The Problem of Evil and Suffering

Acts 17

The gospel meets us where we are—but it doesn’t leave us there. When truth confronts us, it invites a response. The question is not if we will respond, but how.

REVIEW: We resist what threatens our control.

READ: Luke 9:23
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

DISCUSS: Why is surrender so difficult for us? Where in your life are you tempted to keep control instead of allowing Jesus to be King?

REVIEW: We resist what tears down our idols.

READ: Acts 17:24–25
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he does not live in temples made by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”

DISCUSS: What are some things people look to for identity, security, or meaning instead of God? What might be an “idol” in your life that is shaping you?

REVIEW: The gospel isn’t an addition to your life—it’s a surrender of your life.

READ: Luke 6:46
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

DISCUSS: In what ways can we treat Jesus as part of our lives instead of Lord over our lives? What would full surrender actually look like for you right now?

ASK

When the truth of the gospel confronts your life, how are you responding—resistance, hesitation, or surrender?

PRAY

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength”. - 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take an honest and intentional step toward surrender:

• Identify control: Ask God to show you where you are trying to stay in charge.
• Expose idols: Notice what you rely on for identity, security, or meaning apart from God.
• Practice surrender: Release one specific area of your life to Jesus in prayer and obedience.
• Respond in worship: Spend time remembering what Jesus has done—through gratitude, repentance, and joy.
• Receive grace: Reflect on the cross and receive again the truth that Jesus restores what is broken.‍
• Donate in our clothing drive: Gather your gently used or new clothes to church next week to donate to Freedom House

The gospel meets you where you are—but it invites you into something better: a life fully surrendered, restored, and alive in Jesus.

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