The Undercover Adventist

  God's Love and Justice Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson. ------------------------------ >   Download the notes for Lesson 7 video here. ----------------------------- >  Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice -----------------------------

Are you struggling with the question of God’s goodness?  From a Christian perspective, struggling with the question of God’s goodness is understandable, especially in the face of suffering, unanswered prayers, or injustice. Acknowledging the Struggle   Many faithful Christians, including biblical figures like Job, David (in the Psalms), and even Jesus on the cross ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" - Matthew 27:46), have wrestled with this question.   Doubt and struggle are not signs of weak faith but can lead to deeper trust in God.   Looking at Scripture on God's Goodness   The Bible affirms that God is good (Psalm 34:8 – "Taste and see that the Lord is good.").   His goodness is seen in creation (Genesis 1), His provision (Matthew 6:26), and most powerfully in Jesus Christ (John 3:16).   Addressing Suffering and Evil   A key challenge to believing in God’s goodness is the presence of suffering. Chri...

   Matthew 5:43–48 (ESV)   "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."    God’s Amazing Love   This passage reveals the extraordinary nature of God's love. Unlike human love, which often depends on conditions and personal benefit, God's love is universal and unconditional. He blesses both the righteous and the unrighteous, offering kindness even to those who oppose Him. This demonstrates that G...

  Does God "Relent" or "Repent"? A Biblical Examination   One of the theological tensions in Scripture involves whether or not God changes His mind. Some passages seem to suggest that God "relents" or "repents," while others insist that He does not. How do we reconcile these statements? A closer look at Exodus 32:14, Jeremiah 18:4–10, Numbers 23:19, and 1 Samuel 15:29 provides insight into this important question.   The Apparent Contradiction   Two sets of verses seem to present conflicting views:   1. God "Relenting" (Changing His Course of Action)      - Exodus 32:14 – "And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people."      - Jeremiah 18:4–10 – God describes how He may change His actions based on human response, stating that if a nation repents, He will withhold judgment, but if they turn to evil, He will bring disaster.   2. God Not "Repenting" (Changing...

  God’s Changeless Character: A Firm Foundation One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is the unchanging nature of God. In a world marked by constant shifts—cultural changes, economic instability, and personal uncertainties—the character of God remains steadfast. He is immutable, meaning He does not change in His essence, purposes, or promises. This attribute provides a firm foundation for our faith and an anchor for our souls. God’s Unchanging Nature in Scripture The Bible clearly affirms the immutability of God in several passages. Malachi 3:6 declares, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Here, God assures His people that His covenantal love and faithfulness remain steadfast, ensuring their preservation despite their failures. James 1:17 reinforces this truth: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Unlike the s...