Preface
Man has always wrestled with the problem of good and evil. Here are some theories, or notiions that have been put forward from time to time.
1 We live in a random world; stuff happens. But there are times when a very active force is at work.
2. Evil and suffering are all in the mind. But tell that to someone who is hurting or in pain.
3. These evils are deserved; punishment for all the wrong things we do. But bad things happen to good people.
4. God is not sovereign. His own creation is out of control.
5. There are two warring deities, a good one vs. an evil one. No, there is one God only.
6. Evil is God's will. God is love; He is just. To say that God perpetuates evil is blasphemy.
The message:
1. Our world does not fully understand the concept of evil, and what makes that dangerous for us is that we have grossly underestimated it.
2. The problem of evil is real and it is near. Pain and trouble exist; they are all around us.
3. John Wesley referred to the devil as the one who reigns in this realm (earth). The devil is an adversary, on the prowl; he is a pretender, feigning harmlessness. He is a thief, a murderer, and the father of lies.
4. Jesus knows about the evil in this world. He prayed about the issue of evil we would face.
5 Jesus prayed for our protection from the evil one. Jesus is concerned for the safety and well-being of our soul. He taught his disciples to pray, "deliver us from evil."
In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
We are in the world but not overcome by it.
We are to be the Good News to the world. Must carry the Light into darkness.
Do we carry the Good News?
The enemy of your soul is out to get you.
Jesus's prayer is not for the world, but for those given to Him by the Father. (v. 9) He prays for our protection from the evil one!
From notes on the message by
Pastor Johnnie Blair
Sunday morning
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