For SCC - Why Is There So Much Suffering? 10-14-07

Series Verses:
“Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all of your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone.”
Colossians 4:5-6
Why is there so much suffering?
Theories/Premises
Deny God’s existence
Deny suffering exist
God is not involved
God is limited
Suffering is God’s Judgement

God is all loving, all powerful, all knowing, merciful, just and righteous and does care for you and me. This is the theory or premise I believe.

Freewill of Mankind Genesis 1-3
The Reality of Freewill
The Good of Freewill
The Difficulty of Freewill
Natural Order

If God is so loving and powerful why doesn’t He end all the evil and suffering?

You and I would come to an end
In Christ God dealt with and deals with suffering
Heaven is without suffering and pain

Still the “Why” question remains
Joy and Happiness are a part of life.
Suffering and pain are a part of life

John 16:33, James 1:2-4, I Peter 4:12

Where is God in the suffering?
Very near

Psalm 34:18-19, John 14:26

Loss will come your way
Pain will knock on your door
Suffering will visit your home

Will you allow the reality of pain and suffering to drive you away from God or to God?

Suggested Books
Why I Am A Christian, Norman Geisler
The Tree In The Middle Of My Garden, Moses Caesar
A Search For The Spiritual, James White
Where Is God When It Hurts?, Phillip Yancey
Know Why You Believe, Paul Little
Christianity For Skeptics, Steve Kumar
When God Doesn’t Make Sense, James Dobson
He Still Moves Stones, Max Lucado
Excellent resource: www.christianity.co.nz
Visit www.stevenethery.blogspot.com for more on this topic