Exploring God's Existence Through Creation and Suffering
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. It's a pleasure to be with you today. I come all the way from Seattle, Washington, and I brought a little bit of my friends with me called Clouts. When Phil asked if I would come and preach, I was excited. The topic is, "Does God exist?" This is a question I often discuss with my friends, many of whom do not yet trust Jesus. Whether you are a follower of Jesus or someone who is still searching, I have good news for you: God exists. If you're wondering about pain and suffering, know that God is not the author of it, but He will use it to reveal the purpose of your life. Let's pray and ask God to guide us today.
Psalm 19:1 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This verse uses anthropomorphic language to help us understand that all of creation points to God. Today, we will explore three main points: confirming the glory of God, the problem of pain, and embracing God amidst grief. We will look at these through the lenses of science, creation, and the existence of evil.
Science and creation are not at odds with God; they actually point to Him. Albert Einstein once said, "Science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind." The more we understand science, the more we see the intricate design of a divine Creator. When I talk to my friends about God, I ask them four questions: Do you believe in the existence of a God? What is your current worldview and why? How does your worldview handle suffering and pain? Would you consider Jesus and His claims if they could be proven to you?
C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Screwtape Letters," advises against using science to disprove God because real science encourages us to think about realities beyond our senses. Science is God showing us His work. When we look at creation, we see God's handiwork. Miracles are not violations of natural laws but rather glimpses of how things were originally meant to be.
The existence of evil and suffering often leads people to question God's existence. However, the very fact that we can identify evil and suffering points to a moral objective truth, which in turn points to God. The problem is not that God is absent; it's that we often fail to take responsibility for our actions. God is not an absentee Father; He is actively working in the world through His Spirit and through us.
Romans 1:20-23 tells us that God's invisible qualities have been clearly seen since the creation of the world. The vastness of the cosmos is a message pointing to the Creator. Romans 2:14-15 says that the law is written on our hearts, so we know when there is injustice. When we feel that something is wrong, it's an echo of our cry for God's justice. Creation itself is groaning, waiting for Jesus to make all things right.
The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of how God deals with pain and suffering. God bore our judgment in our place. Some may find it harsh that God allowed His Son to die, but this act of justice is also an act of immense love. C.S. Lewis wrote in "The Problem of Pain" that God shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Pain and suffering are not authored by God, but He uses them to bring forth hope.
In the Bible, we see that God is present in every book, from Genesis to Revelation. He is the breath of life, the Passover lamb, our high priest, and so much more. He is not distant; He is near, actively working to redeem all of creation. Jesus steps into our pain and suffering and says, "Hope is here. Love is here. Grace is here."
Friends, if you have been hurt by the church or by people who claim to follow Jesus, know that God is not like that. He is a God of love, grace, and justice. He is actively working to make all things right. Let's pray and invite the worship team to come forth. Remember, Jesus has overcome the world, and He is with us in our pain and suffering.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Heavens Declare God's Glory: Psalm 19:1 tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. This anthropomorphic language helps us understand that all of creation points to God. Science and creation are not at odds with God; they actually reveal His intricate design and divine nature. The more we understand science, the more we see the evidence of a divine Creator. [22:23]
2. Science as God's Handiwork: Science is not a tool to disprove God but a means to understand His creation. C.S. Lewis advises against using science to disprove God because real science encourages us to think about realities beyond our senses. When we look at creation, we see God's handiwork. Miracles are not violations of natural laws but glimpses of how things were originally meant to be. [26:57]
3. The Problem of Evil and Suffering: The existence of evil and suffering often leads people to question God's existence. However, the very fact that we can identify evil and suffering points to a moral objective truth, which in turn points to God. God is not an absentee Father; He is actively working in the world through His Spirit and through us. The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of how God deals with pain and suffering. [36:38]
4. God's Presence in Our Pain: C.S. Lewis wrote in "The Problem of Pain" that God shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Pain and suffering are not authored by God, but He uses them to bring forth hope. Jesus steps into our pain and suffering and says, "Hope is here. Love is here. Grace is here." God is not distant; He is near, actively working to redeem all of creation. [38:19]
5. God's Redemptive Plan: From Genesis to Revelation, God is present in every book of the Bible. He is the breath of life, the Passover lamb, our high priest, and so much more. He is actively working to make all things right. If you have been hurt by the church or by people who claim to follow Jesus, know that God is not like that. He is a God of love, grace, and justice. Jesus has overcome the world, and He is with us in our pain and suffering. [50:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:47] - Introduction and Prayer
[22:23] - The Heavens Declare God's Glory
[23:54] - Science and Creation
[25:26] - Conversations with Friends
[26:57] - C.S. Lewis on Science and Faith
[28:29] - Miracles and God's Design
[30:16] - The Problem of Evil and Suffering
[31:52] - Moral Objective Truth
[33:31] - God's Active Presence
[35:02] - Our Responsibility
[36:38] - Creation Groaning
[38:19] - The Cross and Justice
[40:16] - Human Responsibility
[41:57] - The Gospel Levels Everyone
[43:31] - Richard Dawkins' View
[45:14] - God's Patience and Justice
[46:59] - Embracing God Amidst Grief
[48:50] - God's Redemptive Plan
[50:37] - God's Presence in Every Book
[52:00] - Jesus in the New Testament
[53:34] - Jesus Steps into Our Pain
[55:46] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."
2. Romans 1:20-23 - "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
3. Romans 2:14-15 - "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 19:1, what do the heavens and skies do? How is this significant in understanding God's existence?
2. In Romans 1:20-23, what are the "invisible qualities" of God that have been clearly seen since the creation of the world?
3. How does Romans 2:14-15 describe the law being written on our hearts? What does this imply about our understanding of right and wrong?
4. What are the four questions the speaker asks his friends to discuss the existence of God? ([25:26])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the anthropomorphic language in Psalm 19:1 help us understand God's communication through creation? ([22:23])
2. What does the speaker mean when he says, "Science is God showing us His work"? How does this perspective align with the sermon’s message? ([28:29])
3. How does the existence of evil and suffering point to a moral objective truth, according to the sermon? ([31:52])
4. What role does the cross of Christ play in demonstrating how God deals with pain and suffering? ([38:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced pain or suffering. How did you see or not see God working in that situation? How does the sermon’s message about God using pain to reveal purpose resonate with your experience? ([20:47])
2. The speaker mentions that science and creation point to God. How can you use your understanding of science or nature to strengthen your faith or share it with others? ([23:54])
3. The sermon discusses the problem of evil and suffering. How do you personally reconcile the existence of a loving God with the presence of evil in the world? ([30:16])
4. C.S. Lewis wrote that "God shouts in our pains." Can you identify a moment in your life where pain led you to a deeper understanding or relationship with God? ([38:19])
5. The speaker talks about the importance of embodying the love, grace, and justice of God. What are some practical ways you can better reflect these attributes in your daily interactions? ([33:31])
6. How can you support someone who is struggling with the question of God's existence due to their experiences with pain and suffering? What specific actions can you take to be a source of hope and love for them? ([45:14])
7. The sermon emphasizes that God is present in every book of the Bible and actively working to redeem all of creation. How can this understanding shape your approach to reading the Bible and living out your faith? ([50:37])
Devotional
Day 1: The Heavens Declare God's Glory
The heavens and the skies are not just vast expanses of space; they are a testament to the glory of God. Psalm 19:1 uses anthropomorphic language to help us understand that all of creation points to God. Science and creation are not at odds with God; they actually reveal His intricate design and divine nature. The more we understand science, the more we see the evidence of a divine Creator. This understanding can deepen our faith and awe in God, as we see His handiwork in the natural world around us. [22:23]
Psalm 19:1 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."
Reflection: When you look at the natural world, what aspects of creation make you marvel at God's glory? How can you incorporate moments of awe and wonder into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's presence?
Day 2: Science as God's Handiwork
Science is not a tool to disprove God but a means to understand His creation. C.S. Lewis advises against using science to disprove God because real science encourages us to think about realities beyond our senses. When we look at creation, we see God's handiwork. Miracles are not violations of natural laws but glimpses of how things were originally meant to be. This perspective allows us to see science as a way to explore and appreciate the complexity and beauty of God's creation, rather than as a challenge to our faith. [26:57]
Job 12:7-9 (ESV): "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?"
Reflection: How can you use your understanding of science to deepen your appreciation for God's creation? What steps can you take to integrate this appreciation into your worship and daily life?
Day 3: The Problem of Evil and Suffering
The existence of evil and suffering often leads people to question God's existence. However, the very fact that we can identify evil and suffering points to a moral objective truth, which in turn points to God. God is not an absentee Father; He is actively working in the world through His Spirit and through us. The cross of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of how God deals with pain and suffering. This understanding can help us find hope and purpose even in the midst of our struggles, knowing that God is with us and working through us. [36:38]
Romans 8:18-19 (ESV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
Reflection: Think about a time when you experienced suffering. How did you see God working in that situation? How can you use your experiences of suffering to help others see God's presence and purpose in their own struggles?
Day 4: God's Presence in Our Pain
C.S. Lewis wrote in "The Problem of Pain" that God shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world. Pain and suffering are not authored by God, but He uses them to bring forth hope. Jesus steps into our pain and suffering and says, "Hope is here. Love is here. Grace is here." God is not distant; He is near, actively working to redeem all of creation. This understanding can help us find comfort and strength in knowing that God is with us in our pain and is using it for a greater purpose. [38:19]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's comfort in your times of pain? How can you extend that same comfort to others who are suffering?
Day 5: God's Redemptive Plan
From Genesis to Revelation, God is present in every book of the Bible. He is the breath of life, the Passover lamb, our high priest, and so much more. He is actively working to make all things right. If you have been hurt by the church or by people who claim to follow Jesus, know that God is not like that. He is a God of love, grace, and justice. Jesus has overcome the world, and He is with us in our pain and suffering. This understanding can help us trust in God's redemptive plan and find hope in His promises. [50:37]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"
Reflection: How can you hold onto the hope of God's redemptive plan in your daily life? What steps can you take to share this hope with others who may be struggling to see God's presence and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you're a person who's not yet a follower of Jesus and you're wondering, is there a God? I've got good news for you. I've got good news for you. There is. Also, if you're wondering about pain and suffering, I would also like to encourage you to know that because God is real, pain and suffering, God is not the author of it, but he will use it so that you would know more about the purpose of your life." [20:47]
2. "Friends, God is putting the world right because his spirit is here right now, and he has sent his son to die to make all things right, and will one day return and wreck shop and set up his kingdom and show everybody his eternal love, grace, and chesed. That's been his plan. He's been doing it, but even in suffering, and God's redemptive ripples have continued to be seen." [45:14]
3. "Friends, God, he is actively working in the world and he's pulling back the curtain, showing us his kingdom and how creation was supposed to be. Or as New Testament writer N.T. Wright would say, he, God, has drastically launched this project through Jesus. Through who belonging to Jesus are called here and now in the power of the spirit and to be agents, of putting to right purpose. We are called to put the world right. God puts us right to put the world right." [48:50]
4. "Jesus steps in onto the scene of sin and death and pain and trauma. And he says, hope is here. Love is here. Grace is here. Shalom is here. Chesed is here. Purpose is here. The purpose for you and I in our life is to know Jesus. And we can know that God because he ain't out there kicking it. He came near and he's here today." [53:34]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The cross, the cross of Christ is one of the most amazing ways you can see how God deals with pain and suffering. That God would not allow pain and suffering and sin and evil and wickedness to win, but that he would bear our judgment. He would bear our judgment in our place for our sin. And for some of us today who may say, well, why would God need to bear judgment? That's mean that God would allow his son to die. Well, hold on. First, we just said that we think that God's unjust because he allows evil to exist, but then we're upset when God actually displays his justice." [38:19]
2. "Friends, the earth, our lives, evil, pain, and suffering are not the result of God's doing. They're a result of our doing, of our volition to choose another way. So when you hear a bad song, when you hear your favorite song and you hear a bad rendition of it, and you're like, man, I love this Mozart song. It's amazing. Playing and playing and playing. And then someone gets up there and it's like angry cat. You would never be like, yo, Mozart, you're trash. Your songs are terrible. You would actually talk to the person who played it terribly, right? So why is it when the world is broken, we go to attack God versus to take accountability for our own actions?" [41:57]
3. "You see, friends, God, it's not God versus science. Science speaks to the existence of God. Like, when you think about math, now I know there's probably some beastly and amazing mathematicians. You think about people like John Lennox, who's this amazing mathematician, scientist, and devout follower of Jesus. Y'all, I got a confession. I would do my math homework, and then, because I would turn it in, and my teacher says, hey, fam, you got a lot of these questions right. Because what happened was, I found out in the back of the book, all the answers, and that the Lord was my shepherd, I shall not want. He made me lie down with all the answers. He provided them for me. But my teacher was like, hey, you got to show me your work. I see you got the right answer, but I want you to show me your work. You see, friends, when we look at creation, science is God showing us his work. Science shows us his work." [28:29]
4. "Friends, you may never get the answer to all of your pain for your loss of your loved one, to the loss of your loved one, to the loss of your friends, to the loss of the trauma of your job or what was done to you. The enemy will always seek to make you think that God hates you and that his character is bad. You see, but friends, God is not hating you. His character and who he is comes near. He is present with us, never to leave us, never to forsake us." [48:50]
5. "The reality of evil and pain and suffering prove that God exists rather than that he does not exist. We cannot make the mistake, friends, because if we remember every day we choose the same way like Adam and Eve, we may be like, man, if I was in the garden, I would have slapped Adam. I would have slapped the fruit from his hand. Like, nah, fam. But yet every day we partake of our own fruit that we want, and we go another way. And God's saying, no, hey, here's blessing, here's life, here's shalom, here's peace. Nah, I'm good. I'm going that way." [40:16]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?