Scripture reminds us that, as Christians, we can “be puzzled” and “at peace” at the very same time. The Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians, and us: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6-7).

Here, Paul encourages the Church that, since God is near to us in Christ, we can come to Him with our prayerful questions and requests–trusting that, even when life doesn’t make sense, His peace will still sustain us and guide us.

So in September, we undertake “Puzzled Peace,” a 4-part series where each week we will study the following questions submitted by members of our congregation and community and, as best we can, look to God’s Word for some possible answers:

September 1

How might we reconcile the age of the earth according to Scripture with its age according to carbon dating and the fossil record?

September 8

I know Jesus forgives me for my sins, but why then, as God’s forgiven child, am I unable to forgive others who have hurt me deeply? How can I overcome this dilemma?

September 15

How are we to reconcile the fact that God is all-powerful, loving, and gracious, and yet at the same time, we remain in this broken world where Satan seems to have the upper hand?

September 22

What happens when people die—including believers in Christ, those who were baptized but did not exhibit fruits of faith later in life, and those who were never baptized nor believed in Jesus?