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Bulletin

Lay Lake Church of Christ

Volume 4                  June 21, 2009          Number 25


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David A. Bass

When there is a natural disaster (flood, tornado, earthquake, etc.) sickness, death, a loss of  a job or other financial problems we sometimes ask, “Why is God doing this to me?”  Problems like this cause many people to question God.  “If God really loves me why does he allow me to suffer?”; or perhaps, “if God is really all powerful why did he let this happen to me (or my family, etc.)?”  “What sin have I committed to deserve this?”  How do we answer these questions?  What does the Bible say about “Human Suffering?”

Many of man’s problems come about as a result of SIN!  God does not wish for man to suffer or be unhappy.  God created man with the ability to choose right from wrong (Genesis 2:15-17) and gave him dominion over all living creatures (Genesis 1:26).  Everything that God created “was very good” (Genesis 1:31) and man could have lived forever in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8,9).  But unfortunately, man listened to the devil and ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  As a consequence of sin God placed pain and sorrow on all humanity (Genesis 3:16-21) and drove Adam  and Eve out of the Garden away from the tree of life and then man began to die physically (Genesis 3:22-24).  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12).  A great deal of man’s pain, suffering and sorrow can be traced to sin; therefore, we cannot blame God!

Some of our suffering comes about because of the sins of others.  How many innocent victims have suffered because of someone drinking and driving?  How many women and children have been abused (physically and mentally) and some even sexually molested because someone was drinking or using some other drug?  How many innocent men, women and children have been killed in wars because someone, somewhere wanted more power or more money, etc.  Humanity often suffers as a consequence of the sins of others.

The Bible also teaches that man suffers because of his own sins.  How much sickness and disease could be eliminated if man did not sin?  Stomach, liver and kidney problems are often caused by the drinking of alcohol. Lung, mouth and throat cancer is usually the result of some form of tobacco.  The very serious illness of AIDS is the result of sexual immorality and drug use.  These are just a few examples of how man suffers as a result of his own sins.

Some human suffering is totally unrelated to sin (natural disaster, fire or epidemic diseases).  Why does God allow these things to happen?  God has created the best possible world for man to live in and He has placed certain natural laws into being (gravity, wind, the movement of the earth’s crust, rain, etc.).  If God were to brake or override these natural laws for man, chaos would result!  For example, if a man should fall from a tall tree and God were to set aside the law of gravity then havoc would prevail.  Our world would be unpredictable and unlivable.

God has shown his great love for man in the sending of His only begotten Son (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-10). God has also prepared a wonderful home in heaven where there will be no pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4), but this home is prepared for the redeemed (Revelation 22:14).   When we experience problems, difficulties and suffering, let’s not blame God, but look to God for help!

Barbara Myrick; Ken White; Earl Dean (Don’s dad); Margaret Walker (Mareen’s mother); Janice Clem (Christy Kearley’s mother); Bill Nelson (Frieda’s dad); Elizabeth Smith; Colin Chandler; Harold Lee; Bob Spurlin; the Jones family; Benny Smelcher; Martha Eckert; Robert Kelley; Adam Pilling; Corey Boothe & Jeff Warren.  Please pray for our Summer Workers at Backwoods.  Pray for Daniel Richardson (Iraq).

Scripture Reading Today: Jude 1 - 4 (following our morning announcements).

Fellowship Meal: Everyone is encouraged to attend and bring a friend to our next fellowship meal on Sunday (June 28th) immediately following our morning worship.

Volunteers Needed: Please sign the lists on the bulletin board!

Pantry: kool-aid   (PLEASE help us re-stock our pantry - see the bulletin board for needed items)

Pictures: Please see Chris if you have not have your family picture made.  These pictures are for our board in the foyer.

New Bible Class Quarter: Wednesday, July 1st, will begin our Summer Quarter.   Teachers, please get your material TODAY!

June Bug: Thanks for everyone’s help!

VBS: July 20 - 22 (It’s almost here)!!!

• 21    -                Lynn Dodson                           
• 28    -                Rusty & Lynn