October 20, 2015

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:13-20

“…it is abundantly evident from Scripture, that those who are truly gracious are under the government of the meek and benevolent spirit of Jesus Christ, and that this disposition is essential to the nature of saving grace, and is the proper spirit of true Christianity. We may therefore conclude, without hesitation, that all truly Christian affections are attended by such a spirit; and that this is the natural tendency of the fear and the hope, the sorrow and the joy, the confidence and the zeal of every true Christian.” Jonathan Edwards. (1703 – 1758) A Treatise on Religious Affections, “For All The Saints”, volume II (p. 967-968)

“For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life…” One of the things I have been preaching on recently is how hard, how difficult the way of the cross is for the followers of Christ. Recently we read the scripture where Jesus gives one of his central teachings: “If you want to become one of my followers, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.” I believe that the road to life has been accomplished for all who have accepted the challenge of following Jesus, in one manner or another. And in choosing to “remember” Jesus in our daily lives, we are not led down a road of pure gold, but onto one of the most difficult and challenging paths that we could imagine. Faith does not lead to a guarantee of a happy life with few problems. In fact, when we hear Jesus say that “The first will be last and servants of all”, we realize that the kingdom of G*d does not reward according to the world’s standards. In fact, when the disciples are overheard arguing among themselves who is the greatest, Jesus realizes he has a lot more to teach them about true greatness.

The gate is narrow and the road is hard….yes Jesus has done all that needs to be done, but there are plenty of narrow gates and hard roads for all of us. Don’t listen to the false prophets of our times who preach that true faith will lead to full pockets and full bellies for those who believe. There are plenty of believers who have empty pockets and hungry bellies – but they have a heaping amount of grace and blessings.

Pastor Dave