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Do you like a challenge? Jesus presented a challenge to all to enter into the way of life eternal through the straight gate, in contrast to the broad gate. The spiritually liberal (the broad gate) look upon those who see the necessity of entering through the straight gate and walking the narrow way as being narrow minded. Mt. 7:13-14 Most unfortunately, the broad way, the easy going, casual Christian life is not sufficient. The end of a lackadaisical, ho hum, half hearted attempt to follow a church, a pastor or a religion is destined and termed to end in destruction, by none other than the Lord Jesus. This is the popular, the easy way and many follow it.
The challenge is in following the Lord through the narrow gate and down the path of the narrow way. It is a life that is contrary to the desires of the natural, the carnal, human spirit with which all are born into this world. It will lead to a complete change of desire and attitude. Where our lifeís were once dominated by the god of this world we are now free from his clutches to serve the Lord with all of our hearts. There must be a definite choice, we will follow the true and living God or the god of this world. It is impossible to serve both at one and the same time. Luke 16:13.
A strong desire for freedom from oppressive political leadership is constantly being expressed in countries around the world. True, perfect liberty is to be found in the Lord Jesus. A liberty from the bondages of sin and iniquity. He whom the Son sets free, is fee indeed. John 8:36 All are born in sin and sharpened in iniquity. Ps. 51:5 The same bondage, slavery to the works of the flesh, is common to all mankind. Entering in through the straight gate, the Lord Jesus, the servant of sin, the captive, is liberated to enjoy the rest and peace of the Lord. Mt. 11:28.
Jesus at times seemed to challenge individuals to a condition of a sinless life which was beyond their capability, or was it? Jesus having healed the helpless man who was waiting at the pool to be healed, He commanded him to go and sin no more, less a worse illness come upon him. John 5:14 The same message was delivered to the woman taken in adultery. John 8:11 The admonition of the Apostle Paul was to stand fast, maintain strongly the liberty which we have found in the Lord Jesus. For by Him and in Him we have been set free from all sin. His pardon is complete. Go and sin no more. Take heed that the old bondages are not allowed to be revived. Gal. 5:1 Strive to enter in through the straight gate, walk the narrow way. It really pays off.