The Truth About Overcoming Evil: A Christian’s Guide to Hope

In today’s world, evil seems to be a constant presence, especially in light of recent events such as the attack by Hamas on Israel. It can be overwhelming to witness such violence and suffering, and many may wonder how to respond. In this blog, we will explore the principles of overcoming evil with good, the importance of the law and the gospel, and how compassion can guide our actions in a broken world.

Understanding Evil in Our World

The attack on Israel on October 7th by Hamas shook many to their core. It serves as a stark reminder of the evil that exists in the world. This evil has been present since the fall of man, causing immense suffering and pain. A powerful scripture from Matthew illustrates this: King Herod, in his rage, ordered the death of all male children in Bethlehem, showing that such atrocities are not new. The world has always faced evil, and it is essential to recognize this reality.

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When faced with such horror, it is natural to feel anger and fear. Many struggle with how to process their emotions while also wanting to maintain a sense of love and compassion. The challenge lies in ensuring that our reactions do not lead us down a path of hatred and bitterness. It’s crucial to remember that every person, even those who commit heinous acts, is a human being created in the image of God.

The Role of Law and Gospel

The law serves a vital purpose in restraining evil until hearts can be transformed by the gospel. It is a tool that helps maintain order and justice in a fallen world. However, the law alone cannot change hearts; that is the role of the gospel. The gospel has the power to turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, bringing true transformation.

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As Christians, we must understand that our response to evil should not be driven by anger or vengeance. Instead, we are called to overcome evil with good. This means showing love to our enemies, blessing those who curse us, and doing good to those who hate us. Such actions are not easy, but they are necessary for embodying the love of Christ in a broken world.

Compassion in the Face of Evil

In the midst of pain and suffering, we must cultivate a heart of compassion. This was evident in the dream I had where I encountered a terrorist. Despite his actions, I felt compassion for him, recognizing that he was lost and influenced by a worldview that led him to commit such acts. It is easy to demonize those who commit evil, but we must remember that they are often products of their environment and beliefs.

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When we allow anger and hatred to take root in our hearts, we become part of the problem. Instead, we must strive to engage with others, regardless of their beliefs, with love and understanding. This does not mean condoning their actions but rather acknowledging their humanity and the need for redemption.

The Importance of Justice

Justice is a crucial component in overcoming evil. The Bible teaches that the penalty for crime must be paid, and this is a fundamental aspect of God’s justice. However, we must also recognize that the gospel offers a way for redemption and reconciliation. Through Jesus Christ, we see that justice and mercy can coexist. He paid the ultimate price for our sins, allowing us to be reconciled with God.

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As we navigate the complexities of justice and mercy, it is essential to approach these issues with humility. We should not seek to retaliate against those who have wronged us but instead allow God to handle vengeance. This is a powerful reminder that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Transforming Worldviews

To truly overcome evil, we must transform the worldviews that lead to suffering. This requires a deep understanding of the gospel and its implications for all of humanity. The early church faced significant challenges, but they thrived because they believed in the transformative power of the gospel. They understood that the message of Christ was not just for individual salvation but for societal change.

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As Christians, we have a responsibility to share the hope of the gospel with others. This is not merely a matter of evangelism; it is about demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways. By living out our faith and embodying the principles of love, justice, and mercy, we can impact the world around us.

The Call to Action

In light of the challenges we face, we are called to action. This begins with prayer and seeking God’s guidance in how to respond to evil. We must ask for the strength to love those who are difficult to love and to show compassion to those who oppose us. Our actions should reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to condemn the world but to save it.

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We should also take a hard look at our own hearts and attitudes. Are we allowing fear and anger to dictate our responses? Or are we allowing the love of Christ to compel us to act with grace and mercy? The world needs to see the hope that we possess in Christ, and it is our duty to share that hope with others.

Conclusion: Hope in Christ

In conclusion, overcoming evil in our world is a daunting task, but it is one that we are called to undertake as followers of Christ. By relying on the law to uphold justice and the gospel to transform hearts, we can be agents of change in a broken world. Let us strive to embody the love of Christ in all that we do, showing compassion to those who are lost and offering hope to the hurting.

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As we face the challenges ahead, let us remember that we are not alone. God has entrusted us with the message of hope and reconciliation, and it is through Him that we can overcome evil with good. Together, let us rise to the challenge and be the light in a world that so desperately needs it.

Overcoming Evil in a World with Hamas

(Preaching Outline)

1. On October 7^th, Hamas attacked Israel – last Sunday night I had a dream about it, and when I woke up I immediately knew the interpretation.
   1. We need to overcome evil with Good! 
   1. We do this through the law and the gospel.
   1. I want to read a scripture before we discuss Israel and Hamas more
2. Matthew 2:16–18 (NKJV) — 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.”
   1. Evil seeks to destroy what is good and causes great suffering.
   1. The news and social media is filled with people talking about what happened with Hamas and Israel.
   1. There are 2 major issues:
      1. How do we execute justice to preserve a world of liberty?
      1. How do we deal with an ideology which is a time bomb ready to go off?
   1. 1^st – the suffering of people – it is clear that there was kidnapping, rape and murder.
   1. Hamas and Islam
      1. Islam throughout the world
      1. An ideology that keeps people from human flourishing and leads to great suffering
      1. We know what is happening around the world, but especially in Nigeria
      1. Paganism throughout history – the gospel and the missionary movement.      
         1. How can a church that does not really believe Christianity is the answer to the problem reach the world?
   1. Israel, while not perfect, is a nation where multiple faiths including Jews, Muslims and Christians coexist pretty well.
      1. The rule of law and human flourishing
      1. People are criminals when they commit a crime, not because of their worldview.
3. A deeper issue, is how do you deal with the emotional trauma of such evil?  Scripture teaches us:
   1. Romans 12:17–21 (NKJV) — 17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
4. In the face of evil we cannot give in to fear or we have lost!
   1. 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 (NKJV) — 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
   1. Justice requires the death penalty for crimes that cannot be rectified by restitution.
      1. Putting a criminal in prison creates another crime of robbing God fearing society to pay their room in board in a high-cost prison.
   1. The gospel rids the world of evil by putting to death our old man and making us a new creation.
5. The love of Christ must compel the gospel.
   1. The two images in my dream – the terrorist and the mourning.
   1. The gospel is the solution, but not driven by fear, only driven by love, even for our enemies.
   1. The world is suffering from false religion!!!
   1. America is forsaking the Lord and will became as inhumane as any society unless there is a great awakening!