The central message of this sermon revolves around the idea that following God often involves suffering and hardship, which is essential for spiritual growth and ultimately entering the kingdom of God. This idea is rooted in Paul's statement from Acts 14:22, where he tells new Christians that they must "through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." The sermon highlights that this phrase is not just about getting saved, but about completing one's Christian journey and reaching spiritual maturity. By emphasizing the necessity of hardship and suffering, the sermon advances the belief that true faith is not a simplistic or easy process, but rather a transformative and often painful one. Ultimately, the takeaway from this message is that Christians must be willing to endure trials and tribulations in order to truly follow God and enter into His kingdom.