<<<please stop with your constant critical judgment of everyone here>>>
Sadly we live in an era where people believe that unless someone makes you feel good about yourself they are in error. This concept has crept into the house of God where it does not belong.
It is the letter that killeth but the spirit quickens. Would to God more people sat under a ministry that spoke out against sin and the depravity of man. But it doesn't stop there, I'm saying the altars should be full of repenting sinners with sincere hearts and a deep cry in their souls for a touch from the living God. But people only repent if they know they've trangressed. Don't judge my words as cold until you are truly certain you know my motive.
I have watched many on this thread attempting to widen the gate and broaden the way that leads to life because they either don't know the precepts of God or they just want to make a name for themselves.
It was the Lord who said in matt 7 that few find life, Why few? Because the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to eternal life. Instead of sugar coating the way in an attempt to lure some in we should watch our own steps and preach the truth only. Our speech to those who are not saved should be "yes I am on a straight path and the way is very narrow, if you want to go where I'm going then consider what it will cost you, if you do not have the same vision of glory that I have then I pity you because without a vision people perish. Also the Lord says in another passage, strive to enter in for many shall seek to enter in and will not be able. Notice that the Lord said only those who strive will enter. The world is full of seekers but in the end they will all be disappointed if they don't also strive.
Shalom I know you have read the Pilgrims progress so let me show you a passage that has impressed me for many years.
I saw also, that the Interpreter took him again by the hand, and led him into a pleasant place, where was builded a stately Palace, beautiful to behold; at the sight of which, Christian was greatly delighted; he saw also upon the top thereof certain persons walking, who were cloathed all in Gold. Then said Christian, May we go in hither? Then the interpreter took him and led him up toward the Door of the Palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a litttle distance from the door, at a table side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the name of him that should enter therein: He saw also, that in the doorway stood many men in armour to keep it, being resolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief they could . Now was Christian somewhat in a maze: At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, christian saw a man of a very stout countenance, come up to the man that sat there to write, sayng, Set down my name, Sir; the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet upon his head, and rush toward the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force: But the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward in the palace; at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying,
Come in, Come in;
Eternal Glory thou shalt win
So he went in, and was clothed with such a garment as they.
Again I would reiterate that word from the Lord, Strive to enter in for many shall seek to enter and shall not be able.
For the kingdom of God suffereth violence and the violent take it by force.
I tell you the truth, you cannot bring your heritage through that straight and narrow gate (This is not specifically directed at you) because you will be rejected. You'll think your walking the straight and narrow when your not.
Chris
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