Witnessing Christ from the New Testament: 2 Corinthians 8–13

In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Jon and Molly discuss 2 Corinthians 8–13.This podcast episode covers the following:2 Corinthians 8–13Excel in the grace of givingAn "out of this world" witnessing weaponWhat it means to belong to ChristStrength in weaknessKey concepts in this episode include: The directional nature of graceHappiness v. joyGod's generosity: "his indescribable gift"Differences matterAnother JesusDifferent SpiritDifferent gospelGod's intent in hardshipShare this podcast with your Christian friends and subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Subscribe to our YouTube channel!If you have not yet registered for the Truth in Love Online Community, enroll now to gain access to all of our courses, resources, and more.Click here to download a Bible Study outline to share with your Mormon friends, family, and missionaries.Click here for the "Are Mormons Christian?" resource, which details the dramatic differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity along with the eternal consequences involved. God intends his grace to overflow in us and bless others. To help even more souls discover grace in Jesus, give today at tilm.org/give.Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:Have you ever thought about hardship as a blessing from God?  James 1 says to consider trial "pure joy." That concept seems so counterintuitive. I can't imagine anyone praying to fall on hard times.  I've always considered the goal was just to make me stronger. But I was struck recently when I read about Paul's thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12. It gave me a whole new perspective. He starts out, "to keep me from becoming conceited..."  (12:7). It's clear it's not about me at all. Then, quoting Jesus, Paul says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (12:9). He doesn't say our power becomes greater. He says his power shines brightest in our weakness. The more we acknowledge our weaknesses, the more we will come to rely on God's power, the source of true strength. This has got me thinking about hardship in a whole new way. Instead of seeing a harsh god who presses people down with hardship, I've come to see a loving God who invites me to seek refuge in him and lean on his strength. Doesn't that change the way we can, with James, see trials as "pure joy?"