This is Part 3 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?” Part 4 will be posted tomorrow.
The Christian’s Solution Is Hope
Christians do not know how long their suffering will last. It may be a day or a lifetime, but will ultimately will all end at death. There will be no more sorrow or tears (Rev. 21:4). Continue reading
This is Part 2 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?” Parts 3-4 will be posted on succeeding days.
Fix Your Eyes on the Lord
Right after his presentation of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, the writer to the Hebrews recorded the Lord’s solution for dealing with the challenges of life. While some of them endured torture, torments and wanderings in the wilderness, they refused physical deliverance in order to obtain a better resurrection or reward (Heb. 11: 35). How does a person endure without losing their faith? How does someone persevere in persecution and agony for the name of the Lord Jesus? Continue reading
This is Part 1 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?” Parts 2-4 will be posted on succeeding days.
As a pastor, I have seen many people suffer. I’ve watched beloved friends as they physically worked through a painful recovery from surgery, emotionally dealt with the unexplained death of an infant, socially dealt with the rejection of friends or a spouse, and spiritually dealt with a child who has wandered from the Lord into drugs and immorality. I’ve walked alongside those who have lost a spouse of over 50 years and seen the pain overcome them within just a few months. When friends are in pain, it’s difficult for them to focus on the Lord. Continue reading
“Logic and Faith” is a Christian’s textbook on philosophy in dealing with the Evolutionist’s arguments. It is simple, yet profound. It exposes the enemy’s tactics to twist the truth in order to promote his false teaching. It is a beginning guide, in a concise way, to begin thinking beyond simple devotionals and step into the arena of apologetics. Continue reading
This study guide was produced by the Desiring God team working with John Piper. It’s a great ten session tool for small groups to work through Piper’s “Don’t Waste Your Life.” The book itself is an excellent challenge as previously noted on the post yesterday and this will assist in accountability to the content. Continue reading
“Don’t Waste Your Life” is a brilliant challenge to hone in your purpose for living. While the word “waste” seems negative, Piper is anything but negative. He wisely declares that life is short and human pursuits will result in a waste of life, while pursuing God’s purposes will result in the satisfaction of a passion-filled life that in the end – standing before the Lord Jesus – will result in blessing and honor from Him. Continue reading
“Redemption Truths” is a straight-forward summation of doctrines related to redemption. This is a great book to give to a new Christian, although the Anglicized English of the 1800s may be difficult for many in our culture. It may be like giving a new Christian, who is also young an old King James Bible – they likely won’t adjust to the old English. Anderson has a tremendous background in legal and investigative fields and thus ably addresses the justness of God in providing redemption. It also adds to an apologetic approach to the subject matter. Continue reading
“Real Churches” is an excellent Practical Theology textbook. I’ve always seen the original languages and theology as the backbone for a seminary education and practical theology is something that should be learned prior to seminary in discipleship with a pastor or can be learned after seminary as an associate pastor. However, most churches are not able to afford an associate, so most pastors must jump into the lone-pastor role. Continue reading
This is Part 6 of 6 parts answering the question, “How should we live during the suffering God allows?” in the larger question of “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
Our Lives Should Reflect Our Father’s Holiness
That is the point! Our lives should be holy, for He is holy. Jesus Christ is holy, for He is God. And He perfectly submitted to the Father’s will in all things. So, what should your response be? First of all, you don’t have to understand everything – you only need to trust Him. David said it well, Continue reading
This is Part 5 of 6 parts answering the question, “How should we live during the suffering God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 6 will be posted tomorrow.
We Need To Consider Our Own Responsibilities
In the same way we trusted by faith the Lord Jesus, we also need to trust Him in the midst of our trials. Why do trials come our way? There are several possible causes:
First of all, because we have sinned and/or acted foolishly, God the Father may be imposing Divine discipline because of His infinite love for us (Heb. 12:5-6). There is no godly father who will let his child wander away from the right path into a poison ivy patch or onto a freshly frozen pond! In the same way, God the Father will use any means necessary to get us “back on track,” which is often called chastening. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 