What do you say to that?
Perhaps the greatest objection people level at Christians is this one- If there is a good and loving God, then why is there so much evil and suffering? That is a good question. If you haven't had to answer it yet, you will. So let's dig into it now.
1.-Please watch the following video dealing with this and jot down a few things that you want to remember. Read also Rom.8:22-32. (The entire chapter is outstanding, but I didn't want to give you too much to chew on.) Now please enrich all of us by sharing some of your thoughts from the video and or Rom.8:22-32.
The whole fallen creation now groans, and we groan, and the Spirit Himself groans for us in prayer. The Father also must have groaned watching His Son suffer, groan and die. So God suffers too (Is.63:9). He doesn't stand above and apart from our suffering. He weeps with those who weep (John 11:33-35). But He is also going to transform everything some day, making this wrong world right. (Some of my most favorite verses of Scripture speak of this- Rev.21:1-5.)
2.-So write out this great truth on your MP3 card- "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Rom.8:32. (How fitting as we approach Good Friday- good for us, not for Christ as he suffered terribly in our place.)
One day even" the all things of eternal glory with Christ" will be given to us. That truth and the other powerful truths in Rom.8 can give us great comfort in the midst of our storms here and now.
2.- Speaking of storms, "Praise You in This Storm" is a very fitting song for this painful subject. Such songs from the heart speak to others' hearts. They can have a way of going much deeper than a head to head debate. Perhaps the following song will speak to your heart and those you share it with, as is has touched mine.
May the Lord help us to seek and find opportunities to pass on these videos to others. Please give yourself MP3 points for doing so. People need God's perspective and assurances. Also pass them on to men you would like to see join us.
Announcements
Kudos to several of you who are sharing such good words of encouragement to your brothers on the blog as well as calling, texting or emailing. Look at the scoreboard and you'll see what I mean. I truly commend you for doing such. And if you should notice that someone isn't on the board, please give them an encouraging text, call or email. We need to encourage one another daily so that no one drifts away.
Tomorrow, we will have a special Good Friday-Easter focus. See you then.
Announcements
Kudos to several of you who are sharing such good words of encouragement to your brothers on the blog as well as calling, texting or emailing. Look at the scoreboard and you'll see what I mean. I truly commend you for doing such. And if you should notice that someone isn't on the board, please give them an encouraging text, call or email. We need to encourage one another daily so that no one drifts away.
Tomorrow, we will have a special Good Friday-Easter focus. See you then.
1. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? " Romans 8:32
ReplyDeleteIt pleases God to give us the best gifts :-)
2. Did it
Yes! My you're up early. Thanks for all the encouragement you've been giving the men Robert. Heb.6:10
DeleteYes Robert. Thank you for leading the way in encouraging others. Good example to follow after.
Delete1. Great video pointing out how God gave us the ability to choose to do right or wrong therefore it is not God whom we should blame for evil and suffering but rather man . Also since we live in this fallen world it is only natural that we suffer the consequences for our actions. We are the only ones responsible because we have brought judgement upon our selves.
ReplyDeleteIn Rom 8:31 we read:"...If God is for us, who can be against us? ". How comforting it is to know that for us that have put our faith in God that even though we live in a fallen world full of sin we have God on our side.
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Excellent words Roger- "If God is for us, who can be against us? ". How comforting it is to know that for us that have put our faith in God that even though we live in a fallen world full of sin we have God on our side.
DeleteBrothers, first I want to thank you all for the love we have towards each in Christ and also for the brotherhood. I woke up this morning praying for my nephew (Oziel Andrade), he is two months old and yesterday evening got news he was taken to hospital for he could not breath. Doctors had to do some suction to his lungs. We can not see him based on doctors orders, still have not heard anything from my brother. Brothers if I can ask for prayer to be lifted for my little nephew Oziel on a fast recovery, and for my brother and my future in law to be at ease for I understand not an easy position to be in. Thanks you, with much love.
DeleteWill do Isma. Thanks for letting us know.
DeleteYes Roger...we have been given a choice. Jesus went to the cross with no guarantee that we would necessary choose Him. PTL that you made that choice. The best decisions I've made.
DeleteBrother Roger, great job! Pastor MacDonald says, choose to sin, choose to suffer. God bless you and your family :-)
Deletegreat point we have only responsibility to take.
DeleteLord, we pray your healing hand upon little Oziel. How you love him.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/9O1-SmZ3rxw
ReplyDeleteBig daddy "redeemed" listened to it on Kline and always reflect of how my life has changed from a world of chaos to the love and peace that I had learned to know
MP3 card day 4/2/2015
ReplyDeleteRomans 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Rom.8:32
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Covering you in prayer Guillermo. Good job on the blogs.
DeleteVery good words Guillermo!
DeleteGod bless you Ismael Andrade and your family your nephew is in my prayers that his health is better and he can continue living a godly life
ReplyDelete1. One thing from the video: we all have a choice. God did not create us to be robots. It gives the choice we make to follow Jesus so much more meaning.
ReplyDelete2. This verse really did stick out to me "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Rom.8:32.
But i noticed the words predestined in verses 29, 30. Some things have been preset in God's mind. But to us in our limited perspective and view, we wouldn't understand how it would all work out when God chooses to do something in a way that we think is unfair? I guess this is a deeper theological question pertaining to predestination. Are certain things reserved for certain people? Like does God know who is gonna choose Him?
Brother Eddie, the answers to your questions are in Romans 9. Happy digging brother, God bless. Keep up the great work :-)
Deletegood thoughts dig deep. "it is the glory of god to conceal a matter.it is the glory of man to seek it out."
DeleteThanks Eddie for the insight I appreciate those questions because I have never thought about it like that.
DeleteI guess I have learned to not have reservations due to the fact that I can go back out and drink or get high, but I don't think we have any reservations at all with God it's so supernatural what we get unconditionally.
And Eddie, I know you already know the answer to your last question.
DeleteI liked the video because it tells us how we do have a loving and caring God. That is why he
ReplyDeletegave us free wil to choose to love him or not and to do right or wrong. That is why a lot of
bad things happen because of some of the things people choose to do. It is comforting
to know because does love us sent his son to interced for us.
2.did it.
Amen! Good stuff John!
DeleteGreat comments John.
DeleteYes John, and it is comforting to know that both the Spirit and the Son are revealed in Rom.8 as interceding for us. We're double covered!
DeleteBrother Ismael. Your nephew Oziel Andrade is in our prayers. I thank God for being the ultimate healer, I pray that He will heal him.
ReplyDeleteHere's a couple things that I got from the video.
ReplyDelete1) Man's sin brought judgement on the earth
2) A world without consequences is a fantasy land
I thank God for interceding for us. If God is for us, who can be against us? What can man do to me.
2. Did it- He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
He gave us the greatest gift that no one else could.
Brother Sammy, great points. God bless you and your family brother :-)
DeleteGreat words on that second point
DeleteGood Sam! And it was good chatting with you earlier. Best of blessings.
DeleteOnce again another great video!
ReplyDeleteMuch of the suffering in the world is inflicted by cruel people, not God.
He allows people to be people.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
Storms reveal His power, the death of Christ reveals His love.
Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.
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Brother Philip, you've said it, "Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives." God bless you, keep in the Word :-)
DeleteGlad you're liking and learning from the videos. Thanks Phil!
Delete1.-Watch video, any comments?Read also Rom.8:22-32. Now please enrich all of us by sharing some of your thoughts from the video and or Rom.8:22-32. 1) The evil and suffering one may experience in this life are direct consequences from our rebellious way we are living. This rebellion to abide to God's principles, set's upon us a sequence of God interceding on our behalf and a warning for us to realize that our choice to live a sinful way will be held accountable when judged by Him. God gives us the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us to a righteous life. "Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression." Ps.19:13. 2) Did it.
ReplyDeleteBrother Armando, well said! You're on your way to becoming, unstoppable :-)
DeleteAnd of course sometimes we suffer because we live in a fallen world, due to no sin of our own. How amazing that God is still working all things together for our eternal good and His glory. He is for us and with us!
Delete1) Video- What caught my attention was that inherent within the skeptics question in questioning the quality of Gods goodness was the presupposition of a standard of Goodness. But where did this standard come from? I suggest that it came from God, since we are made in His image and designed to seek it out. What also stood out to me was the need for Justice. The skeptic of God was seeking His qualities in action; and in a manner saying "we need God like qualities to govern our universe". But at the heart of these queries I believe is one distinct presupposition. Which is that Humans are good moral beings and that pain, suffering and disaster are a list of unjust realities that god if there is one is responsible for. I am convinced that what they fail to see is that there standards are weak, low and lacking. Further they themselves fail their own meager standards. But Gods standards are high strict, they allow no failure, not the slightest indiscretion goes without the balanced consequence. In these standards the attackers of God are not just, rather they are the villains, the cosmic criminals awaiting their death sentences. When we learn that we are not guiltless but guilty then we can see pain, suffering and natural disaster as the results of evil men and just consequences. That at the ends of their fingers stand their guilt and their need for the savior that they condemn.
ReplyDeleteb) If there were no groaning, there would be no desire for change and we would be content with the sad moral decay that this world presents as normal. We need suffering it tells us somethings wrong.
2) Did it.
Great analogy Antonio!
DeleteBrother Tony, agreed. When in pain, I used to run to everything other than God. Now pain draws me to the foot of the cross. Great work, God bless you and your family brother :-)
DeleteGood points Antonio! "We need suffering it tells us somethings wrong."
Delete1. I enjoyed the video very much and one point that stood out was that we have a choice, we all have a choice but yet so many people choose there selfish desires that only brings unhappiness. WHen choosing to give your life to GOD and living a GODLY way gives you eternal happiness! I also liked the verse "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31 NIV)
ReplyDelete2 did it
Amen Ricardo I agree with totally. Also God does not call the qualify He qualify's the call. When we are with Him he will give us what we need to glorify Him.
DeleteGlad you're enjoying the videos. And I enjoyed talking with you earlier too. Praise God for the good new job!
Delete1- God is a good and loving God.
ReplyDeleteA-He gives us freedom of choice.
B-People are cruel not God
C-We are on sinking ship when it comes to the world.
D-We are frail.
E-Who is control? God is.
F-Relationship with God.
G-God's promise for a new earth.
H-Look at the cross.
I-Jesus is in the business of changing lives.
With all the above stated if we don't have God we live empty lives.
2-Did it.
Great stuff my brother.
DeleteGOD BLESS
Brother Mike, love it! Excellent points :-)
DeleteVery good summary points Mike! Great to see you passing on encouragement too!
Delete1) If there is a good and loving God, then why is there so much evil and suffering? This is a question that I've been asked before. I feel that a person who ask this question is probably a person that really needs some prayer and encouragement. You just may never know if he or she is going through something. I try not to back away when I hear this question. In fact it actually gives me a boost. I tend to tell that person just like that video did about the wonderful works God has done. Our sins have made the world a "SAD" place but Jesus makes all thing New. We should be waiting for that day when Christ come back.
ReplyDelete2) DID IT
Thats very true! We never know what someone's going through when they ask that question. Way to be mindful! Good word!
DeleteVery good Vince! I agree with you and James. The person's tone of voice will usually reveal whether their question is coming out of sadness or skepticism. We might respond with a question. "That's a very deep question; what prompts you to ask that?"
Delete1. Romans 8:26 ESV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. This verse made me realize why I didn't drift away from god when I chose sin. Its awesome to see even in are weakness we are covered in pray. Gods an awesome God!
ReplyDelete2. Did it!
Thank You Lord for interceding for James! We are so glad to have him with us. I know You want to bear much fruit through him.
Delete1. The question of why does God let bad things happen is one that I have asked. The video helps clarify the question. Its not that he lets bad things happen, we let bad things happen. We are here on earth battlig for Gods love. Heaven is not going to be given to us so simply. We need to earn our place there.
ReplyDelete2. did it
Thankfully Chuy, God freely loves us and freely gives us the gift of His Son and salvation since we could never earn our way in. That's the good news message of Good Friday and Easter.
DeleteKeep up on the Blogging Chuy. Your doing great.
Delete1. The video was very good! God is good and just, and it is man who sinned. The world was peaceful until Adam and Eve were enticed by Satan to sin. God gives us the freedom of choice to believe or not, to sin or not, and it is earthly humans who don't heed the warning of Jesus return, people are cruel, not God. God's promise is that if we believe and follow Jesus, he will not let us perish. Christianity means not just truth but I believe it!
ReplyDelete2. Did it
Very good Jack and I'm glad you liked the video.
Delete1. Rom.8:22-32. We are more than conquerors when we put our trust in God. God gives us free will to believe in him. I have faith to know that God is in control. Rom 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
ReplyDelete2. Did it. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Rom.8:32
Very good Oscar. I like your words and your faith- "I have faith to know that God is in control."
Delete1.Watching the video I know that God is good all the time. Life is a choice and choices have consequences. God is in control we must trust in him "while we were still sinners Christ died for us." Our hope is in you Lord.
ReplyDelete2.Did it. "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Rom.8:32.
Bueno George! "Life is a choice and choices have consequences. God is in control we must trust in him"
DeleteI love the end point of what Josh McDowell said "You can laugh at Christianity, you can mock and ridicule it, but it works"! "If you decide to trust Christ, start watching your attitude and action because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives". Love it.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing fake,false,an error about Jesus Christ. He is all real, all man/all God and came down to bring us a opportunity to have a everlasting relationship with him in heaven. All the evidence is in the word, just got to open your heart and "your eyes" will be revealed by th e truth.
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Right on Ismael!
DeleteAnd we're praying for little Oziel and family.
1
ReplyDeleteTo put things plainly the rules that govern reality are what make you, your identity. Therefore Rom 1:24 is the pivotal verse God Gave them up in the lusts of their hearts." Indeed God could very well stop injustices and prevent disease making humanity like the angels without need for the gospel. If we are to be so protected and in a world void of hurt and issues we would no longer be people as God did not intend His creation to be. Meant to choose and glorify Him.
But if life were so very comfortable and free from the injustices that we see, we are forgetting that our hearts are so wicked and full of malice.
It is impossible to 100% stop displeasing God but it is surely possible to be forgiven by God
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Ooo, powerful comments my brother!!
DeleteGood words again Gary!
Delete1.-Please watch the following video dealing with this and jot down a few things that you want to remember. Read also Rom.8:22-32. (The entire chapter is outstanding, but I didn't want to give you too much to chew on.) Now please enrich all of us by sharing some of your thoughts from the video and or Rom.8:22-32.
ReplyDeleteI liked how the video explains God created a peaceful world for us but peoples choices inflict suffering on others.
Romans 8:30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
This verse show that God wants a relationship with us. Not only did He choose us He’s reaching out by calling to us.
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Yes, thank God that he still wants a personal relationship with us :) Amazing Grace!
DeleteI like that a lot George, very good!
Delete1. Sin has caused all creation to fall from the perfect state in which God created it. I see the world as physically decaying and spiritually infected with sin. The good news is, one day, all creation will be liberated and transformed. We as christians are promised a new heaven and a new earth, Woo Hoo :)
ReplyDelete2. did it
Amen to that, Israel.
DeleteI Woo Hoo too! :)
Delete1. The whole reading was filled with very good verses. The verse about the Holy Spirit interceding for us is a highlight, so is this one: "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31
ReplyDelete2. Did it.
Alex, I'm so proud of you for joining M3 and sticking with it. God has great things in store for you.
DeleteGood words Alex! And I echo Dave Heidekruger's sentiments.
Delete1) Now please enrich all of us by sharing some of your thoughts from the video and or Rom.8:22-32.
ReplyDeleteI liked the 5 things Dave G shared that life's disasters reminded him about:
1) Reminded that we are on a sinking ship – not a paradise cruise.
2) Reminded of just how fragile we are.
3) Reminded of who is really in control.
4) Reminded of our relationship with the Creator (revealed by our response to Him.)
5) Reminded of God's promise. Even though we deserve death for our sins, God is making a new
pain free wonderful world for us to live in.
When life gets difficult I like to remember that life is a temporary assignment and also that life is a test. (Picked up from the book “The Purpose Driven Life”. ) Like the five reminders above it just keeps things in a proper perspective.
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Thank you Dave. TTSP- This Too Shall Pass.
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