September 7 2025 —

Not all wounds are bad. A skilled surgeon takes a deadly sharp scalpel and cuts through flesh and muscle. The result of that wound: not harm, but healing. In the same way, we often say that words cut us to the heart. Words can wound. Sometimes, however, those painful words provide the very healing we need. When Jesus speaks, even if what He says cuts, His intent is to heal our very soul.

 This week Jesus’ sharp words expose our desire to pursue comfort and avoid pain at all costs. Jesus explains that following Him will be hard. Jesus’ disciples will be called to let go of things they love and embrace things we naturally loathe. Jesus promises that discipleship comes with crosses—a unique type of pain. So, Jesus tells us that we must count the cost of following Him. He wants us to do that now, ahead of time, rather than waiting until we are in the heat of the moment and emotions are running high.

However, our calculations must not only consider what we might give up for Jesus. They also entail calculating what we get through Him! When we perceive the infinite blessings we find in Christ, the decisions we just make, while difficult, will be clear. Whatever is lost as we follow Jesus pales in comparison to what we gain.

Join us for our sermon on Deuteronomy 30:15–20

“The LORD Is Your Life”