This sermon examines the tough, uncompromising side of Jesus Christ, contrasting the popular image of a gentle, soft Jesus with the biblical portrayal of a strong, masculine leader who spoke hard truths. Bro Mike explores Jesus’s demanding statements about discipleship, including eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which symbolize total life commitment rather than casual Christianity. The message distinguishes between Christians (casual believers) and disciples (fully committed followers), explaining that only about 2% of Christians become true disciples. The sermon extensively covers Jesus’s confrontation with the Pharisees in Matthew 23, where He called them hypocrites, blind guides, and whitewashed tombs – beautiful on the outside but full of corruption within. The pastor emphasizes that true discipleship requires counting the cost, being willing to lose family and friends, and cleaning both the inside and outside of one’s spiritual ‘cup.’

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You tonight asking for open hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and comfort zones, and give us the courage to hear the hard truths that Jesus spoke. Holy Spirit, work in our hearts during this time together, and show us what You want each of us to take away from this discussion. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with each other as we examine what it truly means to follow Christ. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s the toughest or most direct piece of advice someone has ever given you that you initially didn’t want to hear but later realized was exactly what you needed?

Key Verses

– John 6:53-54
– Luke 14:26-27
– Matthew 10:34-37
– Matthew 23:27-28
– Luke 14:28

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