Why does God allow suffering?
The hardest question humans ask - and the Bible offers profound answers that bring comfort even in pain.
15 Bible studies address this question
What the Bible Says
These Bible studies explore Scripture passages that speak to this question. Each study will give you insight and practical application.
Suffering for Doing Good
Peter addresses marriage relationships, emphasizing wives' gentle and quiet spirits and husbands' considerate treatment of wives. He then encourages all believers to be ready to explain their hope, sh...
Refined but Not as Silver
God addresses stubborn Israel: He declared things beforehand so they couldn't credit idols. He has refined them, though not like silver. For His own name's sake He delays His anger and will redeem the...
The Work of the Spirit and Sorrow Turned to Joy
Jesus prepares His disciples for persecution and promises that the Spirit will convict the world and guide them into all truth. Though sorrow will come, it will turn to joy like a woman's pain becomin...
Jesus Made Like His Brothers
After warning against neglecting salvation, the author explains why Jesus became human: to taste death for everyone, to destroy the devil's power, and to become a merciful high priest who helps those ...
Humble Yourselves
Peter's final chapter addresses elders with pastoral instruction, calls all to humility and trust in God, warns about the devil's schemes, and closes with encouragement that suffering will be followed...
The Suffering Servant
The most detailed messianic prophecy in the Old Testament describes the Servant who would be despised, rejected, and pierced for our transgressions. He bears the sins of many, is crushed for our iniqu...
The Fall of Humanity
The serpent tempts Eve, humanity falls into sin, and the consequences ripple through creation. Yet even in judgement, God promises a Redeemer.
A New Beginning
God remembers Noah, the waters recede, and Noah worships. God promises never to destroy the earth by flood again, establishing seasonal stability.
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles
Jesus commissions His twelve apostles with authority and instructions for their mission. He warns of persecution, calls for fearless witness, and teaches that following Him may divide even families—...
The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End
Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple and describes signs preceding His return—wars, famines, persecution, false prophets, and the abomination of desolation. He calls for watchfulness, for th...
Feeding Four Thousand and Peter's Confession
Jesus feeds four thousand, warns against the leaven of the Pharisees, and heals a blind man in two stages. At Caesarea Philippi, Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ, but Jesus reveals that the Messiah...
The Olivet Discourse: Signs of the End
Jesus predicts the temple's destruction and describes signs preceding His return—wars, earthquakes, persecution, the abomination of desolation, and cosmic signs. He calls for watchfulness, for no on...
The Widow's Offering and Signs of the End
Jesus commends a poor widow who gives all she has. He prophesies the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, warning of wars, earthquakes, persecution, and cosmic signs before His return. He calls Hi...
The Trial, Crucifixion, and Burial of Jesus
Jesus stands before Pilate and Herod, innocent yet condemned. He carries His cross to Golgotha, is crucified between criminals, and forgives His executioners. The repentant thief receives paradise. Je...
More Than Conquerors
Romans 8 is often called the greatest chapter in the Bible. It takes us from no condemnation to no separation, revealing the security and hope we have in Christ.
Still Have Questions?
The Bible has answers for every aspect of life. Keep exploring, or reach out to our pastoral team for personal guidance.