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How Can God be Loving, Yet Allow Evil?
Is it possible that a loving God would allow evil? This is a perennial question for both believers and unbelievers. Think about the evil we see all around the world. Rape, murder, death, accidents, suffering—all evidence of evil. If God is in complete control (i.e., sovereign), how can we justify His love when He allows such evil? This is a common argument brought forward by unbelievers, and it is something believers need to think about from an apologetic standpoint. However, perhaps even more important, this is also a question that believers ask in the midst of their own personal suffering and experience with evil. How should believers think about the love and power of God? There are three things to remember that help us reconcile this apparent problem of evil, as well as provide a proper answer to an unbeliever. 1. God defines love, love does not define God This…
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What is the Benefit of Trials for a Christian?
Going through trials and difficulties is a sure thing for everyone. It is not a matter of if you are going to experience trials, but rather when you experience them. Coming to Jesus initially requires acknowledging the high cost of following Him, but even a Christian’s daily life requires us to recognize trials and difficulties will be a part of our earthly existence. Knowing this, it is of the utmost importance to think about a theology of trials ahead of time. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 It is difficult to think properly in the heat of the moment, but it is easier if we have established a foundation for how to think ahead of time. In other words, when the fire of trial comes, we need to…