During this session of Ask the Pastor Night, the pastor addressed several thought-provoking theological and doctrinal questions, offering biblically grounded responses.

Understanding Evil and God’s Sovereignty

The first question posed was a classic philosophical challenge: Is God willing to prevent evil but not able? Then is He impotent? Is He able but not willing? Then is He malevolent? The pastor explained that this question is built on false assumptions. According to Scripture, God is both omnipotent (all-powerful) and omnibenevolent (all-good). However, evil exists due to human free will.

Referencing Genesis 2:16-17, he highlighted that God gave mankind the ability to make choices, demonstrating His desire for genuine love and obedience rather than forced devotion. While God has the power to prevent evil, He allows free will so that people can choose to follow Him. This ability to choose is not just between good and evil but between self-interest and love for God.

Furthermore, the pastor emphasized that evil is not a creation of God but a result of human rebellion. Just as the natural world obeys God’s will without question, mankind alone has been given the capacity to choose. God’s justice ensures that evil will not endure indefinitely, and His longsuffering nature means He extends mercy to sinners. Ultimately, Jesus Christ serves as the resolution to both God’s justice and mercy, taking upon Himself the wrath of sin on the cross.

What is the Behemoth in Job 40:15?

Another question focused on the identity of Behemoth in Job 40:15. The pastor explained that scholars debate its exact identity, with some suggesting it may be an elephant. He shared an anecdote about an elephant’s immense strength, illustrating how God’s comparison of Behemoth to His own power in Job’s discourse was meant to reveal His supremacy. Rather than providing a direct explanation of Job’s suffering, God was showing Job the vastness of His authority.

What Does It Mean to “Bless” Your Enemies? (Matthew 5:44)

The discussion then turned to Matthew 5:44, which instructs believers to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, and pray for those who persecute them. The pastor clarified that “blessing” in this context means giving someone what they need, even if they don’t deserve it. He shared a personal childhood story of being bullied but responding with kindness, which eventually changed the relationship. This mirrors how God treats sinners—offering grace even when they rebel against Him.

Do Angels Have Free Will?

A question was raised about angels and whether they possess free will, referencing Satan’s fall. The pastor explained that angels were created with distinct roles—Michael as the warrior, Gabriel as the messenger, and Lucifer as the cherub responsible for worship. When Lucifer fell, he took a third of the angels with him. However, unlike humans, fallen angels cannot receive redemption. The pastor emphasized that Satan’s goal is not out of envy for mankind but a desire to disprove God’s love, as seen in the story of Job.

When Should a Missionary or Pastor Move to a New Church?

The conversation shifted to missions, particularly how Paul planted multiple churches and when a missionary should move on. The pastor explained that Paul’s churches often started as small home gatherings, not large congregations, and that missionaries today should not be discouraged by small numbers. He stressed the importance of being sensitive to God’s leading and recognizing when He opens or closes doors for ministry.

Leaving a Church and Ensuring Leadership Continuity

The final discussion focused on pastoral transitions. The pastor emphasized that if a leader moves on, they have a responsibility to ensure the church is left with stable leadership. He shared an example of a pastor who worked behind the scenes to provide an interim leader to guide the congregation through the transition.

Closing Thoughts

The session concluded with gratitude for the questions and discussions, with the pastor encouraging attendees to continue seeking answers in Scripture and through personal study. The night was a reminder of God’s sovereignty, the responsibility of believers to live according to His will, and the importance of biblical understanding in facing life’s challenges.

‍