Why?

Welcome to this edition of PowerPoint with Jack Graham a little later in the program will tell you how you can get a copy of Dr. Graham's brand-new book will reignite the first hears his message. Why take your Bibles and turn with me to John's Gospel, the 16th chapter, we live in an increasingly difficult, dangerous and even terrifying world. The apostle Paul said in the last days perilous times will come. Dangerous days and we're seeing an increase in violence.

Terrorism within nuclear weapons proliferating rogue dictators ready to push the button. The fuse is lit and more and more on our screens on our small screens as well as the larger ones in our rooms we are seeing violence played out.

Satan is on the loose. Once again we raise the very human question.

The question that is unanswerable in many ways but yet there are answers in God's word that I want to share with you today as to why I can't answer all the questions and would attempt no one has in all these generation philosophers and theologians, pastors, preachers and Bible teachers. We've all spent a lot of time thinking about these questions and answering the question of why when there's so much tragedy and so much hurt around us is an important question knowing that there are unanswerable questions this side of heaven. This side of eternity.

We do want to know God's grace and God's help in times like these, and we admit that we can answer everything this side of heaven because now we see through a mirror darkly, but then when we're there with a brand-new perspective we wills, we will know even as we are known the ultimate problems of the question of sin and sorrow and suffering is death. That's the that's the ultimate big question incident and when death comes in some tragic way, we can compute this we can't deal with it. If it's a small child at this is essentially shooting and let me let me just say that I come to you as your pastor, but I also come to you as someone who is dealt with tragic violence because many of you know my story when I was 20 years of age. My father was tragically and senselessly beaten with a hammer live 10 days never regain consciousness, but he died in our little family was was face-to-face with evil and an tragedy in the darkness and and it I can tell you it, it rocked our world so I I've asked those same questions that we all last when tragedy comes when trials come, whether it's one of the big deeds of disaster or disease or depression or despair. Divorce revolve face these big issues, but ultimately it's about death and dying and we are all on our way into eternity. Jesus was saying goodbye to his disciples, the dark Knight before the cross on his way to the cross and in John chapter 1314 1516 he is conversing with his disciples about these ultimate questions of life and death and the senseless tragedy that was on the way the cross of the Lord reset I'm leaving you behind that I'm not leaving you as orphans are not leaving you alone. He said I'm sending the Holy Spirit one just like me my very living presence of God in you. The disciples didn't know what to think. They didn't know what to say they they were asking all those questions why why are you talking about Jesus explained them that he was on a mission to save the world and he spoke to them about God's love no matter what happened in their lives that God loved and that he loves them.

So in verse 30 of chapter 16 he says now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you. This is why we believe that you came from God and Jesus answered them, do you now believe and then in verse 33. He said I have said these things to you that in me, there's the key in me you may have peace in this world you will have tribulation, but take heart. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

What a statement in this world you will have tribulation. Nowhere in the Bible does it teach that Christians are exempt from paying suffering tribulation, whether it is physical disaster or illness or emotional pain or struggle. We live in a real world where we are living under the curse, if you will, and the consequences of sin and with sin comes sorrow and debt crisis and catastrophe.

And Jesus spoke very frankly with his followers then and now about our future that our future does include darkness. It does include unanswerable questions and we've all experienced this, and yet my observation over the years that many of the happy, and certainly holiest believers that I've ever known have been through great tragedy in their lives.

Sorrow struggles but they have, as the Scripture says learn to rejoice in tribulation. The word tribulation there means extreme pressure, tribulation in the world without tribulation in the world within, and yet it is possible in spite of our circumstances, even death itself to be of good cheer to take heart, and I have hope. Jesus called us. After all, to pick up our cross and follow him is no easy road. He says comandante live a selfless sacrificial life count the cost and whatever don't turn your back on me when tough times come. That's what he was saying to his disciples earlier in this chapter he was talking about that the darkness of the cross in any said they're going to hate you, and there to come after you and said don't give up your faith, whatever you do don't give up on me. The apostle Paul gave that witness at the end of his life. What he said I have. I fought the good fight, I have I've run this race and what I have The faith. Christians endure Christians persevere and never give up. We rise up the apostle Paul was talking about this to the Corinthians who knew a great deal of problems and struggles in their lives. And Paul talked about it as well.

In second Corinthians 4 verses eight and nine. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not driven to despair.

There is sorrow, you cut us. We believe you heard us. We heard even the apostle Paul said we are afflicted in every way, but we are not crushed perplexed. Yes questions we cannot answer for sure, but not forsaken what you do when you have questions you can answer problems that you cannot solve, you run to Jesus.

That's what I did is a 20-year-old young man and preacher I hurt so much I just had to run to him.

Frankly, I can tell you many have said the same thing to me him. You don't need a lot of answers right there. You just need Jesus in the old song says when answers aren't enough their industries.

Sometimes I think we in in our humanity, we asked these questions and we think if I just knew the answer. If I just knew the why of the what, then it would be better not necessarily, not necessarily because if you knew the answer to some of the big Quat "why" questions in our our world and in your own life. It might not be enough.

It could even make things worse this side of eternity.

Warren wears me right, we don't live by explanations we live by promises. This is why Jesus said these are the things that I've said to you so that when the trouble comes in the tribulation is on the tragedy strikes you will have a word from me just why it is so important that you know your Bible you have God's word hidden in your heart that you can turn to him, because ultimately God's word will strengthen you. The Bible talks about the comfort of the Scriptures, and many times I've been comforted by God's word, be of good cheer. I've overcome the world. There is joy in circumstances beyond our control. We can be triumphant through tears and one reason is because we know we are living for eternity were not made for just right now we are made for God. We are born into his family and one day we will be with him that we experience joy even in trouble and sorrows. Jesus said, I have overcome the world.

How is that he conquered sin, which is the source of all sorrow and suffering and with conquering sin and sorrow and suffering he conquered death and hell. It is in the resurrection, the cross and the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that we are given Victor victory so and the dread of darkness in the in the heat of the night in the midst of the most profound suffering. We look to him to his cross.

Triumphant ever triumphant because of the what we do and we are overcoming fear of pain.

We are persevering in during the listening to PowerPoint with Jack Graham in today's message. Why bring fresh passion and joy to your faith.

Dr. Graham's newest book, reignite an intimate account of how God led Dr. Graham to one of the darkest seasons of his life. Whether you're facing disappointment, talent, depression, or heartache. Reignite offers biblical insights to encourage you in your pain and help fan the flames of faith in your life and it's our way to thank you for your gift to PowerPoint. This is the last week of this offer. Succumb today, when 800-7954 627-2000 795-4627. You can also text the word PowerPoint to 313131. And don't forget to visit Jack Graham.org where you can shop a restore give a gift online or sign up for Dr. Graham's free daily email devotional our website again is Jack Graham.Margie.

Now let's get back today's message. Why count it all joy. James is when you fall into various trials, knowing that your trials reduce steadfastness or endurance. Romans 53. We also rejoice in our sufferings. How so because we are, we know suffering produces perseverance, strength, perseverance means getting back up again and again and again and again to stand strong in the finish well at the end of life. I want to be able to say with the apostle Paul, I have kept the faith. And yes, the faith has kept me because while we are holding on to hope holding on to Jesus. He is holding on to us the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord, and though we fall.

You will not be utterly cast down for the Lord upholds him by a strong righteous hand, fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you I will uphold you with my strong right hand on our perseverance through pain enables us to overcome. Christians don't quit. It's not always easy, but I can tell you it's worth it. Look to the Lord for your streak he's working everything for good your good and his glory in your life and his Providence.

God has a plan is not your life is not a series of random incidents and accidents circumstances for the Christian or his Providence. And I can guarantee you, because God's Word declares it that everything God allows in our lives.

Everything God allows in our lives, over and above it is the word permitted permitted and in the promise of God. We understand that he is God and we are not that we don't rule our own world, but that God himself is ruling and reigning in our lives and so sorrow puts us independence and into obedience. With him were trusting God's perfect plan. That's another thing, why were over comers were trusting in God's plan. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Do not lean unto your own understanding doesn't say don't try to have understanding.

But he says no lien and it don't trust tenant lean into the providence of God lean into God, not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he direct your path and we find it into the road of the end of the broken road, a greater love than we've ever known of God.

When we walked to the Valley. He is with us.

We can trust in him then prayer praying with thanksgiving, their prayers and then their prayers by that we pray and we should pray always, and about everything in normal prayers and life is good and we are praying on, but then there comes that day when we pray desperately were crying out to God, we are hurting and we sailed God who helped me and he will because God hears the prayers of fervent and faithful men. The prayers of a righteous man avails much. This is pleading prayer and then we overcome by comforting others were told in second Corinthians chapter 1 verses three through four that God is the God of all comfort and he comforts us in with the comfort that we are comforted we comfort others. I tell you because I have been comforted by God in the midst of senseless tragedy and other difficulties along the way. Deb and I we've known tragedy within 18 months of our marriage.

We got married his college student. We were 20. My father died three months later was killed. Her father was diagnosed with cancer.

The next fall and was gone the first 18 months or so of our marriage. We lost both of our father and to grow up in a hurry, but I'm convinced that God prepared us in that brokenness, make something beautiful of our lives.

I know I face life-threatening illness, as many of you have in the midst of that pain and darkness. I've known the presence of God. And I know how to comfort others because because I've dealt with cancer.

I can help others who have been are dealing with cancer.

I talk to men all the time been diagnosed with prostate cancer because I've had it and survived anything God had been healed of it yet.

Yet there others are going through and I talked to a man just this week when you've been there when you've been through it. It could be anything you could be addiction you've been through addiction and you by the grace and mercy of God, you are overcoming and therefore you are able to help others if you if you've miscarried you can help people who walk through that lonely dark Valley or if it's depression or infertility or divorce or death of the loss of a child. The laws of the spouse you see what I'm saying when you go through this. Don't waste your sorrows don't turn inward, get yourself healed in the presence of God and then give your life away teach people what God has taught you because all around this, people are hurting and there's common ground in Christ, no matter your socioeconomic background your raise your education, your career crisis tribulations struggle where all their happens to all of us when we travel to Israel. One of the things that I love to do. Of course, is to see the biblical sites we go to the empty tomb.

We go to Calvary place where Jesus gave the sermon on the Mount pool of Bethesda where he performed great miracle all through Jerusalem up in the Galilee, the Sea of Galilee. I still love going in taking people is like unwrapping Christmas gifts with people. It is so exciting. But one of the places that insights that I love to go and I go every time that I'm there is to the American colony Hotel is a quite unique turn of the 20th century house that became a hostel that became a hotel. Here's the story in the mid-19th century man by the name of Horatio Spafford and his wife experienced the tragedy of the loss of their home and business in the great Chicago fire while Spafford was trying to rebuild his life in his business.

He sent his wife and four dollars on a cruise to Europe and in the midst of the cruise. The ship went down and with the ship. The four daughters. The wife telegraphed back saved alone.

Spafford got on the boat as fast as he could and was on his way to pick up his wife and it was there that the words began to form to the song that we saying is bless the church so many of the songs we sang songs of the night people gave them written wrote them given a great tragedy and hurt and pain and such were these work.

So when I go to Jerusalem, I make my way to the American colony Hotel and they are posted under glass in the foyer of that hotel other hand written words that Spafford wrote peace like a River attend with my way.

Sorrow like sea billows roll what ever my lot that always taught me to say it is well it is well with my soul.

No Satan should buffet though trial should come let this blessed assurance control that Christ has regarded my helpless estate and has shed his own blood for my soul and Lord Jesus the day when my facial beside the clouds rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord show this then. Even so, it is well it is well it is well with my soul.

That's the answer to the why question that's the ultimate eternal answer to every wine to every experience to all evil.

We overcome evil with good.

Because the greatest good is God himself. And if you ever doubt the love of God in your life.

Just go to Calvary see Christ dying on the cross for you because he has carried our griefs. He has borne our sorrows on the cross. He took our sin, he took our sorrows on the cross and he died and he rose again, and therefore, when Jesus says I've written. I said these things to you that you may have heat in this world you will have strong heart overcome the world listening to PowerPoint check came in today's message. Why, chances are you faced your share of crisis meeting or even in the fight of your life right now. Or maybe you're simply feeling exhausted by the busyness of life and sent the spiritual strength. Whatever you're facing. We want to help fan the flame of faith your life by sending you Dr. Graham's newest book reignite this personal account have guideline doctors ran through his own crisis will have the focus on God during difficult season. See you can experience fresh passion and joy in Jesus and will send you a copy. Thanks for your gift today. This is the last week of this offer to come today, one 800-7954 627-1800 795627. You can also text the word PowerPoint 312131. And don't forget to visit Jack Graham.org where you can shop E store. Give a gift online or sign up for Dr. Graham's free daily email devotion our website again is Jack Graham.Margie Pastor what is your PowerPoint for today.

Every one of us will face crisis in life and perhaps today it's your health or family problems or financial struggles.

A career reversal.

What ever it is. Remember as a believer in Christ the Lord is with you. Nothing this going on in your life right now is a surprise to God. He is in complete control. He is with you and the Lord knows your situation be encouraged that Jesus more than anyone understands exactly what you're thinking and feeling. He knows what you are going through. He's there with you walking right beside you, living his life in you. He knows your situation and then the Lord affirms you in your work for him in Revelation 3 a Jesus that I know your works for you. Have a little strength, and of My word and have not denied my name.

If you're walking in the will of God. If you're living in obedience to Christ, then he will bless and encourage you every step of the way and finally in Jeremiah 2911 the Lord promises to give you and me a future and a hope in the coming days, months and even years ahead. Remember the truth that is found in Philippians 16 he who has begun a good work in you will completed until the day of Jesus Christ. Right now it may seem that you may never come out from under the weight or despair of the depression that you're under, but trust what the Lord says he will give you the strength he will enable you to persevere and you will defeat every circumstance in your life, to the glory of God and that is today.

Remember when you give a gift to PowerPoint today will send you Dr. Graham's brand-new book with me at nine thanks call one 800-7954 627-1800 795-4627 can also text the word PowerPoint 313131 PowerPoint 3131 and join us again next time. Dr. Graham brings a message about the uniqueness of God's word and the life bring. That's next time on PowerPoint with Jack Graham PowerPoint with Jack Graham is sponsored by PowerPoint ministries