On Wednesday Night, June 19th, we will discuss the problem of suffering. Why do bad things happen to good people?”   A more personalized form of that question would be “Why Me, LORD?… I’m trying to live right and do right, so why did this awful thing happen to me?”  Philosophers pose the question another way: If God is good, and God is all powerful, why is there evil in the world?

Theologians try to explain the problem of suffering by narrowing it down to 7 basic causes.

1- Original Sin – Suffering is the curse or the consequences of Adam and Eve’s original sin.

2- Satan –  Since in the beginning, man chose to listen to Satan instead of  the Lord, the Lord allowed Satan to be released into this world and he continues to wreak havoc, causing sin and suffering.

3- Retribution – This is the “Law of the Harvest.” People “reap what they sow”… “the wages of sin is (suffering &) death.”

4- Discipline – God uses suffering as chastisement to turn His children from the wrong path.

5- Revelation – God uses suffering to reveal Himself and His Glory to us.

6- Redemption – Someone endures  suffering for the good of another person or  group.

7- Mystery – I don’t know why!

To prepare for this discussion, think back to the last time you or someone you love had to suffer:

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