Challenges to faith
The Bible is very honest about the problem of suffering in our world
Romans 8:18 ‘…our present sufferings…’
Romans 8:35 ‘…trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword?’
And yet rock solid confidence for believers
What is God doing about our suffering NOW?
Romans 8:28 ‘ …we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
How can ‘good’ and ‘suffering’ go together?
What are the ‘all things’?
The doctrine of the sovereignty of God
Not a doctrine to create controversy or debate BUT to generate security and confidence
What is the ‘Good’ that God is achieving?
Romans 8:29-30
A revolution in thinking – the good is being changed to become more like Jesus
Does that mean pain and suffering are good?
But suffering is not the last word
We have already been glorified
And right now God is at work for the good of those that love him
