For this week's blog, I need some input. In the young adult's class here in Gosford, we are starting a series of discussions on the tough questions non-Christians might ask us. According to Norman Geisler's book, "When Skeptics Ask," we, as Christians, need to realize three things:
1. Non-Christians have good questions.
2. We have good answers.
3. God commands us to answer these questions. (1 Peter 3:15)
So, one of the hardest questions that is asked quite often is, "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" This is such a tough question and one that I have struggled with at times, too.
One of my favorite scriptures regarding this is Isaiah 57:1-2, which says, "The righteous perish and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." I have to thank my old youth minister, Dennis Knight, for showing me that scripture. I think I have it triple underlined in my Bible.
Well, I need your help. What would your response be to the above tough question? I would really appreciate your responses to help with preparations for the young adult's class!