God vs. Evil
Many people pose the question, "If God is all-powerful, then why do we still encounter evil in the world"? After all couldn't God stop this evil?For some the answer is simply replying that God knows what he is doing and all things are in His control, "everything happens for a reason". For others, because is supposed to be all-powerful and evil is still present, this God must not exist. Still others tenaciously cling to their faith wondering if God even cares.
The Bible is replete with verses which state that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, eternal and actively involved in the lives of humanity. But there are others forces at work. Dark forces which actively move against God's creation with evil intentions. And then there is the human race.
Where there is the potential for good there is by proxy potential for bad. When God created man he gave man a choice, this choice allows for the presence of evil. But not only did God give humanity freewill he also gave His angels this same option. We know that Satan made his choice and those angels which followed were thrown out of heaven and those evil angels (demons) now occupy this world. While we shouldn't give the enemy more attention than he deserves, ignoring his presence is just as dangerous. Consider John's words in Revelation.
"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: " Rev 2:1
"And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:" Rev 2:8
 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: " Rev 2:12
All of the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation start by addressing the "angel of the church". It's odd that a letter to the church would start in this way. Now consider that John is relaying a message from Jesus to these angels and NOT the leaders of the church and the spiritual ramifications are huge!
I'll continue this thread in my next entry, but for now ask yourself how do I explain the presence of evil in this world? Why does God sometimes intervene and then at other times He doesn't. Isn't God allowing something to happen basically the same thing as willingly letting something happen? If we had knowledge of something that was about to happen and did nothing we would be considered an accomplice. How do we trust a God that "let's" us suffer?