LOS ANGELES FIRE GOD OR MAN OR DEVIL

The LA fire this January has caused widespread commotion, sparking numerous theories about its origins.

People around the world—both believers and non-believers—are placing the responsibility for the disaster on God. Non-believers argue that God hates them and is punishing them, while believers claim it is the wrath and judgment of God upon Los Angeles for its sinful and godless ways.

It is true that many in Los Angeles have lived or are living in sin and indulgence, disconnected from God—a fact that cannot be denied. However, the critical question remains: Is this truly an act of God? Who is ultimately responsible?

To find the answer, we must turn to the Word of God, the ultimate source of truth, and examine what it reveals to us.

SIN & JUDGMENT

When humanity fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, we were all separated from God, and His wrath and judgment came upon the earth. To Adam, God said:

"Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground because of you…" (Genesis 3:17).

This passage clearly shows that the earth was cursed, bearing the weight of God’s wrath and judgment. While humanity was initially given authority to rule over the earth, that authority was surrendered to Satan, the enemy of both God and mankind. As a result, Satan became the ruler of this world, bringing forth all manner of evil.

It is important to understand that each of us was included in this judgment. Through Adam's sin, we were separated from God, inheriting both sin and His wrath by default. We became deserving of death and divine judgment. As Romans 3:23 reminds us:

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

OLD AND THE NEW

The Old Testament reveals a recurring conflict between God and humanity. Though humanity could never prevail against God, mankind’s persistent sinfulness brought about His righteous wrath and judgment.

Humanity rebelled, and in His justice, God could not ignore sin. This conflict left mankind without peace or rest.

In Ezekiel 22:30, we see that God searched for someone to stand in the gap, to intercede and prevent destruction. Similarly, He sought someone to atone for sin and save humanity from His wrath. Yet, no one among mankind was found sinless.

In His great love, God provided the solution. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man—to serve as the perfect and sinless substitute. While God could not revoke His judgment upon sin, He poured out that judgment on Jesus, offering humanity peace. This was declared at Jesus’ birth when angels announced, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men" (Luke 2:14). This proclamation signified that the war between God and humanity could end, not by overlooking sin but through forgiveness and salvation.

Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin, judgment, and wrath on the cross. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." In His final moments, Jesus declared, “It is finished,” completing the ultimate exchange—our guilt for His righteousness, our judgment for His forgiveness.

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God offered a way for humanity to escape His wrath and receive eternal life. By simply believing in Jesus and accepting His finished work, we are reconciled to God, no longer under judgment but embraced by His grace. This is God’s ultimate act of love and justice: to redeem and restore us through the sacrifice of His Son.

GOD’S BUSINESS

Throughout history, people have often imagined or portrayed God as an angry figure, eager to punish anyone who sins. While it is true that God, in His righteousness, cannot tolerate sin and hates it, His divine nature is rooted in love. God cannot stop being who He is, and as 1 John 4:16 says, "God is love." Just as we cannot stop being human, God cannot stop being love in all He does. Someone once said, “If you cut a piece of us, you find blood and flesh, but if you cut God, you find love in every part.”

From the very beginning, God has been in the business of redemption, restoration, and protection—not of bringing harm or seeking fear for His own sake. Both the Old and New Testaments reveal this truth. Despite humanity’s rebellion, disobedience, and refusal to reconcile with God, He has remained steadfast in His mission to save and protect.

Psalm 91 beautifully illustrates God’s protective nature: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:4)

"A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you."

(Psalm 91:7)

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone." (Psalm 91:11-12)

These promises from the Old Testament reflect God’s constant care and guidance. In the New Testament, these promises are fulfilled and expanded through Jesus Christ. The greatest expression of God’s love is salvation through Jesus, who demonstrated God’s ultimate intention to save and protect humanity.

Jesus assured us in John 14:16, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever." This Advocate is the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us and offers God’s guidance and protection, ensuring that His presence is always with us.

God’s desire is to redeem, protect, and lead humanity into life. He is not in the business of inflicting additional wrath or judgment upon a world already burdened by sin’s consequences since Adam’s fall. God’s mission has always been one of saving, not destroying.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

As born-again believers or non-believers, we must come to a common ground: What does the Bible say? Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and we must stand firmly on this truth. It’s crucial to understand one key thing: God is not against humanity; He is against sin and the enemy, Satan, who works behind the scenes to sow destruction.

John 10:10 reminds us: “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy…” This has always been the enemy’s agenda—to turn us against God and make Him appear responsible for the disasters in our lives, our countries, or our situations. But as the Church of Christ, we are called to speak boldly against sin and evil while remembering that every person matters deeply to God.

We need to proclaim a simple but transformative message: “The war is over. God is not against you.” People don’t need to run from God; they need to turn to Him. God is not chasing after their sins—He already defeated sin on the cross. What He offers is forgiveness, freely available to anyone who will come and receive it.

There has never been a moment when God has stopped being good. He is always good, to everyone. A sinner doesn’t need to be told they are a sinner—they already know. What they need is to be shown the way to salvation. God gives us the freedom to choose Him willingly. If He wanted to save everyone through fear, He could, but He doesn’t. Instead, He calls us to come to Him through repentance and love, not force or fear.

It is often said, “The world needs to know Jesus.” However, as long as God is portrayed as angry and vengeful, people will continue to resist Him and resent those who speak about Him. This is human nature. Instead, we must show them the goodness of God revealed through the cross. It is His goodness that leads people to repentance, not condemnation.

What love can achieve, no other force can. Tell people the truth: the world cannot satisfy the deepest desires of their hearts. Only God can. Share the message that God doesn’t just want to save their spirits; He wants to prosper their soul and body too. God’s desire is to give them a life more abundant and fulfilling than anything the world or sin could ever offer.

SO THE FIRE IN CA, IS IT GOD OR MAN OR THE DEVIL?

In conclusion, while it is true that many in California may be living in sin—whether through unbelief, debauchery, fornication, homosexuality, or other behaviors that God deems abominable—I have witnessed a culture that mocks God and proudly embraces a godless identity. Even though God loves these individuals deeply, His ability to save them is contingent upon their repentance and turning to Him.

I strongly disagree with the narrative being spread in the media that the fires in Los Angeles were a direct act of God’s judgment. It is a common tactic of the enemy to point the finger at God, attributing disasters to Him in order to turn people’s hearts away and make them resent Him.

Let me clarify my position: the fire may have originated from any number of causes, whether intentional or unintentional. The devil, in his wickedness, may have sought to use this fire to destroy the city. However,

God’s protection was not upon it because the people of the city, in their rebellion and rejection of Him, essentially asked God to leave. God, in His respect for human free will, does not force Himself where He is not welcomed. He honors our choices.

Although God desires to protect and save, when people continue to reject Him, He must lift His protective hand, allowing the consequences of their rebellion to unfold. The enemy, seeking to sow confusion and hatred, then shifts the blame onto God, attempting to turn people against Him. But the truth remains: God’s heart is always for restoration, and it is the enemy’s schemes that seek to bring destruction and divide.

JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD, DO YOU BELIEVE IN HIM?