Q1. Why do bad things happen to “good” people and to God’s people?

• Fact check:
  1. God is sovereign and controls and/or allows everything.
     • Job 42:1-3
     • Psalm 103:7
     • Psalm 115:3; Psalm 135:6
     • Romans 9:18-20
  2. Even “bad” things come from or through God for His reasons.
     1. Job 1:6-12
     2. Romans 9:18-20
  3. Technically, NO ONE is good.
     1. Luke 18:19
     2. Romans 3:23
  4. Not ALL “bad” things are bad.
     1. 2 Cor. 12:10
     2. Phil. 1:29

Q2. Is there a biblical formula for getting our prayers answered affirmatively from God?

1. Short answer: No. ------ Long answer: No, there is not!
2. The key to “answered” prayer is agreeing with God through His Word.
   1. Dan. 3:16-18
   2. 1 Sam. 14:6
   3. 2 Cor. 12:7-10; Matt. 15:27; 1 John 5:14-15
3. God wants a trust relationship with us, not a “checklist” success formula.
   1. Job 13:15; Job 23:14

Bonus Question (Bro. Chip’s friend): Since God knows ALL things (Matt. 6:8) why do we to pray/ask Him?

1. We pray because we are instructed to pray in His Word. (Matt.6:9; 1 Thess. 5:17; James 4:2-3)
2. We pray because He is our Father, and we depend on Him. (Phil.4:6-7; Heb. 4:15-16)
3. We pray because it is part of our worship of God. (Matt. 6:9; Gen. 3:8-10)