This is a special message presented on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014.
John Wooden, the great basketball coach said, “You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.” Another person made the statement, “The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.” (made by Norman Vincent Peale). Great comment!
This is Part 4 of 4 parts answering the question, “What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
The Downward Spiral of the Believer
This is Part 3 of 4 parts answering the question, “What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 4 will be posted tomorrow.
The Seven Steps of the Unbeliever’s Downward Spiral
This is Part 2 of 4 parts answering the question, “What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3 and 4 will be posted in the next two days.
The Downward Spiral
There are two passages of Scripture that describe this “Downward Spiral” – one applying to believers and the other to unbelievers. If either the unbeliever or the believer chooses man’s way rather than God’s way, he will slip further down this slippery slope. It is a process described regarding the sinful actions of individuals, even those who make these sinful choices as a response to suffering.
This is Part 1 of 4 parts to the question, “What happens to those who dwell on the suffering that God allows?” answering the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2 through 4 will be posted in the following days.
Man’s Way versus God’s Way
We are studying the difference between man’s way and God’s way. Isaiah made it clear that there is a distinct difference. He recorded,
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Is. 55:8-9 NKJ)
“Apemen” is a concise Biblical answer to the erroneous evolutionary view of millions of years for man to evolve from apes. The answers given in each chapter address separate questions posed because of the desire people have to understand their origin while suppressing the truth of their origin in God.
These are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions for the message presented on April 6, 2014. The answers are meant to stimulate more thinking, not hinder thinking.
How do you disciple others in and to godliness?
This message was presented on April 6, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
How many of you have seen the movie “Supersize Me!” At his own risk, Morgan Spurlock wrote the script and underwent an experiment to eat three meals a day at McDonalds for 30 days, without eating their salads. After a doctor’s checkup and approval, he began his journey. If the McDonald’s employee asked if he wanted his order supersized, he had to take it. The results were disastrous to his health!
This is Part 2 of two parts answering the question, “In what ways are even suffering people guilty before God?” in the larger project answering the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
Guilt is part of the Sin Nature Resident in the Body
All people carry the sin nature in their body. Paul was a Pharisee and considered by most people a very righteous man. But even he recognized the real character resident in his body. He said,
This is Part 1 of a two part answer to the question, “In what ways are people guilty before God?” which is part of the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.
There is no doubt that this may be the most difficult question and answer to deal with in this book. How can so many people who were innocent of the suffering they incurred have guilt themselves? Millions have been killed by vicious dictators, merely for being born in a particular country or culture, or with the “wrong” skin color! Any wrongdoing of their own seems to pale in comparison to the horrendous and unjust manner in which they have suffered worldwide throughout history!
Shepherding Truth 