Below is the outline and suggested answers for the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on Sept. 28, 2014. The answers are designed to stimulate thinking, not hinder it.
What is God’s model for you to make decisions? Continue reading
This is the fifth message on God’s Will.
Do you remember the story of Ruth? Naomi was married to Elimelech, who left Israel because of a famine and they moved to Moab with their two sons Mahlon and Chilion, who married Orpah and Ruth. Well, all the men died in that foreign land and Naomi heard there was bread again in Israel, so she told her two daughters-in-law that she was going to return to Israel. Orpah and Ruth wanted to go with Naomi, but Naomi gave a logical, humanistic response, “Why come with me? I can’t provide you husbands. Stay here with your families.” Orpah chose to do the logical thing and kissed Naomi good-bye. Most people would. It made sense, because her other relatives were all in Moab. Continue reading
This is Part 7 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering in his life?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
Victory Results From Self-examination
The joy of the Christian life is that you do not have to be “strong” in the way the world acknowledges strength, like an NFL player or an Olympic Athlete! You are not fighting against any “super-heroes” around you. You only must rely on the Lord to fight your battles and sustain you. Stephen Bramer assures, Continue reading
This is Part 6 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering in his lifel?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 7 will be posted tomorrow.
You Can Be Victorious While Suffering
Is it possible to triumph during trials? Yes! But it is not easy. While we consider our suffering here on earth to be gruesome and unbearable, Paul reminds us that it can be viewed as “light,” Continue reading
This is Part 5 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 6 will be posted tomorrow.
Faith Is The Victory In Suffering
The world considers a gold medal or a Vince Lombardi trophy as the ultimate sign of victory. The Lord Jesus, however, upholds a different kind of victory – the believer’s increased faith as he undergoes suffering. Mark Bailey links suffering to hope for the victory, Continue reading
This is Part 4 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering in his life?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.
The Lord’s Victory Acknowledged by His People
There are many words that characterize the character and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of the words that stands out is “victory.” The writer of Chronicles recorded King David’s praise of the Lord, Continue reading
This is Part 3 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering in his life?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 4 will be posted tomorrow.
Jesus Was Tempted When He Faced Suffering
Is it reasonable to ask the question, “Could Jesus have been defeated?” When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He asked that the cup (the cross) be taken from Him. In other words, He asked the Father to not require the cross of Him. That request was not a sign of rebellion to the Father’s will, but a revelation to us that Jesus knew His suffering would be far more painful than what anyone would ever endure. For Mark noted the Lord’s comments, “And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36 NKJ). The Lord Jesus faced temptation to reject His Father’s will and potential defeat in suffering, but He did not waiver in His obedience as Luke recorded, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” (Luke 22:42 NKJ) Continue reading
This is Part 2 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God allows suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-7 will be posted on succeeding days.
What Is Victory In Suffering?
From the human perspective, there is no hope! Man is condemned in sin, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23 NKJ) Additionally, as stated above, man is separated from God as a result of sin, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Rom. 6:23 NKJ) Man is helpless to save himself, because he will always fall short of God’s glory. He is hopeless, because he is separated from God. He is in a helpless and hopeless situation! Where is the victory in that? Continue reading
This is Part 1 of 7 parts answering the question, “Can a believer be victorious while God is allowing suffering in his life?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-7 will be posted on succeeding days.
From our human perspective, we much prefer the “thrill of victory” over the “agony of defeat (suffering)! We Americans guard our time, so we can watch a favorite team defeat the “other team”! As the greatest and most powerful nation in the world, we have become accustomed to thinking that we are the victors in all things and the rest of the world is somehow second class.
There is a reason we associate life with victory. Continue reading
This is Part 4 of 4 parts answering the question, “How can you be released from the suffering God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
There Is A Resurrection Body Coming
Whether through the Rapture or through death, all Christians will receive a new resurrection body, which will suffer no more. Paul explained this transition, Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 