Bible Studies/Luck

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Expert: - 1/17/2007


Question
Should Christians "believe" in luck? If everything happens for God's purpose, then there actually is no luck, right?
So, should Christians actively try to eliminate the perception of luck - ie. stop saying things like, "That was lucky", or "I had a run of bad luck." Or doesn't it really matter?

Answer
Luck, as it is understood by the world is not part of the Christian worldview, I agree.

I would agree that it would be best if Christians did not refer to "luck" but I think that most (including myself at times) use it as an expression when we are happy as to how things worked out in certain situations. We may be intimately aware that it is and was all in God's control and, as scripture says all things work out for good for those who love the Lord, but we still use the word "luck".

One problem is that even when things appear to work out contrary to how we would like to see them happen, what we might think to be "unlucky", the Lord remains in control and uses those situations for good also.

Is it important? I think that there are two issues. First, it is important, no matter whether we use the word "luck" that we are constantly aware and maintain that awareness that "luck" really had nothing to do with it. In such cases, as long as we understand the truth and as long as we use the word in that context, I don't see an issue.

The second consideration are those around us who may be unsaved. Some of them may take our words the wrong way, and I think that where such a risk exists, we need to be careful not to be a stumbling block to them to receiving the gospel.

Tom

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Tom Smith

Expertise

I am able to answer a wide range of questions regarding orthodox Christian theology as well as those of many of the more common cults and religious movements (inside and outside of the church). This includes Protestantism, Charismatic movement, New Apostolic Reformation, Strategic Prayer/Spiritual Warfare, Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinism, Reformed Church, Baptist Church, Pentecostalism, and Oneness Pentecostalism. I have been a member of or have attended many of the above. I have studied the beliefs and literature of the remaining through a variety of means, including in most cases interacting with members and/or leaders in these organizations. I also maintain a significant library/resource of information on these movements and organizations.

Experience

I have been a lifelong student of the Bible. In addition, I have been saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, and believe in the truth of God's Holy word in the Bible as the inerrant and infallible word of God. I have been a believer for over 43 years. Other qualifications include:

- Former member of the counril of a local church
- Speaker at the "Last Days Bible Conference" and other functions.
- Researcher into religious movements and cults (maintain website with information on some of these movements and cults)
- Member of the Apologetics Coordination Team

I hold to the view that the Bible is inerrant and infallible, and I belief that the Bible is our sole authority on matters of faith and doctrine (Sola Scripture, Sola Fide).

Organizations
Apologetics Coordination Team (http://op.50megs.com/act/) Network of Christian Apologists in Calgary (http://www.whyjesus.ca)

Publications
Website, accessible by means of http://discern.ca or http://www.religioninfo.org; and Audio files of talks at Last Days Bible Conference available at http://ldbc.ca

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

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