What does it mean when Jesus says He did not come to bring peace, but a sword—especially on Father’s Day?
In this powerful message, Reverend Ron McDougald wrestles with one of Jesus’ hard sayings from Matthew 10 while reflecting on the love, lessons, and legacy of earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father.
Scripture Readings
- Romans 6:1-11 – Dead to sin, alive in Christ
- Matthew 10:32-39 – Acknowledging Christ, the cost of discipleship, and loving Jesus above family
Drawing from personal stories—fishing trips and endless questions with his dad, family “lines in the sand,” hospital conversations, and the famous fifth creaky stair step—Pastor Ron explores what it means to draw a boundary for the Kingdom of God. He reminds us that true commitment to Christ sometimes creates tension even within our closest relationships, yet it is rooted in the Father’s deep love for us.
The sermon challenges every listener: What are you willing to lay down so that others might be rescued from the cold, icy depths of sin and death and lifted into abundant, eternal life? Using the striking example of Dawson Trotman and the Navigators, Pastor Ron calls the church to radical, sacrificial discipleship that prioritizes Christ’s Kingdom above every other loyalty.
This is a Father’s Day message that honors the good gifts of earthly fathers while pointing us to the greater call of following the One who gave His life so we could become children of God forever.
