Your weekly Discovery class update

Before we dive into our study preparation, we have an important reminder: The air-conditioning unit in the gym is still broken. To keep everyone cool and comfortable, we will be meeting in the Student Center again this Sunday morning at our usual time. Please spread the word so no one ends up sweating it out in the gym!

Once we are settled in the Student Center, we are going to dive straight into Part 2 of Lesson #3: Knowing Him Through His Sufferings.

Last week, we laid the theological foundation of what it means to step out of a checklist-driven faith and into the "fellowship of His sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). This Sunday, we are moving from theology to the real-world, boots-on-the-ground reality. We are going to look at how this "gloriously difficult" truth actually plays out in our daily lives through three incredible passages:

• The Fire (1 Peter 4:12–13): Why we should never be surprised by trials, and how they serve as proof of our identity with the Shepherd.

• The Proof (Hebrews 10:32–34): A powerful historical picture of believers who joyfully accepted the plundering of their property because of what they relationally possessed.

• The Product (Romans 5:3–4): The beautiful spiritual chain reaction that takes place when we let the crucible purify our faith.

To prepare your heart for Sunday, take a few minutes to read through these passages. Ask yourself: When trials hit my life, do I default to thinking God has abandoned me, or do I recognize them as an invitation to draw closer to Him?

I am looking forward to a rich, deep discussion. See you Sunday morning in the Student Center!