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…Have you been recently on a trip and really lost ? If you are a man chances
are that you did not sense the need to stop and ask for directions. You just
kept driving hoping you’d find your way.
…Life here on earth is also a journey. We are moving along a path that is
headed to a final destination…
…Jesus concluded His Sermon on the Mount with the “Golden Rule.” (7:12) Yet,
e I He He is not finished, for He concludes
with 4 warnings. It is like a P.S. in a letter, and is important and should
not be missed. Often the post script (P.S.) contains the
real heart of the
matter. In this first warning, Jesus calls for a decision, a response from
those who are listening to Him. He presents a life and death issue. You must
make the right choice…
FOUR CONTRASTS GIVEN BY JESUS DIRECTING YOU TO HEAVEN.
…JESUS PRESENTS FOR US AN INESCAPABLE CHOICE…REMEMBER, THE WAY TO LIFE
IS ON
GOD’S TERMS.
I. There
Are Only Two GATES…You Must Go Through The Right Gate. (v13)
…Know that both gates announce that they are the way to heaven
.
A. There
is the broad gate.
1.
This wide gateway represents the way all
men naturally are traveling. This is the easy way, plenty of room for a great
diversity of opinions and laxity of morals. It is the gate of tolerance
and
permissiveness. No curbs, no boundaries on conduct…
2.
There is no self-denial or repentance…many
pass through this gate at the same time.
B. There
is the narrow gate.
1.
This gate must be found
and entered.
Jesus commands us “you must enter in…”
2.
What is this gate? It is Jesus Christ
.
John 10:9 “Jesus is the door(gate)…” Jn 14:6
…It is the gate of self-denial, repentance and salvation.
3.
This gate is like the Turnpike toll plaza,
you can only go through one at a time.
…To enter you must be stripped of everything, even your sin. “Poor in spirit,
mourn…”
…To enter you must personally believe upon the Lord Jesus as your Savior from
sin.
II. There
Are Two Distinctly Different
Roads
…You Must Be On The Right One.
A. There
is the BROAD WAY…
1.
This is the easy, attractive
, indulgent,
permissive, and self-oriented life style.
2.
This is the road of all
“isms.” All world
religions, all worldly philosophies, and even all so-called “Christianity”
that is not biblical are all found on this road.
3.
Often, this road seems to be the road of
prosperity(Ps 73), for many on this path seem to be blessed and
successful .
But, things are not as they seem…
B.
There is the NARROW WAY…
1.
This road is called “narrow,” the word is
“stenas.” It’s root’s meaning is to groan due to constriction.
Stenographer…writes in a compressed way…
2.
This road involves self-denial and is restrictive. It is living a life
that is pleasing to the Lord. It is narrow because of God’s revelation
(Bible) imposes a limitation on what Christians may believe and practice
. God
tells us what is the good and best for us…
III. There
Are Two Different Crowds…You Must Be One Of The
Few
. (v14)
A. There
is the large crowd.
1.
Most people are on this road. It is the
road of human achievement and good works.
…this is the popular way of life, just go with the
crowd.
2.
Those in this crowd assume
that they will
end up in heaven…
B. There
is the little crowd on the narrow way. Note: Luke 13:23 “Lord, are only a
few…saved?”
1.
This small group is a despised
minority.
Yet, this happy band of pilgrims, whose backs are turned upon sin
have their
faces set toward heaven. Revelation 7:9 “a great…”
2.
To be one of the “few” you must find it. No one ever stumbles into
salvation…
IV. There
Are Only Two Final Destinations…You Must Choose Christ to have Life.
A.
There is the end called “destruction.” This is the Lake of fire. Lost
forever in darkness. This is the end of the road for all the world’s
religions, without exception. Jesus said so.
B.
There is a place called “life.” It is
heaven and it is forever, reserved only
for Christians.
LESSONS FOR OUR LIVES:
1.
If you are not on the way to LIFE, you are on your way to HELL.
2.
You must personally enter the gate...its not enough to listen about it.
3.
This is a choice...between the one right and the many wrong!
4.
Salvation is by faith in the Lord Jesus ONLY!
5.
Share the gospel with others...for all you meet are travelers headed in one of
two destinations.
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