs.
And finally, there are times when the bad things that bad people do to good people are simply inexplicable – only God knows the whys and wherefores. 1 Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
So, while suffering and pain is hard to understand and bear while going through it, no matter how awful or how long one has to endure it, it is infinitesimally brief compared to what God has in store for those that love Him.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…
Once again, I hope our correspondence has provided some answers, or at least some food for thought, as we sit out our time together here on death row.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted a Russian brigade responsible for a recent missile strike that killed civilians. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Russia and the U.S. continue, though peace talks remain challenging. – From Sky News
As Anti-Hamas Protests Gather, Christians Stay Away
“In a rare show of defiance, thousands of Gazans took to the streets of the northern city of Beit Lahia and other cities in the past few weeks, demanding Hamas step down and end the war. Videos from the protests, which started two weeks ago, show protesters chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas get out!” and carrying banners with the words “Hamas does not represent us.” Demonstrations lasted three days before scattered protests resumed last week.“ From Christianity Today
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns of Global Security Threat Amid Russia’s War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russia’s ongoing invasion could escalate into a broader global conflict. He emphasized that the security of the entire world is at stake if Ukraine and its allies do not stand firm against Russian aggression. From CBS News
How did we get the Bible? Isn’t it just a book written by men? Ten episodes, each one between 5 and 8 minutes long, to help anyone at any level learn how to read and better understand the Bible.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the sixth and final installment in this series on prayer by Steve Sann.
Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
In this verse, God isn’t trying to decree a minimum prayer requirement, or else He would say: “…pray 3.5 hours per day. Increase as needed.” Rather, He is emphasizing to us that we should pray to the greatest degree possible—at every available opportunity.
So, this is a commandment that each of us can live up to. God’s desire for us, then, is really more of an adjustment of attitude and priority than it is an edict. You are the one who determines your potential, the “greatest degree possible” for your lifestyle. And, probably that “greatest degree possible” will increase as you regularly exercise your ability. Paul disciplined himself until he spoke in tongues more that all the Corinthian church.
As we see, these figures breathe life into our understanding of God’s heart toward prayer. Particularly in this verse this is evident, as Ephesians 6:18 contains not just one, but four absolutes: one “always” and three “all’s”. Each emphasizes a different direction to us regarding prayer. Each gives force to a specific aspect of prayer, each worthy of our focus. For ease, all four are broken-out below. Each figure of speech is used to answer these ques*ons regarding our prayer responsibility: when, what, how and for whom prayer should be made.
When? “Praying always What? …with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, How? …being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication For whom? …for all the saints.”
Or, to restate this in everyday understanding:
We are to be… • ‘Always praying’ at every available opportunity; • Offering ‘all prayer’ that’s needed for each specific situation; • With ‘all endurance’ while vigilantly being on watch and guarding by your prayer; • For ‘all the saints’.
Woven into this one verse are all the exhortations needed for us to move prayer up to the top of our daily “To Do” list. The priority of prayer has clearly and squarely been placed upon our shoulders.
In passing, please note that the believers of the first century commonly referred to speaking in tongues as praying in the spirit. As a matter of fact, every reference in the New Testament to praying, speaking, singing, praising, worshipping or crying in, with or by the spirit, when directed from man to God, we find is related to speaking in tongues! This is why, in Ephesians 6:18, we are encouraged to pray in tongues “always…in the spirit.”
From Task & Purpose – The U.S. Air National Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing is sending several A‑10 Thunderbolt II aircraft—and more than 300 airmen—into the CENTCOM area of responsibility. This deployment, set for a 180‑day period, underscores the U.S. military’s intensified buildup in the region as it responds not only to renewed hostilities with Houthi forces in Yemen but also to ongoing counter‑ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria. The surge is viewed as part of broader efforts to maintain readiness amid escalating tensions and frequent missile threats toward U.S. Navy assets.
Iran and the U.S. to Hold Nuclear Talks via Oman
From Al Jazeera – In a noteworthy diplomatic development, Iranian officials have confirmed that indirect negotiations with the United States will take place in Oman focusing on Iran’s contentious nuclear program. Though the talks are set against a backdrop of long‑standing mistrust—with U.S. leadership at times casting doubt on Iran’s motives—this move is being seen as an opening for dialogue and possibly a fresh start to addressing nuclear non‑proliferation concerns. The arrangement highlights the complex interplay of diplomacy and strategic interests in the region.
Arrests in Lebanon Following Rocket Attacks on Israel
From The Independent – Lebanese security forces have detained three individuals—two Lebanese nationals and one Syrian—over their alleged involvement in rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon into Israeli territory. While militant groups such as Hezbollah have denied direct involvement, the arrests underscore the volatile environment along the Lebanese border and the persistent threat of cross‑border attacks that continue to heighten regional insecurity.
Editors note: the guest article appearing here does not necessarily reflect the views of Bible Rebel editors or other guest authors and contributors. Bible Rebel seeks to present a wide range of ideas and viewpoints in order to fulfill our mission to provide resources for “Curious Fearless Faith”.This is the fifth installment in an ongoing series on prayer by Steve Sann.
Paul encouraged his people to speak in tongues much. So, how much is much?
Ephesians 6:18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Not one lent to underachievement, Paul instructs us to pray “always…in the spirit.” So, how much should we pray? Always!
“Always” is literally: “at every opportunity.” We are to seize every available opportunity to pray in the spirit! Like the needle of a compass swinging north, we can coach ourselves to routinely resume praying in the spirit at each available pause throughout our day.
“Always” describes an absolute amount. One cannot pray more than “always”— which is what characterizes it as an “absolute”. Also, since we physically are unable to literally pray “always” without pausing, this usage then must be a figure of speech.
To appreciate the force of God’s encouragement here, it is helpful to understand this figure of speech. Absolutes, like always, all, never and ever are often used in language as figures of speech, adding greater emphasis and more intense feeling than a literal description possibly could.
For example, “She’s always smiling,” emphasizes that Susan is exceptionally cheerful—one of the sunniest people we know. Now, we all know that Susan isn’t literally always smiling (which might otherwise warn of a medical condition!), yet somehow this figurative description rings more true to fact than should one state the dry facts themselves; e.g., “Of her waking hours, Susan appears to smile, on average, over 46% of the time.”
Instead, this figure brings to light the deeper truth, conveying, with feelings, God’s true heart on the matter. In this verse, God isn’t trying to decree a minimum prayer requirement, or else He would say: “…pray 3.5 hours per day. Increase as needed.” Rather, He is emphasizing to us that we should pray to the greatest degree possible—at every available opportunity.
