In this sermon from St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Magnolia, Texas, we reflect on the cost of confessing Christ before the world through the lens of St. Matthew’s martyrdom, the beheading of St. John the Baptist, and even recent events in our own time.

The tradition of Matthew’s death, though uncertain, shows the reality that God’s servants have often suffered not only for proclaiming the Gospel but also for speaking His Law in truth and calling rulers and nations to repentance. John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed for confronting King Herod’s sin. The apostles suffered persecution for preaching both Christ crucified and the Word of God’s Law that exposes human sin and pride.

Drawing on these biblical examples, this sermon challenges us to consider what it means to follow Christ in an age where speaking the truth of God’s Word—about marriage, sexuality, repentance, and godliness—can bring hostility, slander, or worse. Even so, Jesus calls His people to confess Him before men, promising that He will confess them before His Father in heaven.

Join us as we give thanks for St. Matthew’s ministry, hear God’s Word of both Law and Gospel, and are encouraged to live faithfully in Montgomery County, Magnolia, Texas, and beyond—trusting in Christ, who values us more than sparrows and who promises eternal life to all who believe in Him.

For more about St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church, visit stthomastx.church!