Randy Deming

God's Reign in an Evil World Randy Deming

There is a lot of suffering in this world that is caused directly by the existence of evil. At the time of this writing Christians are being persecuted in Syria, Iraq, Iran, China, Russia and many other countries. We are faced with the age-old question of why? Why does an all-powerful, loving God allow this evil to exist? There are even times when this evil seems to be prospering and advancing at the expense of God's people. This is exactly the world in which the book of Revelation is written. John is in exile. Leaders of the church have been put in prison and the cry of the martyrs and the prayers of the church are asking God for justice: "How long until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? (Revelation 6:10)" In chapter 8 the prayers of all the saints rise up with incense before the throne of God and God answers these prayers with the seven trumpets which announce the coming judgment. We can't fully explain human suffering and injustice but we do know God is in control and He is going to make everything right. This is the message of Revelation.