From The Pastor's Desk - A Final Word from Pastor Dale

I have often wondered why God allows evil to remain in this world. Why has He allowed Satan to continue getting in our way? God the Father created us through Jesus. I have concluded that God is testing us, just as He tested Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Of all the fruit trees, they had to pick the one He told them to leave alone. Satan did the tempting then and still tempts us today. God tested Adam & Eve and He still tests us and our faithfulness today. But, having said this, the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us why God allows evil to stick around.  

We are aware that God knows everything. He already knows who is faithful and who is not. He knows who is heaven-bound and who is hell-bound. He gave us free will to test us for our benefit. He did not create us as robots. Why? Robots can’t love. They just do as they are programmed. We attempt to do as God wants because we recognize His love for us through our creation via our parents. He wants us in His heavenly home for all eternity as proven by Jesus’ suffering, death, resurrection, & ascension for our forgiveness & salvation.  

I note that prior to creating this solar system and all that exists in and around it, our Triune Godhead was alone. Always was and always will be. What love He showed us through our creation, plus all His gifts that were created within this solar system to use as He would have us do. They are today’s apple tree.  

1 Peter 4:12-13,16-17 reads: Beloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed… Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name [Christian]. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?

This is my final Seed Packet article. I leave you with the last prayer on page 306 in our hymnal.

“O  Gracious Father, You led Your holy apostles to ordain ministers for the proclamation of Your Word and the faithful administration of the Sacraments of Christ. Grant to this congregation the guidance of the Holy Spirit to choose a suitable pastor according to Your will for the blessing of Your Church in this place; through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (127) 

The Lord be with you, 

Pastor Dale Skurla