Suffering
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Part 5. Suffering, Evil, and Moral Order
1. Introduction No question is more universal than the problem of suffering. Every culture asks: Why do we suffer, and what does suffering mean? Christianity and Buddhism, though distinct in cosmology and theology, both confront the reality of pain, injustice, and moral disorder with remarkable depth. For Christianity, suffering is…
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13: Suffering and Hope
1. Theme Overview This theme examines the reality of human suffering and God’s provision of hope through His promises, presence, and redemptive plan. Suffering in the Bible is often a consequence of sin, spiritual opposition, or the testing of faith, yet God provides hope, comfort, and ultimate restoration. Key Concept:…
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Chapter 16: Perseverance and Finishing the Race
Overview: Faithfulness in Trials and Suffering The Christian journey is often depicted in Scripture as a race—one that demands endurance, focus, and spiritual resilience. It is not a brief sprint fuelled by emotional highs or fleeting commitments, but a long-distance race marked by hardship, suffering, and opposition. Perseverance is the…
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2.8 Faithful but Suffering (Responses)
🔹 Story 1: Job Remained Faithful Amid Suffering Main Characters: Job, Satan, God, Job’s friendsStory Summary: Job was a righteous man who lost his health, wealth, and children in a series of tragedies. Though deeply afflicted, he did not abandon his faith in God.Key Verses: Job 1–2; 19:25–27; 42:10–17Theme Connection:…
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4.1 Lessons from Betrayal (Emotional)
4. Suffering, Struggle, and Deliverance 🔹 Story 1: Joseph Betrayed by His Brothers Main Characters: Joseph, his brothers, JacobStory Summary: Joseph’s brothers, driven by jealousy, sold him into slavery and deceived their father. Years later, Joseph forgave them and saved their lives during famine.Key Verses: Genesis 37; 45:1–15; 50:19–21Theme Connection:…
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4.2 Lessons from Betrayal (Gospel)
🔹 Story 1: Joseph’s Betrayal by His Brothers Main Characters: Joseph, his brothers, Jacob, PharaohStory Summary: Joseph’s brothers betrayed him out of jealousy, selling him into slavery. Despite years of suffering, Joseph forgave them and saw God use the betrayal to save many lives during a famine.Key Verses: Genesis 37:1–36;…
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4.3 Forgiveness Changes Everything
🔹 Story 1: Joseph Forgave His Brothers Main Characters: Joseph, his brothers, JacobStory Summary: After being sold into slavery and rising to power in Egypt, Joseph had the chance to punish his brothers. Instead, he forgave them and provided for their families.Key Verses: Genesis 45:1–15; 50:15–21Theme Connection: Joseph’s forgiveness restored…
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4.4 Stories of Deliverance
🔹 Story 1: Israel Delivered from Egypt Main Characters: Moses, Pharaoh, Israelites, GodStory Summary: God sent Moses to free His people from slavery. Through plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, He delivered Israel with power and led them toward the Promised Land.Key Verses: Exodus 3–14Theme Connection: God hears…
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4.5 Stories of Exile and Return
🔹 Story 1: Adam and Eve Exiled from Eden Main Characters: Adam, Eve, GodStory Summary: After disobeying God’s command in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were exiled from paradise. Though banished, God clothed them and promised future redemption through their offspring.Key Verses: Genesis 3:1–24Theme Connection: Humanity’s first exile…
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4.6 Stories of Rebuilding and Restoration
🔹 Story 1: Nehemiah Rebuilt Jerusalem’s Walls Main Characters: Nehemiah, Israelites, Sanballat, TobiahStory Summary: Nehemiah returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem’s broken walls. Despite intense opposition and discouragement, he led the people to complete the work in 52 days through prayer, planning, and perseverance.Key Verses: Nehemiah 1–6Theme Connection: God strengthens…
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4.7 Stories of Spiritual Authority Challenged
🔹 Story 1: Moses and Aaron Challenged by Korah Main Characters: Moses, Aaron, Korah, Dathan, AbiramStory Summary: Korah and his followers accused Moses and Aaron of exalting themselves above the congregation. God responded by causing the earth to swallow the rebels and affirmed His chosen leaders.Key Verses: Numbers 16:1–35Theme Connection:…
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4.8 Faithful but Suffering (Struggle)
Faithful but Suffering 🔹 Story 1: Job Lost Everything Yet Remained Faithful Main Characters: Job, Satan, Job’s friends, GodStory Summary: Job was a blameless man who suffered immense loss—his children, health, and wealth. Despite confusion and sorrow, he never cursed God and ultimately was restored.Key Verses: Job 1–2; 19:25–27; 42:10–17Theme…