<p>Christians are not promised comfort in this life—they are promised the cross. Yet in Christ, the cross is not the end. In this sermon, we hear that all who are joined to Jesus in Holy Baptism are united not only to His death, but also to His life. What happened to Christ in His physical body—His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection—will and must also happen to His mystical body, the Church.</p><p>To follow Christ is to take up the cross. This means real, concrete suffering: loss, sacrifice, missed opportunities, strained relationships, and the daily struggle against sin, the world, and the devil. Those who confess Christ, prioritize His Word and Sacraments, and live according to His truth will not escape hardship. Scripture makes this clear: all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.</p><p>But this suffering is not without purpose or end. Christ has already endured the full weight of sin and death. He has been crucified, and He is risen. He reigns even now at the right hand of the Father. And because you belong to Him—because you have been baptized into His death—you will also share in His resurrection, His glory, and His eternal kingdom.</p><p>The Christian life, then, is not aimless suffering, but a participation in Christ Himself. As you bear the cross, you do so with Him, and He with you. And just as surely as He was raised from the dead, so you will be raised. The promise is certain. The victory is already won.</p><p>Take up your cross, whatever that cross may be, knowing this: if you suffer with Christ, you will be glorified with Him. He who has washed you in His blood will raise you up. He will give you life everlasting. He will do it.</p><p><br></p><p>📍 St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church (UAC)<br>Serving Magnolia, The Woodlands, and all of Montgomery County, Texas<br>⛪ Divine Service: Sundays at 9:00 AM<br>📖 Family Catechesis: Sundays at 10:30 AM</p><p>Come and receive Christ in His Word and Sacrament.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://stthomastx.church/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">www.stthomastx.church</a></p>