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God's Purposes

What is God’s purpose for making the world the way he did?
Why does God allow bad things to happen?
What in the world is God trying to do,
and what is our role?

These questions trouble people.

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  • Agnostics argue that we can’t find answers to these questions.

  • Atheists argue that a good God wouldn’t allow bad things to happen, so there can’t really be a God.

  • Some believers argue that God is so far beyond us that we can’t understand his ways.

  • Some Christians even think we shouldn’t try to answer these questions – that it’s not our place to ask what God is trying to do.

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The Bible encourages us to use our minds as well as our spirits as we seek the truth.

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  • Jesus told us he would send us the Spirit of truth to guide us to the truth (John 16:13-15).

  • Jesus also told us to love God with “all your mind” as well as all your heart and soul (Matt. 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).

  • After the resurrection, Jesus “opened their minds” to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45).

  • Paul urges us to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 2:16).

  • Paul also urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).

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God has given us minds to explore his purposes, which he has revealed to us clearly enough that we don’t need to be afraid of tough questions.  He has shown us the way to understand his purposes.  The evidence is in his Word, his work in the world, and the insights he has given to his people.

 

We must earnestly use the minds God has given us.  Please join me in a deep dive into:

God’s Purposes:
What in the World is God Doing?

Two hands reach to each in a gesture reminiscent of God reaching out to Man in Michaelangelo's painting "The Creation of Adam."

This “book” is a work in progress.  Use the links below to read sections of the book as they are written.  Members can also use the Contact form below to ask a question or provide feedback as the book is developed and revised.

Section 1: Introduction

Several people of different races are in a circle with their hands extended inward, one on top of the other, as a sign of teamwork.
You Have a Purpose

Actually, you have many purposes!

You Can Choose

You have free will.

To Have the Mind of Christ

That's one of our goals.

Where is God? - Part 1

Outside the timeline.

Where is God? - Part 2

Active in the timeline.

Does God Care?

If God doesn't care about us, we are in a pretty precarious position.

Is God More Powerful Than Any Other Force?

If God isn't powerful, we can't count on him for much.

Section 2: Suffering

A man wearing a cap and a polo shirt stands on what appears to be a field with his arms folded and a big smile on his face.
If God is All-Good and All-Powerful, Why Does He Allow Suffering?

This is a perennial question, and for good reason.

If God Could Stop Suffering, Why Wouldn't He?

Are there any reasons why God would not make the prevention of suffering his highest priority?

God is Like a High School Coach

Does a high school coach prevent all suffering their players might endure? Why not, and what might that tell us about God?

God is Like the Most Loving Mother

Does a loving mother prevent all suffering her children might endure? Why not, and what might that tell us about God?

The image at the top and the image above of the hands reaching out are both provided by Wix.

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