Rev. Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V'Shalom in St. Louis, Missouri joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 10:34-42.

Can you imagine a picture of Jesus with a sword? Jesus tells the disciples that to follow Him would bring a battle from the devil, the world, and even our own family members. The hard truth is that if our family is asking us to deny the Triune God to be with them we are called to follow Christ. Jesus taking up His cross shows us that He is not a God who leaves us alone, but is with us through every trial, temptation, and joy. We pray for the Holy Spirit to not only give us the right words in persecution, but to sustain us in Christ and His Church until He returns. “Lord God, as the battle continues, bring faith to our family members who do not believe, keep us steadfast in Your Word, help us to use Your Word as the sword of the Spirit so that we may endure in Christ until the end. In His name, Amen”