Johnph412

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? Why does he allow people to sin? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? It is easy to blame God for any of our failures or shortcomings in life but that seems to be more of a sign of immaturity or ignorance from not having a continuing relationship with God. When God created this world, He looked at all He had done and called it VERY GOOD. It was complete and perfect without evil, but through Adam, Eve, and Satan, evil and sin was introduced into this perfect world and to this day we are suffering the consequence. Like a disobedient child trying not to be punished, blame is put on anything, or anyone but themself. God cannot tempt anyone and He cannot be tempted. Through freewill he allows us to make choices in our life and like a father, urges us on to make the right choice but the choice is still ours in the end. I think God allows us to sin so that we can realize the difference between right and wrong and aim towards right in order to recieve the crown of life (James 1:12). If we are not continually making decisions, right or wrong, how do we expect to grow from our sin? In kind of the same way as the above, evil exists so we can grow and overcome evil and so the love of God can be seen.

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? Growing up (age-wise as well as spiritually), I can look back and see how God has always been in my life no matter what I was going through and no matter if I failed or succeeded. With that understanding now, it is much easier to "consider it pure joy" when I am facing trials. It also gives me experience to help and encourage others that may be facing trials of one kind or another. How can I be compassionate to my fellow man if I am not understanding what they are going through also? So I take these trials now as life lessons so I can stand strong as one of Gods' children.

Hi! My name is John, I'm 44 and from Coweta, Oklahoma. I'm a part time youth minister here and am looking forward to this on-line Bible study of James. I am a single dad of 3 boys but I also claim my other 15 kids in youth as my own also! We are a small but tight group and I look forward to sharing what I learn here with them.