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Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV) [13] " Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it . [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
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Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV) [13] "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. [14] Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
The way of truth, trust, submission, and obedience The way of error, rejection, insubordination and rebellion. Genesis 2:16,17 Deuteronomy 30:19 Joshua 24:15 Jeremiah 6:16 Matthew 6:24 Romans 6:16-23 Revelation 22:14-17 Death Life W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Wide Narrow Entrance Broad Difficult The Way Most Travelers Few Life Death The End W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
The way that leads to life cannot be determined by what seems right – Prov 14:12 • The way that leads to life cannot be determined by man apart from God’s revealed truth! – Jer. 10:23 W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Not because of limited availability – John 3:16; Titus 2:11,12; 1 John 2:1,2; Mat 11:28-30; Rev. 22:17 • Not because men have been individually predestined – 1 Tim 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 10:34,35 • Not because of secrecy – Mark 16:15,16; Mat 28:18,19; Col. 1:23; John 6:44,45; Acts 2:38; Eph 3:3-5 W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
“Prejudgment without due examination” • Closes ones mind to the truth – Mat 15:7-9; 2 Tim 4:3,4 • Makes men dishonest – Mat 28:11-15; 1 Cor. 3:18; Gal 6:3 • Causes disrespect, anger and mockery – Acts 7:57; 13:43-46; 22:22 • Crucified the Christ – John 6:15; 18:36; Mat 27:19-25; W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
“Present Day Examples” • Refusing to leave the religion of parents, (Jews, idolaters, Muslims, Catholics, Protestants . . .) • The belief that “it doesn’t matter what one believes” - (John 8:32; 2 John 9) • Prejudice against the church - (Plan of salvation, Instruments, One church, etc) • Brethren – “preacheritis; party-spirit . . .” W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
“The church says . . .” Acts 20:27-32; 2 Thes. 2:4 • “The reformers taught . . .” James 2:24; 1 John • “My parents are . . .” – Mat 10:37; Luke 14:26 • “But my preacher said . . .” 2 Pet 2:1-3; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; • “The Spirit revealed it to him / me . . .” - 1 John 4:1; Gal 1:6-9; John 16:13; 1 Cor. 13:8-13; Eph 3:3-5 • “I feel . . .” – Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; Rom 10:17; Acts 17:11 • “The majority . . .” – Exodus 23:2; Mat 27:24-26 W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
“Some do not want to give up sin . . .” - 2 Pet. 2:14; 1 John 2:15-17 • “Some love pleasure more than God . . .” - 2 Tim 3:4 • “Many have divided interest . . .” – Mat 6:24,33; James 4:4; 2 Tim 4:10 • “One CANNOT enter the straight gate and travel the narrow way with the world on his back . . .” Mat 19:22 W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Some refuse to submit to the authority of Christ . . . – Col. 3:17; 2 John 9 • Too many want to “have it their way” – Jeremiah 6:16; 18:12; Judges 21:25; Mt 15:9 • “Refusing baptism . . .” – Luke 7:29,30; Mat 28:19; Mark 16:16; Act 10:47,48 • “Rejecting the New Testament Pattern of doctrine, the work of the church & worship . . .” – 2 Tim 1:13; 2 Cor. 5:7 Own Rules W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
“The apostles were sent into the world to preach the gospel to every creature . . .” – Mat 28:18-20; Mark 16:15,16; Col. 1:23 • “The early disciples were zealous in teaching the gospel . . .” – Acts 8:4; 1 Thes 1:7,8 • What if we refuse to show the way of eternal life to others? – Ezekiel 33:6; Acts 18:6; 20:26,27 W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Not because the way is not available to them . . . • Because they are blinded by prejudice, • Because they follow the wrong standard, • Because they love the world, • Because WE failed to show them the way!! W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
The way of truth, trust, submission, and obedience The way of error, rejection, insubordination and rebellion. Choose Life TODAY!! Life Death W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) “. . . choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, . . . But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Mark 16:16 (NKJV) 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Acts 2:38 (NKJV) 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006
Hebrews 5:8,9 (NKJV) 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, W. 65th St church of Christ - December 3, 2006