On Sunday morning, June 2, 2024, Cole Tuck delivered a powerful sermon addressing the age-old question: “Why does an all-powerful and all-loving God allow evil and suffering?” His sermon explored this profound topic through several key claims and scriptural references.
Key Claims:
- God is all-powerful.
- God is all-good.
Reasons We Ask:
- Emotional dissatisfaction: People struggle emotionally with the presence of evil and suffering in the world.
- Self-justification: Individuals often use the existence of suffering to justify their own actions or beliefs.
- Logical consistency: There is a philosophical need to reconcile the existence of an all-powerful, all-good God with the presence of evil.
Scriptural References:
- Job 40:8: “Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me to justify yourself?”
- Genesis 2:16-17: God’s command to Adam about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, highlighting the introduction of free will and disobedience.
- Romans 3:10-12: The inherent unrighteousness and waywardness of humanity.
- Proverbs 30:8-9: A prayer for balance to avoid denial of God or actions that profane His name.
Reasons God Allows Evil and Suffering:
- Free will: The ability to choose is fundamental to human existence and moral responsibility.
- God is punishing us: Some suffering is a consequence of sin and disobedience.
- God is patient with us: Suffering can be a sign of God’s patience, allowing time for repentance and growth.
- Suffering prepares us for eternity: Trials and hardships can strengthen faith and character, preparing believers for eternal life.
- Reasons known only to God: There are divine reasons beyond human understanding for the existence of suffering.
Cole’s sermon encourages reflection on these profound theological issues, urging listeners to seek understanding through faith and scripture. Check it out and share your thoughts.