1. A Defense of Christian Theology APLA John Oakes 1/17/10

2. Course Outline Existence of God Existence of God Jesus Jesus Messianic Prophecies Messianic Prophecies Claims of Jesus Claims of Jesus Miracles of Jesus Miracles of Jesus Resurrection of Jesus Resurrection of Jesus The Bible The Bible Inspiration and Inerrancy Inspiration and Inerrancy How We Got the Bible, Canon How We Got the Bible, Canon Contradictions? Contradictions? History, Archaeology and the Bible History, Archaeology and the Bible Science and Christianity Science and Christianity Christian and Other World Views Christian and Other World Views Defense of Christian Theology Defense of Christian Theology Problem of Pain, Suffering and Evil Problem of Pain, Suffering and Evil Free Will/Predestination Free Will/Predestination The Problem of Hell The Problem of Hell

3. Augustine on Evil When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it must first be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else than corruption, either of the measure, or the form or the order, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which has been corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it is nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil. When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it must first be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else than corruption, either of the measure, or the form or the order, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which has been corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it is nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil. Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, but the desertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, not the nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil to use amiss that which is good. Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, but the desertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, not the nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil to use amiss that which is good.

4. Intro to the History of Christian Theology Trinity and the nature of God Trinity and the nature of God Christology Christology Nature of sin, grace and redemption Nature of sin, grace and redemption

5. Early Motivations to Christian Theologians Apologetics: Response to Greek philosophical criticism (Celsus) Apologetics: Response to Greek philosophical criticism (Celsus) Logos theology of Justin Martyr Logos theology of Justin Martyr Heresy: Orthodox response to heterodox theology Heresy: Orthodox response to heterodox theology Origen of Alexandria AD 185-254

6. Heresies Adoptionism (God adopted the man Jesus at his baptism) Adoptionism (God adopted the man Jesus at his baptism) Ebionites (Jesus a mere man) Ebionites (Jesus a mere man) Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God) Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God) Gnosticism Gnosticism Cerinthus, Valentinus Cerinthus, Valentinus Docetism (Jesus only appeared to be human) Docetism (Jesus only appeared to be human) Arianism (Jesus was not divine—he was created) Arianism (Jesus was not divine—he was created)

7. The Orthodox Response Use of Greek terms, modes of argument Use of Greek terms, modes of argument Polemical Writings Polemical Writings Against Heresies Irenaeus Against Heresies Irenaeus Appeal to apostolic (later church) authority Appeal to apostolic (later church) authority Creeds Creeds Councils Councils

8. Doctrine of the Trinity Tertullian AD 160-220 Tertullian AD 160-220 The Father and the Son are different “not in condition, but in degree; not in substance, but in form; not in power, but in aspect” The Father and the Son are different “not in condition, but in degree; not in substance, but in form; not in power, but in aspect”

9. Creeds A second century Roman creed (said at baptism) A second century Roman creed (said at baptism) I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holy church and the resurrection of the flesh. I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holy church and the resurrection of the flesh.

10. Church Councils Nicaea AD 325 Nicaea AD 325 Arianism Jesus homoousios With the Father Arianism Jesus homoousios With the Father Constantinople AD 381 Constantinople AD 381 Nicene Creed Holy Spirit also homoousious Nicene Creed Holy Spirit also homoousious Ephesus AD 431 Ephesus AD 431 Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized. Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized. Calchedon AD 451 Calchedon AD 451 Define the “two natures” of Jesus Define the “two natures” of Jesus Constantinople II AD 553 Constantinople II AD 553 Monophysitism Monophysitism Constantinople III AD 680 Constantinople III AD 680 Monothelitism Monothelitism Nicaea II AD 787 Nicaea II AD 787

11. Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios, of the same substance, consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Is this what we believe?

12. Chalcedon AD 451 “In agreement with the holy fathers we all unanimously teach that we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is one and the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and the same perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, the same of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the Father in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us in manhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of the Father before all ages as regards his Godhead and in the last days the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten of the Virgin Mary, the theotokos (as opposed to the Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in two natures without confusion, without change, without division, without separation…

13. Chalcedon (cont.) “Without confusion and without change” to oppose monophysitism/Coptic Christianity Monophysite = one nature “Without division, without separation” to oppose Nestorianism Q: Are we splitting hairs here?

14. Sin, Redemption, Salvation Augustine!!!!! Augustine!!!!! The City of God Soveriegnty The City of God Soveriegnty Total depravity Total depravity Monoergism (only God) Monoergism (only God) Predestination Predestination Original Sin Original Sin Infant baptism required for salvation Infant baptism required for salvation Sacramentalism Sacramentalism Transubstantiation Transubstantiation City and State City and State Opposed Donatists Opposed Donatists Augustine of Hippo (from 6th century)

15. Augustine: Evil and Free Will About Augustine: “Evil arises from the corruption of a nature which is essentially good. What is called evil is good corrupted; if it were not corrupted it would be wholly good; but even when it is corrupted, it is good in so far as it remains a natural thing, and bad only in so far as it is corrupted.” About Augustine: “Evil arises from the corruption of a nature which is essentially good. What is called evil is good corrupted; if it were not corrupted it would be wholly good; but even when it is corrupted, it is good in so far as it remains a natural thing, and bad only in so far as it is corrupted.” “A man’s free will avails for nothing except to sin.” “A man’s free will avails for nothing except to sin.”

16. Pelagius AD c. 354-430 Works Salvation? Affirmed the existence of free will. “Evil is not born with us, and we are procreated without fault.” Rejected infant baptism. Taught that we become holy through our own effort?

17. Q: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? What happened in the garden? Q: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? What happened in the garden? Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.” Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.” Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12 Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12

18. Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274 Aristotle Revelation by reason Scholasticism Arguments for existence of God Natural Theology “Summa Theologica”

19. Thomas Aquinas: “God, therefore, is the first cause, who moves causes both natural and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not prevent their actions from being natural, so by moving voluntary causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary; but rather is He the cause of this very thing in them, for He operates in each thing according to his own nature.” In other words, Aquinas believed in free will and not a strict monergism.

20. Question: Do you believe in Predestination?

21. History of the Doctrine of Predestination Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City of God” Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City of God” Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian monk. Martin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian monk. Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology. Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology. John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the Christian Religion” John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the Christian Religion” The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of God The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of God Double Predestination and TULIP Double Predestination and TULIP

22. Martin Luther 1483-1541 Augustinian Monk Faith Alone Grace Alone Scripture Alone Predestination

23. Martin Luther: “Away with James… His authority is not great enough to cause me to abandon the doctrine of faith [alone] and to deviate from the authority of the other apostles and the entire Scripture.” St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others (Romans, Galatians, John) for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it.”

24. Ulrich Zwingli 1484-1531 Opposed baptismal regeneration Double Predestination Reformed Theology “Those individuals who end up damned forever in hell are also eternally determined by God for that fate.”

25. The Radical Reformation Separation of Church and State Separation of Church and State Opposed strict predestination Opposed strict predestination Opposed infant baptism Opposed infant baptism Believed in baptismal regeneration Believed in baptismal regeneration Menno Simmons

26. John Calvin 1509-1564 Institutes of Christian Religion His emphasis: the sovereignty of God TULIP

27. TULIP Total depravity Total depravity Unconditional election Unconditional election Limited atonement Limited atonement Irresistable grace Irresistable grace Perseverence of the saint (once saved, always saved) Perseverence of the saint (once saved, always saved)

28. Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) Opposed Reformed idea of predestination. Are we Arminians?

29. Q: Scriptures which appear to support the doctrine of predestination? Q: Scriptures which appear to support the doctrine of predestination? Q: Scriptures which prove free will and refute predestination? Q: Scriptures which prove free will and refute predestination?

30. Jonathan Edwards “A Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God.” How do we know we are of the elect?

31. 1800’s America: Predestination Light Once Saved, Always Saved Preservation of the Saints Preservation of the Saints Believer’s Prayer. Believer’s Prayer. Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose your salvation, no matter what. Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose your salvation, no matter what.

32. Predestination? Romans 8:28-30 Romans 8:28-30 Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us (except we ourselves because we Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us (except we ourselves because we have free will) have free will) John 10:27-29 No one can snatch them out of my hands… John 10:27-29 No one can snatch them out of my hands… Romans 9:10-21 (read v. 14-18) Romans 9:10-21 (read v. 14-18)

33. Hebrews and Falling Away They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5 They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first. 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first. 3:14 They were not able to enter because of their unbelief 3:19 They were not able to enter because of their unbelief 3:19 Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1 Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1 Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6 Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6 Let us make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience 4:11 Let us make every effort to enter that rest so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience 4:11 Do you get the point? Do you get the point?

34. Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to? a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” = baptized) a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” = baptized) b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?) b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?) c. shared in the Holy Spirit c. shared in the Holy Spirit d. tasted the goodness of the word d. tasted the goodness of the word e. tasted the coming age (saved) e. tasted the coming age (saved) Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had better move on toward maturity in Christ. Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had better move on toward maturity in Christ.

35. Hebrews 6:4-8 It is impossible… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance. It is impossible… if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance. They are crucifying the Son of God all over again. They are crucifying the Son of God all over again. Land that produces thorns… will be burned. Land that produces thorns… will be burned.

36. Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31 Crucifying the Son of God all over again. Crucifying the Son of God all over again. Subjecting Jesus to public disgrace Subjecting Jesus to public disgrace Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29) Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29) Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29) Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29) Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32) Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt 12:32) Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 ) Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 ) What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberately continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26) What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberately continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26) Also; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not escape… if you turn away… Also; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not escape… if you turn away…

37. God’s Assurance: Hebrews 6:9-20 Two unchangeable things: God’s Word God’s Oath (Genesis 22:16-18) Jesus, your anchor, is behind the veil with the Father

38. God’s Assurance: Hebrews 10:19-23 We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place Let us draw near to God… in full assurance of faith. For he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:35-36 Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded…. You will receive what he has promised.

39. Summary Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to find than you think. Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to find than you think. Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason too heavily. Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason too heavily. Always protect the mystery. Always protect the mystery. Trinity Trinity Jesus Jesus Faith, Works and Grace Faith, Works and Grace

40. The Problem of Hell The most difficult questions: The most difficult questions: Problem of Evil, Problem of Suffering Problem of Evil, Problem of Suffering Trinity Trinity Violence for God in OT Violence for God in OT Problem of Hell Problem of Hell

41. Attributes of God Eternal Eternal Omnipresent Omnipresent Omniscient Omniscient Omnipotent Omnipotent Righteous, Holy Righteous, Holy Love Love Justice Justice God is not merely loving, he is love

42. Love and Justice For God so loved the world… For God so loved the world… The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23 The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23 The law of sin and death Rom 8:2 The law of sin and death Rom 8:2 We like God’s love, but we are not so fired up about his justice. We like God’s love, but we are not so fired up about his justice. When we reach heaven, we will understand and fully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’s justice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The elders are thankful that God’s judgement has finally come. You are just, O God. When we reach heaven, we will understand and fully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’s justice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The elders are thankful that God’s judgement has finally come. You are just, O God. Psalm 94:1-3 David How long, O Lord Psalm 94:1-3 David How long, O Lord

43. Here is the Good News God’s love met God’s justice at the cross. As far as we are concerned, love won. God’s love met God’s justice at the cross. As far as we are concerned, love won. Romans 3:21-26 Romans 3:21-26

44. Here is the Bad News: Hell Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one. Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one. Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented day and night for even and ever. Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Rev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented day and night for even and ever. Does God choose to send us to hell? No! We choose hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision. Does God choose to send us to hell? No! We choose hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision. Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heaven literally eternal? Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heaven literally eternal?

45. The Problem of Pain and Suffering (and The Problem of Evil) John Oakes Davao January 15, 2009

46. The Problem of Pain and Suffering An apologetic/intellectual problem An apologetic/intellectual problem A human problem A human problem

47. Pain and Suffering: An Apologetic Problem Agnostic: Agnostic: God of the Bible is completely good and loving. God of the Bible is completely good and loving. God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful. God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful. Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world, the God of the Bible is not real. Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world, the God of the Bible is not real.

48. Examples of Suffering Are they truly bad/evil? Are they truly bad/evil? Are they God’s fault? Are they God’s fault?

49. Kinds of Suffering Physical pain: acute and chronic Physical pain: acute and chronic Disease: acute and chronic Disease: acute and chronic Broken relationships Broken relationships Poverty, hunger, etc. Poverty, hunger, etc. Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc. Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc. Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.) Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.) Disappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hope Disappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hope Death of a loved one, mourning Death of a loved one, mourning

56. Bottom line, there is a lot of pain and suffering in the world. Question: Is this because God does not care, or is this because he is not sufficiently powerful to prevent human suffering and evil in the world? Caution: There is no simple answer.

57. Causes of Suffering Free Will Free Will Sin Sin Natural Disasters Natural Disasters Stupidity Stupidity

58. Free Will: God Gives Us a Choice Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Joshua 24:15 Joshua 24:15 John 7:17 John 7:17 Question: What is the alternative? Question: What is the alternative? Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us? Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us? God took a huge risk… God took a huge risk…

59. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son

60. Cause of Human Suffering and Evil: SIN The great majority (but not all) of suffering is the result of sin The great majority (but not all) of suffering is the result of sin Addiction, lack of self-control Addiction, lack of self-control Sexual immorality, perversion and abuse Sexual immorality, perversion and abuse Anger, violence Anger, violence Greed Greed Pride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for control Pride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for control Selfishness Selfishness

61. God’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces Suffering Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idols you have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to thousands who love me and keep my commands. Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idols you have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to thousands who love me and keep my commands. God is love and God is just. God is love and God is just. Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20 Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20

62. Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering? Job: Why did he suffer? Job: Why did he suffer? John 9 John 9 Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality? No! Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality? No!

63. Tsunami off Sumatra in 2004: Whose sin was this a punishment for?

64. Causes of Suffering #3: Natural Causes Plate Tectonics Plate Tectonics Weather Weather Bacteria Bacteria These are all very good things. These are all very good things.

65. A Question: Is Pain Evil? Touch a burner on the stove Touch a burner on the stove Broken Bone Broken Bone Overeating Overeating Emotional Pain Emotional Pain Pain is Good. Pain is from God Pain is Good. Pain is from God But… Not all pain is explained so easily. But… Not all pain is explained so easily.

66. A Question: Is Death Evil? For plants and animals, death is a positive good. For plants and animals, death is a positive good. Isaiah 57:2 Isaiah 57:2 Philippians 1:21 Philippians 1:21 For humans, death is a transition, not an end. For humans, death is a transition, not an end. If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if the atheist is right, there is no evil. If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if the atheist is right, there is no evil.

67. Question: Is Suffering Evil? Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy. Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy. John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God. John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God. Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful how you use this passage) Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful how you use this passage) Romans 5:3, James 1:2-3 Suffering produces good character. No pain, no gain. Romans 5:3, James 1:2-3 Suffering produces good character. No pain, no gain. 1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result of doing good. 1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result of doing good. Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come to know Christ and to fill up his suffering. Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come to know Christ and to fill up his suffering. Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another. Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another.

68. Suffering and Evil: The Apologetic Problem A Summary Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. It is because God loves us, not because he does not care or is not powerful enough to stop us from suffering. Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. It is because God loves us, not because he does not care or is not powerful enough to stop us from suffering. Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All of these are gifts from a loving God. Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All of these are gifts from a loving God.

69. The Problem of Pain and Suffering Part II The Human Problem Our response to suffering depends on our world view. Our response to suffering depends on our world view. What is the Hindu world view? What is the Hindu world view? What is the Buddhist world view? What is the Buddhist world view? What is the world view of Islam? What is the world view of Islam? What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist? What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist?

70. The Christian World View The physical world is real. The physical world is real. The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31) The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31) Pain and suffering are very real, but they are not the problem: the human problem is sin and separation. Pain and suffering are very real, but they are not the problem: the human problem is sin and separation. The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27 The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27

71. God Understands (and so should we) God is ready and willing to hear our complaints. God is ready and willing to hear our complaints. Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1 Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1 Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God… Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God… Jesus can relate fully to our suffering. Jesus can relate fully to our suffering. Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. This ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15 This ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15 Look at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion. Look at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.

72. What Should We Do? Live with integrity, like Job. Live with integrity, like Job. Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy. Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy. Alleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but because that is how God responds to suffering Alleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but because that is how God responds to suffering Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38 Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38