The Problem of Pain

The Problem of Pain is a major reason for atheism, agnosticism & doubt amongst Christians
The Problem of Pain is the #1 question people want to ask God
The Problem of Pain is both theological and personal
--If God is all-good & all-powerful, why pain?

Are there answers?

Charles Templeton said no
--1945, emerging evangelist
--Time Magazine cover
--1949 urged his friend to abandon faith

Henrietta Mears said yes
--1949 urged same friend to keep the faith

Mutual friend: Billy Graham
--Made decision to trust God & pursue understanding regarding the Problem of Pain

3 Keys to Surviving the Problem of Pain

GO WITH GOD THROUGH YOUR PAIN
* Templeton walked away ("cannot")

3 Objections

1. God CANNOT exist alongside the Problem of Pain
--Pain actually points to God's existence (standard, cookie illustration)
--Atheists don't do the reverse (believe upon 'good' news)

2. Why didn't God create a PERFECT world?
--He did create a 'very good' world
--4 options (no world, all good (robots), all bad, free will)
--How would you choose as a parent?

3. How can He just watch from heaven?
--He did not just watch from heaven but came down (Galatians 4:4)

*God is very honest about pain, with us through our pain
** Go WITH God, like Job

GROW THROUGH YOUR PAIN
* Henrietta Mears "My failing eyesight has been my greatest blessing"

God doesn't CAUSE pain
God does ALLOW pain for a PURPOSE

Very simple concept (work, exercise, athletes, pregnancy)
God simply does this on a larger scale (bear in a trap)

(Lay person interviews: What pain? Initial Reaction? What good has come from it?)

--2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (or the Story of Joseph)
--Cross: worst AND best event in history
--CS Lewis quote "God shouts in our pain"
--1 Peter 1:7

KNOW YOUR FUTURE THROUGH PAIN
* Billy Graham will soon experience an end to pain

--1 Peter 1:3-6
--Mother Theresa quote
--Revelation 21:1-4

God has answers to the problem of pain
But we've got to go WITH God to find them
We've got to GROW with God to understand them
And if we do...
We will someday KNOW the answer, God Himself

* The Bluffs