Suffering: Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows? Part 3

Posted on November 8, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 3 of 3 parts answering the question, “Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

While Joyfully Suffering You Learn to Hate the Effects of Sin

I love the attitude that Joni has toward her disability. She humbly recognizes that one day all the effects of sin will be thrust away from the righteous (not as a result of anything that they have done, but because of the great love and mercy God has shown through the Lord Jesus!) Joni records, Continue reading →

Suffering: Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows? Part 2

Posted on November 7, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 2 of 3 parts answering the question, “Suffering: Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 3 will be posted tomorrow.

While Joyfully Suffering You Learn About God

In and from her suffering, Joni Eareckson Tada continues to teach us about victory, joy and the Lord. She also humbly allows others to teach about His greatness and faithfulness while they endure their own trials, Continue reading →

Suffering: Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows? Part 1

Posted on November 6, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 1 of 3 parts answering the question, “Is the Joy of Jesus Greater Than the Suffering God Allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-3 will be posted on succeeding days.

Salvation does not deliver you from suffering on earth. In fact, it more that likely intensifies it! That doesn’t make sense from the human perspective, does it? We tend to believe that God “ought” to give us victory from the agonies of life, because that is what victors achieve! Those who win get the glory, the prize and the rewards. So, how could it be God’s will that His people suffer and what is His solution? Continue reading →

Suffering: Are you prepared for future suffering that God may allow? Part 2

Posted on November 5, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 2 of 2 parts answering the question, “Are you prepared for future suffering that God may allow?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Prepare for Suffering in Eternity Future

If you are a Christian, you will not have to be concerned about going through the Tribulation. But if you are not a child of God, you will enter into this horrific seven year period that is coming!² It will be a time of God’s wrath, with incredible earthly destruction and harm to the human race. The only way to prepare for that is to accept the Lord Jesus as your Savior, beginning an eternal relationship with Him. Then press forward by faith and abide in Christ so that you will bear the fruit of the Spirit and lead many others to Him. Continue reading →

Suffering: Are you prepared for future suffering that God may allow? Part 1

Posted on November 4, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 1 of 2 parts answering the question, “Are you prepared for future suffering that God may allow?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Is anyone ready for the suffering that God allows? It seems as though we’re never really prepared for its presence in our lives, but keeping our eyes on the Lor helps us to endure. We can become “bitter or better,” depending on our response to trials. There are two categories of suffering that we need to consider – that which will happen on earth before death, but for those who reject the Lord Jesus, eternal suffering. Should I really bring up that last concept? Does that sound distasteful? But then, why sugarcoat the truth? Continue reading →

Suffering: What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering? Part 3

Posted on November 3, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 3 of 3 parts answering the question, “What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Bless Those Who Inflict Harm

Scripture is clear that we are to not seek vengeance! Peter wrote to those Christians who were scattered about the ancient world during a time of intense persecution and suffering, Continue reading →

Suffering: What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering? Part 2

Posted on November 2, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 2 of 3 parts answering the question, “What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 3 will be posted tomorrow.

Follow the Lord’s Attitude Toward Inflictors

The Lord Jesus always exercised compassion and mercy during His time on earth, and sought forgiveness for those who inflicted suffering upon Him even as He hung on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NKJ) This attitude and action requires Divine empowerment and forgiveness, which is exactly what glorifies the Lord! Continue reading →

Suffering: What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering? Part 1

Posted on November 1, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 1 of 3 parts answering the question, “What Should Your Attitude Be Toward Those Who Cause Suffering?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2-3 will be posted on succeeding days.

The immediate priority of those who suffer is, from the human perspective, how to get through it, overcome it and avoid it in the future. The second priority is to see what or who is causing the trouble. If it is bacteria, then a doctor can prescribe some kind of antibiotic. However, what if it is a person causing the pain? How should you view that person? Continue reading →

Suffering: Will Restoration Happen in the Future from the Suffering God Allows? Part 2

Posted on October 31, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 2 of 2 parts answering the question, “Will Restoration Happen in the Future from the Suffering God Allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?”

Restoration Will Be Our Reality

Although the timing of death is unknown to us, it is a reality. While it grieves us to think about our own death, let alone deal with the loss of loved ones – especially those who are already suffering. But for those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus as Savior, there will be a restoration to the Lord in eternity. That restoration is a return to sinless perfection and spiritual intimacy with Him that existed in the Garden of Eden between Adam and the Lord. We will be free from the presence of sin and all of its horrible consequences.

Continue reading →

Suffering: Will Restoration Happen in the Future from the Suffering God Allows? Part 1

Posted on October 30, 2014 by shepherdbryan

This is Part 1 of 2 parts answering the question, “Will Restoration Happen in the Future from the Suffering God Allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

The presence of suffering is one of the major reasons why the world questions God. They ask, “If God is a loving God, why is there so much suffering?” They will further contend that either God is not aware of it, He is powerless to do anything about it, or He is not good. All of those statements are completely wrong, but are the reality for those struggling with understanding the character of God and all the pain and hardship that exist. Continue reading →

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