Published with permission from Kurt Jarvis.

When global tragedy happens it is not uncommon for Christians to wonder why God allows such things to occur. The Bible, God’s Word, can help give us understanding of these situations.

In Luke 13:1-5 we read an account where this very issue of tragedy is discussed. This account is of a time when Pilate had murdered many from Galilee and had used their blood in pagan sacrifices. Jesus answered the questions asked by many if this was God’s punishment by posing a question Himself. He asked those around him “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? … Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?”

Here are two examples of tragedies, one that was the direct action of a person (Pilate). The other tragedy might have been from a natural disaster such as an earthquake or negligence by those who constructed the tower. In both incidences people died. Jesus clarified that it was wrong to think that these people died because they were worse sinners than others. Jesus also said that when these things happen it should be a wake up call to everyone to consider their own relationship with God.

If we think global disasters are God’s judgment on people we are going against the very words of Jesus. Earthquakes happen because this is the way the earth was created; they are part of nature and what makes life. Scripture does not support that they are events triggered by God against certain nations or people. It is part of nature, part of life and part of death. Jesus calmed the storm when he was in the boat with His disciples but Jesus did not end storms forever. Storms, earthquakes and tsunamis are all part of nature.

The real question is how we respond to God and others when such tragedies happen. These tragedies are not much different than when a family member dies or becomes terminally ill. It is the same pain only in global disasters multiplied many thousands of time. In these difficult times we are reminded that God loves and cares for each of us. While thousands might be swept into eternity when a disaster happens, those who know God and have their faith and trust in God are also swept into the very presence of God. For those that know Christ, the scriptures remind us to be gone from our earthly bodies is to be immediately present with God.

When tragedy happens. Jesus is there with the victims and there with those who minister to the victims. Jesus understands the pain they are going through because he went through physical pain as well. He is there to help and comfort and God also gives us the responsibility to respond and give help and comfort too.

When tragedy happens this is our opportunity to renew our faith and be reminded that when we reach out to others that are in need, we are being followers of Jesus. It was Jesus who told us when we help those who are suffering it is the same as helping him. Matthew 25:31-40

This is where we can . . . understand the biblical principles of faith hope and love in the midst of global tragedy; Faith, that God is in control and God cares for every victim. Hope in knowing that there is place of peace for all who know Christ as Savior, and the Love that we can show in practical ways through responding to help victims and countries, especially in times of disaster.

Thank you again for all those who submitted questions during the Pastor's Forum regarding the Holy Spirit.  Below are some of the questions and answers from Sunday, Jan 3rd.  We encourage you to read through some of these Scripture passages yourself as you seek to understand the Holy Spirit better.  May it lead to life change for you.

Q. Who is the Holy Spirit?
A. The Holy Spirit is God.  He was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2), inspired the writing of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21), and has the same attributes as God (omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence).  Some think of the Holy Spirit as a spiritual "force", but He is a person, that shows feelings, has a will and directs the activities of Christians.

Q. What is the Holy Spirit's role?
A. Jesus said he would send him to us (John 14:16) and he would do various things.  He would: Be our helper (John 14:26-27), Guide us (John 16:13), Comfort us (John 14:16-17), Intercede for us with God (Romans 8:26), Teach us (1 Corinthians 2:13), Convict us of sin (John 16:8-10), Bring life (2 Corinthians 3:6).  This list is not exhaustive, but shows us that the Holy Spirit is God with us, helping us to live.

Q. How do we get the Holy Spirit and can we lose Him?
A. When we accept Jesus' sacrifice for us, and let Him be Lord of our lives, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us.  The Holy Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:16) and we have Him because of Jesus (Romans 8:9).  We cannot lose Him, any more than we can lose our salvation.  Even when we don't feel like it, we can be assured because of the promises in God's Word, that the Holy Spirit is still living in us as followers of Jesus.

Q. If we have the Holy Spirit, and he is God, how come we still sin?
A. Even though we have been forgiven and have the Holy Spirit, w still have a sin nature.  That is why we are told to be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).  Since we already have ALL of the Holy Spirit, it becomes a matter of surrendering and increasing amount of ourselves to the Spirit.  He wants us to yield control to Him and be transformed (Romans 12:1-2).  This means that when the Holy Spirit prompts us with regards to our behavior and actions, we are to listen, change, obey and follow Him.  We don't do this in our own self control, but through his power (Ephesians 3:16-17).  So even as the Holy Spirit points out things in our lives that need to conform to Him, we need to ask Him to give us the power and strength to do it.  There are no shortcuts.  If we want to hear from Him how to live, and have His strength to change and grow, we need to be in daily contact, a constant relationship with Him. 

Q. I've heard speaking in tongues is a sign you are filled with the Spirit.  Is that true?
A. The Bible describes speaking in tongues as a supernatural gift to communicate for a time in another language that you do not even know, such that it can benefit other people.  It is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are listed in Scripture (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4).  So while speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit, it is not required to speak in tongues, nor is it the evidence that you are filled with the Spirit.  Rather, the best evidence of a Spirit filled life are the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which we are supposed to continually grow in throughout our lives. 

Q. So when I feel guilty, is that me or the Holy Spirit?
A. One of the Holy Spirit's roles is to convict us of sin (John 16:8-10) and so he will point out those things in our lives (if we are listening) that need to change.  The guilt that comes from the Holy Spirit is purposeful, always directing us towards Jesus, to make us more like Him.  Yet he never condemns us, or makes us feel worthless.  He are of inestimable value to Him, and in fact, the Holy Spirit is the one who proves we have Jesus (1 John 4:13).  We feel guilt and shame often when we continue to sin and struggle, and we feel worthless because of our inability to change.  That is not from the Spirit.  He loves us and prompts us to change, but all the while loving us unconditionally.

Q. Why does this all matter?
A. Colossians 2:6 tells us that we are to live in the same way that we accepted Jesus Christ.  This means that just as we are saved through no effort, ability or talents on our own, we need to live day by day in total dependence on the Holy Spirit.  No matter what our circumstances or life situation, the Spirit longs to teach us, guide us, comfort us, and transform us to be more like Christ.  We cannot change to become more like Christ on our own, through our own self effort.  We cannot have any lasting impact in our world without all our activites being directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  As followers of Jesus, we need to daily surrender to Him, to ask Him to guide our actions by the Holy Spirit, and then (and ONLY then), will we see the change and impact in and through our lives that we desire.