"Christianity Questions and Answers" podcast CQA 034
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This podcast is being posted on St. Patrick’s Day, a day we like to often think about “the luck of the Irish.” But what part does luck play in a Christian’s life such as Patrick?
What part does luck play? At 16 Patrick was taken captive by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland. There he was enslaved for 6 years. Doesn’t seem very lucky does it? Yet St. Patrick became a great Christian missionary to Ireland as a result of that experience.
God used his “unluckiness” to call him to go back to Ireland as a missionary!
Is there really such a thing as luck according to the Bible?
In Scripture we see casting of lots such as when it was done to replace Judas Iscariot as one of Jesus disciples. Casting of lots was similar to rolling of dice in our day.
It seems like just chance or luck, right?
What part does luck play in a Christian’s life today?
Listen to this podcast to find out!
You can listen by hitting the play button above.
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Here are some of the verses referenced in this podcast (that help answer the question what part does luck play?)
“We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.” (Proverbs 16:33 NLT)
“I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:9-10)
In this podcast I talk about two aspects of God’s sovereignty:
God’s active will:
“Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights.” (Jonah 1:17 NLT)
God’s passive will:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” ((Genesis 50:20 NLT)
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
The following prayer, attributed to St. Patrick, is often called “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” because of those parts of it which seek God’s protection. It is also sometimes called “The Deer’s Cry” or “The Lorica.”
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through the belief in the threeness, Through the confession of the oneness Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today Through the strength of Christ’s birth with his baptism, Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial, Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension, Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.
I arise today Through the strength of the love of Cherubim, In obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In prayers of patriarchs, In predictions of prophets, In preaching of apostles, In faith of confessors, In innocence of holy virgins, In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.
I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to save me From snares of demons, From temptations of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear, Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul.
Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me abundance of reward. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the threeness, Through confession of the oneness, Of the Creator of Creation.
For more help on answering what part does luck play, please also listen to my podcast: Should Christians gamble?
To learn about some other ethical issues from a Christian perspective, check out my blogs and podcasts on:
To receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord click HERE.
To develop your relationship with God, get my free eBook “10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth” click HERE.
To learn more about this podcast and how to submit questions, click HERE.