The Access Road to Heaven

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.  Matthew 7:13-14

The Access Road to Heaven

We all need directions in life whether we want to admit or not to get where we want to go. Jesus gave us some insight as to our itinerary through life.  Yesterday we talked about the deceptively easy way or the “wide path”.  Satan makes it so easy for us to get on the wrong path.  He is luring us around every bend and he is waiting to catch us when we are worn down and tired.  But the easy way only leads to trouble, not the life we are looking for.  The narrow way may is the way that leads to the life we seek. 

• It’s a Toll Road - You will not come to Jesus by accident or follow him by human nature.  It will cost you something.  The narrow way requires us to deny ourselves - our sinful desires, and selfish ways.  You cannot stay as you are and come to Jesus.

• It's a Demanding Road - "the way" looks much like "the gate".  Continuing fellowship brings continuing transformation.  A meaningful, purposeful life is not the product of chance but of decision. It’s a choice.  Great men are not the product of chance but determination.  The farther you go the narrower and more fulfilling it gets.  Freedom always costs because it makes us responsible.  Anytime we demand our rights, we are asking for responsibility.  

• It’s a Less -Traveled Road - Fewer friends but truer friends are on this road. When you choose your friends you basically choose your life. Proverbs says, "as iron sharpens iron so does a friend shape the countenance of his friend."   This is true also in religion. Beware when many desire It. 

• It’s an Important Road - It leads to eternal life, abundant life, Jesus Life.  This comes at the end of a narrow road.  You can only know the end by knowing the road. 

Christianity is a way of life, not just an event.  A Christian way of life has restrictions that establish character, integrity and identity.  Peter says we are a peculiar people that stand out from others.  We choose not to pursue worldly things in order to have a greater reputation and ministry. The great rewards of discipline create value, purpose and character. Taking the narrow path is not always easy, but it is a narrowness that leads to broad and lasting fulfillment, and everlasting life.  

Scripture to Claim:
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 1:24-25