God the Father, Mentor's Guide, MG06

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G O D T H E F A T H E R

As he who sustains all things through Jesus Christ, God will display a new heavens and earth at the restoration of all things at the Second Coming of Christ. Regardless of theories given regarding the origins of the universe, no one and nothing can claim any kind of independence from God as the source of all being. An accurate understanding of the providence of God resolves some of the modern errors of philosophy and theology, namely, pantheism , deism , fatalism , and chance . The idea of the providence of God has direct and important implications for all that you will ever do in ministry for the Lord. This is now your opportunity to take your group discussion into issues and areas that grow directly out of your own interests, questions, and situations. In order to minister effectively to others, you must be able to draw out principles and relate the truths of Scripture to your own life first. What particular questions come to your mind and spirit after having studied the present truths regarding God’s providence, preservation, and governance? The questions below are meant to “jump start” your own more specific and critical questions. * We know that the Lord does not “play favorites” (cf. James 2.1), but it seems like, from first glance, that the inner cities take a large part of the misery and cruelty of life. How do we explain this in light of God’s governance over all things? * Many people blame the poor for their hard times and misery. How are we to understand their struggle in light of the teaching of God’s providence? * Why didn’t God simply put an end to all sin and the curse at the death of Jesus? Why does he give any latitude at all to the devil and his work in the world? * How do we assert with all our hearts that although God is in control of all things, he is not the author of the death, destruction, and cruelty that makes up the world today? * How are we to respond to evil and sin in light of the knowledge we have that God is neither the author of it, nor the one who desires for it to occur?

Student Application and Implications

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