Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

All throughout Scripture we are told that we have a choice to make. Set before you today are issues...issues of life and death...choose life. It also speaks repeatedly about enduring to the end. What choice, and endure in what? Why is this so important that these two themes are spoken to again and again?

The broad way that is spoken of includes many things and vast numbers of people. It includes anyone who seeks to approach a Holy God on any basis other than the Blood of Jesus. It would include the atheist who says, "there is no God". It also includes the agnostic who says, "I really don't care if there is a God or not". It also takes in vast numbers of people who are being deceived into attempting to trust in some combination of what Jesus did, combined with their own ability to be pleasing to God, or serve God in some capacity, or in some way seek to add to the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Many times, this group is the most difficult of all to reach, simply because they have a form to their approach, they have a religion. Religious zeal can become the most important factor in a person's life. We see many examples of that very thing today. They can be completely committed and totally dedicated, even to the point of being willing to die for their religious beliefs. But they are committed and dedicated to a deceptive and eternally destructive "broad way".

The narrow way is very simple to express. It requires one thing and that alone - faith and trust in what God accomplished though the life, death, burial, and resurrection of His only begotten Son . . . Jesus. A trust in, a clinging to, and a complete reliance upon Jesus. Nothing else. Nothing else is allowed on this narrow way. Within the heart of man is a very insidious nature that attempts to rise up and add to, take away from, or in some way enhance what God has already done. Something to be able to obtain, maintain, or complete our own salvation, as if Jesus and His Blood were not enough. It simply is not allowed on this narrow way. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. It clearly and emphatically states that salvation is given as a gift from God, bestowed upon the basis of faith, and has nothing to do with our own goodness or works at all. It's all given to us on the basis of God's Love, Grace, and Mercy. So on this narrow way, that's all that is allowed. Trust in God! The Cross, the Blood of Jesus, Salvation though faith and that alone... glorifies and exalts God. Any other combination seeks to glorify and exalt man. That is not allowed at all on this narrow way.

Enduring to the end... endure in what? Simple child-like faith and trust in what God has already done for you no matter what comes your way, and not going off in any other direction. That's the enduring that our Lord is wanting from you. He will make any changes in you that may be needed if you will just trust, be patient, and walk on in faith. He promises that He will complete the good work that He has started in your life, just trust Him, and Him alone. Don't strive, don't fret, He is Lord and He Loves you! If you haven't already placed your trust in Jesus, and asked Him to forgive your sin... do so now, right where you are.

Pray this... Lord God, I know I am a sinner. But, I know you sent Jesus to die for my sin. I want to turn away from sin and follow you. I ask you to forgive me and come into my heart and take charge of my life. I accept you as my Lord and my Savior. Thank you for hearing my prayer and accepting me. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen. God heard your prayer and welcomes you into the family. Get a Bible, begin to read in the Gospel of John. Ask God to guide you and show you the way, and to lead you to a good Bible based local church. Get into the church and begin your New Life in Jesus! Please let us know of your decision, also.