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Bible Study: Why Do Christians Suffer? Part 1: Indentifying Causes

 

Why so many Christians suffer and fail to live the blessed, prosperous, healthy life of victory that is promised in the Word of God. Learn How Identify the causes of why Christians suffer in this summary of the Audio CD "What We Don't Know"

• Why Do Christians suffer?
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? 
• Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?  
• Why Do Christians Experience Suffering?
• Why Doesn't God Stop Disasters? 
• Why Do Christians Die Early
• Why is There Christian Suffering? 
• Why Hasn't God Healed Me?
• How Come I'm Not Prospering?
• Why Doesn't God Answer Me or My Prayers?

  

Brothers and Sisters,
These are the questions that so many people are asking? And the answer to all of these is found in Scripture. Find out why so many Christians fail to live the blessed life promised them in the Bible.

The following is a brief summary of the complete teaching
What We Don't Know Can Hurt us!
From the Series: "Why Christians Suffer".
 
Listen to the complete message on CD and discover the secrets of Why Christians Suffer. Learn how to stop the cycle of lack, sickness and suffering in your life! Discover how to begin to access the blessings of God on a consistent basis. 
Click here for details

Scripture Reference:
"As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like the godless people live: in the vanity of their mind. They are SELF-BANISHED and SEPARATED from the life of God with no share in it; this is because of their ignorance and willful blindness due to their hardness of heart"  [Ephesians 4:17 - CEV & AMP]
 
   


Why Do Christians Suffer?
The Bible makes it very clear why so many Christians fail to live the blessed, prosperous, healthy life of victory that is promised in the Word of God. It describes how Christians can separate themselves from the protection, prosperity, divine health and healing (the promises) that are their inherited rights in Christ.

Most Christians are reluctant to meditate on this subject because it shines a bright light on their REAL life instead of the life that they want to BELIEVE they are living.


Deceiving Ourselves:
Notice how the scripture above contains a reference to living "in the vanity of their minds".

[James 1: 22] states in very simple terms. If we just 'hear the word' but fail to 'do it' - then we are deceiving ourselves into thinking that we are something other that what we REALLY are. "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."

I know - very often people will say: "But I do believe in the Word of God!" - BUT READ James 1:22 again - It's NOT talking about believing - it's talking about DOING.

As James says in verse 25 that it is the 'doer' of the word that is blessed - not the one who only hears it: "But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues in it - not a forgetting what he hears - but DOING it - this man shall be blessed...."


But I'm Trying!
I realize that many ARE trying to do some of the Word of God - but how about ALL of it - and how consistent are we? Can we honestly say that we are doing ALL of it - ALL the time? 

Most Christians are doing one of the following:
Some of the Word some of the time
Some of the Word all of the time
• All of the Word some of time

But - if we experience problems that NEVER go away - and especially if they just get worse and worse - then either God is a liar (which we know is NOT the case) - or we are not doing ALL of the Word - ALL of the time - and that is what the problem is!


There are many references to this subject: 
[Psalm 1:1-3] states that ONLY the person who does ALL of the Word - ALL of the time will be blessed in EVERYTHING he/she does.

It is not the one who hears it that is blessed - neither is it the one who 'knows' it - it is the one who hears - and knows - and DOES it!

Can We answer honestly?
Think carefully about this question: When we compare what the life of a Christian should be - as described in the Bible - with the life of those Christians we know (including yourself) - how does it stack up?

-- Are we walking in divine health?
-- Are we walking in divine prosperity (debt free, no car payment, mortgage etc...)?
-- Is our spouse saved and following the Lord? 
-- What about our children, and relatives?
-- Is our home a peaceful refuge, filled with love? 
-- Are our children obedient - honoring their parents? 
-- Are the PARENTS honoring THEIR parents?
-- Is our marriage one that is filled with love, and honor?
-- Do we have the respect of their employers? 
-- Do we receive the best promotions, highest paying positions, best jobs, extra bonuses etc?

All of these, and more, are PROMISES of God for the Christian - providing we are 'doers of the Word'. [Read: Deut. 28; 1-14]


The simple truth is this:
The majority of Christians are NOT living the blessed life that is described in the Bible.
Sad, but very true! 

We may very well be experiencing some great blessing in some areas of our life - but at the same time many are having great problems and difficulties in other areas!

Why is this so?
The reason is because the areas where we are having problems - are the same areas where the word of God is NOT being properly applied. 

In other words, even though we might be tithing, giving, attending church regularly, serving in ministry, etc - many are still failing to do what the Word of God says in other areas such as:
• Our marriage
• Our business
• Our job
• other areas

And because of this - even though we might be blessed in some areas where we are DOING the Word - many are experiencing problems in the other areas where they are either lacking knowledge of what the Word of God says regarding their problem - or they are simply not applying it as they should. (We recommend that you listen to the audio message "The Awesome Power of the Name" listed in our Audio Broadcast Section).


Are You Saying That Christians Can be Separated From the Promises of God?
The Bible is very clear on the subject even though many Christians believe otherwise!

READ the Scriptures: 
"As a follower of the Lord, I order you to stop living like the godless people live: in the vanity of their mind. They are SELF-BANISHED and SEPARATED from the life of God with no share in it; this is because of their ignorance and willful blindness due to their hardness of heart " [Ephesians 4:17 - CEV & AMP]

"Be therefore followers of God, as dear children.... And walk in love, ..... But as saints do not let any sexual impurity, or uncleanness, be named among you even once ..... Neither should you allow any filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, or envy, or bitterness, unforgiveness, or gossip, or resentment, or fighting and arguing which are not convenient ... but rather giving of thanks. 

For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, will share in any of the inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 

And, be careful that you let no man deceive you with vain words: for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience. - - Therefore do NOT be partakers with them." [Eph 5: 1-7]


Did You See it?
Did you notice that it is possible to be 'self-banished' - or - 'separated' from the blessings of God simply by improper words or conduct!

The people described in Eph 4:17 are 'self-banished' - they did it themselves - and they are separated from the blessings and life of God with no share in it; this is because of their ignorance and 'willful' blindness due to their hardness of heart."

Now that doesn't mean they aren't "saved" - it simply means that the blessings that come along with their salvation are not available to them because they have separated themselves from them."


Examine Ourselves:
If the average Christian were to examine himself/herself carefully - instead of looking at everybody else - we would find that in some areas - (if not many) - our time is spent 'living' like just like the unbelievers - the ungodly - with little time at all actually concerned with the plan of God for our life.

True, we go to church, we pray (when a crisis arises), we put something in the offering plate; we try to live a 'good' life.

But let's be honest here: For the most part, the average Christian is living THEIR life - not the one that God pre-ordained for them - and most have little interest or concern about what God might have to say about it.

Yes, we acknowledge that that God does have a plan for us. But let's face it - the average Christian makes little or no effort at all to find out exactly WHAT that plan is. Consequently most just go along living their life, doing what we please, making our own plans, etc.

"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." [Phil: 2:21]


Does This Describe Anyone?
As a Rule: The Average Christian:
• Chooses our own career - and changes it if we don't like it
• Takes the job we want, and quits when we feel like it.
• Lives where we want, and moves when and where we feel like it
• Dates who we want (even if the other person is NOT a believer)
• Marries whom we want (even if the other person is NOT a believer)
• Buys what we want - when we want it
• Sells as we please
• Attends the church that we want
• Schedules their life according to our wants, needs and whims
• Votes for whomever we want - even if the candidate holds views contrary to Bible teaching


What's So Bad About That?
Because there are consequences for decision we make - and everything we do!

Yet, even though the Word clearly teaches that we are to 'Acknowledge and consult the Lord in EVERYTHING we do' [Prov: 3:6] - for the most part the average Christian fails to do this - and then we wonder why we face the problems they do.

Most are confused, and bewildered as to why things are NOT like the Bible says they should be - and more often then not - we blame it on the devil - instead of placing the blame where it lies - with us!


Our Plans Versus God's plans:
"For I know the plans that I have for you, says the LORD, a plan of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future, and to bring you to an expected end". [Jer:29:11 - NIV]

• The reason why so many people have troubles at their job, or with their career is because instead of seeking out God and asking Him -  WE decided where to work - or what our career is. This is also one reason why most never seem to make enough money.

• The reason why so many people are unhappy with where they live - or the quality of their home is because instead of seeking out God and asking Him - WE choose where WE were going to live - what house WE were going to buy - etc.

• The reason why so many people are unhappy in their marriage is because instead of seeking out God and asking Him whom to marry - they choose their spouse instead of allowing God to show us whom He had chosen for us.

• The reason why so many Christians don't grow or mature spiritually in their church is because instead of seeking out God and asking Him where the church is that He had ordained for them - or what Pastor God had prepared for them - WE choose our church with no regard at all for what God's plan was for them.

• The reason why so many people are unhappy with their life is because instead of seeking out God and asking Him what His plans were for their life - WE made all the decisions and consequently God had very little if anything to do with it - and so WE are simply living the results of our failure to consult with God.


The Truth Of The Matter
No matter what we might want to believe - and no matter how much we might want to blame our problems on our, spouse, our children, our in-laws, our boss, our neighbors, our co-workers, the congress, the president, or anybody else we can think of:

• We are the ones who are NOT doing the word
• We are the ones who have 'self-banished' ourselves from the blessings of God. 
• We are the ones who have 'deceived ourselves' 
• We are the ones who continue to 'walk in the vanity of our mind'.


Growing up in Him:
Brothers and Sisters, it is time to grow up and acknowledge that WE are the cause of most of the troubles that we face.

What could be worse that deceiving ourselves? It is the worst possible kind of lie - because we are lying to ourselves!

The Word states clearly that if we DO the Word, then (and only then) we will be blessed - If we don't do the Word - then we will suffer the consequences for our unwillingness to do so!

• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because someone else fails to do the Word. 
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of the devil.
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of our spouse.
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of our children.
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of our boss.
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of our job.
• The word does NOT say that the curse comes because of anything else I could name!


The Word of God says simply:
The curse comes to us when WE fail to LEARN - and DO the Word of God - period! Too often we put the blame - on someone else. We blame them for our troubles - not ourselves.

We need to recognize the REAL problem and stop blaming the devil, our spouse, our children, our boss, our neighbors, our family, the mechanic, the cashier at the store, the bank, the credit card company, the town, the President, the congress or anybody or anything else. 

Once we do this we begin to realize that just like Esau, many of us have traded our inheritance for a bowl of soup! [Heb: 12:16-17] - and that we need to repent and start afresh, trusting the Lord for wisdom and guidance.

WE are the ones who are to blame for the lack of blessing in our life - therefore WE need to change. We need to apply ourselves to the WHOLE word, not just the portions of it we like. And, we need to do it - all of it.

Once we begin to do the Word, then we will also begin to walk in the blessings and promises contained in it

Read Part 2
Read part 3
Read part 4
Things That Kill Christians


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Limited Time Only: With Your $49 donation we will send you the complete series of 7 CD's that uses the Holy scriptures to teach why Christians suffer and how by using the promises of God's Word you can overcome anything that brings pain and suffering into your life!

Why Christians Suffer Series: Includes All 7 Messages on Audio CD:
• Pt 1: What We Don't Know Can Hurt us!
• Pt 2: Why Some Suffer
• Pt 3: What it Means to Esteem The Word
• Pt 4: What it Means to Discern The Body
• Pt 5: How to Choose the Blessing
• Pt 6: The Trying of Your Faith: Pt1
• Pt 7: The Trying of Your Faith: Pt2

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Listen Online For FREE to These Exciting Teachings!
We encourage you download or listen online to the supplemental audio series on this subject.
Part 1: How to Use the Power of The Name Effectively  
[Mp3 Audio: 62 mb]
Part 2: How To Receive Power and Take Dominion When Bad Things Happen  Mp3 Audio: 68 mb]
Part 3: Reigning By Faith 
[Mp3 Audio:72 mb]
Part 4: Why Christians Fail To Receive God's Best
[Mp3 Audio:52 mb]
Part 5: How To Always Get Your Answer
[Mp3 Audio: 53 mb]


In addition to his contributions to this website Reverend W. C. Slyde Moran also has a weekly television show • Online Audio Studies • and an ever-increasing outreach ministry providing free Audio teachings on CD to enable the growth and maturing of the body of Christ.

   

 

 

 

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