Finding Real Answers Amid Life's Greatest Losses

Finding Real Answers Amid Life's Greatest Losses (Rom 1:18-2:16)
Intro: Why is there suffering?
Why do we all experience suffering & great losses & death? Why do we have to live in a world in which massacres happen? Not because 'love requires freedom' (e.g. Gal 5:22, Jn 17:26, 1Jn 4:7).

1. Because we desire godlessness in the darkness of our hearts (1:18-23)
   God has said to our rebellious race, 'From dust you are, & to dust you shall return' (Gen 3:19).

2. Because God has given us over to godless lives in a godless world (1:24-32)

3. Because of God's goodness, forbearance, & patience in delaying judgment (2:1-6)
   'But unless you repent you will all likewise perish' (Lk 13:2-5).

4. Because God has chosen to show the riches of his glory & mercy, not merely his justice & wrath, through redemption in Jesus Christ (3:20-26, 5:17-21)
   God demonstrates, not only his justice but his love in the world, & his power to make a new humanity through Jesus Christ. For Berkowitz' interview, see http://wcbstv.com/topstories/david.berkowitz.son.2.244193.html

Conclusion: The present sufferings aren't worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (8:18-23)
God will be glorified not simply in justice, but in mercy, by a grateful people forever, who did not get what they deserved.