Only Two Choices broad is the way that
Only Two Choices
“broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ”
“Few are they who find it… ”
Where are you on your spiritual journey? Are you heading the right direction? g n i d a e h u ? o y y a Are rong w w e th
Two Gates
The Wide Gate • Allows Many to Enter with No Sacrifice on their part –Not giving up anything –Bring whatever “baggage” they desire –Chosen by MOST PEOPLE! • No restrictions • The “Path of least resistance”
The Narrow Gate • Requires self-denial & obedience – Matthew 16: 24 • Has no room for: –Obsessive desire for earthly goods – Matthew 6: 19, 20 –Unforgiving spirit – Matthew 16: 14, 15 –Self-righteousness – Isaiah 65: 5
Two Ways
The Broad Way • Any behavior one desires! • No need for reformation or “lifestyle” changes • “Open-minded” • “Tolerant” of others
The Constricted Way • “Narrow” or “difficult” way • Difficult Because it requires: – Righteousness that exceeds that of many religious people – Matthew 5: 20 – Change in behavior – Colossians 3: 5 • Because of difficulty, many choose NOT to travel its path: – Too confining – Too narrow-minded
TWO GROUPS
THE MANY • Matthew 7: 13 “many go in by it” • Reasons Why: –Wide entrance – “Come as you are! NO changes necessary!” –Way Broad – “Make your own rules! Believe what you want! Do what you want!
THE FEW • Matthew 7: 14 “few who find it” • Proven true in the past: –Millions lost in flood vs. eight saved on the Ark (Noah & Family) –Hundreds of thousands lost in wilderness vs. two who entered the promised land (Joshua & Caleb)
THE FEW • Matthew 7: 14 “few who find it” • Jesus warned on another occasion. Luke 13: 23, 24 “many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able” • “Found” suggests effort must be extended – Luke 13: 24 • Not just EFFORT but Right Kind of EFFORT- Matthew 6: 33
Destruction • 2 Thessalonians 1: 7 -9 “everlasting destruction” • Revelation 20: 15 “lake that burns with fire & brimstone”
LIFE • “Everlasting life” – Matthew 25: 46 • The “gift of God” – Romans 6: 22, 23 • It is For: – Those set free from Sin – Romans 6: 3 -7 – Slaves of God & Righteousness – Romans 6: 17, 18 – Those who bore fruit of holiness. Romans 6: 20 -22
Sobering Thoughts: • “…and there are few that find it. ” • Jesus describes: –Two Gates –Two Ways –Two Groups –Two Destinations
DO ?
According to Jesus: • There are only TWO ROADS (ways) • One leads to LIFE (Heaven) • The Other, filled with many people, with many different beliefs, leads to destruction!
Which Road Will You Travel?
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