Is Debt Always Wrong? (Q&A Day Submitted Question We Didn't Get to But Are Not Dodging)

What does the church teach about debt? Is it always wrong or is it allowable sometimes?

The Bible gives a very clear warning about debt, in Proverbs 22:7 (NIV), “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”

Much more can be said, but Alex Giannetti will be discussing this very thing this Sunday! I wouldn't want to spoil it all here and leave people feeling like maybe they don't need to be at HBC on Sunday. :)

Well that was short. Maybe we should cover another question we didn't have time for on Q&A Day: 

Is it ok to lie to defeat evil? - Shawn#

No. The ends do not justify the means. Do not overcome evil with evil, overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). We are called to do the right thing, the God honoring thing, and He is the one who will defeat evil, anyways. He doesn't need us to do the wrong thing even if it looks like it will result in a good outcome. 

More "Q&A Day Questions we didn't get to on Q&A Day" coming next week!

Pastor Jeff

-really needs a better title for this blog mini-series 

Why is Satan Allowed to Exist?

Satan is permitted to exist for the same reason anything is - God’s sovereignty. If God did not have a purpose for Satan, then Satan would not exist.

What possible reason would God allow Satan to exist? The sin, the evil, the wickedness, the destruction caused by his presence and activity. Why?

God allows Satan, and evil, to exist for a time. One reason is it gives the opportunity for God to reveal things about Himself He couldn’t otherwise.

Like what? Imagine if there was never any evil in existence… ever. No sin, no failure, no rebellion. There are aspects of God’s personality that would be forever hidden. Like His grace, mercy, forgiveness, restoration - all things He puts on display in the human race for the angels to see (see Ephesians 3:10, 1 Peter 1:12). Things about God that can only be displayed because He actually DID allow Satan and sin. Things God has allowed so that we may see His grace.

So Satan is allowed to do his thing. For now. And you can be sure God is still in control and using Satan to ultimately accomplish God’s purposes.