No problem…you made such a wise observation. Voddie Baucham has pointed out how many times we get upset with God because He doesn’t fulfill a promise like “I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you a hope and a future”. He says when things are going bad in our lives, we tend to say God is a liar, even if we don’t say it outright. His point is that yes, God is concerned with us as individuals, but just as you said, He often gives instruction “to a people” and blesses those people or causes them to reap their own curses, based on our obedience. Great point!

Thanks so much for de-lurking! It is truly so encouraging.

I am a new poster who has been lurking for a couple of months. I,too, love your blog and your articles which have challenged and convicted me (and encouraged me) many times. Please keep it up!

I know some people who have reached their convictions about birth control after observing or participating in debates. It’s fine and well to see lovely pictures of large families, but many people have *no idea* that there is a Biblical basis for rejecting birth control and joyfully recieving children into the family above and beyond the “normal” size, and they won’t unless someone actually talks about it. This is especially important because there is a strong voice within the Church that insists on “responsible” family planning, waiting x years before having children, having only so many, and defining “provision” and “responsibility” as the world does (meaning it’s too darned expensive to have more than three children if you’re going to do it “properly”). People who grow up hearing this, and are counseled preparing for marriage with this, may never have heard that there is an alternative way, and that alternative has it’s foundation in God’s word.

Keep talking, Kelly.

I appreciate so much your taking the time to say that.

I just wanted to encourage you: I love coming to your blog *because* I know I’m going to see intelligent, biblically-based discussion in the comment section. The presence of truth does not mean the absence of disagreement -these are important issues, issues that need to be discussed with grace and boldness. I for one am often blessed and challenged every time I read here.

As you said, our job is not to convince others of the truth; the Holy Spirit convicts and changes hearts. What we’ve been called to do is to give a defense for the hope that is within us, and to contend earnestly -and lovingly -for the faith. I’m grateful for your Titus 2 example in that area.