Sermon Tone Analysis
Overall tone of the sermon
This automated analysis scores the text on the likely presence of emotional, language, and social tones. There are no right or wrong scores; this is just an indication of tones readers or listeners may pick up from the text.
A score of 0.5 or higher indicates the tone is likely present.
Emotion Tone
Anger
0.07UNLIKELY
Disgust
0.08UNLIKELY
Fear
0.07UNLIKELY
Joy
0.59LIKELY
Sadness
0.42UNLIKELY
Language Tone
Analytical
0.82LIKELY
Confident
0UNLIKELY
Tentative
0.58LIKELY
Social Tone
Openness
0.65LIKELY
Conscientiousness
0.73LIKELY
Extraversion
0.19UNLIKELY
Agreeableness
0.88LIKELY
Emotional Range
0.6LIKELY
Tone of specific sentences
Tones
Emotion
Language
Social Tendencies
Anger
< .5
.5 - .6
.6 - .7
.7 - .8
.8 - .9
> .9
When Disaster Strikes
Introduction:
1.
In recent years, natural disasters have struck different regions of the world...
a. Tsunami in Asia (2004)
b.
Hurricane Katrina (2005)
c.
Cyclone in Myanmar (2008)
d.
Earthquake in Haiti (2010), and most recently
e. Hurricane Harvey (2017)
2. When disasters like these strike, people often raise questions such as:
a.
Why did it happen?
Did God cause it?
If not, why did He allow it to happen?
b.
What can I do?
Does it do any good?
[With Hurricane Harvey still fresh on our minds, let’s attempt to provide some answers…
I. Why did it happen?
I. Why did it happen?
I. Why did it happen?
Did God cause it?
1.
It is common to call such natural disasters "acts of God"
2. Perhaps because God has used natural disasters in the past; for example:
a.
The flood - ,,.
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah - ;
c. Famine, drought, pestilence, plague, war, earthquake, against Israel -
3. But it would be a mistake to attribute all disasters to the hand of God
a. Disasters are part of a natural process in a planet’s evolution and ecology
b.
Sometimes God simply allows such events to run their course according to "time and chance", and so many experience tragedies due to no fault of their own -
c.
Some disasters are man-made (Chernobyl, bridge collapses, forest fires)
d.
Suffering often comes upon the innocent - ;
.
Thus we should not make the mistake of Job's friends, presuming guilt on those who suffer tragedy -
Without divine revelation, there is no way we can know if “God caused it”.
Why does God allow it?
1.
If God didn't cause it, why does He even allow it to happen?
2. This relates to the overall problem of suffering, which God may allow for several reasons
a.
It keeps this world from becoming too attractive, encouraging us to seek something better - ;
b.
It can bring out the best in people (patience, generosity) - ;
c.
It encourages people to think of God, to draw near to Him in repentance
3. Whenever the innocent and righteous die, we should bear in mind:
a.
The death of the righteous is precious in the sight of God -
b.
The death of the righteous removes them from all suffering and evil -
c.
The death of the righteous is truly a blessing!
-
d.
Even the innocent young are delivered from much heartache and sorrow!
Whether caused by God or not, disasters can result in much good!
[Which leads to our next question, which often comes from those responding to disaster and suffering…]
II.
What can I do?
Our key verse for this morning is
A. AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY...
As we have opportunity, we are to do good - What we can do depends on what we are able to do
a.
Our skills, our resources
b.
Whether we are nearby or far off
3. If the need is nearby, we may be able to help directly
a.
With skills like medical aid, trash cleanup
b.
With resources like medicines, food, clothing, shelter
4. If the need is far off, we can help indirectly
a. Supporting those with skills who desire to go
b.
Supporting charitable organizations
5. Thoughts about charitable giving
a. Give to established charities with experience in the affected area
b.
Use guides like Charity Navigator to find one you can trust
c.
Send cash, not food, clothing, etc.
6.
While donating tangible items might make you feel better, giving cash is almost always a better option - to understand why, read these two articles:
a. Cash Is Best - Center For International Disaster Information
b.
What's the absolute best way to help after a natural disaster abroad?
- Slate.com
Again, what we should do depends upon our opportunity
B. DO GOOD TO ALL...
As we have opportunity, we are to do good to all men - Like the Good Samaritan -
Non-religious, charitable organizations are especially good for this, for example:
a. Doctors Without Borders (especially good for immediate help)
b.
Mercy Corps (especially good for long term help)
As well as Christian organizations such as:
a. Convoy of Hope
b.
Christ in Action
< .5
.5 - .6
.6 - .7
.7 - .8
.8 - .9
> .9