This is Part 2 of two parts answering the question, “What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows?” which is part of the larger project answering the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”
Let’s note five results of man’s way of dealing with suffering.
Consequences of Dealing with Suffering Man’s Way
This is Part 1 of 2 parts answering the question, “What are the results of man’s ways of dealing with the suffering God allows?” in the larger project of asking the question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.
Apart from God, man in his own wisdom has developed answers, solutions and complex philosophies for dealing with suffering. However, he is always left empty and searching for more answers. Bill Nye, a proponent of evolution and television’s “Science Guy,” finds the search exciting!1 But that is how he makes his living! He looks for new ways of explaining things, which provides more opportunities to combine natural phenomenon with explanations that exclude God. What are the results for the rest of those who choose man’s way of dealing with the suffering God allows?
The book “Charles Darwin” succinctly describes the master proponent for evolution. It not only describes Darwin, but also addresses several questions that arise because of his work. There are four chapters on Darwin and three chapters answering questions most likely associated with the name of Darwin and evolution. Continue reading
These are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions from the message presented on March 30, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy. These are provided to stimulate thinking, but not prohibit from additional thinking.
Why disciple others to follow Jesus, instead of Truth principles?
This message was presented on March 30, 2014 as part of the series on 1 Timothy.
Alertness. We looked at alertness to Truth last Sunday, because mainline Christianity is falling away from it! I am concerned about Christians being pulled into the Christian Science, Mormon, and Jehovah Witness cults (among others), because those are obviously false doctrines. But for those in Protestantism who are compromising Truth, the drift is often more subtle. Do you know of churches that have moved away from Truth? How about denominations? What about Christians who professed Jesus and pursued following His Lordship, but allowed some intense suffering, mistreatment from leadership at church, or an unfair situation to cause them to depart from Jesus? Why did it happen? Because our minds and flesh like to explore new things and deceiving spirits like to fill up that desire. My friends, purity of Truth is essential, because what percentage of poison is in d-CON? Only 2 %. But unless we love each other, we’ll never be able to lead each other to the Truth.
This is Part 5/5 in answering the question, “What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?”
Expressions of How Man’s Desires to Overcome Suffering
Considering these categories of how men seek to overcome suffering, let’s note several specific ways man attempts to overcome his suffering apart from God. Continue reading
This is Part 4/5 in answering the question, “What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Part 5 will be posted tomorrow.
Overcoming Suffering by indifference toward God
When Adam stood by Eve, during her conversation with the serpent, he was passively indifferent toward his responsibility of protecting her (Gen. 2:21; his arm protects the rib). He knew God’s command (1 Tim. 2:14), had a fear of the Lord (Gen. 3:8), yet chose to not act to protect his wife (Gen. 3:17). In other words, his circumstances were more real and more important than his relationship with God. He did not make it his aim to please the Lord (2 Cor. 5:9). Whatever the motivations, he chose to stand by rather than be responsible. The same is true for how many seek to overcome in suffering. Often, those who suffer ignore or are indifferent to God’s ways of victory in suffering. Continue reading
This is Part 3/5 answering the question, “What are man’s way of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project and question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 4-5 will be posted over the next two days.
Overcoming Suffering by Independence from God
This is Part 2 of a 5 part series answering the question, “What are man’s way of dealing with the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project answering the question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 3-5 will be posted over the next three days.
Dealing with Suffering by Rebellion against God
This is Part 1/5 answering the question, “What are man’s way of overcoming the suffering that God allows?” in the larger project answering the question, “How can a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-5 will be posted in succeeding days.
In the previous chapter we looked at man’s way of dealing with the suffering that God allows, and noted that in all things there is a difference between man’s way and God’s way! There are some intelligent souls who think they have good ideas on how to deal with pain. However, like the manufacturer of an automobile, God is the Creator of the creature (man). He is the best One to consult on how man ought to think, speak and act! Hence, even in suffering, we should go to the Word of God to find solutions, but most do not. What are man’s ways of overcoming the suffering that Gods allows? What are the solutions that man sees as legitimate answers in dealing with suffering? Let’s note three major ways man seeks to overcome suffering. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 