It’s easy to say the prayer of salvation. What’s not easy is daily laying down your way, will, and very life to follow Jesus. Jesus died and paid for our sin and that salvation is a free gift; we can never work to earn it. Ephesians 2:8 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God." However, fully accepting Christ and walking in His Way will cost you everything.
A quick look in the Scriptures at the lives of twelve disciples and the Apostle Paul, reveals that this level of willingness and sacrifice is required of every single Christian. It’s not optional. Jesus covered this numerous times in His preaching and teaching: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
The way is difficult because every single person is called to set aside themselves, including all desires and dreams, to do the Will of the Father at all costs. This includes the worldly idols and comforts that we so desperately cling to. In Mark 10:17-27, the rich young ruler's love for riches kept him from entering the narrow gate. Although the young ruler had followed many of the commandments, his heart was still attached to his great wealth. In the end, his love for money was greater than his love to follow Jesus. This story serves as an example to us and a warning. We must be willing to lay down anything to follow Jesus.
In this topic, Paztuh Mike will take us through the gospels and explain the parables and teachings of Jesus concerning the narrow road. The message will convict hearts and minds about what it truly means to make a profession of Christ, and the importance of casting any other idols aside.
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