ADRA Takes Taxpayer Money

Did you know that ADRA is using taxpayer dollars from the US? Apparently not many know this. We think it is 100% not right, and should be stopped. 

ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency) is a humanitarian organization affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It provides disaster relief, development aid, and social services worldwide, focusing on areas such as health, education, and economic development. ADRA operates in over 100 countries and partners with various organizations, including governments and international institutions.

ADRA and U.S. Government Funding

ADRA receives funding from multiple sources, including private donations, church contributions, corporate sponsors, and government grants. A portion of its funding comes from the U.S. government, often through agencies like:

• USAID (United States Agency for International Development) – Provides grants for development and disaster relief projects.
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) – Supports food security initiatives.
• Other federal and state programs – ADRA may receive funds through competitive grants and contracts.

While ADRA is a faith-based organization, it maintains a policy of separating religious activities from government-funded humanitarian work. This means that taxpayer funds are used strictly for aid projects rather than religious outreach.

We do not buy any of that last sentence. You cannot justify the church taking and using taxpayer money. You can read ADRA's response at: ADRA Responds to USAID Funding Pause — Embracing Opportunities for Continuity | ADRA International

Job Helps Us with our Own Questions about God's Ways

 

In Job 42:3, Job humbly acknowledges:  

"You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” (NKJV)  

This statement comes after God’s powerful response to Job in Job 38–41, where He challenges Job’s understanding of the universe by pointing to the vastness and complexity of creation. God’s speeches emphasize His supreme wisdom and control over all things, showing Job that human beings cannot fully grasp divine purposes.  

 Job’s Shift in Perspective  

Earlier in the book, Job had wrestled with the injustice of his suffering. He insisted on his innocence and demanded an explanation from God, believing that his afflictions were undeserved. His friends, meanwhile, argued that suffering must be the result of sin, but Job rejected their simplistic view of divine justice.  

However, after encountering God’s majesty and wisdom, Job realizes that his previous words were spoken without full understanding. He admits that his knowledge was limited and that he spoke about matters that were “too wonderful” for him—things beyond his ability to comprehend. This confession does not mean Job’s suffering was meaningless, but rather that he now recognizes the need for trust in God's wisdom rather than his own reasoning.  

 A Lesson in Humility and Faith  

Job’s realization highlights an important spiritual truth: humans, in their finite nature, cannot always grasp God’s plans, but they are called to trust Him nonetheless. This echoes other biblical themes, such as in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God declares:  

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."  

Instead of demanding explanations, Job moves to a place of humble submission. His suffering had driven him to deep questions, but in the end, he does not receive a direct answer—only a greater revelation of who God is. That revelation is enough for Job.  

 Theological Implications  

God’s Wisdom Surpasses Human Understanding – Job learns that human knowledge is limited, and trusting in God’s sovereignty is wiser than trying to figure out every detail.  

Faith Doesn’t Require All the Answers – Job never gets a specific reason for his suffering, but he finds peace in recognizing God’s greatness.  

True Relationship with God Involves Trust – By the end of the book, Job moves from questioning God to trusting Him completely, illustrating a deepened faith.  

Job’s admission in Job 42:3 marks a turning point. His suffering had led him to question God, but through divine revelation, he sees that he had spoken out of limited understanding. This realization doesn’t diminish his pain but brings him to a place of deeper trust. In the end, Job finds peace—not in having all the answers, but in knowing that God’s wisdom is far greater than his own.  

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

Sabbath School Lesson 8: Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence

 

God's Love and Justice

Sabbath School Lesson 8

The Problem of Evil

You may use this for presenting and studying the current Sabbath School Lesson.

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> Download the notes for Lesson 8 video here.

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> Download 1st Quarter 2025 Lessons: God's Love and Justice

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Trusting in God's Goodness, Despite all the Evil in our World

  

"Hope Beyond the Suffering"  

 Scripture Reading  

- Romans 8:18 (NIV) – “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  

- Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV) – “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”  

Every day, we see evidence of suffering, injustice, and evil. Wars rage, diseases spread, families break apart, and many are burdened with grief. In moments like these, we may ask, "Where is God?"  

Yet, Scripture assures us that our suffering is not the final chapter. Romans 8:18 reminds us that the pain we endure now is nothing compared to the glory God has prepared for us. Revelation 21:3-4 gives us an incredible promise—God will dwell with His people, wipe away every tear, and remove all pain forever.  

God’s Presence: “God Himself Will Be With Them”  

The most powerful aspect of Revelation 21:3 is that God Himself will be with us. From the beginning, God has desired a close relationship with His people. In the Garden of Eden, He walked with Adam and Eve. Through Jesus, He came to dwell among us (John 1:14). And in eternity, He will dwell with us in an even greater way.  

This means that we are not alone in our suffering. Even now, through the Holy Spirit, God is present, comforting and strengthening us (John 14:16-17).  

God’s Compassion: “He Will Wipe Every Tear from Their Eyes”  

Tears are a universal language of pain—whether from loss, disappointment, or sorrow. But in eternity, God Himself will wipe away every tear.  

This is not just a poetic image; it is a personal act of love. Just as a loving parent wipes the tears from a child’s face, God will remove our pain with His own hand. This shows us that God sees our suffering, He cares deeply, and He promises to heal every wound.  

God’s Victory: “No More Death, Mourning, Crying, or Pain”  

In this life, we experience loss—loved ones pass away, relationships break, and our own bodies grow weak. But God’s promise is clear:  

No more death – The greatest enemy, death, will be defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).  

No more mourning – Grief and sadness will be erased.  

No more crying or pain – All the suffering caused by sin will be gone forever.  

This is the final victory of God’s goodness over evil. Everything broken will be restored.  

Trusting God Through the Pain  

When we look at our world, it’s easy to be discouraged. But these Scriptures remind us:  

- Our pain is temporary, but God’s glory is eternal (Romans 8:18).  

- God is not distant—He is with us and will bring perfect restoration (Revelation 21:3-4).  

- We have a future where suffering will be no more.  

So, how do we respond? We trust. We endure. We hope. Just as Christ endured suffering for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), we can hold on, knowing that our struggles today will one day be replaced by eternal joy in God’s presence.  

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, remain faithful, and look forward to the day when He will wipe away every tear. Evil does not win—God does!  

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

Genesis 2:16-17: Free Will and Moral Freedom

Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV) states:  

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."  

These verses demonstrate the moral freedom given to Adam and Eve in several ways. First, God provides them with a command that requires a choice—obedience or disobedience. This shows that they were not created as robots programmed to follow God automatically but rather as beings with the ability to decide for themselves.  

The presence of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil signifies that genuine love and obedience to God must be voluntary, not forced. If Adam and Eve had no option to disobey, their obedience would be meaningless. This reflects the concept of free will, which is foundational to human moral responsibility.  

Similarly, humanity today possesses free will from God. Every person has the capacity to choose between good and evil, righteousness and sin. While God desires obedience and love, He does not coerce individuals into following Him. Instead, He provides guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit while respecting human autonomy. This freedom allows for true relationship with God, where love and faithfulness are given willingly rather than out of necessity.

Genesis 2:16-17 shows that Adam and Eve were given the freedom to make choices, which highlights the moral responsibility that comes with free will. If God had not given them a choice—if He had prevented them from disobeying—then they would have been like robots, programmed to follow Him without any real autonomy.  

The key difference between humans and robots is the ability to think, reason, and choose. Robots operate based on pre-set commands and have no personal will, emotions, or moral responsibility. They do only what they are programmed to do. In contrast, humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and given the ability to make moral decisions, even if those decisions lead to consequences.  

By allowing Adam and Eve the option to obey or disobey, God showed that true love and obedience must be freely given, not forced. This principle still applies today—God does not force anyone to follow Him, but He gives guidance and lets each person decide their own path. Our ability to choose is a gift, but it also carries responsibility, as our choices have real consequences, just as Adam and Eve’s decision did.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

Psalm 73 - Evil and Injustice: Skeptical Theism

 

Psalm 73 is a reflection on the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the struggles of the righteous. The psalmist, Asaph, initially wrestles with feelings of envy and doubt as he observes the success of the wicked, despite their arrogance and oppression (vv. 1-14). He feels that his own pursuit of righteousness has been in vain, as he suffers while the wicked thrive.  

However, his perspective changes when he enters the sanctuary of God (v. 17). In God's presence, he gains a divine perspective and realizes the ultimate destiny of the wicked. Though they may flourish for a time, their end is destruction—they are set on a slippery path that leads to ruin (vv. 18-20). This revelation helps the psalmist understand that worldly prosperity is fleeting, while true security comes from God.  

In the latter part of the psalm, Asaph acknowledges his earlier bitterness and ignorance but reaffirms his trust in God (vv. 21-26). He recognizes that God is his ultimate strength and portion, and that the nearness of God is far more valuable than temporary wealth or success (vv. 27-28).  

Ultimately, Psalm 73 teaches that justice and truth are not always visible in the present moment, but God’s wisdom and eternal justice will prevail. By shifting his focus from earthly circumstances to God's eternal plan, the psalmist finds peace and renewed faith.

Psalm 73 relates to "skeptical theism" because it highlights human limitations in understanding God's justice and purposes. The psalmist initially struggles with the problem of evil—why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? However, his perspective changes when he enters God's presence and realizes that God's justice operates on a divine, eternal scale, beyond human comprehension. Similarly, skeptical theism argues that our limited knowledge prevents us from fully grasping God's reasons for allowing evil and suffering, reinforcing the idea that trust in God’s wisdom is necessary despite apparent injustices.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

God's Answer to Job and the Problem of Evil

In Job 38:1–12, God answers Job out of a whirlwind, challenging him with a series of questions about the creation and order of the universe.

"Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!" (Job 38:4–5, NIV)  

This response does not provide Job with a direct answer to his suffering but instead shifts his perspective. By highlighting His divine wisdom and sovereign power, God reminds Job that there are realities beyond human comprehension. This passage underscores the limits of human knowledge, especially regarding the problem of evil.  

 The Mystery Behind the Scenes  

One of the key themes in the book of Job is that suffering and evil often operate beyond human understanding. While Job and his friends debate the reasons for his misfortunes, they are unaware of the spiritual realities described in Job 1–2, where Satan challenges Job’s faithfulness. This unseen dimension suggests that human suffering may involve spiritual battles, divine testing, or purposes not immediately clear.  

 What We Know and What We Don't  

From Job 38, we learn that:  

1. God is in control – He laid the foundations of the world and governs all things.  

2. Human knowledge is limited – Job cannot grasp the complexities of God’s plans.  

3. Evil and suffering have a purpose – even if we do not always understand them.  

However, what we do not fully know is how God’s justice, human free will, and spiritual forces all interact in every specific situation. Just as Job was unaware of the heavenly dialogue concerning him, we, too, do not always see the larger picture of our suffering.  

 Trusting God's Wisdom  

God’s answer to Job invites us to trust in His wisdom, even when we do not have all the answers. Though evil exists, and suffering is real, God’s sovereignty assures us that He is ultimately in control. Instead of demanding explanations, Job is called to humble faith—an example we can follow in our own struggles.  

 Job 42:3 and Our Recognition of Human Limitations  

In Job 42:3, Job humbly responds to God’s challenge:  “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (NIV)  

This verse highlights Job’s realization that he had questioned God without fully grasping His wisdom and sovereignty. Job acknowledges that there are divine purposes beyond human comprehension.  

 What This Teaches Us  

1. Humility Before God – We must recognize our limited understanding and resist the urge to demand explanations from God.  

2. Trust in God's Wisdom – Even when life is confusing or painful, we can trust that God’s plans are greater than what we can see.  

3. Letting Go of Control – Like Job, we should surrender our need for answers and accept that God is sovereign and just.  

Job’s response serves as a reminder that our place is not to challenge God’s wisdom but to trust in His goodness, even when we do not understand His ways.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

Matthew 27:46: How can we understand these words of Jesus about being forsaken by God?

  

Matthew 27:46 – "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’"  

These words of Jesus, spoken from the cross, are among the most profound and mysterious in all of Scripture. They echo Psalm 22:1, a psalm of lament that expresses deep suffering yet ultimately points to hope and vindication.  

 Understanding Jesus' Cry  

A Cry of Despair and Human Suffering  

   - In this moment, Jesus fully experiences the depths of human suffering. He does not merely endure physical pain but also the agony of separation from the Father as He bears the weight of the world's sin.  

   - His words reflect genuine anguish, showing that He identifies completely with human pain, abandonment, and the feeling of divine silence.  

The Weight of Sin and Divine Judgment  

   - Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). As He bore the sins of humanity, He endured the separation from God that sin brings. This was not because the Father had literally abandoned Him, but because, in taking on sin, Jesus experienced the judgment that sin deserves.  

   - This moment highlights the full impact of evil—not just in human suffering but in its ultimate consequence: separation from God.  

God’s Willingness to Be Touched by Evil  

   - The crucifixion is the ultimate instance of how evil touches God. Jesus, the Son of God, willingly enters into human suffering, taking upon Himself the worst that evil can do—betrayal, injustice, torture, and death.  

   - This shows that God does not remain distant from suffering but intimately experiences it. The cross is where divine justice and mercy meet, as God Himself endures the effects of sin to bring salvation.  

Jesus' cry from the cross is a powerful expression of how deeply evil and suffering impacted Him. Yet, His suffering was not in vain—it was the means through which redemption was secured. His words remind us that even in the darkest moments, God has a plan, and through Christ's suffering, victory over sin and death was ultimately achieved.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil

Evil and he Human Experience

Several Bible verses highlight the age-old question of why evil exists and why the righteous suffer, bringing the problem of evil to the forefront of human experience. Each passage reflects the deep struggle of believers trying to reconcile their faith in a just God with the reality of suffering, injustice, and perceived divine silence.  

Job 30:26 – "But when I looked for good, evil came to me; and when I waited for light, darkness came."  

   - Job expresses profound disappointment, expecting blessings but instead facing suffering. His experience underscores the unpredictability of life and the apparent contradiction between human expectation and reality.  

Jeremiah 12:1 – "Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with You; yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?"  

   - Jeremiah wrestles with the question of divine justice, wondering why the wicked seem to flourish while the righteous suffer. His plea mirrors the thoughts of many who struggle to understand why God allows injustice.  

Jeremiah 13:22 – "And if you say in your heart, ‘Why have these things come upon me?’ For the greatness of your iniquity your skirts have been uncovered, and your heels made bare."  

   - This verse suggests that suffering is sometimes a consequence of sin, yet it does not fully resolve why the innocent also endure hardships. It highlights the complexity of divine justice and human suffering.  

Malachi 2:17 – "You have wearied the Lord with your words; yet you say, ‘In what way have we wearied Him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,’ or, ‘Where is the God of justice?’"  

   - The people question whether God truly upholds justice, feeling disillusioned by the apparent success of evildoers. Their frustration reflects the universal human struggle with the delay of divine justice.  

Psalm 10:1 – "Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?"  

   - This psalm captures the anguish of feeling abandoned by God in moments of suffering. It gives voice to the deep emotional and spiritual distress experienced when God seems distant amid hardship.  

These verses illustrate that the problem of evil is not just a philosophical dilemma but a deeply personal and emotional struggle. They reflect the universal human experience of questioning God's justice, wrestling with suffering, and seeking answers in the face of adversity. While they do not provide a simple resolution, they acknowledge the pain and confusion that often accompany faith in a broken world.

More: Sabbath School Lesson 7 The Problem of Evil