Reflecting on the Sermon 11/28/10

Rod continued preaching on the topic of suffering from Romans 8:17-ff.  This time, he sought to provide some perspective on the problem of evil.  He noted a few points that we should keep in mind: 1. Evil is real and exists in the world, 2. God is sovereign over all things (including evil) and he is good (not the author of evil), 3. Our sin and unrighteousness is the backdrop that puts God's righteousness on display.

This was a helpful sermon to remind us that it is not true (or truly comforting) to tell someone that God did not ordain the evil that they faced.  If God wasn't able to know or powerful enough to stop the evil then it is not comforting for when we say, "but God will give you the strength to get through this suffering."  How can he if he is unable to control all things?  Only a sovereign and good God gives a person hope in the midst of evil.