If God is in control why is there so much suffering and injustice in the world?
Before the Fall of Man there was no suffering, therefore suffering can be traced back to the root cause of sin. We have all sinned and we all deserve to suffer eternally. God is sovereign and he permits suffering for reasons known only to him . For Christians, suffering can be in the way of chastening for follies and faults as Hebrews 12:6 tells us: ‘Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth’. As the book of Job demonstrates, suffering can be a method that the Lord uses to test the faith of his people. Suffering can also be for God’s glory as his children choose to suffer persecution out of love to him. Most importantly it can be a way in which Christians are brought closer to Christ as they feel in a very small measure what he suffered as he died for their sins. For the unconverted elect of God, suffering can be a method used to convict of sin and bring them to Christ. For others, suffering can be a sign of God’s forbearance and a warning to themselves and others about what awaits them if they continue on the path of sin. Romans 1:20 tells us that individuals who die unconverted will be ‘without excuse’ before God’s judgment seat.
How can I be secure in these troubled times?
There is much going on in the world at the present time to make us afraid. As Christians, we have no need to be anxious and afraid as we know our God is in control of all these matters and will fulfil his purposes. As Romans 8:28 tells us: ‘All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose’. This does not mean that Christians will not suffer, but it does mean that a loving God will work even suffering for the good of individual Christians and His Church.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah
Psalm 46:1-3
How can I be sure that there is a God?
Romans 1 tells us that creation shows that there is a God. The order, the minute detail, the structure and the beauty all present in creation all tell of a Creator. The alternative that all this happened by chance is unthinkable. The conscience which we are all born with to know right from wrong is another evidence and something which differs us from animals. The human being’s inherent need to worship something is further proof – we are all seeking for happiness and rest which can only truly be found in God. The Word of God is God’s chosen method of revealing himself in the current generation and therefore he will be found by those who truly seek him in his Word. Finally many believers have proofs in their experience of wonderful answers to prayer.
Why do I need a Saviour?
Romans 3:23 tells us that ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’. We are all fallen creatures and sinners. God is holy and cannot tolerate sin, therefore he must condemn unpardoned sinners to eternal punishment in hell. Because of the Fall, men and women are totally unable to save themselves. Even our best works are stained with sin. Jesus Christ, one of the three persons of the Godhead became man to live, suffer and die so that sin might be pardoned and sinners might be brought back to God. His resurrection after three days is proof that the work was complete. As God, Jesus is a mighty Saviour able to reach the very worst and most depraved of sinners.
Can I Pray?
The Word of God is full of encouragements to prayer. If you are unconverted, we would encourage you to pray to be shown yourself as a sinner and Jesus Christ as a Saviour. As Jeremiah 33:3 promises: ‘Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not’.
Where Can I get a Bible?
If you would like a free Bible or have further questions you can contact us via the form on our Contact Us page or email us at bethesdasouthampton@gmail.com.