This week we are concluding, with the third of a three part series, the “Problem of Evil” as a conversation topic for Christian Apologetics. We will look at nine basic reasons most people struggle with understanding evil, including the fact that most people do not having a proper perspective of eternity. We will also touch on the way we, as Christians, can deal with doubt and struggles in our life with an emphasis on prayer and praying the Bible, as modeled by arguably, the greatest evangelist of the twentieth century, Billy Graham.

Watch this week’s class presentation on this topic:

Overview Notes From the Presentation

Christian Apologetics: More Conversations

If God exists, why is there evil and suffering?

Why is the problem of evil the number one question both Christians and non-Christians have?

Nine reasons people tend to struggle with understanding the concept of the existence of evil:

Many people are spiritually unreflective—they do not spend time meditating on Scripture.
Most people fail to understand the depth of human depravity—even Christians fall into the, “I’m a good person” mentality, but this is the opposite of Biblical teaching.
Some people are simply arrogant—they hold their own opinions higher than Scripture.
Many people are ignorant of Christian doctrine—they don’t understand that the problem of evil encompasses most of Christianity’s history and teachings.
Many people misunderstand Job (the Biblical book and character)—there are many clues and answers in that book to the problem of evil.
Some people really don’t want the problem of evil answered—they hold a grudge against God, and this is especially true in the atheist’s worldview.
Some people hold to “determinism”—that God has determined every creature’s every thought and deed so that they could never do otherwise, but that would nullify God’s gift of freewill.
Most people fail to understand the nature and value of freewill—without freewill real love, relationship, and intimacy is not possible.
Most people fail to understand the glory that awaits Christians forever in Heaven—we tend to live life shortsighted, but for those with a healthy excitement about the afterlife, the problem of evil is not so much of a problem.

“This life becomes a distant vapor in comparison to eternity—life is not a short timeline that has an end, but it is a ray that goes on into eternity, not stopping at death’s door.”

– J. Warner Wallace

We must have a proper perspective of eternity

What does it mean to have a proper perspective of eternity?

The Apostle Paul tells us…

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2 Corinthians 2:13-18 (NASB)

Paul also tells us:

“At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

Titus 3:3-7 (NASB)

Jesus responds to the question of evil:

“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Luke 13:1-5

“A Case for Faith”

(from Lee Strobel’s book by the same name)

Charles Templeton vs. Billy Graham—
Why the difference?

Charles Templeton was in place to become the greatest evangelist of the twentieth century, but he abruptly walked away from God and the Christian faith because he could no longer live with the doubts that had developed in him. He went on to become a vocal atheist and wrote books voicing his views against Christianity. Before he died in 2001 Templeton told Lee Strobel, in an interview for the book “The Case for Faith,” that even though he didn’t believe in God anymore “he missed Jesus.” How horribly sad that is.

Where Charles Templeton went wrong:

His prayer life was questionable and he struggled with his doubts, but he never said he prayed over his doubts, nor did he give them to God
He went to Princeton for help, but at a liberal leaning seminary he only had his doubts reinforced
He did not make God’s Word, the Bible, his first priority and the ultimate authority
He did not allow for Jesus’ sacrifice to be personal for him
He did not persevere through his trials, trusting outcomes to God
He gave up and walked away from God—God did not leave him, he left God

Billy Graham, Templeton’s good friend, did become the greatest evangelist of the twentieth Century! When Billy Graham suffered through times of doubt, and he did, he went out to a quiet place, opened his Bible and asked God to help him. Through prayer and the study of God’s Word Billy Graham became a role model for millions and, though he is now with his Lord and Savior in his eternal home, his legacy will forever continue on.

Where Billy Graham got it right:

He was honest with God about his doubts
He put prayer first
He put God’s Word, the Bible, as the ultimate authority in his life
He put Jesus’ life example and teachings as ultimate truth
He put Jesus’ sacrifice as sufficiency for the needed grace in his life
He persevered with God through trials, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and Bible
He never gave up and walked away, he trusted God’s purpose for his life

The result: A legacy that lives on through his family who you can find in Christian service all over the world, and through those who have listened to his preaching over the last century. He has been a warrior for the Kingdom of God and an instrument for the salvation of so many. His faithfulness and commitment to God has been awe-inspiring.

To Whom Shall We Go?

“Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.””

John 6:68-69 (NLT)

How Do We Live As Christians In A World of Evil And Suffering?

Become proficient prayer warriors
Commit to increasing in our knowledge of Scripture and how to use it in battle
Commit to training in the defense of the faith
Develop a passion for recruiting teammates that will help us prepare, and who will stand alongside us in the battles

Get in the game! Know what you believe and why, then share it with others!!!

A prayer for those in distress…

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Going Deeper

“Why Does God Allow Evil,” (book and various YouTube presentations on this subject) by Dr. Clay Jones, Biola University Professor

“The Problem of Pain,” by C.S. Lewis

“The Problem of Evil,” by Greg Koukl, str.org (series of 18 short videos 3 minutes or less)

“If God, Why Evil,” by Sean McDowell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH8hJ8V4sTY

Other articles and videos on this topic can be found at Wallace’s website: www.coldcasechristianity.com

A Case for Faith, by Lee Strobel

Reflection

If you only had one minute for each question, to the best of your ability, give a quick answer in your own words, (note – these are building from the presentation notes each week):

What are the four important areas for Christian growth?
What are the twelve points that will help you tell the Bible’s Big Picture?
What are the two most important questions you can ask when someone makes a claim about Christianity, or a belief that they hold to be true that is in conflict with the Christian Worldview?
What is the Moral Law argument for the existence of God? Give an example.
How is evil defined from a Christian Worldview? Give an example.
What are the three factors in identifying sources of evil?
What three characteristics does Satan possess that he wants to bring out in us?
What does it mean for a Christian to have a proper perspective of eternity?

Bible Study

Note: Basic answers to the questions are posted mid-week for your review, and to add to a leader’s guide for future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

1. Review of Class Topics:

With your table group, discuss today’s apologetics presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting, or asking any questions.

2. Review of Daily Devotional:

How is it going with your devotional? Are you having any difficulty with reading on a daily basis? Are there any questions you have, or anything that stands out to you as a life application that you’d like to share with your group?

Class Bible study: The Book of Colossians

Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite sources to share with your group.

Read Colossians 2:1-23 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

3. Where is Laodicea, and why did Paul include them in this letter?

4. What warning does Paul give in verse 2:8, and why do you think he gave such a warning?

5. What are all the things Paul says about Jesus in reference to who He and what He has done for us as believers (2:9-15)?

6. In addition to the false teaching of Gnosticism, Judaizers were also trying to infiltrate this early Church. What kinds of things did Paul tell the believers to not be judged by, and why (2:16-23)?

7. Discuss: What kind of “empty philosophies and deceptions” do we need to watch out for today?

8. Going Deeper: Cross-reference the Church at Laodicea by reading Revelation 3:14-22. What did Jesus have say to this Church and why? Some scholars say this admonition of Laodicea is representative of the Church in the last days, discuss your thoughts and any research you come across on this subject.

9. Memory verses: Recite Philippians 1:9-10; Philippians 3:14; Philippians 4:6-8; Philippians 4:12-13; Colossians 1:16-17 and add Colossians 2:8

Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more conversations on the topic of Miracles!

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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15