SEARCHING FOR GOD
Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?
Pastor Trevor, September 17, 2023
I. Where Did Sin, Evil, Pain and Suffering Come From
- God can only create that which is good.
- The Goodness of God gave freedom of choice to love Him.
- Adam and Eve (our representatives) chose to obey the devil which had them disobey and reject God’s Good Word and Ways for them.
- A new fallen sin-nature entered into Adam & Eve impacting all humanity and creation.
II. Defining Sin & Evil (simplified)
- SIN: thought, action, behavior that transgresses/violates the Holy nature of God illustrated through His good Laws (e.g. Ten Commandments)
- EVIL: contradicts God’s Holiness, harms others, destroys hope in and love for God
- The result of sin is separation from God (life-giver) which becomes the cause of our death (spiritual, physical, eternal).
III. What is the Goodness of God doing about sin, evil, pain and suffering?
- God freely chose to suffer with us in order to save us. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins in order for us to be eternally forgiven and pardoned for everlasting life with Him!
- God is with us who equips and empowers us to battle against sin and Satan. His sufficiency of grace helps us endure our pain and suffering.
- God continues to transform and redeem our pain and suffering for our goodness, growth, and, His glory.
IV. Implication / Application / Reflection
- How did God speak specifically to you through this message?
- How will you know God is with you in your pain and suffering even if you don’t “feel” His presence?
- What hope will you hold on to through a season of pain?
Blessings!