The theme of the Bible revolves around God's sovereignty, his right to set standards for his intelligent creations.
Adam and Eve were created with a perfect moral compass that included God's standards. As such, they knew only good and had no need to experience the knowledge of good and bad...
It's likely that your preacher has failed to make this point to you. No doubt a job security thing.
Anyway:
If you peruse the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, particularly ch 4 of each, you may note this exchange:
This underscores one consequence of the rebellion in Genesis ch. 3. Satan has...
Among our current presidents, who would you say is doing the best job?
A] Frank Underwood
B] Donald Trump
C] Tom Kirkman
BTW, I realize these may all be fictional characters . . .
t.hawkins:
Interesting dissertation. I mostly agree.
But how do you answer the critic who wonders why a loving God would allow war and crime and sickness and death?
Is Jesus God?
Well . . . .
To whom did he pray?
Who resurrected Jesus? Or, are you saying he did not really die? . . .
On the subject of sacrifice:
What parent would not willingly sacrifice himself or herself in order to spare the child? This is the essence of Jesus' sacrifice and further...