Inspiration from Irwin
I heard Irwin McManus speak at a Promisekeepers event several years ago, and when I started looking for Christian-focused podcasts I was thrilled to find his California church, Mosaic, regularly publishes Irwin’s sermons as well as other presentations on their podcast channel. Unlike some other inspirational Christian preachers who sell their sermons online, Irwin and Mosaic are giving their content away for free. The messages are Christ-focused and Biblically centered, and I really appreciate the scripture, thoughts, and insights they share as I continue on my own walk of faith. They are planning on offering archives of podcasts for sale eventually, but the latest ones are and evidently will continue to be available for free.
Irwin’s latest sermon, “Does God Care,” takes on one of the toughest questions. Why do bad things happen to good people? If God is all knowing and all powerful, how could he let such seemingly senseless and evil things happen on earth?
I appreciate the fact that Irwin offers several perspectives on this answer, unlike Rabbi Kushner who wrote the book “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People” which I read several years ago and found very lacking theologically. Irwin points out that one of the most important things to realize is that GOD CARES, and he acts in our fallen world that yes– does have evil and sin in it– because He loves his people.
I think catastrophic life events often either drive people away from God or can serve to drive us right into the waiting arms of God. I don’t have all the answers, and Irwin admits he doesn’t either, but I appreciate his perspectives and hope more people will hear the Gospel message through the Mosaic podcast.
Thanks for the great link, Wes. I am logging on and downloading as we speak. I enjoyed Erwin at PK as well.
Hi Wes.
I just listened to this podcast today, and have been regular mosaic listener for many months. I totally agree with you about the complexity of this common question, and I really enjoyed how Irwin…stepped into the conflict of it.
One of the points that I thought was really interesting and thought provoking, was how he discusses the role of pain in the human body. Why is it there? Why does it happen? To let us know something is wrong.
I think it was C.S. Lewis that said that pain was God’s loud speaker to the world. Pain tells us that something is horribly, awfully wrong, and we need to fix it…obviously but pressing closer to God.
On another note, Wes I tried to send you an email via your website’s contact form, but I don’t know if it got to you. I don’t mean to pester (if you already have my letter) but I’m just trying to reach you for a project I’m working on with some students. My email address is mailtoaaron at gmail dot com. I would really like to get in touch with you.
Thanks for two wonderful blogs.
Aaron – Mexico City