Milton Ferguson was the president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The service begins with organ music (0:00-3:45). There is a moment of prayer (3:46-4:45). Milton Ferguson is introduced as the Page Lecturer (4:46-8:50). Ferguson shares about the birth of his daughter and the importance of friendship (8:51-11:05). Ferguson gives a summary of the teaching he provided in the previous lecture about Christian faith (11:06-13:12). He begins to look at the Biblical conclusions of why there is evil in the world (13:13-14:13). The first conclusion he offers is that all suffering is punishment for sin, which highlights the holiness and justice of God (14:14-17:25). The second conclusion he offers is that God uses suffering to get one in shape, like a spiritual boot camp (17:26-18:57). The third conclusion he offers is that suffering is a revelation of God to man, because one often discovers God in the context of suffering (18:58-22:00). Ferguson shares that a Christian has no guarantee against suffering (22:01-29:28). Ferguson states that God is present, loving, and caring despite suffering and doubt (29:29-13:57). Ferguson speaks of the good that God works in making His people like His Son (13:58-42:30). He challenges the congregation to reaffirm their commitment to the belief to be like Jesus is the ultimate purpose of God’s grace (42:31-50:45). There is a blessing and a prayer (50:46-51:30). The service closes with organ music (51:31-55:34).
