Why Is There So Much Evil and Suffering? ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV)

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Why Is There So Much Evil and Suffering? ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV)"

Transcription

1 Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, September 25, 2016 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Suffering, Questions and Answers from The Bible Why Is There So Much Evil and Suffering? ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV) Please open your Bibles to ROMANS chapter five. And let's read verse 12. ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. P R A Y E R ***************************************************** I N T R O D U C T I O N ILLUSTRATION Several years ago, George Barna head of the Barna Research Group did a survey on this topic: If you could ask God one question, what would it be? The number one response was: Why is there pain and suffering in the world?

2 This is the question that is always asked after a natural disaster or catastrophe...or after a mass shooting where dozens of innocent victims lost their lives...or after a horrific terrorist attack. Why would a good and loving God ever allow such things to happen? Sometimes the question becomes more personal. In fact, sometimes even we who are Christians have a hard time resolving this issue in our own minds when evil or suffering strikes close to home. * Why didn't God heal my mate of cancer? * Why did God allow my son or daughter to die? * Why did God allow my loved one to die in that car wreck? * Why didn't God keep my marriage from falling apart? * Why did God allow such a good Christian man or woman to be murdered? C.S. Lewis once called the problem of evil and suffering The atheist's greatest weapon against Christianity. Atheists believe the presence of so much evil and suffering in the world proves there is no God. Atheists believe if God truly exists, and if He truly is the good and loving God that we Christians profess Him to be, He would never allow all this evil and suffering to go on in the world. Their argument is, If God really does exist He would rid the world of all evil and suffering.

3 Well, let's think about that for a minute. If God were to rid the world of all evil and suffering, wouldn't He start by getting rid of all the atheists? (pause) And doesn't that mean God would have to rid the world of everyone who has evil thoughts...and everyone who has evil intentions...and everyone who says evil things? And doesn't that mean God would have to rid the world of you and me, because Romans 3:10 says, There is none righteous, no, not one. And Romans 3:23 says, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. You see, the basic premise of the question, Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world is that the world is full of innocent people, when in fact, none of us are innocent in the sense we have never sinned, right? ************************** As we think about this question of Why Is There So Much Evil and Suffering there are three issues I would like for us to consider in tonight's message. First of all, let's consider... I. What Is The ORIGIN of EVIL and SUFFERING? 1. To answer this question we have to go all the way back to to the very first book in the Bible, the Book of Genesis. 2. You remember when God created man from the dust of the earth he placed him in the Garden of Eden. And before God ever created Eve, He gave Adam very specific instructions on what he could and could not eat in the Garden.

4 In Genesis 2:16-17 (NKJV) we read, And the LORD God commanded the man saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. 3. Did you ever wonder why God didn't just put a tall wall or fence around the tree of knowledge of good and evil or why He didn't place angelic guards all around the tree to keep Adam from ever getting near it? The reason God didn't do that is because He created man with a free will to choose between right and wrong, between obedience and disobedience. 4. After God gave this commandment to Adam, God saw how lonely Adam was. And God said, It is not good for man to be alone, I will make him a helper comparable to him. (Genesis 2:18) So God created woman from the rib of man, and the two became one flesh as husband and wife. 5. Well we know what happened after that don't we? The serpent sees Eve walking through the garden one day and he begins to tempt her to eat of the forbidden fruit. He tempts her to defy the authority of God and to disobey His command.

5 Eve gives into the temptation and eats the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and then she gives some to Adam, and he too ate the forbidden fruit, knowing good and well they were rebelling against God. 6. Now follow along with me as I read from Genesis chapter three, beginning with VERSE GENESIS 3:13-19 (NKJV) 13 And the LORD God said to the woman, What is this you have done? The woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate. 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. 16 To the woman He said: I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you. 17 Then to Adam He said, Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it : Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.

6 7. Now listen to that verse I read at the very outset of the message and the picture will become crystal clear. ROMANS 5:12 (NKJV) Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. 8. Before man sinned in the garden this world was an absolute paradise! Before man sinned in the Garden there was NO EVIL and NO SUFFERING in the world. Before man sinned there were no hurricanes or tornadoes or earthquakes. Before man sinned there was no sickness...no disease...or death. Before man sinned there were no mass killings...no war...and no acts of terrorism. 9. The reason why there is SO MUCH EVIL AND SUFFERING IN THE WORLD IS BECAUSE OF MAN, NOT GOD! Evil and suffering are the product of man's sin...man's rebellion against God's authority...man's disobedience to God's commands. MAN DID THIS, NOT GOD! But if there is one truth the Bible teaches us it is this: GOD CAN ALWAYS BRING GOOD OUT OF EVIL AND SUFFERING. And that brings us to the second thing we want to consider and that is...

7 II. What Is The PURPOSE of EVIL and SUFFERING 1. Believe it or not, GOD can use the presence of evil and suffering in this world to accomplish good in the lives of those who will trust in Him. Let's consider a few of those good purpose... (A) The presence of evil and suffering TESTS and STRENGTHENS our faith. I Peter 1:6-8 (NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, There is nothing pleasant or enjoyable about living in a world where there is so much evil and suffering is there? But it is in the presence of evil and suffering and death and loss and tragedy that our faith in God is tested and strengthened.

8 (B) The presence of evil and suffering teaches us we truly are our BROTHER'S KEEPER. In Luke 10 Jesus tells us The Parable of The Good Samaritan. You remember in that parable there was a man who was beaten and robbed and left for dead on the Jericho road. He was a victim of terrible evil and suffering. The two religious men who came upon the victim passed by him on the other side and went on their merry way. He wasn't their problem, they thought! But then the Samaritan came along and was moved with compassion, and he cleaned the man's wounds and bandaged him, and sat him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn, and paid for his care out of his own pocket until the man was well. Have you noticed how tragedy and disasters always seems to bring the best out in a lot of people? When a family loses everything in a house fire, or a tornado, or a flood, or hurricane, people who are total strangers will come to help the victims in their time of need. You see, there is something about the presence of evil and suffering in the world that reminds us we truly are our brother's keeper!

9 (C) The presence of evil and suffering turns the THOUGHTS of man HEAVENWARD. Psalm 121:1,2 (NKJV) I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD ORD,, Who made heaven and earth. We saw this after the terrorist attacks of September 11, People who never thought about God, people who hadn't darkened the doors of a Church building in years were in Church the Sunday after the attacks. The sad thing is, it was short-lived in the lives of the vast majority of those people. But at least for a brief period of time, the presence of that terrible evil and suffering caused man's thoughts to turn heavenward. (D) The presence of evil and suffering reminds every man of his own MORTALITY. I Samuel 20:3b (NKJV) But truly, as the LORD lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death. In his pride, man seldom thinks about his mortality. Sinful man lives life as though it will never end, giving no thought whatsoever to eternity.

10 But when we see people taken out of this world in an instant by the devastating winds of a tornado, or an encounter with a drunk driver on the highway, or by the bullet of of a crazed mad man, it is a sobering reminder that it could happen to any one of us. And when these things happen it causes us to hug our kids a little closer and to love our loved ones a little stronger knowing but for the grace of God, we or our loves ones could leave this world in the blink of an eye! (E) The presence of evil and suffering causes us to LONG for HEAVEN. II Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. When you hear on the news about the horrible evils and terrible suffering that goes on in this world, doesn't it make you long for the place where there will be no more evil or suffering?

11 Remember that wonderful promise of the LORD in Revelation 21:4 (NKJV) And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. 2. Who else but Almighty GOD could bring good out of all the evil and suffering in this world? Who else but Almighty God could accomplish His divine purpose in the midst of all this evil and suffering? Finally and briefly, let's consider... III. What Should Our RESPONSE Be To EVIL and SUFFERING 1. The answer to that is very simple and that is we should respond with FAITH and TRUST in God. Proverbs 3:5,6 (NKJV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 2. There will always be horrible evil and terrible suffering in this fallen and cursed world. There will always be tragedies, and catastrophes, and disasters, and despicable atrocities committed by man against his fellow man.

12 3. And these things will leave us shaking our heads and wondering why doesn't God do something! 4. The answer is: God did do something! He joined us! He became one of us! He came to live in this world full of evil and suffering. He came here to experience our suffering. He came here to endure our pain. He came here to become the object of the most evil, most heinous act ever committed against a human being. He suffered and died on the cross of Calvary so He could rescue us from this fallen and cursed world and give us eternal life in heaven. 5. God doesn't ask us to UNDERSTAND all the evil and suffering, He simply asks that we put all our FAITH and TRUST in Him. ********************************************************************* C O N C L U S I O N Hudson Taylor founded the China Inland Mission to reach multitudes of Chinese people who had never heard the gospel. During the terrible days of The Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and 1901, when missionaries were being captured and killed, Hudson Taylor went through such agony in his soul that he couldn't even pray. Taylor wrote these words in his diary: I can't read. I can't think. I can't pray. But I can trust. There will be times when we can't read our Bibles, times when we can't focus our thoughts on spiritual things, times when we can't even say the simplest of prayers. But in those moments when we can't do anything else, WE CAN TRUST that God is in control and working all things together for GOOD!

THE STORY: FINDING OUR PLACE IN GOD S STORY

THE STORY: FINDING OUR PLACE IN GOD S STORY The Fall Delight The more we know God and his plans the more we will trust and love. Genesis 2:15-17 (ESV) The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the

More information

Genesis Chapter 3 - Answers

Genesis Chapter 3 - Answers A few facts about Satan from scripture: He was an angel, created by God. (Rev. 12:1-4, Job 1:6&7) He rebelled against God, wishing to be greater than God. (Isaiah 14:12-15) He inspired 1/3 of all of God

More information

Bible Where did Satan and sin come from? Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

Bible Where did Satan and sin come from? Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. Series: Throwback Date: January 20, 2016 Text: Genesis 3 Title: Reverse The Curse Introduction Snakes story. Talking dog story. Need I want to tell you a story tonight that will help you the rest of your

More information

Lesson 11: God s Promise& Curse

Lesson 11: God s Promise& Curse Lesson 11: God s Promise& Curse As we arrive here today at Lesson 11, I want to emphasize once again that we re not just Reading some stories or myths made up by men. These events really happened, and

More information

Genesis 2)7 New King James Version (NKJV), 2015, Zondervan

Genesis 2)7 New King James Version (NKJV), 2015, Zondervan Service Sheet Genesis 2)7 New King James Version (NKJV), 2015, 2"7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

More information

The Fall of Man Genesis 3

The Fall of Man Genesis 3 Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, January 28, 2018 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister Message 2 in Greatest Chapters of The Bible Sermon Series The

More information

Session 2. THE GARDEN OF EDEN: How Evil Came to Earth

Session 2. THE GARDEN OF EDEN: How Evil Came to Earth Session 2 THE GARDEN OF EDEN: How Evil Came to Earth 1 Theme: To achieve spiritual victories, we need to understand the sources and tactics of the evil one. 2 Biblical Foundation: And the LORD God commanded

More information

Why do bad things happen to Good People? John 16:33

Why do bad things happen to Good People? John 16:33 Why do bad things happen to Good People? John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

More information

Genesis 3:8-17; King James Version September 30, 2018

Genesis 3:8-17; King James Version September 30, 2018 Genesis 3:8-17; 20-24 King James Version September 30, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, September 30, 2018, is from Genesis 3:8-17; 20-24. Questions

More information

Understanding the Bible

Understanding the Bible Understanding the Bible Lesson Two How it All Began I. Overview of the human experience A. Before the beginning 1. Eternity B. The beginning 1. The creation 2. God made man C. First Coming 1. Redemption

More information

Stichera at the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Friday of the First Week of Great Lent

Stichera at the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Friday of the First Week of Great Lent Stichera at the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Friday of the First Week of Great Lent At Lord I have cried we sing 1 stichera in Tone 5, repeating it: Pre-Sanctified Propers First Friday - 1 Verse: Stichera: Pre-Sanctified

More information

Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11)

Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11) Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11) i in & Out Genesis Part 2 The Fall, The Flood, and the Nations (Chapters 3 11) ISBN 978-1-62119-393-7 2015 Precept Ministries International.

More information

Genesis 3:8-17; New American Standard Bible September 30, 2018

Genesis 3:8-17; New American Standard Bible September 30, 2018 Genesis 3:8-17; 20-24 New American Standard Bible September 30, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, September 30, 2018, is from Genesis 3:8-17; 20-24.

More information

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. A magazine for Children published by the Evangelical Lutheran Congregations of the Reformation Vol. TWENTY-EIGHT No. One January March 2016 Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against

More information

Introduction. Why Does God Allow Suffering? Introduction. Introduction. The Problem Stated

Introduction. Why Does God Allow Suffering? Introduction. Introduction. The Problem Stated Introduction Why Does God Allow Suffering? How can a loving omnipotent God allow intense pain, suffering and death in this world? The world is filled with all types of human suffering One example on 4/16/07

More information

How He Loves Us Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would

More information

Path to Righteousness

Path to Righteousness Global Association of Theological Studies Path to Righteousness A PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY COURSE COMPILED AND EDITED BY Linda R. Poitras A Global Association of Theological Studies Publication Path to Righteousness

More information

WHY ME? Job 1:1-22 (NKJV)

WHY ME? Job 1:1-22 (NKJV) Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, August 14, 2016 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Christian Living, Faith, Trials WHY ME? Job 1:1-22 (NKJV)

More information

Genesis 2-3. Bible Study

Genesis 2-3. Bible Study Genesis 2-3 Bible Study Sometimes called the 2 nd account of creation (Halley s) Genesis 2:4-6 4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made

More information

"The Fall of Mankind"

The Fall of Mankind ST. BARTHOLOMEW S ANGLICAN PRO_CATHEDRAL IN THE TOWN OF TONAWANDA The Very Rev. Arthur W. Ward, Jr. + Dean Scripture: Genesis 3 "The Fall of Mankind" 2012 ANGLICAN PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY I returned last night

More information

Adam and Eve - Genesis 2:4-3:24 The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Early Elementary www.calvarywilliamsport.com

More information

Lucifer is the Chief Angel of God s Spiritual Creation

Lucifer is the Chief Angel of God s Spiritual Creation THE FALL OF MAN: THE EVENT THAT CHANGED ALL OF HISTORY Review from Last Week The Tri-Une Universe o God s portrait in His creation o Man as God s image body, soul, spirit The Dominion Mandate o Man to

More information

The First Sin. The First Sin

The First Sin. The First Sin The First Sin (Text from Genesis 3) A Booklet from www.hubbardscupboard.org and www.joyfulheartlearning,com 2016 Clipart Copyright @ Educlips Scripture quoted from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

More information

Adam and Eve - Genesis 2:4-3:24 The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Preteen www.calvarywilliamsport.com

More information

Why does God allow suffering? (part 2)

Why does God allow suffering? (part 2) Week 5 Session 2 Overview This is the second part of this topic. We will look at: The problem of continual suffering Can we profit from pain? A world without pain Suffering beyond our control The Bible

More information

A Blessed People on a Cursed Earth

A Blessed People on a Cursed Earth A Blessed People on a Cursed Earth Genesis 3:17 (KJV) 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou

More information

English Standard Version. Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11)

English Standard Version. Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11) English Standard Version Genesis PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (CHAPTERS 3 11) i in & Out English Standard Version GENESIS PART 2 THE FALL, THE FLOOD, AND THE NATIONS (Chapters 3 11) ISBN

More information

GENESIS The Creation of the World

GENESIS The Creation of the World GENESIS The Creation of the World In the beginning, God created the 1 heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was

More information

International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes

International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes International Sunday School Lesson Study Notes Lesson Text: Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23 Lesson Title: Knowledge of Good and Evil Introduction Commenting on Genesis 3, Doctor Jerry Vines said, "You can't understand

More information

Christ in the Pentateuch

Christ in the Pentateuch Christ taught His disciples that everything in the Old Testament points to Him (Cf. Luke 24:27, 44-49; John 5:39, 46, 47). This Advent season, we want to study our Old Testament from that perspective.

More information

What Is God Doing? #5

What Is God Doing? #5 What Is God Doing? #5 by: Ronald L. Dart If there s one story in the Bible that is familiar to everyone, it s the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. For one thing, people who start out to read

More information

The Beginning of Sin Rom. 5:12

The Beginning of Sin Rom. 5:12 The Beginning of Sin Rom. 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned Patriarchy Judaism Christianity Gen.

More information

2: The Fall. Part IV: Understanding the Old Testament. The Story Takes a Sudden Turn

2: The Fall. Part IV: Understanding the Old Testament. The Story Takes a Sudden Turn Part IV: Understanding the Old Testament 2: The Fall You may not realize this, but you felt the result of Adam and Eve s sin today. In fact, you can t go five minutes without encountering the effects of

More information

PARADISE LOST Genesis 2:8-3:24

PARADISE LOST Genesis 2:8-3:24 PARADISE LOST Genesis 2:8-3:24 In our world there are divergent opinions on just about everything. In America we have Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Other nations call their parties Conservatives

More information

Motive and Intent Pt. 2 Wayne Matthews July 5, Welcome, everybody, to the Sabbath.

Motive and Intent Pt. 2 Wayne Matthews July 5, Welcome, everybody, to the Sabbath. Motive and Intent Pt. 2 Wayne Matthews July 5, 2014 Welcome, everybody, to the Sabbath. The title of today's sermon is Motive and Intent, and this will be Part 2. Today we will continue to look at this

More information

DwellintheWord.net. Bible Study - Adam and Eve

DwellintheWord.net. Bible Study - Adam and Eve DwellintheWord.net Bible Study - Adam and Eve Life Lessons from Adam and Eve The story of Adam and Eve found in Genesis 2:15 3:13 is also our story and we can learn a lot from them. In the Beginning God

More information

International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 3:8-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 15, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 3:8-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 15, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lesson Commentary Genesis 3:8-21 International Bible Lessons Sunday, September 15, 2013 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for

More information

P.A.S.S. Questions For Sunridge Life Group Leaders For the week of March 23-29, 2014 Grace To Know (Gen 3:15; Romans 5)

P.A.S.S. Questions For Sunridge Life Group Leaders For the week of March 23-29, 2014 Grace To Know (Gen 3:15; Romans 5) P.A.S.S. Questions For Sunridge Life Group Leaders For the week of March 23-29, 2014 Grace To Know (Gen 3:15; Romans 5) P - participation (get everyone involved in the dialog) 1. Is the idea that you are

More information

Introduction...9. Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture Chapter 2: The Life of Christ...31 Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ...

Introduction...9. Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture Chapter 2: The Life of Christ...31 Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ... contents Introduction...9 PART 1: THE HISTORY OF THE GOSPEL Chapter 1: The Theme of Scripture..................... 17 Chapter 2: The Life of Christ....31 Chapter 3: The Death and Resurrection of Christ...37

More information

Matthew In the Garden

Matthew In the Garden Matthew 26-28 In the Garden Introduction Everything in Jesus life is the fulfillment of God s Word and plan; even what appear to be the smallest details reported in the Gospels teach not only of His authority

More information

The Blessings of Hard Times

The Blessings of Hard Times Message for THE LORD'S DAY MORNING, March 23, 2014 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Hardships, Trials, Encouragement (Turn lapel mic on!!!)

More information

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.

More information

The Major Covenants of God s Word.

The Major Covenants of God s Word. The Major Covenants of God s Word. What is a Covenant? Usually a formal, solemn, and binding agreement: often a written agreement or promise commonly under seal between two or more parties; especially

More information

Dramatized Bible Readings

Dramatized Bible Readings Cedarville University DigitalCommons@Cedarville Faculty Books 1980 Dramatized Bible Readings Miriam B. Maddox Cedarville University Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/faculty_books

More information

Romans Lesson #9. BSF Scripture Reading: FIRST DAY: SECOND DAY: Read Romans 5:12-14

Romans Lesson #9. BSF Scripture Reading: FIRST DAY: SECOND DAY: Read Romans 5:12-14 BSF Scripture Reading: FIRST DAY: 1. Lecture principles: 2. Read the lesson notes SECOND DAY: Read Romans 5:12-14 Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ [12] Therefore, just as sin entered the world through

More information

3 And God said, Let there be light, and there. 6 And God said, Let there be a vault between the. 8 God called the vault sky.

3 And God said, Let there be light, and there. 6 And God said, Let there be a vault between the. 8 God called the vault sky. Comparison of Genesis 1-3 EHV In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was undeveloped a and empty. Darkness covered the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering

More information

The Lessons and Carols service will be on Sunday, December 24 at the 9:00 a.m. service. This will be the only Sunday morning service on December 24.

The Lessons and Carols service will be on Sunday, December 24 at the 9:00 a.m. service. This will be the only Sunday morning service on December 24. Cover Page St. Peter's Episcopal Church - Del Mar, CA A Festival of Seven Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 9:00 am Service, 2017 Notes for Lectors The Lessons and Carols service will be on Sunday, December

More information

Archaeology and the Fall of Man and the Loss of Paradise Genesis 3:1-24 Compiled By Dr. Gary M. Gulan, 1996 (Rev. 05,10)

Archaeology and the Fall of Man and the Loss of Paradise Genesis 3:1-24 Compiled By Dr. Gary M. Gulan, 1996 (Rev. 05,10) Archaeology and the Fall of Man and the Loss of Paradise Genesis 3:1-24 Compiled By Dr. Gary M. Gulan, 1996 (Rev. 05,10) Introduction: Adam and Even had enjoyed the pleasures of the Garden of Eden for

More information

Sample file. Day 6. Day 7. Lesson Review. Read aloud: Genesis 1:24-27

Sample file. Day 6. Day 7. Lesson Review. Read aloud: Genesis 1:24-27 Lesson 2 Day 6 Read aloud: Genesis 1:24-27 Discuss Day 6: God created all the land animals on the sixth day. Adam and Eve were the last and greatest of God s creation. Man was created in God s image and

More information

THE WAR OF THE WORLDVIEWS #16. Echoes of Eden. Part 3

THE WAR OF THE WORLDVIEWS #16. Echoes of Eden. Part 3 THE WAR OF THE WORLDVIEWS #16 Echoes of Eden Part 3 A worldview is the total way we see the world and human life. We are in a war between 2 worldviews; biblical and humanistic The Christian worldview is

More information

APPROVED UNTO GOD THE DOCTRINE MAN AND SIN. I. Anthropology = the study of man. II. What does the Bible say about man? A.

APPROVED UNTO GOD THE DOCTRINE MAN AND SIN. I. Anthropology = the study of man. II. What does the Bible say about man? A. APPROVED UNTO GOD THE DOCTRINE MAN AND SIN I. Anthropology = the study of man II. What does the Bible say about man? A. Genesis 1:26-31; Then God said, Let us ma mankind in our image, in our liness, so

More information

1-1-1c Chapter 1: THE BEGINNING

1-1-1c Chapter 1: THE BEGINNING 1-1-1c Chapter 1: THE BEGINNING 2 2-1-1c This story is told in an old book, thousands of years old. Every word I am about to tell you is true. Some of it will be hard to believe, But the truth is often

More information

Can tragedy come to good people?

Can tragedy come to good people? Can tragedy come to good people? There is a question that is as old as the first tear, and as recent as the latest newscast. It was asked by Job, and has been asked by every person who has walked upon

More information

The Beginning of History

The Beginning of History 20/20 Hindsight 9 The Beginning of History Lesson Two Genesis 1-11 In this lesson we will be studying The Creation, Man and Paradise, The Fall of Man, Cain and Abel, The Flood, and The Curse of Canaan

More information

THE FALL OF MAN. wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is

THE FALL OF MAN. wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is THE FALL OF MAN BIBLE TEXT: Genesis 3:1-24. LESSON 3 Senior Course MEMORY VERSE: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive " (1 Corinthians 15:22). BIBLE TEXT in King James Version

More information

The Fall of Adam and Eve

The Fall of Adam and Eve The Fall of Adam and Eve Chapter 6 Adam and Eve Were the First to Come to Earth What evidence helps us know that Adam and Eve were valiant spirits? God prepared this earth as a home for His children. Adam

More information

First Church of God. I Peter 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

First Church of God. I Peter 2:22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 1 Did Jesus really not sin...ever? Yes, Jesus never sinned. How do we know? In the Gospels His [Christ] enemies were said to not be able to bring any charges of sin against Him. Many feel that one can

More information

Paradise Lost Text: Genesis 3:1-24 Series: Book of Genesis [#3] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl October 14, 2018

Paradise Lost Text: Genesis 3:1-24 Series: Book of Genesis [#3] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl October 14, 2018 Paradise Lost Text: Genesis 3:1-24 Series: Book of Genesis [#3] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl October 14, 2018 Theme: Failure To Love God Brings Disaster. Introduction. The opening chapters of Genesis are indeed

More information

Show Me the Gospel Discovering Christ and the Gospel Story

Show Me the Gospel Discovering Christ and the Gospel Story Show Me the Gospel Discovering Christ and the Gospel Story A Family Devotional Guide Patrick Marrie This material is available for viewing online at the website of the League City Church of Christ at lccofc.org

More information

Old Testament Overview

Old Testament Overview Old Testament Overview Part 1 A Chronological Study of the Characters and Events of the Old Testament from Creation to Jacob. Lesson Level 3 Lesson ~ Student Pages Student Old Testament Timeline God Creation

More information

Part Two. The essential ( original ) character of sin (Genesis 3:1-24). Temptation and crime (3:1-4)

Part Two. The essential ( original ) character of sin (Genesis 3:1-24). Temptation and crime (3:1-4) 05. Genesis 3:1 24 Part Two. The essential ( original ) character of sin (Genesis 3:1-24). Temptation and crime (3:1-4) Now the serpent was more crafty [ ârûm] than any other wild animal that YHWH God

More information

Rejoice In The Lord! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

Rejoice In The Lord! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) Message for THE LORD'S DAY EVENING, September 9, 2018 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister Rejoice In The Lord! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) Please open your

More information

hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked

hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked CHRIST THE BRANCH AND OUR CALL TO BEAR FRUIT (4) THE TREE OF LIFE Genesis 3:20-24 Matthew 25:31-40 Revelation 2:7; 22:1-5 Jeffrey S. Carlson (with material from Carol Geisler, used by permission) July

More information

Why Is Life So Hard?

Why Is Life So Hard? Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Why Is Life So Hard? John

More information

Words from Jesus. Words from Jesus. As given to Jennifer by Jesus

Words from Jesus. Words from Jesus. As given to Jennifer by Jesus 1 Words from Jesus As given to Jennifer by Jesus 2 Contents 3 Part Vision About the Messenger January 2004 Messages from Jesus February 2004 Messages from Jesus March 2004 Messages from Jesus April 2004

More information

Old Testament Overview

Old Testament Overview Old Testament Overview Part 1 A Chronological Study of the Characters and Events of the Old Testament from Creation to Jacob. Sample Lesson Level 1 Sample Lesson ~ Student Pages Level 1 Old Testament Timeline

More information

3:1a Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that Yahweh Elohim had made.

3:1a Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that Yahweh Elohim had made. Genesis 3 The Fall 3:1a Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that Yahweh Elohim had made. The Devil is God s Devil. Dr. Martin Luther 3:1b He said to the woman, Did Elohim

More information

Long, Lonesome Road. Book One Freedom from Fear

Long, Lonesome Road. Book One Freedom from Fear Long, Lonesome Road Book One Freedom from Fear Published by Project Philip Ministries Copyright 2012 John Devries & Terry Slachter Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV.

More information

TORAH, GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS GENESIS 3:2-24 LESSON 3B TEMPTATION, SIN, SACRIFICES

TORAH, GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS GENESIS 3:2-24 LESSON 3B TEMPTATION, SIN, SACRIFICES TORAH, GOD'S INSTRUCTIONS GENESIS 3:2-24 LESSON 3B TEMPTATION, SIN, SACRIFICES Say - Welcome to Sabbath School class. Let's bow our head as we ask God for understanding in our study today. Say - In lesson

More information

In the Beginning. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In the Beginning. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Know Your Enemy In the Beginning John 1:1-5 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without

More information

THE VAGABOND SPIRIT. Don Randolph

THE VAGABOND SPIRIT. Don Randolph THE VAGABOND SPIRIT Don Randolph TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1..Beginnings Chapter 2..Cain and Abel Chapter 3..The Vagabond Spirit Chapter 4..The Vagabond Daughters Chapter 5..Noah and Naamah Chapter 6..The

More information

Discover Bible Studies #3: Does My Life Really Matter to God?

Discover Bible Studies #3: Does My Life Really Matter to God? Discover Bible Studies #3: Does My Life Really Matter to God? Some mornings, the world seems a paradise. You wake up, take a deep breath by the window, and look out on golden sunshine reflecting on the

More information

Difficult Questions, Certain Answers

Difficult Questions, Certain Answers Difficult Questions, Certain Answers Difficult Questions Why does my life seem so empty? Why do I find it so hard to improve myself? Why does that the long-awaited raise I just got (or house, car, professional

More information

THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (Part One)

THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (Part One) THE IMPORTANCE OF OVERCOMING TEMPTATION (Part One) God has so much in store for every person s life. However the moment we are born, we are immediately engaged in an ongoing spiritual war with the adversary

More information

Old Testament Overview

Old Testament Overview Old Testament Overview Part 1 A Chronological Study of the Characters and Events of the Old Testament from Creation to Jacob. Lesson Level 4 Lesson ~ Student Pages Quest Page Level 4 Introducing the Concordance

More information

Romans 5:12 Sin came into the world through one man and death through sin.

Romans 5:12 Sin came into the world through one man and death through sin. Genesis 3 The Sin of Man Romans 5:12 Sin came into the world through one man and death through sin. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. -Let those

More information

Why does a supposedly powerful and good God allow natural and moral evil to occur?

Why does a supposedly powerful and good God allow natural and moral evil to occur? The Problem of Evil Two types of evil : Moral and Natural Moral Evil: The evil that people deliberately choose to do to one another Natural Evil: The evil that occurs naturally e.g. disease, natural disasters

More information

How to read the Old Testament

How to read the Old Testament apttoteach.org How to read the Old Testament Lesson #7 Soul Sorrow 02/17/2019 1 Traditional s The purpose of this series of lessons Ancient This is not primarily a survey or exposition of the O.T. s texts.

More information

KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE LESSON # 18 WHAT ABOUT EVIL

KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE LESSON # 18 WHAT ABOUT EVIL KNOW WHY YOU BELIEVE LESSON # 18 WHAT ABOUT EVIL When you start to talk to people about God, one of the first objections they have is if God is a good God why is there evil and suffering in the world?

More information

Colossians 1:16 J Card 1. Genesis 1:1-5 1 of 2 J Card 4

Colossians 1:16 J Card 1. Genesis 1:1-5 1 of 2 J Card 4 Colossians 1:16 J Card 1 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were

More information

SATAN S FALL, CHRIST S VICTORY AND OUR RETALIATION JOHN PIPER

SATAN S FALL, CHRIST S VICTORY AND OUR RETALIATION JOHN PIPER SATAN S FALL, CHRIST S VICTORY AND OUR RETALIATION JOHN PIPER Genesis 3:1-15 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, Did God

More information

The Story of a Kingdom Chapter 1

The Story of a Kingdom Chapter 1 The Story of a Kingdom Chapter 1 Chapter 1 2 Timothy 3:16 1 Peter 1:20-21 The Story so Far We ve only just begun! Objectives To understand that the Bible is God s word to His world, written by human beings

More information

Are People Lost BECAUSE OF ADAM'S SIN?

Are People Lost BECAUSE OF ADAM'S SIN? Are People Lost BECAUSE OF ADAM'S SIN? By Herbert W. Armstrong Millions who profess the Christian religion believe that everyone today needs SALVATION only because of what ADAM did! But IS THAT TRUE? IS

More information

GOD DIDN'T DO IT By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor. Luke 12:32 32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

GOD DIDN'T DO IT By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor. Luke 12:32 32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. GOD DIDN'T DO IT By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor Luke 12:32 32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. God wants the very best for His people. The original

More information

FaithfortheFamily.com

FaithfortheFamily.com FaithfortheFamily.com Clarence Sexton First Edition Copyright June 2008 FaithfortheFamily.com Have Faith in God Copyright 2008 Crown Christian Publications Powell, Tennessee 37849 CrownChristianPublications.com

More information

Scripture in the Light of Love

Scripture in the Light of Love ALAN TAYLOR P O BOX 700623; TULSA, OK 74170-0623 918-447-8951 alantaylorministries.org Scripture in the Light of Love Over my years of knowing God my views have grown from where I began. I suppose that's

More information

Communications. Creative. Sample LEADER S GUIDE EL2

Communications. Creative. Sample LEADER S GUIDE EL2 LEADER S GUIDE RETURN TO ME A Service For Ash Wednesday Complete Script For Worship Leaders The Opening Verse is read silently by the congregation or aloud by the pastor or a reader: Yet even now, declares

More information

Heavenly Wisdom About Pride Message 5 in Proverbs Sermon Series

Heavenly Wisdom About Pride Message 5 in Proverbs Sermon Series Message for THE LORD S DAY EVENING, March 25, 2012 Message 5 in Series from Proverbs ( Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Living ) Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel,

More information

THE L.I.F.E. PLAN CREATION DAY 6 BLOCK 1. THEME 3 - CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 of 216)

THE L.I.F.E. PLAN CREATION DAY 6 BLOCK 1. THEME 3 - CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 of 216) THE L.I.F.E. PLAN CREATION DAY 6 BLOCK 1 THEME 3 - CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 of 216) BLOCK 1 THEME 3: CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 OF 216): CREATION DAY 6 LESSON AIM: Show that which God created on the sixth

More information

THE SERPENT SEED DOCTRINE By George Lujack

THE SERPENT SEED DOCTRINE By George Lujack THE SERPENT SEED DOCTRINE By George Lujack The Serpent Seed doctrine is a controversial religious belief, which attempts to explain the Scriptural account of the fall of man by saying that the serpent

More information

The High Cost of Love

The High Cost of Love Message for THE LORD'S DAY MORNING, July 22, 2018 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Parables of Jesus, Love, Christian Living The High Cost

More information

Theme: Sin enters the world because of the disobedience of man.

Theme: Sin enters the world because of the disobedience of man. Unit 1, Lesson 2 AIM: To understand that the disobedience of man (Adam and Eve) leads in to sin and fall of humanity from the Grace of God. Theme: Sin enters the world because of the disobedience of man.

More information

In the Power of His Might

In the Power of His Might In the Power of His Might LESSON 6 The Enmity After Adam broke his covenant with God, the LORD declared the consequences of the breech: The woman was placed under her husband s authority (foreshadowing

More information

Satan Doesn't Want You To Listen To God's Word Today

Satan Doesn't Want You To Listen To God's Word Today 070415PM Mark 1.12-13 Satan Wants YOU to Doubt God's Word GNB-15.doc Satan s Plan: Doubt or Distort God's Word Genesis 3:1-5 When Jesus met the Devil in the wilderness, His only resource was God's Word

More information

THAT ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE

THAT ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE Lesson 4, THAT ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE 1 THAT ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE It will always be unbelievable that anyone, living in a perfect environment, would want it any other way. But this world was once perfect,

More information

Bereshit Genesis 1:1-6:8

Bereshit Genesis 1:1-6:8 Bereshit Genesis 1:1-6:8 In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] on the face of the deep. Luke (Lucas) 13:6-7 He also spoke

More information

CHOICES --- AND CONSEQUENCES BIBLE STUDY BY JAMIE MCNAB 25/7/15

CHOICES --- AND CONSEQUENCES BIBLE STUDY BY JAMIE MCNAB 25/7/15 CHOICES --- AND CONSEQUENCES BIBLE STUDY BY JAMIE MCNAB 25/7/15 We have free choice... free will. Free will is the ability to choose, will and act... voluntarily. To act at one's own discretion. This is

More information

The Four-Fold Drama of History: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation

The Four-Fold Drama of History: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Consummation CREATION Genesis 1:1 NAS Genesis 1:1 a In the beginning b God c created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:31 31 And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very a good. And there was evening

More information

What Does It Mean To Love My Neighbor?

What Does It Mean To Love My Neighbor? Message for THE LORD'S DAY MORNING, July 13, 2014 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister TOPIC: Love, Christian Living What Does It Mean To Love My Neighbor?

More information

On Thursday night Donald Trump offered a remedy. He promised to solve all our problems and make America safe and strong and prosperous again.

On Thursday night Donald Trump offered a remedy. He promised to solve all our problems and make America safe and strong and prosperous again. CLOSING COUNSEL AND BLESSINGS. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church, Lynden, WA July 24, 2016, 10:30AM Text for the Sermon: I Peter 5:10-14 Prayer: Introduction. This past week was the

More information