It's just bad luck.

[LeftBehind]

One view holds that luck is that which happens beyond a person's control. This means that luck stands in opposition to one's control, but not to causation. This view incorporates phenomena that are chance happenings, a person's place of birth for example, but where there is no uncertainty involved, or where the uncertainty is irrelevant. Within this framework one can differentiate between three different types of luck:

1. Constitutional luck, that is, luck with factors that cannot be changed. Place of birth and genetic constitution are typical examples.

2. Circumstantial luck, that is, luck with factors that are haphazardly brought on.

3. Ignorance luck, that is, luck with factors one does him or hers self.

Well at least we have control of one of them. But is it enough?

[cmc]

LeftBehind,
Welcome to our forum and thanks for sharing here.

I don't believe luck is enough. (Except when I'm playing Monopoly lol)

But seriously, according to the bible, God is in control. Yes we do things that can change our lives and we suffer consequences as a result of sin. I still believe that He is in control over all of it.

"Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth...He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation together." Colossians 1:16-17

Some of the items you listed are a result of the fall. I just read in today's paper an article by Rev. Bob Coy where he said:
"When God created the Earth, it was in a perfect state of existence. Unfortunately when mankind fell, so fell nature (Romans 8:20-22)....That's not to suggest that God is out of control since that would be inconsistent with his sovereignty."

In my view nothing happens to me that is out of His sight and He allows it,
with every intention of good for me and/or to bring glory to Himself.

I do like your #3 though because you are right that is the one thing we can choose freely to learn and grow in Christ.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us here and I hope you will make yourself at home here!

cmc

[Over_It]

I heard that "Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation."

[LeftBehind]

Regarding your assertion that earth was created in a "perfect state of existence"; I've read a number of books on creation models and the one you are referring to would be the young earth creation model currently championed by the para-church organzation Answers In Genesis, started by Ken Ham, who was mentored by the recently deceased Henry M. Morris of the Creation Research Institute in San Diego, CA who was made famous in Christian circles by co-authoring The Genesis Flood which was basically a rip off of George McCready Price's The New Geology which was influenced by the "visions" of the Seventh Day Adventist false "prophetess" Ellen G. White in which Price believed every word she said as if it was the Word of God. In all fairness, Morris was also heavily influenced by Ussher though (Primate of All Ireland between 1625–1656). He made a large number of mistakes too though in his famous chronology. Honestly, these creation dating discussions weren't a big deal in the church until modern Darwinian evolution arose.

So, rather than tear apart young earth creationism yet again (not hard to do but it is a discussion which consumes a lot of time because of the scope of information involved), I'll just say that the only creation models I see that pass the test are progressive creation models. RTB's model, for example, is scientifically defendable even to scientists who are ardent atheists as a competent and scientifically rigorous model deserving to compete in that culture war.

I find the current and ongoing war between creation models kind of boring now as I've been the whole route regarding that and also because it is really is not even a salvation issue.

As for God being in control: without a doubt. Nevertheless, freewill exists (and I would argue chance exists in the current observable reality). Take as much statistics as I have and you'll see what I mean. There's definitely structure in the mathematical science behind chance yet I assert that chance exists nevertheless. Luck.. well... that's just a fun word to me.

Originally Posted by cmc

LeftBehind,
Welcome to our forum and thanks for sharing here.

I don't believe luck is enough. (Except when I'm playing Monopoly lol)

But seriously, according to the bible, God is in control. Yes we do things that can change our lives and we suffer consequences as a result of sin. I still believe that He is in control over all of it.

"Christ is the one through whom God created everything in heaven and earth...He existed before everything else began, and He holds all creation together." Colossians 1:16-17

Some of the items you listed are a result of the fall. I just read in today's paper an article by Rev. Bob Coy where he said:
"When God created the Earth, it was in a perfect state of existence. Unfortunately when mankind fell, so fell nature (Romans 8:20-22)....That's not to suggest that God is out of control since that would be inconsistent with his sovereignty."

In my view nothing happens to me that is out of His sight and He allows it,
with every intention of good for me and/or to bring glory to Himself.

I do like your #3 though because you are right that is the one thing we can choose freely to learn and grow in Christ.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us here and I hope you will make yourself at home here!

cmc

[cmc]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing. I personally believe in a young earth but choose not to debate it but instead keep the focus on the saving work of Jesus. Young or old earth...the gospel and creation are the same.
I appreciate your input and also like Dwight Ham's work. I'm glad you shared this part in particular:

RTB's model, for example, is scientifically defendable even to scientists who are ardent atheists as a competent and scientifically rigorous model

Believing the bible does not have to contradict good science!

I 'get' what you mean by the word 'luck' and it's a common term....much of life unfolds as according to the natural laws...which can be random. It's always good to discuss how He has set our world in motion. I'm glad we agree that He is Lord over all...omipotent and omiprescient!! (omni-everything!) Linear Western thought process makes it very difficult to understand much less explain how God can give us free will- yet know in advance what we will choose. I guess that's why He's God!!!
Thank God...that He ...IS... "The great I AM!"
cmc

[LeftBehind]

You seem like a cool person to me. You appear to be someone who isn't afraid to be honest about what they believe yet does so in wise manner recognizing that they don't know everything. Obviously I don't either. Your reply showed maturity and that always impresses me. Peace.

Originally Posted by cmc

Hi,
Thanks for sharing. I personally believe in a young earth but choose not to debate it but instead keep the focus on the saving work of Jesus. Young or old earth...the gospel and creation are the same.
I appreciate your input and also like Dwight Ham's work. I'm glad you shared this part in particular:
Believing the bible does not have to contradict good science!

I 'get' what you mean by the word 'luck' and it's a common term....much of life unfolds as according to the natural laws...which can be random. It's always good to discuss how He has set our world in motion. I'm glad we agree that He is Lord over all...omipotent and omiprescient!! (omni-everything!) Linear Western thought process makes it very difficult to understand much less explain how God can give us free will- yet know in advance what we will choose. I guess that's why He's God!!!
Thank God...that He ...IS... "The great I AM!"
cmc

[cmc]

LB,
oh my...thank you for such kind words. There seems to be no end to what we can share about the Lord and I'm always willing to hear what He has to say through others.
I'll have to say that we are all very 'lucky' (lol- Thank You, Lord.) to have a place like SR where we can share both our recovery and our faith in Christ.
Keep coming back.
cmc

[IO Storm]

Leftbehind, cmc;

I'd like to add my thoughts: CS Lewis/ Big Bang Fan

Personally I believe the Big Bang was the point that set

the whole shebang in motion. I find gaps in Creationism

and huge loopholes in Evolution theories. (huge) The image

I have always seen, and I have studied, and I have prayed,

and it is this: The very hand, the fingertip of God as it

were, flinging the point of the universe , the silence, the

void, and then the explosion of that indescribable light

into existence, the universe, galaxies, solar systems,

expansion. And then....a breathing out of Himself all the

souls, shining parts of Himself. To where? I do not not

know. Other worlds? Of course. He is their Most High as

well. This is our world for now, His creation, Mother Earth.

But you see, she could shake us off at any time as a

doggie shakes fleas. She trembles daily and cries and

burns as global warming hurts her. But; the time will not

come until her Creator says "You're release is at hand."

There is daily flooding, earthquakes tremble, fires,

volcanoes, hurricanes. It seems she is so tired of what we

have done to her, and now meterorites threaten to

disfigure. Not until her Creator says "Come away", not

until the last one of His children will curl up into His Hand.

He waits. He calls, Ye who are weary, tired, brokenhearted.

Who is in prison, now is the time for freedom.

Come away.

Thanks for letting me share.


Love,

:

Sherry

[IO Storm]

cmc, LB, Over It, sure did not mean to hijack this one, but I couldn't

get it out of my system. This really drove me back to my Bible for

furthur study:


[Ro 8:19-22]:

(v. 19) "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.

(v. 20) For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the One Who subjected it ..

(v. 21) that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

(v. 22) We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

(v. 23) Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Now, a really beautiful verse I was looking for and found
here is in the Book of Revelations:

a) [Rev 21:1]:

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first

heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there

was no longer any sea."


I read a book that explained this long ago, that the "new earth" would

have no need for any "sea" because the seas constantly purify and

cleanse our planet with it's salt. The high content of the salt in the water,

the motion, tides, and constant interaction that sweeps around the world

clears decay and the byproduts of death away. The seas keep keep our

home habitable.

The new earth will have no more death and decay, there will be no need

for a purifying sea.

What a beautiful concept; no more death, sorrow, grief of loss.

I would ask for a sea and a beach for play, though.

I can almost see that new world.

Love,

:

Sherry

What a beautiful concept.

[LeftBehind]

We're looking for that new creation someday IO Storm. But we'll have to answer at the judgement seat of Christ. I hate trials personally and am not looking forward to that but we have an advocate with the Father and it will be worth it I think to enter heaven afterwards.

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

[cmc]

Maranatha -"Amen; come, Lord Jesus" (Rev 22:20)

[IO Storm]

Amen.

Ooh. I get excited. Please bear with me.

[Fluttering]

cmc and Lb...Thank you ...the strory of creation has been and will continue to be an issue of debate among many circles of people.
and as cmc stated..our life is in Christ Jesus and the gift he was by our Loving Father.

If, we limit ourselves and our beliefs and allow them to be formed by the world systtem.our view of life will always be limited. Wouldn't it be better to remain in the presios precious present and See God's loving hand at work in our life and cearly recognize His tools of transformation. If we limit ourselves we see unneccessary suffering and the apparent abssence of God. Proverbs 1:7 tells us "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.

Clearly God is calling us to a closer and more meaningful relationship as we strive to be and walk in the sunlight of the spirit, calling us to love Him and trust Him more. We will never ttruly grow closer until we examine the very fabric of our hearts and the foundation of our beliefs. in recovery i was taught the steps get us to do that . they are designed to Uncover, Discover, Discard and then finally in acceptance to Recover freiom a seemingly hoopeless state of mind and body. it is with the comminnuion with God and the Praise and worship we give for His son that we begin to be transformed.

it is by God's grace I am here today ..It is becasue Jesus Himself carried me in the eye of the storm that I can testify to the trasnsformation of my life. It is by the act of forgiveness and where that gift came from, the blood shed on the cross, that we can gain victory and pass the test of eternity.

Thank you for allowing me to share