How should a Christian respond to the terrible shooting at the synagogue in Poway last week?
The first thing I would mention is that these types of things actually are spoken of in the Bible. Take Luke 13 for example. Jesus was asked about two different tragedies that involved natural and moral evil. In once instance a tower fell and killed many while in the other a group of worshippers were slaughtered. Jesus takes them both in stride and states that the point of these things is an illustration of judgment. He says "Do you think they were worse sinners than any of you? Repent lest you all likewise perish." This is hardly what we would expect Jesus to say.

The point of Jesus' statement is not how amazing it is that the towers fell but people should be amazed they were not in them. Jesus is going for the jugular here. Our response would be something like "why do the innocent suffer" and Jesus would say none are innocent and this evil is to warn others of the eternal punishment of evil that they need to flee from.

There has been much outpouring from well-meaning individuals who are saying we should stand against anti-Semitism and do things to practically show compassion. Yes, these things should be done but have we forgotten the words of Jesus here that these evils are pointers to repentance?

Paul told the Philippians that tears were welling up in his eyes as he wrote.

Many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18–19)

Paul combines what we seldom see joined — sorrowful tears and scathing indictment.

• They are enemies of the cross of Christ.
• Their end is destruction.
• Their god is their belly.
• They glory in their shame.
• Their minds are set on earthly things.

Paul proclaimed what people did not want to hear even as the tears welled up in his eyes. This is what a Christian needs to be. One that is moved to the core by the evil they see but one who says what must be said regardless of the situation. Can you do that? Both-and. Not either-or.

The tenderness of Paul's tears did not keep him from speaking out. And being critical did not keep him from crying. He did not separate what Jesus had joined together: tenderness through tears and toughness with the truth. This is the way of Jesus Christ.

This too should be our response. We must remember that ALL people without Christ are heading for destruction. In order for this evil to work for good the gospel must be given. To meet physical needs without addressing the greatest need is simply to exchange the glory of God for the glory of men.

1 John 5:11-12 "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.   Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life," for "God's wrath remains upon them." (John 3:36).

My brother and sister. The message is clear in the shooting. All people must repent or they will likewise perish eternally. We have the only answer to make sense of these things. Let us not be silent.