Compassion and Controversy

Jim Leffel

John 5:1-24

John recounts two events in Jesus' life that highlight who he is. In the first event, Jesus interacts with a lame man calling him to believe and then healing him. The second event involves Jesus' public dialogue with the religious leaders about his interaction with the lame man who he healed on the Sabbath. These two events reveal who God really is through the person of Jesus. He is personal and relational. He is with people and has the power to deliver from sin and suffering. To have this in life only requires belief in Jesus and his work on the cross to pay for sin.\r\n

Finishing Well

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 4:9-18

How will we respond to suffering, rejection, and failure in our walks with God? Will we respond like Demas and give into defeat, listening to our broken pride? Or will we instead find humility in grace like Mark, allowing ourselves to be grown by God's discipline? Paul reveals some of the difficulties of following God, and the choice we have between giving up or fighting the good fight and growing from failure.

Entering the Fray

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 2:3-7

Paul asks Timothy to consider moving deeper into complicated relationships with the message of God. With this example, we're challenged to have a radical others-centered focus, while taking a sober look at what the world is truly like.

God's Amazing Call

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 1:8-18

God has called, set apart, and entrusted Christians with the task of loving and reconciling people to God through Jesus. Here, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy to encourage him to persevere in leading for Christ in this way amid challenging circumstances.

Wisdom and Prayer (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

James 5:13-15

James provides three situations that call for prayer: suffering, cheerfulness, and sickness. Prayer reveals what a person really believes and expresses their understanding of God's interest and involvement in all of life. Prayer is based on: 1) relationship with God as Father; 2) the expectation of the supernatural; and 3) God's undeserved favor in human lives.\r\n

Finishing Well

Don Dixon

Randy Jones

James 5:13-15

A God-centered life presents optimism and meaning, and stands opposed to the pointless tendency of a self-centered life. By drawing near to God, Christians can be effective servants for Him, even through suffering and life changes. With Christ, believers can have hope for their futures and eternity.

Life Lessons From a Dying Guy

Beth Chilcoat

Bev DeLashmutt

John 17:17

David Chilcoat, a devoted Christian and the founder of the Columbus Young Life branch, experienced intense suffering as his body decayed slowly due to ALS, a devastating disease. After his diagnosis, he began journaling about his experience, and these entries are what his wife, Beth, and Bev DeLashmutt share in order to illustrate his faithfulness during such an intense trial. Through David's journal, we see an active example of enacting three important steps amidst suffering: asking, affirming, and waiting. As we explore and act on these three principles, we can begin to respond to suffering in a way that allows us to persevere through it instead of crumbling under it.

Stewarding our Sufferings

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 1:24

We all suffer; what does God say about it? Gary DeLashmutt talks about how we can be a good steward of our sufferings. He talks about how through the cross God has made redemptive suffering central to His plan and His glory. DeLashmutt talks about why we can view our sufferings as a precious resource as well as how we can manage our sufferings to God's glory.\r\n

Joseph - Overcoming Obstacles through Faithfulness

Gene Getz

Genesis 25-50

We all experience obstacles and suffering in our lives, but what do we do about it? Gene Getz takes us through the life of Joseph as an example of how to overcome obstacles through faithfulness. He takes us through the ways that Joseph suffered, that many people go through today as well. Then he talks about how to see emotional and spiritual healing in our lives.\r\n