The Wednesday Evening Service at Middletown Baptist Church on April 16, 2025, led by Pastor Josh Massaro, delves into the profound and often troubling questions surrounding divine sovereignty and human suffering. Pastor Massaro introduces the series by addressing the pivotal inquiry: why does God allow suffering, particularly to those deemed innocent? He acknowledges that many congregants grapple with the implications of such suffering, which challenges their faith and understanding of a benevolent deity. Throughout the discourse, he emphasizes the importance of knowing God's character, asserting that while answers may be elusive, God’s inherent goodness and love are unwavering truths that believers can hold onto in times of distress. The pastor articulates that the struggle to reconcile suffering with faith is a common human experience and encourages parishioners to approach God with their doubts and questions, framing this as an act of trust rather than rebellion. He proposes that understanding God’s transcendent nature and His eternal purposes provides believers with a foundation for faith during turbulent times, guiding them toward spiritual resilience and peace.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, we delve into the nature of suffering and the theological questions that arise from it, specifically addressing why God allows bad things to happen to good people.
• Pastor Josh emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character as inherently good, which can provide comfort even amidst painful circumstances in our lives.
• We explore the biblical context for questioning God, asserting that it is permissible to seek understanding while maintaining reverence for His sovereignty.
• The discussion includes insights from Psalm 13, illustrating how lament can be a vital aspect of our relationship with God during times of confusion and pain.

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/