Paul Copan

I made a quick list of people in our church who are hurting: a 40-year-old man recovering from cancer, a 60-year-old man whose wife just filed for divorce, a father and widower who is taking care of his mentally ill son, a mom concerned about where our nation's future, a friend struggling with profound loneliness. I talked to all of those people yesterday. In one day. As the psalmist prayed, "Be not far from me for trouble is near." How do we speak to these suffering human beings, made in God's image for a glorious destiny but who still live in a fallen world, aching for what Paul called "the redemption of our bodies"?

Samuel Rodriguez

Preaching into pain isn't easy, which is why this summer we've offered an array of resources to deepen your preaching on this crucial topic. For starters check out philosopher-theologian-pastor Paul Copan's practical piece on 7 things to consider when you preach on suffering. We also offer an article and a sermon from our good friend Sam Rodriguez—"The Challenge of Preaching on Suffering" and "America: It's Time for a New Song." In a powerful and very personal sermon titled "God Hasn't Turned His Back," Dan Meyer walks us through why he upended his planned message and turned it into a time of communal lament for the racial divide in our nation. And, finally, our new contributor Jo Saxton reminds us that when (not if) the storms of life come our way, Jesus can bring us through the storms and change us because of the storms. Check out her sermon on Mark 4—"Faith in the Storm."

Jo Saxton

My fellow preachers, read and learn. But more than anything let your heart be touched (even in your own personal struggles) by the God who has tears. Christ is truly Immanuel, the God who is with us, even in the depths of suffering.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: 12 Year-Old Girl 'Accidentally' Runs Half Marathon
• Featured Video: These Words - Take your audience through a journey of childlike imagination into a revelation of God's Word.
• Featured Sermon: "Faith in the Storm" by Jo Saxton
• Featured Sermon: "God Hasn't Turned His Back" by Dan Meyer
• Featured Sermon: "America: It's Time for a New Song" by Samuel Rodriguez
• Featured Skills Article: "The Challenge of Preaching on Suffering" by Samuel Rodriguez
• Featured Skills Article: "Preaching about Suffering and Preaching to the Suffering" by Paul Copan

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.