Filed under: Christ Likeness, God's Will, Grace, Kingdom of God, Salvation, Sin
As I’m preparing for the question 3 and I am becoming acutely aware of how much we as Christians proof text verses without really looking at what is bookending the verses we often quote. My next question is on 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.” (NIV)
Man…I’ve seen that verse so many times, and it’s always been a downer for me, just reading it it looks like defeat. That no matter how hard we try, only a few people will really be saved. Many people will go to hell. However…as I look at the verses leading up to that statement, then looking at the verses afterward, one must ask…does this really have anything to do with how many people make it “in” and how many people are “out?”
I’ve been struggling so much lately asking myself the emphasis we as Christians need to be placing on “sharing the gospel” in the sense of a salvation prayer. Are we really supposed to be notching it up on our bible covers the amount of people we lead through the “narrow” gate? Or in light of God’s sovereignty, do we really do anything?
Then…it strikes me…how do we preach the gospel to those who need water, food, and a warm bed? Is the gospel good news to someone who’s about to die? Pray this prayer with me so you can be my brother so I can take care of you. Does it really work this way? Isn’t God’s love Agape, unconditional, meaning I will be loving toward you know matter what, even if that means you’re not having said “The Prayer.” Did Jesus not feed the hungry, and heal sick, without condition?
The verses leading up to 13-14 talk about how to treat your brother in regard to judging him, being so careful how we judge each other as Christians. In verse 6, it even suggests that the life we receive as Christians (in regard to morality and right-living) is to be considered sacred and treated like a pearl. Something not thrown to pigs or dogs or people who have no appreciation for that way of life. The verse preceding verses 13-14 is also talking about God’s provision and how He loves to give to His children like we love to give to ours. However, verse 12 brings the previous 11 verses home with the golden rule. A truth so paramount in our society today, that it may not be even seen as scripture anymore…
”So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This sums up the law and the prophets??? Wow…this certainly says something in regard to my previous question. Especially if Jesus has fulfilled the law of the prophets.
What happens after Jesus tells about the narrow road? He talks about false prophets. He talks about how a good tree bears good fruit. Another way of saying, “We’ll know they are Christian, by their love.” as the old hymn says. Then Jesus makes it clear that only a person who “…does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”(verse 21) may enter the Kingdom. Jesus ends the parable with the famous houses built on sand cannot stand speech. A parable not about how much “knowledge” someone has…but, someone who “hears these words of mine and puts them into practice.“
What do I see going on before and after Verse 13-14? I see a general sense of how a person is to conduct themselves as a member of the Kingdom. No judging, asking God, doing to others as they would do to them self, watching out for false teachers, bearing good fruit, doing the will of the father, and putting His words into practice. There is a general sense of what is to be done as a Christian and how to live this life. What does this mean for Verse 13-14? We’ll find out in my next blog entry.
I know it’s been a while since I updated. But, I’m back! 
In my previous entry, I started some questions as a means of preparing for seminary. Well, I started dragging my feet in that department, listening to other voices and not really following God. As a means of really tuning into God and listening, I went on a one day personal retreat to really block out all other voices and really listen in and focus on what God is telling me. Few things stuck out. One thing was that God is not the God of happy trees and all good things(well He is…but, He not all about making that happen in our lives all the time), but a God who allows our struggles to achieve His greater purposes. A fancy way of saying that I don’t think He’s looking for me to take the easy way out when it comes to seminary. However, that is balanced with wisdom, and not just blindly venturing out to whatever seminary I think is best. So far, I know God wants me to stay in this area. I feel, though I don’t know what, that I have something offer here in New England. I know it’s outside of the standard evengelical church cookie cutter feel good light show that we’ve tended to make our churches these days. I also know that I’m not looking to start a church that’s so “cool” and culturally relevant that it’s all about being “different.” However, I think I’m looking toward step 256 when I’m on step three.
What is step three?
Two options at the moment.
Gordon-Conwell, where a good portion of my studies may be online, with an eventual move to the campus. Or, Bethel Seminary of the East at the Auburn, MA extension where I’d commute one day at week, for a five year grueling program that caters to working adults. What’s best, I don’t know? I know I need to talk to someone at Gordon as I’ve already been in contact with the Gordon people.
And now…for the questions! I’m going to continue with the questions until I’m done. Period. Please comment as it keeps me motivated knowing someone is actually reading.
