Easy Questions / Difficult Month.
After I was finished preaching one afternoon, a student named Carl approached me. His philosophy teacher had presented his class with the ‘problem of evil.’ This ‘problem of evil’ (I put it in quotes because it’s not really a problem) states that God cannot possibly exist in the generally accepted fashion because it cannot be that an all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful God would allow such suffering that we see in the world. Either He is all-loving and not all-powerful or all-powerful and not all-loving, or else He isn’t knowledgeable enough to stop evil. Carl was confounded by this argument and decided to hear what the street preacher had to say on the subject. Carl identified himself as a Christian, but it was clear to me that he was only so in the cultural sense. However, it seemed that he was willing to even depart from his general belief in God because of the discussions of his professor.
Is there a solution to the ‘problem’ of evil?
The general argument of the ‘problem of evil’ is easy to answer when one considers the teachings of the Bible. In regards to this present world only, the argument would most definitely stand, because the world is full of death, pain, and suffering; but if the world to come is considered, then the argument falls apart. My question to those that are perplexed by this argument is this: What if God raises the dead?
All throughout the Bible God fashions Himself as a just ruler who punishes the guilty and redeems the oppressed. God has often accomplished this on earth, but our ultimate hope is in the resurrection and the world to come. No innocent or redeemed person will fail to receive justice and eternal life. Pain and suffering may be necessary in this life, but no pain or suffering will be great enough to compare with the glory that God has prepared for us in the world to come!
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. .. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. – Revelation 21:1-4
Carl was satisfied with this answer and was excited about being able to bring it up to his professor at his next class. This was an easy question to answer and I was glad to be around to answer it.
On a personal note
September was a difficult and scary month at the Chaffee household. My father, Bill, was admitted into the hospital due to chest pains and had to undergo triple heart by-pass surgery. After 21 DAYS of ups and downs and lots of complications, he has finally been released. We spent a lot of time in the hospital this past month but we praise God that he is doing well and headed for a full recovery.
On a brighter note, our four beautiful children are doing well. We have joined a homeschool co-op and they enjoy being away from the house once a week for school with other children. They are all doing well. Our two daughters recently landed roles in our local theater’s production of Annie! It was quite nerve-racking for them to audition by themselves in front of the directors and administrators of the production, but they did great! Not only did they get cast, but Halle also received a role with speaking parts and solos! Needless to say, we are exceedingly proud of them.
Pray for us
Please keep this ministry in prayer! I’ve had some new opportunities arise that could lead to a greater impact at the university. However, I sense a fierce spiritual battle and need prayer support. Please pray for my endurance, for boldness, for clarity, and for power in ministry. Pray also for my mind as I plan and study. Pray for wisdom on the best ways to reach the lost.
Did you know that we are entirely supported by faithful people like yourself? God uses both small and large gifts to help us to continue in the work we are called to. Would you consider partnering with me by becoming a monthly donor? It is with your gifts that we are able to continue ministering on the streets.
You can give automatically by visiting our giving page on our website: halchaffee.com/partnergive or you are always welcome to give by check. Please make your check out to the address below. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible:
Hal Chaffee Ministries
PO Box 1546
Elkton, MD 21922
Hal Chaffee 