In this episode, we pick up the conversation where the last lecture in my Apologetics class left off. We review six reasons the bible gives for suffering as well as how to face pain and hardship.
By looking at Jesus and Paul, we see that God did not spare either of them from adversity. Jesus came into this world as a hunted refugee, faced conflict and opposition his entire ministry, and then, in =the end, faced torture and execution. Similarly Paul endured rejection, whippings, beatings, shipwreck, and martyrdom. We can learn from these examples about how we can deal with difficulty in our own lives.
Also, we discuss the prosperity gospel and play a clip from John Piper who puts his finger on why such a theology is so dangerous. Lastly, we draw inspiration from the words of the prophet Habakkuk who cried out to God to do something to deal with the rampant injustice of his day.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to first listen to podcast episode 62: Why Does God Allow Suffering? before listening to this episode. It should be the one right before this one. Here now is off script episode 19: more on why God Allows Suffering
Notes and Links:
Episodes in this series on Overcoming Objections to Christianity:
I have found that all of the words used in the NT are in particular words of hardship & suffering for the follower of Christ. Words like endure, affliction, trials, tribulation, persecution, sorrow, sufferings. BUT as of yet we cannot even compare to what these things will work within us the very glory of God. Rom 8:18 & Heb 12:8 Scripture does teach that suffering precedes ruling & reigning with Christ 2Tim 2:12.
In my own sufferings is when I learn the most. Learning brings me comfort but the pain is still present. Should I the clay turn to the Potter and ask “What are you doing?” If I keep asking, I am not growing in trust and wisdom. If I stop asking I have found rest and peace in knowing the Lord who started this work will finish it for his glory. But this to is a revelation that the Lord teaches us. The very fruits of the Spirit require testings, trials, pressure and it all takes a life time of learning as only the Lord knows what each circumstance is needed for each person. What beautiful fruit he will bring forth in us and then all that pain will be forgotten. After all we are being transformed into Christ.
In this episode, we pick up the conversation where the last lecture in my Apologetics class left off. We review six reasons the bible gives for suffering as well as how to face pain and hardship.
Man! That was awesome. Rose is a transparent heavy hitter! Love her well chosen words.
I have found that all of the words used in the NT are in particular words of hardship & suffering for the follower of Christ. Words like endure, affliction, trials, tribulation, persecution, sorrow, sufferings. BUT as of yet we cannot even compare to what these things will work within us the very glory of God. Rom 8:18 & Heb 12:8 Scripture does teach that suffering precedes ruling & reigning with Christ 2Tim 2:12.
In my own sufferings is when I learn the most. Learning brings me comfort but the pain is still present. Should I the clay turn to the Potter and ask “What are you doing?” If I keep asking, I am not growing in trust and wisdom. If I stop asking I have found rest and peace in knowing the Lord who started this work will finish it for his glory. But this to is a revelation that the Lord teaches us. The very fruits of the Spirit require testings, trials, pressure and it all takes a life time of learning as only the Lord knows what each circumstance is needed for each person. What beautiful fruit he will bring forth in us and then all that pain will be forgotten. After all we are being transformed into Christ.