2023-05-11 07:43:02 · 50

Thrive Perspectives: Worldview - Suffering, Pain & A Broken World.

Episode Notes

The question of why a loving God would allow suffering and pain is a complex and deeply theological one. God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving, and he created the world to be perfect and free from suffering and death. However, when Adam and Eve sinned, they brought a curse upon the world, which resulted in disease, and other forms of suffering. Suffering and pain need not be meaningless but can be used by God for a greater purpose. The Bible teaches that suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5), and that God is able to work all things together for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28). God is present with us in our suffering and that he understands our pain because he himself suffered on the cross. Jesus Christ is described as a "man of sorrows" who was "familiar with suffering" (Isaiah 53:3), and he is able to sympathise with our weaknesses and struggles (Hebrews 4:15). The question of why a loving God would allow suffering and pain is answered by the belief that God is sovereign over all things, that he is present with us in our suffering, and that he can use our suffering for a greater purpose. We also must remember that ultimate hope and healing come through faith in Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death and offers us forgiveness and eternal life â€“ where there will be no pain, suffering or death. The world we live in now is broken. Itâ€™s not meant to be our home. Weâ€™re not meant to like it here. This is our mission field, until God calls us into eternity with Him.

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Meet The Presenters

Dr Matt Jacoby

Matt is the teaching pastor at his church in Victoria, Australia, lecturer at the Melbourne School of Theology, an author, a songwriter and, a musician leading the Psalms project band Sons of Korah.

Matt has a doctorate in philosophy and theology from the University of Melbourne, and is the author of the daily Bible reading guide Thrive launched in 2005. Matt's most recent work as an author is his book Deeper Places (Baker Books USA 2013) with an expanded edition released in 2019. In Deeper Places, Matt shares a rich portrait of authentic spirituality. A gifted teacher and Bible scholar, Matthew is invited to speak at conferences and churches where he brings a fresh but foundational perspective to Scripture.

“I do a lot of teaching these days in my various roles but I always see myself more as a learner. I love learning. I enjoy academic learning and because of that I am a perpetual student of many disciplines. But most of all I love learning to live life the way God made me to live it.” MJ

DJ Paine

DJ is a podcaster, photographer and has had a number of years experience as a Christian Radio Breakfast announcer. He would consider himself a professional Christian music geek & amateur Bible nerd. DJ was raised on the Gold Coast and studied at Word Of Life Bible College in Sydney.

Devoted husband of Benita Paine and proud of their three boys: the #BrothersPaine

“If you have ever wondered if God has a place for you in His plan... or if you have ever felt you are just a round peg trying to fit into a square hole... well I want to encourage you: if God can use a goof like me then we are all in good hands! I love the scriptures and if I can leave any legacy behind it is simply to say: read the Bible, the Bible is God’s light by which we can really see the universe.” DJ

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