Kelly Kapic, author and professor, along with his wife Tabitha, reshape our understanding of suffering into the image of Jesus. They discuss the church's failure to address suffering, finding identity in Christ, embracing the cross, and personal transformation through pain. They also reflect on the peaceful transformation of a Civil War battlefield and conclude with a discussion on parenting and the need for support and prayer.
Suffering can shape our identity and relationship with God, and understanding Jesus' life and suffering helps us find hope in our own pain.
Community and open conversations about suffering play a crucial role in navigating difficult times and finding hope and belonging in Christ.
Deep dives
Identity in Christ and the Theology of Suffering
The podcast explores the concept of identity in Christ and the theology of suffering. The hosts discuss how suffering is an inevitable part of life and every marriage will experience it in some form. They emphasize the importance of understanding that pain and suffering can shape our identity and relationship with God. They also talk about the significance of Jesus' life and suffering as a model for understanding human suffering and finding hope in the midst of pain.
The Power of Community in Times of Suffering
The episode highlights the power of community and the role it plays in times of suffering. The guests share their personal experiences of going through suffering and how the support of their church community helped them navigate those difficult times. They talk about the importance of being honest about the reality of pain and suffering, while also recognizing the goodness and presence of God in those moments. The hosts emphasize the need for Christians to create a safe space for lament and open conversations about suffering within the church.
Finding Hope and Belonging in Christ
The discussion revolves around finding hope and belonging in Christ amidst pain and suffering. The guests share how their own experiences of suffering deepened their faith and led to a greater understanding of their identity in Christ. They discuss the significance of reading the Bible and how it serves as a constant reminder of God's love, presence, and redemption. The hosts highlight the importance of acknowledging the brokenness of the world and the comfort that comes from knowing that Jesus, through his suffering, understands our pain and offers hope for the future.
Drawing on his own family's experience with prolonged physical pain, author and professor Kelly Kapic and his wife Tabitha reshape our understanding of suffering into the image of Jesus, and bring us to a renewed participation in our embodied hope. Don't miss this conversation with the author of one of Christianity Today's books of the year.