Count the Cost | A Sermon on Luke 14:25–33

Introduction
On Ash Wednesday, we read how Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose to die on a cross to atone for our sin.  During the Sundays in Lent, we’ll study the stories of Christ’s ministry as He made His way to Jerusalem.  Today, we see that following Jesus is costly.  And we are invited to decide if it is worth it.

Luke 14:25-33
²⁵ A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, ²⁶ “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

²⁸ “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? ²⁹ Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. ³⁰ They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

³¹ “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? ³² And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. ³³ So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.

Hate is a Strong Word
Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life.”

Hate is a strong word.  In fact, it’s a word our culture often condemns outright.  So, when Jesus uses that word, it stops us in our tracks.  But Jesus isn’t calling for hostility.  He is using strong language to make one thing clear: our allegiance to Him must be supreme.

Driving through Jackson, I often see signs that say, “Love is stronger than hate.”  I appreciate the sentiment.  We need more love and kindness in our world.  And love is powerful—especially if we mean the kind of love Jesus offered. 

But the love Jesus gave—the kind of love His followers are commanded to give—demands that Christ takes first place in our hearts.  Everything and everyone else must come in second.  And if we must choose between Christ or anything else, we must choose Christ.

Furthermore, if we love Jesus, we will hate sin, because we see what sin does.  Sin destroys people and rips our world apart.  Sin required the Savior we love to die on the cross.  He died so that we may live.  He died to destroy sin.  Therefore, let us hate sin.

The sacrificial love of Christ is more powerful than hate.  But His love requires everyone to decide if they will follow Him or follow someone or something else.

Count the Cost
When I answered call to ministry, I knew I would have to go back to seminary to get my master's degree (it was the requirement at the time for my denomination).  I called Candler School of Theology at Emory University (the closet approved seminary for me) and asked how much it would cost.  They said, "$7,000".  Now, my entire 4-year undergraduate bachelors degree in the 1990s cost $7,000.  So I asked, I asked, "Is that for the whole degree or per year?"  They said, "$7,000 per semester."  Understand, it was a minimum of 6 semesters to get my seminary degree.  

After I hung up the phone, I prayed, "Lord, there's no way I can afford to do this--especially if I'm about to quite my job as an engineer.  But I'm determined to follow Your call to ministry.  But if I'm going to do this, You're going to have to make a way."  And He did.  Over the next few years, God made a way through scholarships, grants, and generous churches to help pay my way through seminary.  I had almost no debt from seminary after I finished.  

When large crowds were traveling with Jesus, He didn’t say, ‘What can we offer to keep them interested?’  He didn’t redesign His message to be more appealing.  He raised the bar.  He said, “Don’t follow until you count the cost.”

In our time, the church has often tried to attract people by offering programs, events, activities—and many of those things are good. They serve real needs. They build community. They open doors.

But if what ultimately draws someone to church is comfort, entertainment, or convenience, there will always be something more comfortable, more entertaining, and more convenient somewhere else.  This is why attendance at many churches in America today has declined (or shifted to mega churches where they can offer a more entertaining, attractive experience.)

If we build disciples on attraction alone, we shouldn’t be surprised if people become consumers—shopping for the best experience.

But Jesus did not call consumers.  He called disciples.  He did not say, ‘Compare your options.’  He said, ‘Carry your cross.’  Jesus words today remind us what we are invited into.

We follow a crucified Christ.  We should invite others to decide if that’s who they want to follow too.

Jesus says, ‘Count the cost.’  He would rather have fewer genuine followers than crowds who disappear when the road gets rough.

Closing
Today, Jesus wants to protect us from shallow faith.  He says, “Don’t follow Me casually.  Don’t follow Me emotionally.  Don’t follow Me halfway.  Sit down.  Count the cost.  Decide if I am worth it.”

The truth is:  Jesus counted the cost first.  He knew what Jerusalem would cost Him.  He knew what the cross would require.  He knew what obedience would demand.  And He did not turn back.  He believed you are worth it all.

Discipleship is costly.  But it’s worth it.

An Invitation to the Altar
I want to invite you to do something physical today, because sometimes your body needs to move in the direction your heart is choosing.

If you need to count the cost…
If you need to recommit…
If you have been following casually…
If you have been consuming instead of surrendering…
If you have been near Jesus but not fully His…

Come to the altar.  Come kneel.  Come pray.  Come sit and count the cost.

Maybe your prayer is:
“Lord, I have been distracted.”
“Lord, I have been divided.”
“Lord, I have been delaying.”

Or maybe your prayer is simply:  “Jesus, You are worthy of it all.”

This altar is open and you are invited to come.

 

 

"Tied for Fourteenth" - A Guest Blog by Rev. Ken Freshour

This past Sunday, we were blessed to welcome Rev. Ken Freshour back home to Pleasant Grove Methodist Church for our Homecoming Service. Ken served as our associate pastor in 1986, and after nearly forty years of faithful ministry, he returned to share a powerful message titled “Tied for Fourteenth.” With his trademark humor, humility, and heartfelt storytelling, Ken reminded us of the cost of true discipleship and the transforming power of the cross. His words were both nostalgic and deeply challenging — a beautiful reflection on faith, commitment, and God’s grace through the years. I’m honored to share the full transcript of his message below.

Tied for Fourteenth

A Homecoming Sermon by Rev. Ken Freshour
Pleasant Grove Methodist Church - November 2, 2025

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Homecoming Reflections

Before I start my sermon this morning, I’ve been thinking about being here for some time. You all made a lasting impression on me, my wife, and our child. We came here on February 1st — Chris, Shannon, and I — to serve as associate pastor.

We walked in the door back near the office, and the first person we met was Sarah Brooker. Five minutes after we met Sarah, she had already taken Shannon to a Sunday school class. I turned to Chris and said, “I think I’m going to like it here.”

The love, support, and encouragement we received here jump-started forty years of ministry. I knew I loved the Lord — that was about all I knew about ministry when I came here. The three of us arrived, and now we have twelve children, thirty-four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

As I look out across the congregation today, I see some empty places — folks I loved dearly, who were so active in our church’s growth and in our spiritual growth.

There were also some funny memories along the way. I played on the church softball team — Eddie Marlow was the manager. One night, I was playing first base and chased a foul ball. I stepped in a hole, and instantly, my ankle swelled up about this big. Eddie sat me down on the bench, taped my ankle, and I finished the rest of the game.

When I got home — we were living in the house across the street — Eddie called Chris and said, “Chris, you probably ought to bring Ken to the doctor tomorrow. That ankle’s probably broken.” Chris said, “But Eddie, he played five more innings!” And Eddie said, “We would have had to forfeit.”

Anybody who knew Eddie knows I’m telling the truth.

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Reflections on Ministry

I retired twelve years ago. I was planning to be a full-time grandpa, but I had mentored a young pastor about twenty years earlier — back when I was serving at Trinity Methodist Church in Rome and he was at Lindale. We became close friends. We were both disabled veterans, and we stayed in touch through the years.

When he became sick, they asked me to fill in for a couple of months at his church. They didn’t have a leadership team or a budget, but I agreed to help for two months. Well, I’ve been there ten years now. Apparently, I’m a slow learner.

Right after I retired, I was also asked to fill in for about ten weeks during the summer at a church across from Chatsworth. They were transitioning from a full-time pastor to a student appointment.

The last thing I told that church before they received their new pastor was this:

“You have a great opportunity to do something amazing. You can help that person — who doesn’t yet know how to be a pastor — learn how to be one. You can love them, encourage them, support them, and create the beginning of a great ministry. Or you can nag, whine, gripe, and complain about what they don’t know how to do — and put a damper on what could have been a wonderful ministry.”

Thank you, Pleasant Grove, because you all loved us when I didn’t know what I was doing. You encouraged us when I made mistakes. You overlooked my errors and lifted up my successes.

For forty years, I’ve loved this place. On my last Sunday before retirement, I wore the same robe you gave me when I left here in 1987 — the same robe that had been with me for forty years.

Thank you, Pleasant Grove. You are a wonderful congregation.

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Scripture Reading: Luke 14:25–33

I studied long and hard about what I would preach this morning, and I believe I chose wisely. Please stand as I read from God’s holy Word.

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them, He said:
‘If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters — yes, even his own life — he cannot be My disciple.
And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?
For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, “This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.”
Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.
In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple.’”

— Luke 14:25–33 (NIV)

The Word of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.

Please be seated.

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The Cost of Discipleship

You know, I’ve always struggled a bit with that word “hate” in this passage. When Jesus says, “If anyone does not hate his father and mother…” — that sounds harsh, doesn’t it?

I’ve graduated from two of the best seminaries in the country — I have both a master’s and a doctorate — and I even looked it up on Google! The word “hate” can indeed mean hate, but in this context, it really means “to love less.” It’s a matter of priority.

If a person does not love these less and love Christ more, he cannot be His disciple. I believe that’s what Jesus was trying to teach us here.

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Tied for Fourteenth

Years ago, Time Magazine ran an article asking a group of Americans to list the top 100 most significant events in the history of the world.

The results were fascinating. The number one event was the discovery of America by Columbus. But here’s what stood out to me: three events tied for fourteenth place — the discovery of X-rays, the Wright brothers’ first flight, and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Tied for fourteenth.

What does that tell you? To me, it says that we’ve not done a very good job explaining what the crucifixion of Jesus really means.

The poll suggests we haven’t helped people understand what the cross does for us.

Tied for fourteenth.

Someone once said, “The heart of the Bible is the Gospel, the heart of the Gospel is the cross, and the heart of the cross is the very heart of God Himself.”

The Cross and What It Means for Us

Christian Century once published an article about a young man named Lou Marshall. He had been a divinity student at Harvard, but at the time of the story, he was living in New York City, working to bring peace between two rival teenage gangs — the Young Untouchables and the Playboys.

These gangs had been at war, and Lou was trying to mediate, to help them find peace. He managed to get them to stop the fighting. But one night, while traveling home, four gang members — who clearly didn’t appreciate what he was doing — attacked him. They beat and kicked him and left him lying in a pool of his own blood.

He was rushed to the hospital, but two days later, he died.

At his memorial service, both gangs attended — the very people he had been trying to help. The service was conducted by Rev. Howard Moody, pastor of Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village.

Rev. Moody said these words at Lou’s service:

“Lou’s death is a testimony to us as human beings and as a city of people — to build a place where we can dwell together in peace.
Some people say that the pavement on which he died wasn’t worth a life so full of promise and hope. Others might say he was foolish to get involved in something so dangerous.
Still, I believe that this place has been made holy because of the blood that was shed — the blood of a man whose courage to stand for what he believed was right has sanctified this ground.”

Every Christian believes that the blood Jesus shed for you and me was more than adequate. The cross is the greatest symbol not only of humanity’s cruelty, but also of God’s love.

It is the most complete act of affirmation we can find anywhere.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”

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The Worth of the Cross

I want us to think for a moment about what the cross means for us.

First, the cross means that God sees us as people of vital worth.

We are worth something to God.

It’s easy to grow pessimistic if you watch the news. I quit watching the news about five years ago, and you know what? The world has managed to get by just fine without me paying attention to it. I’ve got enough strife in my own house! Even though I’ve got my kids out of the house, if I could just get them out of my billfold, I’d be okay — but that hasn’t happened yet.

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An Illustration of Sacrifice

There’s a story from World War II about a captain leading a group of soldiers. One day, he heard that one of his men had been shot and was lying out on the battlefield, crying for help.

The other soldiers warned him, “Don’t go out there! It’s too dangerous!”

But he went anyway. He ran out under fire and dragged the young man back to safety. In the process, the captain was shot between the shoulder blades. He later died from that wound, but the young man he rescued survived.

After the war, the captain’s family invited the soldier to their home for dinner. He arrived late, half intoxicated, ate the meal, and left without saying a word about the sacrifice that had been made for him.

The mother of the slain captain burst into tears and said to her husband, “To think our son died for someone like that.”

And I can imagine God looking down at us and saying, “Do you think My Son died for people like that?”

We squabble, we fight, we call each other names. We sin, we fail, we forget. And yet — He still calls us worth it.

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No Price Too High

There’s an old story about a woman vacationing in Florida who loved art. She found a beautiful piece she wanted to buy, but it was very expensive. She sent a telegram to her husband, describing it, and asking what to do.

He replied, “No price too high, buy it.”

She took him at his word, purchased the piece, and proudly brought it home to show him. He was furious. “I told you not to buy that!” he said.

She handed him the telegram: “See? You said no price too high, buy it.”

He read it and realized his mistake — punctuation matters. What he meant to send was: “No, price too high! Don’t buy it.”

Punctuation makes a difference.

And when it comes to our salvation, God says something different too. He doesn’t say, “No, price too high.” He says, “No price too high.”

It’s beyond our comprehension that God would look at us and say that — but He does.

I have twelve kids, and I wouldn’t want to lose any of them. I might lend you one or two for a weekend, but I wouldn’t give them up. Yet God looked at the world and said, “No price is too high.”

The cross means that God sees us as people of vital worth.

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Our Infinite Potential

Secondly, the cross means that God sees our infinite potential.

There’s a story about a young man who arrived too early for his date. The girl came to the door — her hair was a mess, half done, and she tried to make light of it. She said, “Well, what do you think of my hair?”

And the young man said, “It looks like it’s about to become something wonderful.”

Now that’s diplomacy!

But I think that’s how God looks at us. He looks at us and says, “You’re about to become something wonderful.”

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God Sees the Potential in You

There was once a young Polish girl named Maria Sklodowska. One day, her professor told the class, “Some of you have the stars at your fingertips.”

Maria went on to study at the Sorbonne in France, where she met and married one of her professors, Pierre Curie. Together, they pursued science — and failed again and again. But one evening, they came into their lab and saw something glowing faintly in a dish. They had discovered a new element — radium.

They truly had the stars at their fingertips.

We might never achieve greatness like that, but if we pick up our cross and follow Jesus, mighty things can happen.

A Mission Trip and a Miracle

I was on a mission trip to Tampico, Mexico, about twelve or fourteen years ago. We were building a church over the course of the summer. I was part of the first crew that went in — we poured the foundation and set the corner blocks. We also taught Vacation Bible School.

Now, we were staying in what they called a hotel. I’m not sure that’s what I would have called it, but that’s what they called it!

There was a maid who worked there, and as we were preparing to leave, the bus was ready to go. Everyone was loaded up and ready to head back to the United States when the translator came to me and said, “Dr. Freshour, the maid wants to talk to you.”

So I went back inside to speak with her. She asked, “Why are y’all here?” (that’s good Southern Spanish right there).

The translator repeated it, and I said, “We’re here because we’re Christians.”

She gave me a blank look. I asked, “Ma’am, are you a Christian?”

She said, “I’m a Catholic.”

I said, “I didn’t ask you that. I asked if you are a Christian.”

She said again, “I’m a Catholic.”

I repeated, “That’s not what I asked. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”

She looked confused. She didn’t understand what I was saying at first. But as I explained it — that being a Christian means personally believing in Jesus, receiving Him, and following Him — she began to listen closely.

Finally, there in the back hallway of that hotel, we knelt down together, and I led that maid to the Lord.

The stars were at my fingertips.

That moment may not have seemed like a big miracle to anyone else, but for that woman, it was the miracle of a lifetime. And that’s what it’s all about. That’s what it means to take up the cross.

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Taking Up the Cross

When we recognize our worth in the eyes of God, and understand the potential He has placed within us, there’s no telling what might be accomplished through our obedience.

Then we have the power to take up the cross — the cross of commitment, love, and service — and walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

There’s nothing more discouraging to me than to hear a congregation sing mournfully, like it’s a funeral dirge, “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone.”

Have you ever heard a church sing like that? It’s pitiful — as if the cross were some terrible burden, something that robs us of joy.

But that’s not what the cross is.

The cross isn’t a chain that holds you down — it’s the wings that lift you up.

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Running from the Call

I’ll tell you something personal: I ran from the call to preach for twenty years. Jesus called me to ministry when I was sixteen, and I didn’t want to do it. I thought I’d never have another good time again if I said yes.

So I ran. I dragged Chris and Shannon all over the country, working various jobs, trying to hide from God.

But let me tell you something — if God can find you in Adairsville, Georgia, He can find you anywhere.

There’s no point in hiding. Eventually, I stopped running, went to seminary, and said yes to the call.

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The Birds and Their Wings

There’s a story — almost a parable — about how birds got their wings.

When God first created the birds, they had beautiful voices and bright plumage, but they didn’t have wings. God decided to give them wings, but when they saw them, they didn’t know what they were for.

They picked them up in their beaks and carried them on their backs like a burden. They walked around with these heavy wings, complaining about how cumbersome they were.

Finally, they learned how to attach them properly and fold them over their hearts. And when they began to move them, those burdens became what lifted them into the sky.

What they once thought were weights became wings.

And that’s exactly how it is with the cross.

What feels like a burden at first — the cost of discipleship, the sacrifice of following Jesus — becomes the very thing that allows us to soar.

The cross gives you wings.

Bearing the cross of Christ allows you to do things you never thought you could do.

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Talent Is Cheap, Dedication Is Costly

There was a sculptor named Bertoldo di Giovanni. You’ve probably never heard of him, but you’ve certainly heard of one of his students — a young man named Michelangelo.

Michelangelo came to work for him when he was fourteen years old. It was obvious he had enormous talent. But Giovanni also knew that people with great talent often like to take the easy way — to coast along without much effort.

One day, Giovanni walked into the studio and saw Michelangelo working on something far below his potential. He picked up a hammer, smashed the sculpture to pieces, and said,

“Michelangelo, talent is cheap — dedication is costly.”

And he was right.

Talent is cheap. Dedication costs everything.

It cost Matthew his life by the sword in Ethiopia.
It cost Mark his life at the hands of a mob in Alexandria.
Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece.
The once-doubting Thomas died from a spear in India.
James the Greater was beheaded in Jerusalem.
James the Lesser was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple and beaten to death.
Bartholomew was flayed alive.
Peter was crucified upside down in Rome.
Andrew preached the Gospel until his dying breath on a cross.
Jude was shot with arrows.

Make no mistake — the Gospel we treasure was paid for with blood.

Talent is cheap. Dedication is costly.

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The Cost of Following Christ

We need the message of the cross because sometimes we forget that real faith involves sacrifice.

Husbands and wives want strong marriages — but they don’t always want to do the hard work.
Parents want to raise good Christian children — but they don’t always want to pay the price by showing them how to live a Christian life.
Church members want a church that’s vibrant and growing — but they’d rather someone else do the serving.

Each of us wants to make a lasting difference in the world — but too often, we try to do it from the recliner, remote control in hand.

Let me tell you something, friends: it cannot be done.

You must take up your cross, and you must serve.

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Closing Prayer

Let us pray.

Our gracious God,
Thank You, Father, for all the blessings You’ve given us — for the joy of being Your children.
Help us, Lord, to take up the cross, even when it feels heavy.
Give us courage, strength, and faith to follow You wherever You lead.
Bless us, Father, in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

What is Forgiveness? | A Sermon on Matthew 8:21-35

Introduction

You know, I like to plan ahead on my messages. If you read David's article in the newsletter, he shared how I usually plan months ahead for what I’m going to preach on each Sunday. That way, he can plan the songs to go along with it. But every now and then, the Lord just grabs me and says, "I need you to change what you were planning." That’s what He did today, based on the Bible study we had on Thursday. We were talking about forgiveness, and the Lord said, "You need to preach on forgiveness today." And so, that’s what we’re going to do.

Forgiveness is a key, central theme in the Christian faith. It’s not optional. It’s one of those core things. It’s as central to our faith as the cross we adorn our churches with and often wear as necklaces. In fact, the cross should remind us every time we look at it that forgiveness is central to our faith.

Unfortunately, because it is so central—and because we talk about it so often—I think most people, even longtime, faithful Christians, often misunderstand what forgiveness truly is. So today, the Holy Spirit is urging me to preach on forgiveness. And I ask ahead of time for your forgiveness if this message goes a little long. This is what the Lord has given me to say, and we’ll also celebrate Holy Communion afterward.

Matthew 18:21-35
²¹ Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone^[a] who sins against me? Seven times?”

²² “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!^[b]

²³ “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. ²⁴ In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.^[c] 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

²⁶ “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ ²⁷ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

²⁸ “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars.^[d] He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

²⁹ “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. ³⁰ But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

³¹ “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. ³² Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. ³³ Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ ³⁴ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

³⁵ “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters^[e] from your heart.”

The Meaning of Christ’s Parable
Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive. Rabbis taught three times. Peter thought he was being generous by suggesting seven. Jesus responded with seventy-seven or seventy times seven—meaning endlessly.

In the parable, Jesus was teaching about us and God. We are the servants who cannot repay our debt to God. Yet God forgives us completely. And He calls us to do the same for others.

Whenever I’ve preached on this topic over the past 25 years, it gets the most feedback and the most resistance. People struggle with it deeply. They ask, "You mean to tell me I have to forgive my ex-wife? My abusive father? The person who assaulted me?"

I understand. It’s a hard word. But it’s a true word. And it’s central to our faith.

What is Forgiveness?

True forgiveness is releasing resentment and the desire for revenge. It’s choosing to offer grace and let go of the offense.

Here’s the key point: Forgiveness is something you do for your own benefit, not the person you’re forgiving.

People often get hung up here. They think forgiving someone is a gift to the offender. But it’s not. It’s a gift to yourself. It sets you free.

Jesus used a financial example to help us understand. Imagine someone owes you a trillion dollars. There’s no way they can repay it. You can hold onto the debt and let it eat you up, or you can release it. Forgiveness frees you.

Of course, most debts we carry aren’t financial. They are personal. Unfaithfulness. Betrayal. Violence. Abuse. Murder.

You may be wondering, "How could I ever forgive what was done to me?"

Remember, forgiveness doesn’t release the offender—it releases you. They cannot repay you. Nothing they do can restore what was lost. Holding onto the grudge only continues the pain.

Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison every day and expecting it to kill the other person. It only poisons you.

Jesus offers the solution so you can heal: You must forgive.

 

Misunderstandings About Forgiveness

1. Forgiveness doesn’t mean the offender escapes justice. If someone commits a crime, justice must be served. Forgiveness doesn’t erase consequences. But vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19).

2. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting. The Bible never tells us to "forgive and forget." Only God says, "I will remember their sins no more" (Heb. 8:12). We may still need to remember for the sake of wisdom and protection.

3. Forgiveness doesn’t require an apology. You can forgive someone even if they never say they’re sorry. Forgiveness is what you do—it doesn’t depend on them.

4. Forgiveness isn’t the same as reconciliation. You don’t have to become friends with the person. Reconciliation requires more: repentance, apology, changed behavior, and a mutual desire to restore the relationship.

Reconciliation Requires
Much has to happen in order to truly reconcile and restore a relationship.  Such as:

1.     Repentance – The wrongdoer acknowledges the harm and turns from it.

2.     Confession – Honest admission of the wrongdoing.

3.     Forgiveness – The offended person releases bitterness and offers grace.

4.     Apology – A sincere expression of regret.

5.     Restitution (if possible) – Making things right where harm was done.

6.     Changed behavior – Evidence of growth or a desire not to repeat the offense.

7.     Mutual desire to restore the relationship – Both parties willing to move forward.

8.     Time and patience – Trust may need to be rebuilt gradually.

So, you can forgive someone—release your resentment and expectation of offender restoring you—without being reconciled and becoming best buds with your offender. 

Forgiveness is Hard

This isn’t just theory. Forgiveness is hard. I’ve lived it.

Many of you know I didn’t have a good father. He was abusive and abandoned our family. As a child, I hated him. Over time, I stopped hating him—but the Lord called me to do more. He said, "You must forgive him."

That process began when I was 20. My father died a few years ago. By God’s grace, I was able to forgive him and even reconcile to some degree. I preached at his funeral, by his invitation.

So when I say forgiveness is central to our faith, I speak from experience. It’s not optional. It’s real. It’s hard. But it’s necessary.

Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer and say, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," we’re engaging with this truth.

Every time we look at the cross, we’re reminded of how serious sin is—and how deep God’s forgiveness goes. Jesus was crucified for our sins. And as He hung on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them."

Let us live in that forgiveness. And let us extend it to others.

 

"Following God" | A Sermon by Guest Speaker, Amy Harris

This week we have a guest blogger post.  Amy Harris shares her struggle with fear and uncertainty as she stepped into a new church role. Though she prayed for closed doors if it wasn’t God’s will, every door opened—including support from her husband. She reflects on Hebrews 11, James 1, and Isaiah 55, teaching that true faith means trusting God’s character and promises, even without full understanding. Growth requires stepping out of comfort zones, facing fear, and obeying despite uncertainty. She encourages the congregation not to miss God’s blessings by hesitating but to follow His leading with trust and confidence.

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Chris asked me several weeks ago to type something up for the newsletter about how excited I was for my new role at the church. Then, two weeks ago, he said, “Oh, can you preach on the 31st?” So, I figured—why type a few paragraphs when he’s given me twenty minutes in the pulpit and I can just talk and talk and talk?

If I’m being completely honest, I couldn’t write anything for the newsletter because “excited” was not the adjective that I was feeling. Stressed, frustrated, confused, unsure—those sounded more accurate, but probably not what he was hoping to accomplish with my brief article.

And if you’ve stopped by and asked me how things are going, I’m not one to sugarcoat things. If my words didn’t come across as my honest thoughts, my face surely did—I have no control over my facial expressions.

Now, let me stop here and make a statement: I’m not leaving my job. This isn’t my resignation sermon. If you only pay attention every now and then, or if I lose you after the first few minutes, you could walk away thinking I’m done. So, call it a spoiler alert—but that isn’t how this chapter ends. This isn’t even the true subject of today’s message; it’s simply my inspiration for it.

Called Into Something New

Have you ever felt called into something and you knew 100% it was meant to be? No reservations, just peace, excitement, and certainty? I have. I can remember multiple times when God gave me a beyond-a-shadow-of-a-doubt “yes.” Those are good, those are fun.

But this job opportunity was not that kind of experience for me. I had reservations. I was hesitant, uncertain, and full of questions. This new role meant big changes—my weekly schedule, my finances, my workload, and my commute (and yes, traffic on Cleveland Highway at 8:00 a.m. nearly drove me insane!).

I began praying very specific prayers: “Lord, if this is not Your will, close the door.” I prayed that before Chris even took the job description to the HR Committee. But the HR Committee approved it. Door one open.

Then the Finance Committee agreed the position was important and trusted God to provide funding. Door two open.

Finally, I thought my husband would close the door. He doesn’t like uncertain change any more than I do. But when I asked him, instead of “No,” he simply texted, “I think you should change.” God wasn’t closing doors—He was holding them wide open.

So why was I still questioning Him?

Faith Tested

I realized I trust God completely when things are out of my control. But when I do have a say—when choices affect my family, time, and finances—I hesitate.

Yet Hebrews 11:1 says: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

Faith is more than believing God exists—it’s trusting His character and His promises. Even when we don’t see the outcome, we walk by faith. Hebrews 11 reminds us of people who died still believing God’s promises without seeing them fulfilled. Sometimes our faith isn’t even for our blessing—it’s for someone else’s.

Isaiah 55:8–9 says: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways.”

A lack of understanding does not excuse a lack of obedience.

Growing Through Trials

James 1 says: “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

Faith is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The more you obey God’s call, even when uncomfortable, the easier it becomes to live faithfully.

Fear is the number one barrier to following God. We want guarantees before we take the first step. But growth comes when we step forward without a guarantee—when we get comfortable being uncomfortable.

One month into this new role, I still don’t know exactly where God is leading. But I know this: He opened every door, and He has a plan.

Conclusion

I love Jesus. I love my church. You, my church family, are one of the most precious parts of my life. Your encouragement, kindness, and prayers mean more than I can say.

And because I listened to God’s voice, I get to be part of growing the ministries of Pleasant Grove Methodist in ways I never imagined. I don’t know what that will look like yet, but I know I won’t miss His blessings—because I said “yes.”

So I ask you:

• What areas of your life do you need to stop overthinking and start following God’s direction?

• Is He calling you out of your comfort zone?

• Is fear keeping you from His blessings?

Don’t miss what He has in store for you. Ask Him. Seek His guidance. Be still and listen. And remember—He will never call you anywhere He won’t also go with you.

Ephesus - Remember Your First Love | A Sermon on Revelation 2:1-7

Introduction
Well, it's good to be back with you, but I want to especially thank Sherry Dixon for speaking last Sunday. I got to listen to the message online, and it was a wonderful message—really good information—and she spoke with such clarity. I hope that it was helpful to you.

Thank you, Sherry, for taking the time to prepare and present that. If you missed her message, you should really go and check it out. She talks about the different kinds of judgment found in Scripture. Even people who have been studying the Bible for a long time don't always have clarity about what the Bible means when it talks about judgment.

There are different kinds of judgment, and they affect us in different ways depending on the context and our relationship with Christ. We need to know that. I encourage you to go on Facebook and find the message—it’s on the church page. You can read it, listen to it, or watch the video.

It goes along well with the series we started a couple of weeks ago on the Seven Churches of Revelation. (Remember, “Revelation” has no “s” at the end—it’s one Revelation.)

The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John—the beloved apostle—while he was in exile on the island of Patmos. The Lord gave him a vision and told him to write it down and share it. Part of what he shared were seven letters to seven churches—churches full of persecuted Christians living in the first century. These were words meant to encourage them and to correct them when they were going astray.

Today we’ll read the first letter, written to the church in Ephesus. But before we read it, let’s review a few important symbols from Revelation so we understand what we’re reading.

Review Symbolism
First: The Seven Lampstands. In the vision, Jesus showed John seven golden lampstands. These represent the seven churches He was addressing—churches meant to shine God’s light in a dark world. Despite the persecution and evil happening all around them, they were called to burn brightly for Christ.

Second: The Son of Man walking among the lampstands. This figure represents Jesus Himself. He is not far off—He is walking among His people, among His churches.

And remember, “church” here doesn’t mean a building. These first-century churches often didn’t even have a building. The church is the people—the body of believers. If something happened and this building we’re in were washed away, God forbid, we would still be the church.

Third: The Seven Stars. These are held in Jesus' right hand and represent the “angels” of the churches—likely meaning the pastors or spiritual leaders. Jesus holds these leaders in His hand, meaning He protects, shelters, and guides them.

Revelation 2:1-7
¹ “To the angel^[a] of the church in Ephesus write:  [I think the angel in this case, is the leader(s)]

These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. ² I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³ You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

⁴ Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. ⁵ Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. ⁶ But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

⁷ Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

The City of Ephesus
Ephesus was a major port city in what is today modern-day Turkey—one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire. It was a commercial hub, wealthy, and bustling with trade. It was also home to the Temple of Artemis, which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

But Ephesus was also a city full of idol worship, immorality, and spiritual darkness. Yet in that same city, there was a strong Christian presence.

Paul the Apostle planted the church in Ephesus and stayed there for two years, shepherding and teaching the new believers. Later, Timothy—Paul’s young protégé—served as pastor of that church. Paul wrote two New Testament letters to Timothy while he was there.

According to tradition, the Apostle John—the same John who received and recorded the Revelation—also lived in Ephesus. Remember, John was the disciple to whom Jesus entrusted the care of His mother, Mary. Many believe John cared for Mary in Ephesus until he was exiled to Patmos. Some traditions even say Mary died there.

So this letter is written to a spiritually rich and well-established church, but also a church surrounded by intense pressure and cultural compromise.

Jesus Commends Ephesus
Jesus praises the believers in Ephesus for several things:

1. Hard work and perseverance – They stayed faithful even under persecution.

2. Rejecting wickedness and false teachers – They held tightly to truth and doctrine.

3. Enduring hardship for Christ – They didn’t give up when things got difficult.

4. Hating the practices of the Nicolaitans – A group who claimed to be Christian but lived immorally.

The Nicolaitans were known for:

• Sexual immorality

• Eating food sacrificed to idols

• Blending Christianity with the surrounding pagan culture

• Using God’s grace as an excuse to sin

They wanted to enjoy the prosperity of the city while still calling themselves followers of Christ. Jesus says, “You hate their practices—which I also hate.”

And let’s be clear: Jesus doesn’t say He hates the people. He hates their practices. There’s a big difference. As followers of Christ, we don’t hate people. We may hate sin, but we love the sinner—because that’s how Jesus treated us.

Jesus Corrects Ephesus
Jesus then offers a strong correction:  “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

What was that first love?

• Joyful, wholehearted devotion to Christ

• A personal relationship—not just head knowledge or doctrine

• Love that overflowed in worship, witness, and daily life

Jesus is saying, “You’re doing all the right things, but your heart’s not in it anymore.”

And that happens sometimes, doesn’t it?

Maybe you remember a time in your walk with Christ when your heart burned for Him—when worship was your favorite part of the week. When prayer felt natural, like talking to your best friend. When telling others about Jesus wasn’t a duty—it just came out of your life because He was changing you.

But now… maybe it’s different. Maybe it’s become routine. Maybe your faith has gotten cold. Maybe your love for Jesus has faded.

If that’s you, Jesus says: “Remember. Repent. Return.”

The Seriousness of Their Sin
Jesus says in verse 5:

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”

What does it mean to “remove your lampstand”?

It doesn’t mean they would lose their salvation. It means their church would lose its place as a light-bearing witness for Christ. It would:

• Cease to exist in its God-given role

• Lose its influence and spiritual power

• Continue in form, but without the presence and blessing of Christ

This still happens today. Some churches keep going long after the Holy Spirit has left the building. They may hold services, sing songs, and do ministry—but there’s no fire, no light, no love. They’re still a church in name, but not in Spirit.

Jesus is saying, “If you don’t return to love, I will no longer recognize you as My church.”

Our American Context
As we celebrate freedom this Fourth of July weekend, we’re reminded of how richly blessed we are to live in a prosperous and free nation. But prosperity comes with its own challenges.

The Ephesian Christians faced hostility and persecution. We, in America, face the temptation of comfort and compromise. Just like the Nicolaitans, there’s a danger that we’ll try to blend in—watering down our convictions for the sake of being accepted or enjoying worldly benefits.

But Jesus calls us to something higher.

The Takeaway
Jesus won’t let a church shine for Him if it doesn’t love like Him.

It’s not enough to be doctrinally right, or to have a full calendar of ministry activities. Jesus wants your heart. He wants you to love Him like you did at first—or even more.

If your faith has grown cold…

If you’ve gotten too good at guarding the gates and forgotten how to open your heart…

If you’re just going through the motions…

Then hear His voice today:

“Remember the love you had at first.
Repent, and return.”

Invitation to Communion
As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember the greatest act of love the world has ever known:

Jesus giving Himself for us.

And maybe—just maybe—this table is your invitation to come back to your first love.

Come not out of routine, but out of repentance.
Come not because you’ve got it all figured out, but because you are deeply loved.
Come because the One who walks among the lampstands is here now—walking among us.

As you kneel at this altar, it may be that the risen Christ is kneeling beside you, placing His hand on your shoulder, and whispering,

“Welcome back. I’ve missed you. Let’s walk together again.”