THE PARADOX OF PRAYER (3 OF 4)
by Steve Jones
Scripture: James 5:13-15
This content is part of a series.
The Paradox of Prayer (3 of 4)
Series: The Will of God and Suffering
Steve Jones
James 5:13-15
INTRODUCTION: After the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist shooting in California in which 14 people were killed. Many took to social media to express their condolences and prayers for the victim's families. In reaction, many others criticized these expressions of prayer in what has come to be known as ''prayer shaming.'' The front page of the New York Daily News didn't mince words: ''God Isn't Fixing This.''
Obviously, I don't agree with ''prayer shaming'' but I am sympathetic toward those who are confused about the proper role of prayer when it comes to addressing all kinds of tragedies, heartbreak and suffering that can be visited upon people in this fallen world.
My point is that sometimes God answers desperate prayers and saves the day. Other times, not so much. Why?
We're in a sermon series on ''The Will of God'' with a special emphasis on how God's will relates to our suffering. I encourage you to watch or listen to the previous two sermons on our church website. The first message was entitled:
''Is Everything that Happens the Will of God?'' The second message was entitled:
''Does God Have a Specific Plan for Your Life?''
Today we want to talk about the paradox of prayer. A ''paradox'' is an apparent contradiction. The paradox of prayer is as follows: If God can do whatever He chooses, and if He really loves us, why doesn't He answer all of our prayers?
There are three kinds of prayer.
I. Prayers God will NEVER answer.
Numbers 23:19 ''God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.''
These are prayers contrary to his nature, and prayers contrary to his purposes.
A. Prayers contrary to God's nature, contrary to WHO GOD IS. For example, God is a rational, logical being. He will not answer a prayer to do something that contradicts logic. Some skeptics like to challenge: ''God can do anyth ...
Series: The Will of God and Suffering
Steve Jones
James 5:13-15
INTRODUCTION: After the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist shooting in California in which 14 people were killed. Many took to social media to express their condolences and prayers for the victim's families. In reaction, many others criticized these expressions of prayer in what has come to be known as ''prayer shaming.'' The front page of the New York Daily News didn't mince words: ''God Isn't Fixing This.''
Obviously, I don't agree with ''prayer shaming'' but I am sympathetic toward those who are confused about the proper role of prayer when it comes to addressing all kinds of tragedies, heartbreak and suffering that can be visited upon people in this fallen world.
My point is that sometimes God answers desperate prayers and saves the day. Other times, not so much. Why?
We're in a sermon series on ''The Will of God'' with a special emphasis on how God's will relates to our suffering. I encourage you to watch or listen to the previous two sermons on our church website. The first message was entitled:
''Is Everything that Happens the Will of God?'' The second message was entitled:
''Does God Have a Specific Plan for Your Life?''
Today we want to talk about the paradox of prayer. A ''paradox'' is an apparent contradiction. The paradox of prayer is as follows: If God can do whatever He chooses, and if He really loves us, why doesn't He answer all of our prayers?
There are three kinds of prayer.
I. Prayers God will NEVER answer.
Numbers 23:19 ''God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind.''
These are prayers contrary to his nature, and prayers contrary to his purposes.
A. Prayers contrary to God's nature, contrary to WHO GOD IS. For example, God is a rational, logical being. He will not answer a prayer to do something that contradicts logic. Some skeptics like to challenge: ''God can do anyth ...
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