MARK D.
LAMPLEY
young adult news
@ shpc.wordpress.com
Dear Friends,
In a Bible study this week, a question came up that all of
you have thought about and wrestled with. It came up as
we were talking about The Shack. I want to address it
directly and try to help you think Biblically and
theologically about this answer.
Does God will evil and suffering in the world and in
our lives?
It’s safe to say that no Christian believes that God wills evil.
God neither desires harm for humanity nor for creation, yet
we know we live in a fallen, broken world.
In one of my favorite theological books to recommend
Presbyterian Questions Presbyterian Answers Donald
McKim addresses it this way. “God is good (Ps. 73:1), and
all that God creates is good (Gen. 1). Evil is what opposes
God and goes against God’s purposes. We speak of “natural
evil” as those things occurring in nature which bring
devastation, tragedy, or loss of life. We speak of an “evil
empire” or an “evil person” to say we perceive that groups
of people or individuals can stand in opposition to God an
what God wants for the world and human life. Most clearly,
we know what God’s purposes are when we look at Jesus
Christ, who is the image of the invisible God. Jesus sought
to overcome evil by doing good (Acts 10:38).”
And so, evil may occur when people choose to do things
that are contrary to God’s ways. In other words, they abuse
the freedom and intentions for themselves and for others.
Even as people choose to do evil, God can use it for good.
We see this repeatedly as a theme in the Bible. The evil
thoughts and selfish desires of humanity, which include
being murderous and negligent towards those who God has
asked us to care for still cannot prevent God’s purpose for
us or for creation.
The best way for us to have confidence that God has
conquered evil is seen through our redemption. Trust in
the power of the cross which reveals God’s triumph over
death and evil through the resurrection of Jesus, our
Savior.
The work of God, accomplished by Christ, is the foundation
of Christianity and the reason for daily celebration. Though
you may see evil and wrong all around you, believe in the
Good News that God is in control and that God’s purposes
will ultimately be carried out!
Seeking God with faith,
Associate Pastor
mlampley@sequoyahchurch.org | 865-522-9804
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“Neither death, nor life, neither angels nor
demons , neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything
else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:38-39
Please keep in your PRAYERS . . .
▪ TOMMY SCHMID’S FAMILY who are grieving the
death of his father, Robert.
▪ JUSTIN AND KATIE MARTIN who celebrate their
first child, MADELEINE MARY.
▪ RACHEL ADDICKS AND HER FAMILY as they care
for her father who is ill.
▪ LAURA HUFFMAN AND HER FAMILY as they
grieve the recent death of her paternal
grandmother.
▪ TONY MCBATH AND HIS FAMILY as they grieve
the death of Tony’s son, Chris.
▪ RYAN CAZANA’S FAMILY with the death of an
extended family member (college student) who
was killed instantly in a car accident.
YOUNG COUPLES’ CLASS
Book of Ruth
We will discuss this moving story about Ruth,
a young widow whose journey to God and
her care for her mother-in-law inspires and
challenges us to celebrate how God cares
for us. We meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 320.
Led by Richard Smith
FOUNDATIONS CLASS
Loving Through Your Gifts
How we use our particular gifts and talents
to love others?
How do you see your life experiences,
your 'story' or testimony as a gift?
How has your 'story' impacted or developed
your gifts and your expression of love?
We meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 319 (Spitzer Bldg.).
Led by Carl and Gail Williams