WHY? MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S WILL Now we will continue to try and make sense of the relationship between God and suffering.

Slides:

Advertisements

Similar presentations

THE ROCK OF FAITH. Do you know where you stand? Do you know where your heart is? Are you Christs feet and hands, or are you a part of the opposition?

Advertisements

Joy to the world Emmanuel the Son of God with Us, Finally our Savior King Jesus paid for it Why the sadness?, how come you are still trying to find yourself.

First Reconciliation Last time we gathered here for one of these sacramental preparation classes, we talked about reconciliation. A long time ago (2 months)

ST. PAUL. Paul was born at Tarsus in Cilicia. He lived around the time of Jesus but never met Him.

UNPACKING THE MYSTERIES

I Believe ! Do You? © Neil Hodgson 5/6/2010 For full page right click on page and the left click on full page Then left click on page to proceed with Power.

Lesson 56. What do we ask God to do when we pray the Second Petition?

ROMANS Laying a solid foundation Romans 5:1- 11 Calvin Chiang A Faith Worth Believing.

Bible 101 Dean Biebert, Pastor Shepherd of the Hills Church.

The Mysterious, Subjective Meanings of Words… “My MOS is 197, so next I go off to AIT. When I’m done I’ll be an SPC.” “What’s a 197?” “Psy Op’s.”

Seeking God During Grief July 19. Think About It Consider the quote: Which do you think is more important – faith or hope? Why? “Faith is that which lays.

Notices:  Welcome, especially to visitors who have come today.  God bless us all as we worship together today.  Apologies: Johanna, Barbara.

Relating to God He’s standing at the door knocking. If you hear His voice and open the door, He will come in, and will share a meal with you as a friend.

Balance Grief with Hope April 3. Think About It … What are ways people respond to grief? Today’s lesson speaks to the issue of finding our way through.

CHAPTER 4 WHY GOD’S LOVE PREVAILS. Are the ideas we are discussing in this study messing with your faith? Sometimes we feel a bit less safe or secure.

The Christian and Outreach Ministry Lesson It is one of Christ’s ____________ and a part of our __________. 2.Out of _________ for Christ, patterned.

GOD—Whose Father Is He? “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” {Ephesians 4:6} Title Slide: GOD—Whose Father Is.

As we pray let’s keep in our heart God’s Love and remember …

CHAPTER 12 MICHAEL’S AUNT RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES WHILE HE IS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS CHAPTER 12.

What does a follower of Jesus look like?. Philippians 1 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi,

Session 2 Review of Session 1??? Why did Jesus die?

The purpose and power of prayer

Anointing of the Sick A Sacrament of healing.

God has no grandchildren. Every person becomes a follower of Christ through another person. Part of being a disciple is helping other people become.

Welcome to YOUTH FOR CHRIST. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 …Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have.

How to Know Jesus. What Scripture say about becoming a Christian.

My Story Is His Story Speaker: Eric Fridge.

Eucharist / Parable lost son homeworks - sheets on google drive CODE 5xcgrk - parable storyboard: make sure you have full quotes of what the Father/ son.

What does the Holy Spirit do Why do I need Him? Session 2.

WHAT IF?. WHAT IF God does exist? The Bible really is His inspired Word? My soul will survive the death of the body? God really intends to punish the.

“A God Who Keeps on Giving” Romans 5:1-5 done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now.

1 Safe Harbor: Safeguarding All God's Children St. John the Evangelist Religious Education Program © 2004.

SPIRITUA L FAMILY What’s the purpose of a… Or…why should the church be important to me?

I magine This… A young boy attending elementary school… The kind of school where many kids are free to play in the playground with little to worry about…

CHAPTER 3 WHY CAN’T I SEE GOD’S WILL IN MY LIFE? What interesting things did you find out about the Kingdom of God?

HOPE FAITH GOD’S WORD The only thing that changes a person’s relationship with God is God. God’s Presence God’s Power God’s Promises.

Question: "How can I overcome feelings of rejection?" The Christian and Rejection.

Psalm 103 David’s Praise List. David’s Praise List Psalm 103 LOVE - There is NO Doubt That God Loves His Creation! - The Bible’s Theme is LOVE! - Let.

EE Gospel Outline ● _________ – _______________ – _____________________ – ____________________ – ___________________________ – Transition: May I ask you.

Celebrating Christmas Differently. Did you all have a good Christmas?? Did you all have a good Christmas?? What is the best part you liked in this Christmas?

Why do we suffer afflictions? What causes us afflictions in this life?

From Frustration to VICTORY! Blooming RELATIONSHIPS: Forgive & Forget?

WHY? MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S WILL. If God is all loving, and God is all powerful, then why is there suffering the world? We see a tsunami hit a poor country,

If you sat down and wrote down everything that you, by your choice, have done, thought, and said in your life, what kind of a story would it be?

Our Vision is … … to grow a dynamic Christian church serving communities from the South Downs to the Sea.

JESUS IS THE ANSWER FOR JOB. The Old Testament Points to Jesus Romans 10:4; 15:4 Many types in the O.T. Many rituals and feast days point to spiritual.

GOD’S STORY YOUR STORY THEIR STORY THESE ARE ALL CONNECTED, AND YOU COULD BE THE LINK!

Scribes When the leaders read God’s message, God helped them understand how they needed to change.

Going On To Maturity Unit Three: God Gives Us Life.

A Pure Heart An Holy Sinless Life. 1 John 3:1-10 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children – and so,

27 th Sunday: Ordinary Time. Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ is with us, He is with us indeed Alleluia And so we gather. In the name of the Father…

The Baptism How Do I Receive?.

Identifying with Christ Romans 6:1-4 Baptism What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died.

Before you begin: read this then delete this slide Feel free to adapt this to your needs There is a piece of music needed for this power point I suggest.

The Year of Mercy.

Scriptures in New Living Translation Heaven Matthew 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit.

How can I have Faith?. How can I have faith? There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle The other is as though everything.

First Reconciliation.

Scribes Video When the leaders heard God’s message, God helped them understand how they needed to change.

Do you love God? God has shown us love through His actions. God showed us love by sending Jesus. – 1 John 4:9-10, 19 – John 3:16 – John 15:13.

How can I have faith? There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle The other is as though everything is a miracle. --Albert.

The Voice Direction. I wish I knew God's will ...you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent,

Review What are some of the key elements of evangelism that we have looked at in the Old Testament, in John, and in Acts? With a partner, think of 3 for.

The Story of God’s Explosive Grace. What is the greatest obstacle to my personal sanctification? Hint: According to modern culture, it is an old fashioned,

Lesson 17. Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except.

ALL: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Dear God, We believe you are hear among us. Help us become loving men and.

“Enjoying the People in Your Life” Philippians 1: /04/2009 Dr. Dane Boyles.

WHEN CHRISTIANS GET IT WRONG When Bad Things Happen.

Unit 2: We Believe in the Holy Catholic Church

Presentation transcript:

WHY? MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S WILL Now we will continue to try and make sense of the relationship between God and suffering

Consider three categories of suffering and how we think about the relationship of the God of love, justice, and mercy to these realities. 1.Natural disaster and wide spread human suffering 2.Suffering caused by human decisions 3.Suffering caused by sickness

3. Suffering Caused by Sickness When some people get sick, they ask Why me God? As though human sickness is a punishment from God. Is it fair to blame God for our sickness? Do you believe that God punishes us by making us sick?

Sickness challenges one of our most cherished presumptions, the presumption that we are or at least can be in control of our existence. How do you feel about that statement? How would you feel if you found out that you are not in as much control of your life as you thought you are?

Our bodies are not indestructible. Disease, injury, sickness, and death are all part of having a physical flesh and blood body. Is it OK to get angry with God when illness or death come into our lives? What part does God play in death and illness?

God can give us strength and comfort. God can help us find love and compassion. God has given doctors and nurses the ability to heal. Some people have the gift of healing. Some of these things may come from our friends and family. What do you provide when a friend or family member is facing an illness or death?

Why does it bother us so much when a baby or young child gets sick and dies? Possible answers – child did not have a chance to live up to potential or child did not have time to develop a life story.

When you are standing before Christ and he asks for your life story in terms of what acts did you do in my name, what will you share? Just because we are older does not mean our life story is complete. It does not mean that we no longer have the potential to do good in the name of Jesus Christ. What is keeping you from reaching your potential in serving God? What is keeping you from finishing out your life with some stories of doing for others?

Sometimes we hear: I’m too old to be of use I’m too tired to be of use I’ve been (or am) sick I’ve served my time now let others take over. Are these any more than excuses, rationalizations, or copouts. Would you be willing to stand before Christ and give Him one of these responses?

In this world, we are either living or dead. If we are living then we have opportunities to serve. God asks only that we use what gifts and talents we have been given. Even though we are older, we can still do good even if it’s only writing a card or praying for someone.

Read Matthew 4:23 Read Acts 3:1-9 Read 1 Corinthians 12:7-9

How do you feel about some of us having the gift of healing just like Christ? Read James 5:13-15 If you became ill would you do this?

Some concluding thoughts from Chapter 1 Rejecting God in the face of suffering doesn’t change the situation. What it does is remove the greatest source of hope, comfort and strength we have. Christianity doe not promise that we will not suffer, but it does promise that suffering will not have the final word.

Read Romans 8:18 How does a verse like this help you get through times of suffering?

WHY? MAKING SENSE OF GOD’S WILL Now we will continue to try and make sense of the relationship between God and suffering

Some concluding thoughts from Chapter 1 We need to remember that when a person is healed, even if it is a miraculous healing, it is not a pardon, but only a reprieve. In the end, there will be death. The question for everyone is what are you going to do with the rest of your life? If you somehow cheated death in the past, did you change the way you are living?

One the best things we can come out of our own suffering is to learn compassion for those who are currently suffering, especially those who are suffering from an illness or a problem similar to the one we have been through.

Taking God out of the suffering equation we get Suffering = natural causes +/- human decisions So much of the suffering in the world is because of the decisions we make and others make that affect us. When you think about the decisions you make, do you stop and think whether or not your decisions will cause or alleviate suffering?

God IS active in this world through each of us. We are the His body, His hands, His feet, His eyes, His voice, and His heart filled with love empowered by the Holy Spirit.