Sæktu forritiðWhy Doesn't God Do Something?Sýnishorn
God has already demonstrated his love
Lyn: You remember the question we started with?
Sam: Sure do. Why doesn’t God do something about the world’s suffering?
Lyn: Well, actually, he already has.
Sam: What? How do you mean?
Lyn: Well, the Bible says that Jesus suffered for us and actually died for us. And that God chose to accept Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. So he understands what it is to suffer.
Sam: Really? I never thought of God suffering.
Lyn: Well, he did. And that is why he took human form—to share our pain. He understands what it is all about. And more than that, he dealt with the cause of our pain, which is selfishness and sin.
Sam: Yeah, that’d be right. If we were less self-centered, then the world would be a happier place.
Lyn: The good news is that Jesus carried in his own body all our sins and all our sorrows. He nullified them and destroyed their power.
Sam: So that’s what it’s all about!
Lyn: Not just the world’s sins, Sam, but yours as well.
Sam: Mine?
Lyn: Yep, Yours.
Sam: Are you saying the world’s troubles are all my fault?
Lyn: Of course not. But some of them are. Just as I had to do, you need to apologize to God, ask his forgiveness and gratefully accept Christ’s sacrifice for you.
Sam: What, right now?
Lyn: Why not? Now’s as good a time as any.
Sam: Well, I… I… I guess it is.
Lyn: Let’s do it!
Sam: O-kay… So how do I go about it?
Lyn: You can start by just chatting with God. Simply tell him in your own words how you feel.
Sam: My own words? Don’t I need a prayer book or something?
Lyn: No—not at all. Just be yourself.
Sam: God, you know we haven’t had much to do with each other for a long time, but right now, I hope you are listening, because I just want to say that I’ve made a bit of a mess of things in my life and I need to sort it all out and put things right. If you can do that, I’m up for it. OK? If Jesus died and rose from the dead for me, I’m willing to give it a go and put my faith in him. Well, that’s about it for now. It’s over to you, I guess. But I’m ready for it.
Lyn: And I’m sure God is ready for you, too, Sam.
John 3:16; Romans 5:1-11; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9.
What next? Which verse or verses really stand out to you from these passages? Why?
Ritningin
About this Plan
Why doesn't God do something about suffering and trouble? This ancient question is still being asked today. Doesn't God care? Jesus suffered for us and was well acquainted with grief. Christianity was born in suffering and the Bible has much to say about it. This Bible Plan features lively coversations between Lyn and Sam who raise provocative questions and offer intriguing responses.
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