R.C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries, explores profound questions surrounding tragedy and divine justice. He discusses how societal calamities prompt us to seek understanding, often leading us to the wrong inquiries. Analyzing Jesus’ challenging remarks on suffering, he highlights the nuances of sin, repentance, and God’s grace. The conversation further examines the impact of terrorism, especially on children, linking it to theological dilemmas. Sproul offers hope amidst suffering while encouraging deeper exploration of complex biblical texts.
26:26
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Jesus On Suffering and Sin
Jesus challenges the assumption that suffering is always due to greater sinfulness.
He emphasizes repentance as essential, not judging victims as worse sinners.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Oklahoma City Bombing Account
R.C. Sproul recounts the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing that horrified the world.
The indiscriminate violence, especially against children, illustrates humanity's capacity for evil and terrorism's purpose to terrorize.
insights INSIGHT
Suffering Not Always Punishment
Jesus refutes the false dilemma that suffering is always caused by individual sin.
Scriptures like John 9 and Job show that suffering can happen to the righteous and is not always punishment for sin.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Gospel of Luke, attributed to Luke the Evangelist, is the third canonical gospel in the New Testament. It presents a detailed account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, emphasizing themes of compassion, social justice, and salvation for all people. Luke's Gospel is known for its meticulous historical detail and its inclusion of parables and teachings unique to its narrative. It also features a prominent role for women and marginalized individuals, reflecting Luke's concern for the social and political context of Jesus' ministry. The Gospel of Luke is considered a crucial source for understanding the historical Jesus and the early development of Christianity.
Book of Job
Stephen Mitchell
The Book of Job is an Old Testament book that explores themes of suffering, faith, and the nature of God. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who endures immense suffering despite his piety. The book features dialogues between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his suffering, and between Job and God. It raises profound questions about the relationship between God and humanity, the problem of evil, and the meaning of life. The Book of Job is considered a literary masterpiece, known for its poetic language and philosophical depth. It remains a source of reflection and inspiration for readers grappling with the complexities of faith and suffering.
The Gospel of John
John the Apostle (attributed)
The Gospel of John is the fourth of the New Testament's canonical gospels. It presents a highly schematic account of Jesus' ministry, focusing on seven 'signs' or miracles that demonstrate Jesus' divinity, and seven 'I am' discourses that highlight his divine identity. The gospel is divided into sections: a prologue introducing Jesus as the Word of God, the 'Book of Signs' detailing Jesus' ministry, the 'Book of Glory' covering his final night, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, and a conclusion stating the gospel's purpose. The author's intent is clear: 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name' (John 20:31)[2][4][5].
Hard Sayings
Hard Sayings
Trent Horn
When tragedy strikes, we’re driven to ask questions—and often the wrong ones. Today, R.C. Sproul explores Jesus’ challenging response to those seeking understanding after a calamity.
Request R.C. Sproul’s book Hard Sayings, plus lifetime digital access to his four teaching series on the hard sayings of Scripture, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4094/donate Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook edition of Hard Sayings and digital access to all four teaching series with your donation of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Bring your teen to Always Ready: New England on August 2. This youth conference in Portland, Maine, aims to give clarity to students about their identity in Christ: https://www.ligonier.org/alwaysreadynewengland Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
Renewing Your Mind 
