The Fruit of Endurance: Finding Joy in Struggles

Greg adds another thought to the objection he addressed in the last episode, then he answers questions about possible proof Proverbs 21:30 is objectively true, drawing lots to get a message from God, grace for sanctification, and blaming God for bad things that happen.   Topics:

1. Commentary: Man’s free will doesn’t determine the course of the universe. (00:00)
2. Does the fact that reason, logic, and deduction seem to be irreducibly complex prove that Proverbs 21:30 is objectively true and not just religious jargon? (06:00)
3. How should we take the Acts 1:23–26 passage, where they drew lots to get a message from God about who should replace Judas, and when is it our place to challenge leaders who are teaching something that isn’t biblical? (14:00)
4. Does the Bible teach that grace is required for sanctification? (29:00)
5. Why does God get the credit for all good things but doesn’t get the blame for bad things (like natural disasters or disease)? (47:00)

Mentioned on the Show: 

• Upcoming events with Stand to Reason speakers
• Reality Student Apologetics Conference – September 12–13 in Atlanta, GA; October 17–18 in Seattle, WA; November 7–8 in Minneapolis, MN; February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA
• Greg’s response to the challenge that it’s arbitrary for God to limit our opportunity to repent and believe to this lifetime
• Greg’s illustration in last week’s episode about a man stealing the planks from his neighbor’s porch one by one
• The Enemy Within: Straight Talk about the Power and Defeat of Sin by Kris Lundgaard

Related Links:

• How Can We Condemn Evil if God Is Sovereign? by Amy Hall