There’s a common notion within Christendom that God is ‘sovereign,’ which infers He’s in control of everything. What exactly is He in control of? If He’s in control of ‘everyone’ and ‘everything,’ then He’s not doing a particularly good job of it! This false notion that God’s in control of everything insinuates our Heavenly Father is complicit with crime and tyranny on a daily basis. Does the dictionary definition of ‘sovereignty’ comply with the premise of God’s absolute control over His creative order? Tune in now to hear sacred cows being culled from the outset. It’s time to focus on our responsibilities and leave the rest up to God…
For a complete transcript of this podcast…click here
https://carljosephministries.com/podcast/calvinism-vs-arminianism/
https://www.moorelife.org/php/cmnWordSupply.php?siteID=fli
Title: Is God Sovereign?
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Six Frequently Asked Questions:
FAQ 1: Is God really in control of everything that happens on earth?
Answer:
No. While God is all-powerful and sovereign in the sense that He is accountable to no one, He has chosen to delegate authority to mankind and honor human free will. This means that not everything that happens is His will or design. People make choices—good and bad—and those choices have consequences. God’s sovereignty operates in partnership with human responsibility, not in override of it.
FAQ 2: Why do bad things happen if God is good and loving?
Answer:
Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world where sin, free will, and spiritual opposition exist. God is not the author of tragedy, sickness, or premature death. Many circumstances arise from human decisions, negligence, or the enemy’s work—not from God’s hand. Scripture reveals that God is for us, not against us (Romans 8:31), and He works to bring restoration and healing, not destruction.
FAQ 3: What does it mean when people say “God is sovereign”?
Answer:
The word sovereign means independent or free from external control. Yes, God is sovereign in that He is supreme and answers to no one. However, He has bound His sovereign will to His Word. God cannot lie, contradict Himself, or violate His promises. Therefore, His actions are consistent with His nature, His Word, and the spiritual laws He established.
FAQ 4: Does God ever take people home before their time?
Answer:
Scripture does not support the belief that God randomly “takes” people early in life. The Bible teaches that our days can be lengthened or shortened by the choices we make (Psalm 90:10). God desires that we live out the “full number of our days” (Exodus 23:26). Premature death often results from human error, sin, or the brokenness of the world—not divine decision-making.
FAQ 5: Can God do anything He wants?
Answer:
There are things God cannot do—because His own nature and Word set limits. For example, He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), change (Hebrews 13:8), or contradict His promises. He cannot override your free will or force you to serve Him. These limitations are not weaknesses but reflections of His integrity, consistency, and love.
FAQ 6: What does the Bible mean when it says “all things work together for good”?
Answer:
This verse (Romans 8:28) is often misunderstood. It doesn’t mean that everything that happens is good or God’s will. It means that God can redeem and work through every circumstance for the good of those who love Him and live according to His purposes. Cooperation with God—through faith and obedience—is key for His promises to manifest.
Carl is an authority. He is a biblical scholar, minister, author, husband, father, and life coach. In his mid-twenties he had a powerful encounter with God and saw miraculous healings as a result. Carl is a unique researcher who investigates current affairs, societal trends, prophecy, technology, cults, and end time events, all through a biblical lens.
Carl holds a Doctorate in Theology (ThD). His Alma Mata includes: Salford University, Manchester, UK, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK, Rhema Bible Training College (Tulsa), and Southwestern Christian University (Oklahoma City).
Carl Joseph Ministries empowers believers in Christ to fulfill their God given potential. Join Carl every other Monday on the Lions Unchained Podcast, available on Spotify, iTunes and other mainstream platforms.
He currently resides in Colorado, with his lovely wife Amy, and their three children.
