This is Part 2 of the question, “How great is the suffering that God allows?” as part of the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Part 3 will be posted tomorrow.
Paul’s Suffering Example
What about the suffering Paul endured. Did God allow his suffering? Paul understood from hindsight that God was always sovereign in every detail. Paul wrote,
This is Part 1 of 3 parts for the question, “How great is the suffering that God allows?” in the larger question, “Why does a loving God allow suffering?” Parts 2 and 3 will be posted over the next two days.
How great is the suffering in the world? It is off the charts! The reality that there is so much suffering seems absolutely ridiculous. You or many people close to you know of great, great, great suffering!
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 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)
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!
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?
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
Shepherding Truth 