The Cost of Discipleship: A Sword, Not Peace
Matthew 5:10–12 (ESV)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Jesus warned that following Him carries a cost. The gospel brings life—and a dividing line. We count the cost and follow anyway because He counted the cost and went to the cross for us.
The First Martyrs of the Church
Peter and Paul (per early church testimony): Peter crucified; Paul beheaded in Rome for the gospel.
Jesus’ Warning to All Disciples
Matthew 10:34–36 — “Not peace, but a sword.” Read it
John 15:18–20 — When the world hates you, remember it hated Jesus first. Read it
A Modern Wake-Up Call
On September 10, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a campus event in Utah, according to multiple mainstream reports. His death shocked many, not only because of his age (31) but because of what he represented: faith, family, and unapologetic truth in a time of growing hostility.
Different outlets have framed this event differently:
- Mainstream media (AP, Reuters): reported a tragic shooting at a public event.
- Conservative voices: emphasized an attack on free speech and biblical values.
- InfoWars: framed it as a deliberate political assassination meant to silence Christian and nationalist voices (an interpretation not independently verified by mainstream outlets).
Whatever one’s media lens, the biblical truth remains: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” Read it. This is a sober moment for the church in America to pray, to speak truth in love, and to stand firm.
Counting the Cost — and Standing Firm
Romans 14:8 — Our belonging in life or death. Read it
Luke 14:27 — Discipleship means bearing the cross. Read it
- Pray without ceasing — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Read it
- Stand in God’s armor — Ephesians 6:13–17 Read it
- Speak the truth in love — Ephesians 4:15 Read it
Closing Prayer (Repentance • Deliverance • Surrender)
Father, have mercy on us. Forgive fear and apathy. Strengthen Your church to love truth, speak boldly, and endure faithfully. Comfort those who mourn. Protect believers who suffer for Your name. We surrender afresh to Jesus, who paid the ultimate price and rose again. Make us faithful unto death and full of hope unto life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
