The Problem of Evil

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings" ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9

There was an old humorous saying when hiking with others in the woods which said, "If a bear is chasing us, I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun you!" The point is that you might not be able to do anything about the bear, and you can't help the fact that he is bigger and faster than human beings, but you can do whatever it takes to make sure you're not the one who falls. In that circumstance, that'd be pretty selfish. But when we are talking about the devil and his scheme to devour whoever he can, making sure you don't fall is your first responsibility. He will continue to serve his own purpose, and that is something you can't change. What you CAN do is resist him, knowing he'll move on to someone who might fall more easily. Since the devil cannot force us to do anything we don't want to do, the one who falls does so willingly. You have no control over any part of it except standing firm and refusing to buy into his lies. This week at Friendship, we begin a new series called "The Mysteries of God" which will address questions, confusions, and misunderstood Scriptures sent in by the congregation. This weekend's message will address "The Problem of Evil", and why there is so much of it if God is good and loving. The short answer is that the devil is still around, and his original sin of pride has infiltrated mankind. For a more in-depth answer, join us this weekend!