When it’s all said and done, there’s one question that really matters in life: What are you going to do about Jesus?

We can talk about church, worship styles, Bible studies, and ministries all day long—and those things are good and important—but at the heart of it all is this: What will you do with Jesus?

For many of us, it’s easy to “do church” and miss Jesus. We check the Sunday box, maybe even join a group or serve on a team, but if all of that takes the place of a personal relationship with Him, we’re missing the point.

Here’s the reality: Jesus wants more than your Sunday mornings. He wants your time, your attention, your heart. Just like any close relationship, it takes more than 90 minutes a week. Imagine only spending an hour and a half with your spouse or kids every week—how close would that relationship really be?

So let me ask you: Where are you with Jesus today? How much time have you spent with Him this week?

Life Is Hard—But Jesus Is Our Hope

Let’s be honest: life doesn’t cut us much slack. Appliances break, cars quit, bills pile up. Struggles come and go, and just when you think you’ve got a break, another challenge rolls in. That’s life on this side of eternity.

And in the middle of all that, it’s easy to forget who our real source of hope is. But if you’re floundering in life, can I lovingly tell you—you’re probably not doing Jesus well. If you’re struggling, you need to call on His name.

Learning from the Early Church

In Acts 5, the apostles had every reason to quit. They were preaching the name of Jesus everywhere, and it was turning Jerusalem upside down. Thousands were being saved. The religious leaders? They were furious.

They arrested the apostles, tried intimidation, even beat them. And still, the apostles refused to stop talking about Jesus. Why? Because they believed what they had seen: Jesus crucified, resurrected, and reigning in glory.

When the Sanhedrin warned them to stop preaching, Peter boldly replied:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

That’s courage. That’s commitment. They didn’t fear what people could do to them because they knew the truth of who Jesus is.

A Bold Faith in a Quiet World

Meanwhile, we sometimes hesitate to even invite someone to church. We shrink back because we’re afraid of offending someone, or of what others might think. But the early church didn’t hesitate—even when their lives were on the line.

Let’s be real: if we won’t carry our Bible to work or pray for someone when they need it, we can’t honestly say, “I’d die for Jesus.” Faith starts with the small, everyday choices to stand for Christ.

Let’s Make Some Noise for Jesus

The apostles left their flogging rejoicing—because suffering for Jesus meant they were making an impact. It meant they were doing exactly what He told them to do: preach, teach, baptize, make disciples.

So what about us? Are we willing to make a little “trouble” for the enemy by boldly sharing the gospel? Are we willing to live in such a way that people can’t help but notice Jesus in us?

Because here’s the truth: Nothing can stop the Church. Not persecution, not governments, not cultural trends. Jesus promised that the gates of hell will never prevail against His Church.

So let’s live like we believe that. Let’s talk about Jesus without fear. Let’s love boldly, pray fervently, and invite people into the hope we’ve found in Him.

Question for You: What’s one step you can take this week to make Jesus the center of your life—not just a part of your schedule?

Pastor Diana Russell