Sunday: Enter the Strait Gate - guest post Pastor T.W.

Enter ye in at the Strait Gate

When we hear the word, strait which according to The Random House College Dictionary, means "narrow", or a position of difficulty, distress, or need. We may think of the straight, which means a line without a bend. Both are great words, especially when we are attempting to obey God's Words, in particular those found in the Book of St. Matthews 7:12-14 which reads:

St. Matthew 7: 12 - 14

12. "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
13. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

When Jesus was on earth, in human form, He taught in such a profound but simple way. He normally used parables, which are natural lessons, used to teach spiritual principles. Even though Jesus had the power to heal the sick, and raise the dead, His main focus was directed at giving us "ETERNAL LIFE"; Getting us to heaven after we leave this earth. This was His focus in St. Matthew 7:12-14, and I dare say the entire Bible.

The Golden Rule

Most of us have heard of what we love to call "The Golden Rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." That is exactly what the Lord was teaching in verse 12 of this chapter. If we would treat others, the way we would like to be treated, we would fulfill the law and the prophets. We would have a wonderful world in which to live. There is another scripture which was written by Paul to the Philippians, in Philippians 2:3

"...let each esteem other better than themselves."

Wow! If we could only do that successfully, everyday, instead of thinking like the Pharisee who we see in St. Luke 18:11 (Please read this section.)

"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this politician."

What the Pharisee was actually saying was: God, I'm better than this Publican. Jesus taught us to treat others as we wanted to be treated. Love others as we wish to be loved.

Jesus taught us in the Book of St. Matthew 7:13-14, we are to get on that strait and narrow way, and remain on it for life, for this is how we shall enter into Life Everlasting. Jesus, taught us without compromise, and without apology this message:

"....I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." St. John 14:6

Jesus is that Strait Gate. This is the gospel message. Jesus is the way, the only way to Eternal Life.

There is of course another way that one can choose to go, but that way does not, and never will lead to Eternal Life. Jesus mentions this in the second part of St. Matthew 7:13,

"......and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that which go in thereat."

If we took a walk in any large city, in the U.S., such as New York City, Los Angeles, California, or Las Vegas, Nevada, we would find thousands of people walking on that broad way. It would make most people say, "It must be alright, everybody can't be wrong!" That's true, "everybody can't be wrong!" And everyone is not wrong. There are some who have decided to come off the broad way, and get on the strait and narrow way, and live there.

Sermon Summary

We encourage you today, to get on that strait path by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Getting on that strait path is so easy, you don't even need eyes in order to see it. You simply need to believe the Word which the Bible teaches about Jesus, that he was born of a Virgin, that He grew up, and died on the cross for our sins. Please pray this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, I believe in You.

"I believe that you came to this earth as the Bible says.
"That you were born of a Virgin.
"That you died on the cross for my sins
"That you went into the grave and stayed 3 days,
"That on the third day, you rose from the dead, with all power in your hands,
"Please, forgive me, for all of my sins
"Come into my heart and save me
"And fill me with your Holy Spirit, and
"Lord, please write my name in the Book of Life, in Jesus name I pray. Amen"

author: Pastor T.W.