God and Human Suffering - Discussion Starters

What has God clearly revealed in this world about Himself? [Lesson 4 – October 22, 2016] Perhaps there’s been a bad forest fire close to where you live. Or flooding has ruined the harvest for the year. (Romans 1:18-20) Still, does Paul proclaim that we have seen enough in nature to know God and know Him well?
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When was the last time you ventured out on a hike or a ride to explore some of the marvelous blessings God has made for us? Do the sky, the sea, and the creatures within them tell us a story of God’s power and grace?
Nothing came from nothing. Nothing ever will. How easy is it for an atheist who has studied science carefully for years to explain the origin of all things living? Is it any easier for those of us who believe in divine creation to understand fully how God created us? What did Job’s friends think of all this? What was the main topic for the discussion his friends built and developed for Job’s edification?
The earliest book. Were you surprised when you first learned that the book of Job is one of the oldest books of the Bible? Assuming God’s hand determined when the books of the Bible were written, what reasons can we find for an early “publication” of the book of Job? If God is so powerful, so creative, and so loving, why did He allow Job to suffer? Do you think Job was tempted to dismiss himself from God? Why did he stay loyal no matter what?
The biggest issue in the book of Job. What does Job wrestle the most to understand? Is he justified in wondering why God allowed such suffering to affect His servant? Do you know someone who is suffering from a disabling and painful injury or disease and yet is a Christian? What about the Christian who has lived healthfully all his or her life and now is dying from cancer? Do such people deserve the suffering they endure? How does God show them that He loves them?
Theodicy. How can God be alive and powerful with all the sin and suffering that threaten to overwhelm us? How does the word “theodicy” describe God in the middle of this dilemma? As hard as it is for you and me to make any sense out of the consequences of life’s hardships and suffering, can we still lift our eyes to God? Did Job turn his back to God and end his life in cursing? What about when he begged God to take his life?

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God and Human Suffering – Discussion Starters

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