God Not In Control?

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Guest
#1
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
 
Mar 4, 2020
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3,691
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#2
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
That may not be as nefarious as it sounds. I mean, do you believe that humans have free will to make decisions or not?
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,003
4,315
113
#3
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
Charles Capps was a WOF guy and conservative. God is in control yet He does allow those who are wicked to lead as we currently have today. God seems to do this for two reasons.

1. to bring judgment on nations
2. to cause people to seek Him for help.

The devil does do what he does, yet, God said he would answer IF his people would humble themselves, repent, and return to him.

it is so clear God does wonderful works and restores the people of God who quickly forget and serve other gods and the flesh. The people will be crushed without God or the people will be crushed for sin. repent and serve the Lord with your whole heart.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,828
29,203
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#4
Consider this: if God is in control of absolutely everything, then He made that preacher say the things he did.

God would also be the One making murderers murder, rapists rape, liars lie, etc etc etc.

Surely nobody wants to have that view?

God allowing men to do the things man does comes under the purview of God's permissive will.

In other words, God allows things without being the direct cause of them.

Same as He allowed Adam and Eve to disobey Him.

And He knew they were going to...
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#5
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
Sounds like uncle Charlie got his Capp pulled after all.:confused: Time to start looking for another teacher then.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#6
That may not be as nefarious as it sounds. I mean, do you believe that humans have free will to make decisions or not?
Yes they do. That is because God is in full control and can present man with a choice if He wants to. He gave His only begotten Son because He wanted to. God destroyed the world with a flood because He wanted to. Perhaps we need to revisit the Book of Job. God is omnipotent by definition.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#7
Satan can do nothing without the Lord's permission. Job is so helpful in our understanding of these things. A man who fears God need fear nothing else! PTL!:):coffee:
 
Apr 27, 2021
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#8
I think we often can’t tell a difference between God being sovereign and him being in control. God desires a relationship which requires free will, otherwise it’s slavery. Could God take control and do whatever he wants? Yes he can, ex the flood, but he has a greater purpose. Saying God isn’t in control is probably not the most accurate way to say it, because God intervenes in things daily.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,296
3,124
113
#9
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
God is in overall and ultimate control. However, He gave authority to man who then gave it to Satan. All that happened was with God's knowledge and consent. From our point of view, Christians are the authority on the earth now. Satan runs the world system (1 John 5:19). Christians should be engaged in spiritual warfare, resisting the devil and wrestling with Satan's wicked host (Ephesians 6:12).

Tragically, the modern church is more intent on infighting, doctrinal point scoring and building its own house instead of the house of God. So Satan runs rampant. Russia is resurgent, China increasingly arming for war and conflict between Israel and Iran more than likely.
Once we could depend on the USA to keep those nations in check. I'm not so sure. America is internally torn, fed by lies about racism (America is no more racist than any other nation) and protecting "rights" of individuals to choose their gender as if it was clothing. Freedom of speech is being suppressed. Liberty? Only if you are a woke progressive and bound by Marxist group think.

Nations rise and fall according to God's will. The not so Great Britain (where I was born) sold Israel out. They have lost almost every bit of their former empire. Those countries that honour God will prosper. Those with a Christian heritage that turn away will suffer much loss. And it is the Church that governs this, not the world.

Lord Jesus defeated Satan and gave His victory, power and authority to the Church. Those who know and exercise that power and authority are the ones who will bring Satan down. It will happen. When depends on when Christians wake up and see the danger of complacency and pride. "Behold I stand at the door and knock" is a message to the Church, not unbelievers.
 
May 22, 2020
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#10
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.

Don't listen to man...be guided by scriptures.
 
4

49

Guest
#11
That may not be as nefarious as it sounds. I mean, do you believe that humans have free will to make decisions or not?
Sure, we have free will to make decisions, and did not think what C Capps said was wicked. It is my belief that God has a Hand in what goes on in this world, and 'not in control of things on this earth' as heard this morning just sits wrong with me.
 
4

49

Guest
#12
Charles Capps was a WOF guy and conservative. God is in control yet He does allow those who are wicked to lead as we currently have today. God seems to do this for two reasons.

1. to bring judgment on nations
2. to cause people to seek Him for help.

The devil does do what he does, yet, God said he would answer IF his people would humble themselves, repent, and return to him.

it is so clear God does wonderful works and restores the people of God who quickly forget and serve other gods and the flesh. The people will be crushed without God or the people will be crushed for sin. repent and serve the Lord with your whole heart.
Yes, God is full of Grace and Mercy! And yes, he does allow wicked to lead, and believe He has purpose. Pharaoh, for example. And all the wicked kings of Israel and Judah. Nebuchadnezzar. Goes along with the 2 reasons you listed.

My point was that C Capps said not everything was under God's control on earth, and I disagree. As said, he went on further, but did not catch any of it because I was in disbelief at what I'd heard. Maybe I'm reading too much in to it, but don't think so. :)
 
4

49

Guest
#13
Sounds like uncle Charlie got his Capp pulled after all.:confused: Time to start looking for another teacher then.
Lol, I did note the time on the radio. Will tune to another program.
 
4

49

Guest
#14
Charles Capps was a WOF guy and conservative. God is in control yet He does allow those who are wicked to lead as we currently have today. God seems to do this for two reasons.

1. to bring judgment on nations
2. to cause people to seek Him for help.

The devil does do what he does, yet, God said he would answer IF his people would humble themselves, repent, and return to him.

it is so clear God does wonderful works and restores the people of God who quickly forget and serve other gods and the flesh. The people will be crushed without God or the people will be crushed for sin. repent and serve the Lord with your whole heart.
WOF...is that 'name it, claim it'? And, 'blab it, grab it'?
 
Apr 26, 2021
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#15
Not only is God in control, he micromanages every last thing that goes on in the entire creation.

That is my understanding from the Bible.
 
Apr 27, 2021
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#16
Sure, we have free will to make decisions, and did not think what C Capps said was wicked. It is my belief that God has a Hand in what goes on in this world, and 'not in control of things on this earth' as heard this morning just sits wrong with me.
It does sound weird to say God is not in control, but there is also the likelihood that it is both. He is in control yet allows free will to happen. We can’t quite comprehend that in the same way we can’t really comprehend God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit being fully their own beings and the same being at the same time.
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,412
6,698
113
#17
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
Our Father knows all. He has told us in advance the world would lie polluted under its inhabitants for the fruit of their doing.

He knew and knows what mankind will do, and allosws mankind to continue while some realize the error of his way and turn to Him.

In short, mankind will do what it wants without consulting our Father, but many will turn to Him in spirsit and truth. So God does not control our every move unless we are in His will.

Oh, and God does not vote for world leaders, but He does alow them to trudge on in their futilities.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,665
6,853
113
#18
My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
Hmm...........problem is; God is in control of everything on this planet. The fact that He chooses to give man "free will" which leads man to err sometimes in no way negates Gods control. In fact, there are times when God intervened and limited mans free will to cause mass destruction/death on this planet. A simple study of History will reveal the truth of this.

I can not see how any Christian could ever think God is NOT in control of EVERYTHING.
 
Jan 12, 2019
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#19
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
When we reach the 1000 year millennial reign, you will see God being in control of everything that happens.

For now, no. God knows what will happen because he lives outside time, but that does not mean everything that happens is in his will.
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
17,097
3,683
113
#20
Tuned in to a radio program this morning, just in time to hear the preacher/teacher talking about the angel being held up by the prince of Persia. Caught my attention, because I had just read Chapter 10 in Daniel last night (how about that?). Was hoping to hear his view on that very event, when he suddenly switched gears. Next thing I know, he was saying not everything is under God's control here on earth, and that God lets man have control in the majority of things.

He said God does not sit up 'there' pulling strings, saying "ok, I want Reagan to be president, so there ya go. Reagan is now president". Went on to say, 'no. Doesn't work that way. We have to vote that man in to that position". Before anyone thinks this is a political thread, it isn't. The preacher/teacher was Charles Capps, who passed on in Feb. 2014. Did not catch much of what he said after that, because I was thinking, 'really? Did he just say those things?".

My question is, how can a man of God teach that God is not in control of things (everything, to be exact) on this planet? Just did not sit right with me. Not doubting his faith/salvation or calling, just his doctrine on some things.
God is in control, but not reigning as King yet. He has supreme power over His creation, yet does not exercise that power, therefore, the world is in darkness. We are to be the light, pointing people to Jesus. Currently, Satan is the god of this world, the ruler of the darkness.