While it constitutes one of the great philosophical quandaries, the problem of evil is always personal. Each of us has experienced or will experience serious suffering in our lives. For this reason, when we broach the topic, we must be extremely sensitive to someone going through a time of suffering, or someone on the sidelines of a loved one’s pain. No intellectual answer is emotionally satisfying in the midst of personal pain. We must also resist the perennial temptation to give a direct answer as to why God has allowed specific instances of suffering in a person’s life. For someone in the midst of a difficult situation, we can best honor them with our presence. As Nicholas Wolterstorff says in his meditation on the loss of his 27-year-old son, “Come sit beside me on my mourning bench.”
There are two options for salvation. First, some argue that the idea that salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ is too easy or too cheap; just believing is not enough. The second option, affirmed by the scriptures, is that while salvation is free to us, it is neither cheap nor easy.
When looking at whether miracles can happen, there are three options:
The first option flatly denies even the possibility of miracles. A philosophical assumption is made that miracles cannot and therefore do not take place. Following these assumptions leads to the conclusion that no evidence will ever be sufficient to verify a miraculous event. The second option grants that God could perform miracles but questions whether there is any historical evidence that he has done so. Either there is no evidence sufficient to settle the issue, or it is unreasonable to expect that Almighty God would stoop to the use of miracles to cause people to believe in him. The third option is that God has intervened in history in miraculous ways to accomplish his purposes.
Below is a list of biblical affirmations about our identity in Jesus Christ that is derived from a few selected passages in the New Testament. This is just a portion of the many truths about who we have become through faith in God’s Son, but it is a powerful inventory to review from time to time.
See MorePsalm 37 invites us to adopt a long-run perspective on life by embracing God’s purposes and ordering all of our affairs (e.g., family, work, leisure, finances, ministry) in light of them.
This set of affirmations is a tool to help you renew your mind at the beginning of each day, by guiding you through a biblical perspective on the fundamental issues of life: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? You needn’t go through all of the passages every day, nor should they become statements you repeat by rote. Instead, use them as a preliminary (not a substitute) to prayer and Bible reading.
Below is a list of biblical affirmations about our identity in Jesus Christ that is derived from a few selected passages in the New Testament. This is just a portion of the many truths about who we have become through faith in God’s Son, but it is a powerful inventory to review from time to time.
When looking at whether miracles can happen, there are three options:
The first option flatly denies even the possibility of miracles. A philosophical assumption is made that miracles cannot and therefore do not take place. Following these assumptions leads to the conclusion that no evidence will ever be sufficient to verify a miraculous event. The second option grants that God could perform miracles but questions whether there is any historical evidence that he has done so. Either there is no evidence sufficient to settle the issue, or it is unreasonable to expect that Almighty God would stoop to the use of miracles to cause people to believe in him. The third option is that God has intervened in history in miraculous ways to accomplish his purposes.
There are two options for salvation. First, some argue that the idea that salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ is too easy or too cheap; just believing is not enough. The second option, affirmed by the scriptures, is that while salvation is free to us, it is neither cheap nor easy.
While it constitutes one of the great philosophical quandaries, the problem of evil is always personal. Each of us has experienced or will experience serious suffering in our lives. For this reason, when we broach the topic, we must be extremely sensitive to someone going through a time of suffering, or someone on the sidelines of a loved one’s pain. No intellectual answer is emotionally satisfying in the midst of personal pain. We must also resist the perennial temptation to give a direct answer as to why God has allowed specific instances of suffering in a person’s life. For someone in the midst of a difficult situation, we can best honor them with our presence. As Nicholas Wolterstorff says in his meditation on the loss of his 27-year-old son, “Come sit beside me on my mourning bench.”
Dr. Boa walks twenty-first century readers through Mere Christianity with his signature clarity, depth of knowledge, and fresh insights. You won’t want to begin your journey through Lewis’s landmark work without this invaluable guidebook by your side.
