An expository sermon on Mathew 7:13,14 on Jesus sermon on the mount

1. Discipleship Sunday school class Every Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 a.m We are now starting Module #4 - Baptism CHURCH BULLETIN

2. WEDNESDAY 8 p.m. to 9 p.m .

3. The Master’s Youth Meeting Every Sunday at 1 p.m. CHURCH BULLETIN

4. Which way to Heaven ? Mathew 7: 13,14

7. What it takes to enter the narrow gate: 1.) The narrow gate must be entered alone – We can bring no one else and nothing else. People do not come to God’s Kingdom by group but singly. The Jews had the mistaken belief and was rebuked by Jesus and John the Baptist. 2.) We must go through the narrow gate without our baggage – The way to the cross is a way of self denial. (Mathew 16:24,25, Luke 18:22,23, Mathew 18:3, Luke 18:3) 3.) To enter the narrow gate demands repentance – Many Jews believe that simply being a Jew was sufficient for entrance to the Kingdom. Many people today believe that being in church qualifies them for heaven. Unfortunately they are mistaken. Repentance is required to enter the narrow gate. (Acts 20:21, Mark 1:14,15, Luke 3:1 to 6)

8. -The two gates leads to two ways. The gate that is wide leads to a broad way, the gate that is narrow, leads to a narrow way. B.) Two ways “ 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; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way , which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14 - The way that is broad is the easy and attractive way. There are a few rules, few restriction and requirements. No commitment needed. - The narrow way is a demanding way, a way of self denial. “Strait” or “Narrow” comes from the Greek word “Stenos” which means to groan as being under pressure. Used figuratively to represent restriction or constriction.

10. C.) Two destinations “ 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; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14 Both the broad and narrow way points to the good life, salvation, God, the Kingdom and blessing. But only the narrow actually leads to those. “ Destruction” refers to total ruin or loss. It is the destination of all man made efforts. - The Narrow way leads to eternal life. (John 14:2-3)

11. C.) Two Groups “ 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 ; because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it.” – Mathew 7:13,14 - Going into the two gates and traveling the two ways headed for the two destinations are two groups of people. Those who go through the wide gate and the broad gate are many. (Mathew 7:22,23) - Those who enter the narrow gate and walk the narrow way are few not because the gate is small or the way is too narrow to accommodate people. There is no limit to God’s grace. He earnestly desires that all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) In perfect harmony with his absolute sovereignty God has allowed men to choose Him or not. The choice is now yours.