Some looks at the suffering of this world

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity.

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. What appears to be unfair always needs to be seen in light of eternity. n David briefly thought that serving God was in "vain" until he though further. (Psa 73: 11 -17) n

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n (Psalms 73: 11 -17 NKJV) “And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High? ” {12} Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. {13} Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. {14} For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n {15} If I had said, “I will speak thus, ” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. {16} When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me; {17} Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. ”

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n We too need to be careful not to jump to conclusions when adversity comes into our lives. Our God is alive and active!

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n Ted Turner, founding genius of Cable News Network, millionaire, and sportsman spoke recently in Orlando. As he received the award for "Humanist of the Year" he shared a very emotional story. Turner mentioned that he was raised in a God-fearing family and had a sister who was ill. Her illness progressed; she became critical. He prayed desperately the Lord would spare her life and make her well. She died.

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n Then Ted told the audience that from then on he knew, even as a kid, there was no God up there. What kind of loving God would have allowed his sister to suffer and die? Turner indicated he had lived the rest of his life depending on himself, not on an unfeeling, phantom-being that did not exist. There was wild applause.

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n Still there are situations that cause us to reflect.

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen?

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. Consider a child born into the world with an illness that bankrupts his parents and the child dies. Why does this happen? n We need to understand that our inability to find answers does not deny the existence of God! There are many things that God has not reveled to us. (Deut 29: 29) n

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n (Deuteronomy 29: 29 NKJV) “”The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. ”

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n We need to have the wisdom of Job and never blame God. (Job 2: 9 -10)

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n (Job 2: 9 -10 NKJV) “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” {10} But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? ” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. ”

Some looks at the suffering of this world and conclude there is no God. n Consider some truths we do know that will help explain suffering.

God has given man free agency. n Man has the power of choice. (Ecc 7: 29; Josh 24: 15)

God has given man free agency. n (Joshua 24: 15 NKJV) “”And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. ””

God has given man free agency. n (Ecclesiastes 7: 29 NKJV) “Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes. ””

God has given man free agency. n God in His wisdom chose to make man with a free will. We are not robots.

God has given man free agency. God in His wisdom chose to make man with a free will. We are not robots. n The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers. n

God has given man free agency. God in His wisdom chose to make man with a free will. We are not robots. n The ability to choose holds both great blessings and great dangers. n For those who trust God the Bible tells us how to choose! n

God has given man free agency. n God has not foreordained all things. (Jer 32: 35)

God has given man free agency. n (Jeremiah 32: 35 NKJV) “’And they built the high places of Baal which are in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. ’”

God has given man free agency. n The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin.

God has given man free agency. The very presence of evil should show us that God in making man with a free will allowed for the possibility of sin. n God does not bring about sin! (Jas 1: 12 -13) n

God has given man free agency. n (James 1: 12 -13 NKJV) “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. {13} Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. ”

God has given man free agency. n God does however use sinful men in their craftiness to accomplish His will.

God has given man free agency. n (Romans 9: 17 -18 NKJV) “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. ” {18} Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens. ”

God has given man free agency. n (1 Corinthians 2: 6 -8 NKJV) “However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. {7} But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, {8} which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ”

God has given man free agency. n (1 Corinthians 3: 19 -20 NKJV) “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; {20} and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile. ””

God has given man free agency. n Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering.

God has given man free agency. Satan and the sin he introduced is the source of all suffering. n God made this world free of sin and good. (Gen 1: 31) n

God has given man free agency. n (Genesis 1: 31 NKJV) “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. ”

God has given man free agency. n After the introduction of sin both man and creation were changed. (Gen 3: 16 -19)

God has given man free agency. n (Genesis 3: 16 -19 NKJV) “To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you. ”

God has given man free agency. n {17} Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. {18} Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.

God has given man free agency. n {19} In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return. ””

God has given man free agency. n Satan makes full use of man's vulnerability to capture them to his cause. (Heb 2: 14 -15)

God has given man free agency. n (Hebrews 2: 14 -15 NKJV) “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, {15} and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. ”

God has given man free agency. n Those who are in fellowship with God have God's protection from Satan.

God has given man free agency. n (1 Corinthians 10: 13 NKJV) “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. ”

God has given man free agency. n (Job 1: 8 -12 NKJV) “Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? ” {9} So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?

God has given man free agency. n {10} “Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. {11} “But now, stretch out Your hand touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

God has given man free agency. n {12} And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person. ” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. ”

God has given man free agency. n "A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears. "

God has given man free agency. "A man who fears suffering is already suffering from what he fears. " n God will bless in eternity those who choose Him in this life. (2 Thess 1: 6 -7) n

God has given man free agency. n (2 Thessalonians 1: 6 -7 NKJV) “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, {7} and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, ”

God has given man free agency. n This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue.

God has given man free agency. This life is not fair! But to the Christian this is not the issue. n We choose to let God even things out in the judgment. n

There are several reasons for suffering. n When physical law is violated.

There are several reasons for suffering. When physical law is violated. n God does not suspend physical law that man may avoid the consequences! n

There are several reasons for suffering. When physical law is violated. n God does not suspend physical law that man may avoid the consequences! n Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program) n

There are several reasons for suffering. When physical law is violated. n God does not suspend physical law that man may avoid the consequences! n Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program) n When spiritual law is violated. n

There are several reasons for suffering. When physical law is violated. n God does not suspend physical law that man may avoid the consequences! n Consider the rules surrounding: gravity, fire, water, darkness and light. (Ex. Smokers on a call-in program) n When spiritual law is violated. n When we sin there is a just consequence in this world. (Gal 6: 7 -8; 1 Pt 4: 15) n

There are several reasons for suffering. n (Galatians 6: 7 -8 NKJV) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. {8} For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n (1 Peter 4: 15 NKJV) “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n Consider the earthly consequences of fornication. It destroys relationships, cheapens life, separates from God and cases others to lose respect for you!

There are several reasons for suffering. Consider the earthly consequences of fornication. It destroys relationships, cheapens life, separates from God and cases others to lose respect for you! n When others make wrong choices. n

There are several reasons for suffering. Consider the earthly consequences of fornication. It destroys relationships, cheapens life, separates from God and cases others to lose respect for you! n When others make wrong choices. n Sadly many suffer because of a choice of a family member. (Josh 7: 24 -25) n

There are several reasons for suffering. n (Joshua 7: 24 -25 NKJV) “Then Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the garment, the wedge of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent, and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor.

There are several reasons for suffering. n {25} And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day. ” So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n We suffer from the choice of Adam and Eve. (Rom 5: 12)

There are several reasons for suffering. n (Romans 5: 12 NKJV) “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned; ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n While I may suffer the consequences of others actions, I do not bear their guilt! (Ezk 18: 2, 20)

There are several reasons for suffering. n (Ezekiel 18: 2 NKJV) “”What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge’? ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n (Ezekiel 18: 20 NKJV) “”The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. ”

There are several reasons for suffering. n When natural disasters occur.

There are several reasons for suffering. When natural disasters occur. n Both good and evil people suffer the effects of a natural calamity. n

There are several reasons for suffering. n Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category.

There are several reasons for suffering. Birth defects and some diseases fall into this category. n We need to be careful about accessing blame! (Jn 9: 1 -3) n

There are several reasons for suffering. n (John 9: 1 -3 NKJV) “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. {2} And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? ” {3} Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. ”

There is a great value in suffering n God will always use suffering for His good. (Rom 8: 28)

There is a great value in suffering n (Romans 8: 28 NKJV) “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. ”

There is a great value in suffering n What did Joseph learn about his suffering? (Gen 50: 19 -20)

There is a great value in suffering n (Genesis 50: 19 -20 NKJV) “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? {20} “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. ”

There is a great value in suffering n We may never see the ways God uses tragedy in our lives. We must trust God!

There is a great value in suffering We may never see the ways God uses tragedy in our lives. We must trust God! n If we would see, the good always outweighs the bad! n

There is a great value in suffering n "Would you trade your worst problems for your greatest blessings? Would you give up the promise of eternal life for the eradication of your temporary grief or pain? Would you exchange your life itself for the luxury of not having a flat tire? Would you give up the love of your family in exchange for a day without disrespect or unkindness from others?

There is a great value in suffering n Would you trade (fill in the blank with any of your greatest blessings) ____________ for the removal of (fill in the blank with any of your worst problems) _____________? No, you would not. Your blessings always outweigh your problems. " - Tim Nichols

There is a great value in suffering n (Ex. The opposite of count your blessings:

There is a great value in suffering (Ex. The opposite of count your blessings: n When you are discouraged, feel that all is lost; Say the prize you're seeking is not worth the cost; Think about your troubles, count them o'er and o'er; Every time you count them, there will be one more. n

There is a great value in suffering n Count your many problems, name them one by one; Think that victory never, never will be won; Cite your many troubles, count them o'er and o'er, All your disappointments and vexations soar.

There is a great value in suffering n Suffering can allow us to be better acquainted with God.

There is a great value in suffering Suffering can allow us to be better acquainted with God. n Suffering should humble us. (Isa 37: 1 -4) n

There is a great value in suffering n (Isaiah 37: 1 -4 NKJV) “And so it was, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD. {2} Then he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz.

There is a great value in suffering n {3} And they said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah: ‘This day is a day of trouble and rebuke and blasphemy; for the children have come to birth, but there is no strength to bring them forth. {4} ‘It may be that the LORD your God will hear the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the LORD your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left. ’””

There is a great value in suffering n "God is more concerned about your response to a problem than he is about removing it. “

There is a great value in suffering "God is more concerned about your response to a problem than he is about removing it. “ n We need to see the brevity of life. (Psa 90: 12) n

There is a great value in suffering n (Psalms 90: 12 NKJV) “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. ”

There is a great value in suffering n "Supposing you eliminated suffering, what a dreadful place the world would be! I would almost rather eliminate happiness. The world would be the most ghastly place because everything that corrects the tendency of this unspeakable little creature, man, to feel over-important and overpleased with himself would disappear.

There is a great value in suffering n He's bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. However, we needn't fear that. "

There is a great value in suffering He's bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered. However, we needn't fear that. " n Job in all of his suffering came to know God better. In this he was greatly blessed! (Job 42: 5 -6) n

There is a great value in suffering n (Job 42: 5 -6 NKJV) “”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. {6} Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes. ””

There is a great value in suffering n Thank God for slowing you down and the time He has given you to consider Him.

There is a great value in suffering Gethsemane All those who journey, soon or late, Must pass within the garden's gate; Must kneel alone in darkness there. And battle with some fierce despair. God pity those who cannot say, 'not mine but thing' who only pray, 'Let this cup pass, ' and cannot see, The purpose in Gethsemane. n

There is a great value in suffering n Suffering can cause us to develop greater spiritual qualities.

There is a great value in suffering Suffering can cause us to develop greater spiritual qualities. n We learn that we have a genuine faith. (Rom 5: 3 -4; 1 Pt 1: 6 -7) n

There is a great value in suffering n (Romans 5: 3 -4 NKJV) “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; {4} and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ”

There is a great value in suffering n (1 Peter 1: 6 -7 NKJV) “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, {7} that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ”

There is a great value in suffering n "Its way of suffering is the witness which a soul bears to itself. "

There is a great value in suffering "Its way of suffering is the witness which a soul bears to itself. " n "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness. “ n

There is a great value in suffering "Its way of suffering is the witness which a soul bears to itself. " n "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness. “ n "Nothing shows more accurately what we are than the way we meet trials and difficulties. “ n

There is a great value in suffering "Its way of suffering is the witness which a soul bears to itself. " n "Suffering is a cleansing fire that clears away triviality and restlessness. “ n "Nothing shows more accurately what we are than the way we meet trials and difficulties. “ n We learn the value of waiting on the Lord. (Jas 1: 2 -4) n

There is a great value in suffering n (James 1: 2 -4 NKJV) “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, {3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. {4} But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ”

There is a great value in suffering Suffering Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change he faithful will remain. n

There is a great value in suffering n We have a stronger hope. (Rom 8: 18)

There is a great value in suffering n (Romans 8: 18 NKJV) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. ”

There is a great value in suffering n "The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes would have no tears“

There is a great value in suffering n "Man can endure almost any suffering if he can see a purpose or meaning in it. Conversely, he will be miserable even amidst great luxury if he cannot relate his life to some larger context which makes it meaningful. "

There is a great value in suffering n Suffering can increase our influence for the Lord.

There is a great value in suffering Suffering can increase our influence for the Lord. n Many who suffer and quietly stand have a powerful influence. (1 Pt 2: 11 -12; 4: 12 -16) n

There is a great value in suffering n (1 Peter 2: 11 -12 NKJV) “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, {12} having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. ”

There is a great value in suffering n (1 Peter 4: 12 -16 NKJV) “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; {13} but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

There is a great value in suffering n {14} If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. {15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

There is a great value in suffering n {16} Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. ”

There is a great value in suffering n "The self-centered suffer when others disappoint them. The Christ-centered suffer when they disappoint others. "

There is a great value in suffering n "We all know people who have been made much meaner and more irritable and more intolerable to live with by suffering; it is not right to say that all suffering perfects. It only perfects one type of person—the one who accepts the call of God in Christ Jesus. " - Oswald Chambers

There is a great value in suffering n "Often the same thing that makes one person bitter makes another better. “

There is a great value in suffering "Often the same thing that makes one person bitter makes another better. “ n "It requires more courage to suffer than to die. " - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769– 1821) n

There is a great value in suffering "Often the same thing that makes one person bitter makes another better. “ n "It requires more courage to suffer than to die. " - Napoleon Bonaparte (1769– 1821) n Please never forget the great opportunity you have in suffering. (Ex. A godly wife caring for a critically ill husband for years) n

There is a great value in suffering n Suffering can allow us to help others in their suffering. (2 Cor 1: 3 -5)

There is a great value in suffering n (2 Corinthians 1: 3 -5 NKJV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, {4} who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

There is a great value in suffering n {5} For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. ”

There is a great value in suffering n You cannot imagine what Christians at this church have experienced in their lives but remained faithful.

There is a great value in suffering You cannot imagine what Christians at this church have experienced in their lives but remained faithful. n There are many here who would gladly share valuable wisdom with others if given the chance. n

There is a great value in suffering n There is a great joy in helping others who are going down the paths you have trod.

There is a great value in suffering n "I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chattered all the way, And left me none the wiser, For all she had to say. "I walked a mile with Sorrow, And not a word said she. But oh, the things I learned from her, When Sorrow walked with me. “ -- Robert Browning Hamilton

There is a great value in suffering n Let us be faithful wherever this life may lead. (Phil 4: 12 -13)

There is a great value in suffering n (Philippians 4: 12 -13 NKJV) “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. {13} I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ”

There is a great value in suffering n What will you remember in eternity?

There is a great value in suffering n As Christians we can view suffering as an opportunity. Do you? (Phil 1: 27 -30)

There is a great value in suffering n (Philippians 1: 27 -30 NKJV) “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, {28} and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

There is a great value in suffering n {29} For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, {30} having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me. ”

There is a great value in suffering n I asked God for strength that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

There is a great value in suffering n I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men, I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

There is a great value in suffering n I got nothing that I asked for -- but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among all men, most richly blessed. -- From Max Cleland, Strong at the Broken Places