Job and the Life of Faith
Sundays, 9:40am
Room 106
Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Carol M. Bechtel, Professor of Old Testament at Western Theological Seminary
Believers often look to the Bible’s book of Job when they’re wrestling with the question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” The character Job, after all, is very good man who suffers in some of the very worst ways. In this class we’ll explore what his story does—and does not—teach about the problem of suffering. We’ll also look at ways we can be faithful Christians even when we don’t have all the answers.
February 10 “What Did I Do to Deserve This?”
Job and his wife lose everything even though they’ve done nothing to deserve such a devastating loss. In this session we’ll introduce the issues, challenges, and opportunities in the book of Job for people of faith.
February 17 “The Limits of Human Wisdom”
Job’s friends “encourage” him by suggesting that his suffering is the result of some secret sin. This section of the book gives us permission to ask, “Why?” but cautions us against claiming to know more than we do.
February 24 “Faith in the Face of Limited Information”
Job gets a reality check when God speaks to him from the center of a mysterious whirlwind. Job’s response is instructive for all of us who seek to keep the faith in the face of limited information.
This series will be followed by Jonah, The Reluctant and Rebellious Missionary, led by Marlin Vander Wilt on Sundays, March 10, 17 & 24. More information on this series will soon be available.