Is God Still Good?
In our recent All Things Possible “Diving Deeper” episode with Pastor William Pierce, we explored some of the most honest and important questions about faith — from “How do I walk with Jesus as a teenager?” to “Do I have to believe everything in the Bible to be a Christian?” to “How do I endure suffering with hope?”
These conversations weren’t about surface-level answers. They took us right into the heart of what it means to know God, trust Him, and live anchored in His Word.
Growing in Your Walk with Jesus
When someone asks, “How do I walk with Jesus?”, the answer always comes back to relationship. Like any friendship, it’s about quality time — listening, learning, and sharing life together.
Pastor Will encouraged starting with the Word of God, because that’s where we hear Jesus speak. And we don’t walk alone. God places us in community — the church — so we can grow alongside others who are pursuing Him. Scripture calls us to this togetherness:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matthew 6:9 ESV)
When you read the Bible, especially as you’re getting started, choose a place to begin that’s clear and points you straight to Jesus. Pastor Will recommended:
Mark – A short, powerful look at the life of Jesus.
Ephesians – Deep truth about who we are in Christ and practical wisdom for living it out.
Proverbs – God’s wisdom for everyday life.
Matthew – The life and teachings of Jesus with strong ties to Old Testament promises.
Standing on the Whole Word of God
One big question we addressed was: “Do I have to believe everything in the Bible to be a Christian?”
Our culture often tempts us to set ourselves above Scripture — to pick and choose what feels reasonable, to let our personal preferences or popular opinion shape our beliefs. But the moment we start deciding which parts of God’s Word are “true” based on our own reasoning, we place ourselves in the role of God.
As Pastor Will reminded us, from Genesis to Revelation, Scripture is the revelation of who God is. It’s not just advice; it’s life.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)
If we doubt God’s Word in one place, the foundation begins to crumble. Instead, we stand on His promises, even when they challenge us or when our eyes can’t yet see how they could be true.
Friendship with the World vs. Loving the World
Another question we unpacked came from James 4:4 — “Friendship with the world is enmity with God.” What does it mean to love people without becoming friends with “the world”?
We discovered that biblically, “the world” refers to the system of thinking and living that rejects God. We can and should be friends with people, but never in a way that affirms sin or supports what leads them away from God. True friendship means telling the truth in love, even when it’s hard.
Hope in the Midst of Suffering
Some of the most heartfelt listener questions came from people in deep pain: “Why has Jesus left me alive through all my suffering?” and “I don’t think I can find joy again.”
We turned to the story of Job — a righteous man who lost everything, yet never fully understood why God allowed it. His story points us to Jesus, the most righteous Man who ever lived, who suffered for our salvation.
Our hope doesn’t rest in understanding why but in knowing who is with us. Even in the darkest valleys, God is present, and He is good.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)
Our Purpose
So, what is our ultimate purpose? It’s not complicated — to enjoy Christ and live in relationship with Him. Everything God has done — creation, redemption, sanctification — is about drawing us near.
When the storms of life hit, we hold fast to His Word as our anchor. We trust that He is the solid rock beneath our feet.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 ESV)
Two Takeaways to Carry With You
1. Stand on the Solid Rock of God’s Word.
Don’t let cultural pressure, personal preference, or human reasoning stand above Scripture. Believe and build your life on the whole counsel of God, knowing His Word is trustworthy from beginning to end.
2. Anchor Your Hope in Christ, Not in Your Circumstances.
Whether you’re facing unanswered questions, loss, or ongoing trials, remember that God has already turned the greatest suffering in history — the cross — into the greatest victory. He can redeem your pain too.
