Tag Archives: Pain and Suffering

God’s Goodness vs Seeking Safety

Posted on January 5, 2017 by Jeff Block

Should we actively avoid suffering? (Question 6 of 8 in the Goodness of God series) No matter how much we might understand, intellectually, that suffering in our lives is necessary and good, it’s our instinct to avoid it. We have discussed the ways … Continue reading →

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Dying to Live

Posted on November 26, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because … We don’t really understand what it means to follow Jesus Jesus said the most profound and disruptive things, including: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily … Continue reading →

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The Allure of the Dream World

Posted on August 29, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We love our dream and don’t want to wake up Have you noticed that we humans are a stockpiling people? Even those of us who aren’t too good at savings accounts know how to accumulate stuff we … Continue reading →

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The Fantasy of Quick Fixes

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We’re enamored with quick fixes Growing up, Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely my favorite meal of the year. I looked forward to it all year long. My parents would literally spend days preparing for it — shopping, chopping, marinating, … Continue reading →

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A Clear Context for Suffering

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Jeff Block

We avoid pain because… We have cultivated unhealthy perspectives God commonly uses pain and suffering in people’s lives to get their attention and to grow  them up into spiritual maturity. Nonetheless, most people work very hard to avoid pain. Why is … Continue reading →

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Selfish Glory?

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Jeff Block

God causes suffering in order to bring Himself glory Ultimately, God’s primary motivation for everything He does — including His work in my life and yours — is to bring Himself glory. With all His divine sovereignty and power, God … Continue reading →

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