Karl Brown spoke to us at Menno Court with a sermon titled "Why does God allow suffering amongst believers?" He introduced the classic paradox based on three characteristics of God: If God is loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful, why does he do nothing to stop our suffering? Some people believe that God sends suffering to punish us, or to strengthen us. But Karl disavowed the popular folk philosophy that everything happens for a reason. Indeed, that belief itself is the source of suffering. God is restricted from intervening in suffering because that would deny humans free will. In the end, suffering is meaningless. One final question: why bother praying, if God won't do anything to stop the suffering? Prayer binds us together with others and with God, which helps us through the suffering. And we can ask for courage, patience, and strength in the suffering. [rp]

Passage: Isaiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146; Mark 7:24-37
Communion: No
Ecumenical or Event:
Potluck Lunch: No
Congregational Meeting: No

Speaker: Karl Brown
Worship Leader: Paul Thiessen
Song Leader:
Pianist: Cynthia Friesen
Usher:
Zoom Coordinator: Rosie Perera
Children's Feature Leader:

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