the basic message # E158
Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
“Only a few find it.” That’s heavy, my friend. Are you one of the few? I pray that I am, but I’m not positive. Let me explain. You see, I think that everyone should simply assume that he’s going to Hell unless he can prove otherwise. For most Christians, they would begin and end their proof by saying, “I believe in Jesus Christ”. Wonderful start, but there’s more, much more. I heard a sermon today in which the pastor stated boldly that he thought only 50% of his congregation was truly saved. Very few pastors would have the guts to step-up and make a statement like that. It seems we have become a world in which we don’t want anyone to remotely suggest that we’re less than perfect. “The Power of Positive Thinking” might be a good philosophy for many facets of life, but positive thinking never got anyone to Heaven. Only Jesus Christ, and he alone, can make that happen, and Jesus is looking for more than the acknowledgement of his existence.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
I tend to believe that most of the Christian church today is saying, “Lord, Lord”, but not doing the will of God. I think that’s what the pastor mentioned above is talking about. He has plenty of “Lord, Lord” people in his church that have nothing to show for their relationship with Jesus. Make no mistake, if you’ve met Jesus and you’ve decided to follow him, your life will indeed change. People that drink, curse and engage in the sinful lifestyle of the world can indeed come to the foot of the cross and seek Jesus. But if that individual proclaims a relationship with Christ but continues living the same lifestyle he is sadly mistaken. Some people are muttering about how old John is getting judgmental again, and to those people I suggest: Check your own salvation.
Matthew 7:19-20
“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
Every passage in this week’s message is spoken by Jesus Christ. In this passage Jesus isn’t talking about the world, he’s talking about the church. Why would he care if the unsaved don’t bear good fruit? It wouldn’t make a bit of difference if an unsaved person was the most kind, compassionate individual in the world- he’s still going to Hell. No, Jesus is talking about the church and how we should be open for the fruit inspector to check out our lives. Who is the fruit inspector? It can be any true believer as long as we’re willing to be scrutinized. Sadly, the bulk of today’s pastors and their congregations love to shout “judgmentalism” when someone even suggests a fruit inspection. This sad state of affairs is probably sending more people to Hell everyday than anything else. The false feeling of security that many Christians have is indeed a tragic situation. Do yourself a favor and find one truly Godly person and ask them sincerely; “Take a good look at my life and tell me the truth about what you see.” May I begin by asking you?: Take a good look at my life and tell me the truth about what you see. I’ll be waiting.