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Intro. Matt. 7:13-14 There are two ways There is no middle ground Many “Christians” have sought to broaden/define the way of Christ Some “Christians” have sought to make the way more narrow But Jesus says . . . There are two ways. The wide-gated, broad way.
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Intro • Matt. 7:13-14 • There are two ways • There is no middle ground • Many “Christians” have sought to broaden/define the way of Christ • Some “Christians” have sought to make the way more narrow • But Jesus says . . . There are two ways
The wide-gated, broad way • Has the most people; follow the crowdsI Peter 4:1-4 • Has the most leniency and libertiesIsa. 59:2-8, 2 Tim. 4:3-4 • Makes the most sense to the most people; based on human instinct and feelingsProv. 14:12, Jer. 17:9, Eph. 2:1-3 • Will be the most accepted and most popularJohn 12:42-43, Luke 6:26
The small-gated, narrow way • Way to enter is specific and smallFaith – Heb 11:6, Repentance – Luke 13:3, Baptism/Rebirth – John 3:3-5, Discipleship – Luke 9:23 • Must specifically and carefully choose itLuke 13:24, Luke 14:28 • Have to stoop and become small to enter • Won’t be follow the crowd – will be the minorityMatt 7:22, 2 Tim. 4:3 • It’s not “easy”Phil 2:12, 2 Tim. 4:6-8, 2 Pet. 1:10-11, 1 Cor. 9:26-27, Acts 14:22 • Leads to lifeJohn 6:53, John 10:10
Conclusion • Simply cannot do this with out the grace of Christ – Eph. 2:8-9 • Simply cannot do this without a devotion to the word – I John 2:3-6 • Simply cannot do this without the leadership of the Holy Spirit – Romans 8:13-14 • You must choose life – Deut. 30:19-20