Suffering & Evil

Little Black Books #5

by Scott Petty

Sooner or later we're all affected by suffering and evil—sometimes in horrible ways—and we often want to know why. In this short book, Scott Petty guides us through the Old Testament story of Job—a man who suffered excruciating pain and grief without ever knowing why. On the way through, Scott deals with some of the common questions people have about suffering and » Why do bad things happen to Christians? » Does God cause suffering? » Is God in control of suffering and evil? Like all the Little Black Books, this one gets straight to the point. About Little Black Books A new series of books that get straight to the point on the topics that Christians always have questions about. Not too big, not too fancy, and not at all boring. LBBs are ideal for young Christians (ages 14-20+), but speak biblical truths applicable to any age range. About the Author Scott is the youth minister at Christ Church St Ives in Sydney, and loves the tricky questions young people ask about the Christian journey. He also loves his beautiful wife, Carolyn, his three energetic sons, racing bicycles, Italian coffee, food in general, rock‘n’roll and Apple computers, probably in that order.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Scott is the youth minister at Christ Church St Ives in Sydney, and loves the tricky questions young people ask about the Christian journey. He also loves his beautiful wife, Carolyn, his three energetic sons, racing bicycles, Italian coffee, food in general, rock'n'roll and Apple computers, probably in that order.

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed reading the bible? Understanding the plan of redemption that God has for us and this world? This little black book is perfect for that and maybe jump starting your bible reading. Giving you a hunger and thirst for more. It is about suffering and evil which we can not escape in this world. Taking a look at Job's life and what can we gleam from it. I have read several books and have read thru Job and I appreciate new insights that make my relationship with the Lord more richer and I was surprised that this little book was able to do that. You will find that Job was desperate for God. The Lord reminded him (and me) that even though we may not understand the suffering, we know the one that does understand. We are also reminded that Jesus himself submitted himself to God the father at the cross. We always want to make it more than what it really is. SUBMISSION. We use all of our energy and resources for what not matters instead of the ONE THING. Sometimes in this life but in the end, God provides more for us after the suffering. A heaven perspective is so important in suffering. God tells us and Jesus shows us and the Holy Spirit enables, that there is redemption in suffering.

[Graham Heslop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the shorter books seeking to address suffering, evil, and the sovereignty of God this is the one I will recommend

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a helpful little book, and a quick read (finished in less than an hour, and I'm a slow reader.) Addressing the age-old question about why God allows suffering in this world, the author mainly draws conclusions from the book of Job. In the end, it is still a mystery as to precisely why God allows suffering, but the author makes clear two points: 1) that suffering often brings about a refining in the sufferer especifialy if the person draws near to God, and 2) that God is God and it is beyond our mind's capacities to fully understand His reasons, but that we can find comfort in the fact that God understands suffering, that we know He is good, and He is in control.

[Justin Camblin · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my review at http://www.thecamelshump.org

[Alex Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review here:

http://reformed-at-last.blogspot.com/...