"I've Been Hurt"

The sermon centers on the call to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured far greater suffering than any believer could face, as a means of overcoming discouragement and weariness in the Christian life. It addresses the common objection that people reject faith due to wounds inflicted by flawed Christians and churches, responding with six biblically grounded truths: genuine empathy for the hurting, recognition of spiritual warfare where Satan uses human sin to hinder faith, the reality that not all who claim Christianity are truly saved, the inherent imperfection of believers, the moral responsibility to not justify sin through past suffering, and the ultimate invitation to find healing and hope in Christ alone. The message emphasizes that while real pain exists, it does not excuse rebellion against God, and that true freedom comes only through repentance, faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, and a personal turn away from self-righteousness toward the grace of the crucified Savior, all within a church community committed to biblical integrity, accountability, and protection from abuse.