Author: Pastor Chris

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Why is there evil and suffering in the world?

Pastor Chris,

Why is there evil and suffering in the world? 

~John

John,

The problem of evil and suffering are two of the most difficult questions that mankind asks.  However, both are actually answered in the first book of the Bible, Genesis.

The problem of evil is answered by the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  When Adam and Eve gave in to temptation and sinned, evil entered this world.  We have been having problems with evil and sin ever since. 

Wasn’t Satan created perfect?  Yes, he was created without sin.  However, God has chosen to take the great cosmic risk by giving His creation free will.  In short, we can choose to follow the Lord or we can choose to sin.  In eternity past Satan was known as Lucifer.  Being a free moral agent, Lucifer allowed pride to surface and grow in his heart until he rebelled against God.  Satan then pursued Adam and Eve and was successful in leading them to sin and thus rebel against God.

The problem of pain is also answered in Genesis.  When Adam and Eve sinned, there was a penalty that God exacted, which included death, pain, a cursing of the ground, and painful toil (Genesis 3).

If God is good then why doesn’t He do something about these things?  He has.  He sent His Son to die on the cross to pay for our sins.  With Jesus’ resurrection from the dead we have a guarantee of all God’s promises.

Bad things happen whenever men and women buy Satan’s lie.

~Pastor Chris

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Is advent biblical?

Pastor Chris,
Is advent biblical?

~ Ron

Ron,

Good question.  The word “Advent” is not found in the Bible; however, “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival.”  So, it is a time when we remember the coming or the arrival of the Messiah.  The “Second Advent” is an expression referring to the Second Coming of Christ.

Advent is a church tradition.  It is not commanded, encouraged, or talked about in scripture.

I think there is value in the Advent tradition from a teaching standpoint and from a worship standpoint.  The various aspects of Advent (candles, wreath, Bible passages, and responsive readings) provide visual object lessons of spiritual truth related to the life of Christ.

The Jews have a number of traditions that remind them of spiritual lessons (the Menorah, the Feast of Tabernacles, and Passover to name a few).  Thus, to follow a tradition that honors Christ and the teachings of the Bible is a good thing.

Many Christians carry a cross or display a cross.  We are not commanded in the Bible to do this.  Many of us do so anyway because it reminds us of the price that Jesus paid to purchase our salvation.  The cross also becomes an item that non-Christians can see that will cause many of them to ask “What is this?”  “What does it mean?”  Believers then have an opportunity to tell the story of God’s love and forgiveness.  Advent can serve a similar purpose.

~ Pastor Chris