Know Your Bible

“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.” (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)
In these two verses, Jesus presents us with a choice—two gates, two roads, and two destinations. It is a contrast between two ways of living. One is easy, wide, and more people use it, but it leads to destruction. The other is narrow, difficult, and less people use it, yet it leads to life. Jesus is teaching us about the path of life and the nature of true discipleship.
1. The Wide Gate and the Broad Road
The first image Jesus presents is of a wide gate leading to a broad road, one that many choose to walk. This broad road is inviting, spacious, and full of options. It requires little effort and allows for all kinds of choices and lifestyles. On this road, people can carry their baggage of sin, pride, and self-will without any worry.
But what does Jesus say about this road? He warns that it leads to destruction. This is a sobering reminder that not all paths lead to God. The broad road represents a life lived without regard for God’s will or His ways. It is a life lived according to worldly values, where moral boundaries are flexible, and personal gratification is the highest goal.
Many choose this road because it appears easier and more accommodating. In our modern world, this broad road is the path of moral relativism, where truth is subjective, and faith in God is seen as unnecessary or even restrictive. But Jesus, in His love for us, warns that the end of this road is not freedom but destruction—separation from God and the loss of eternal life.
2. The Narrow Gate and the Hard Road
In contrast, Jesus calls us to enter through the narrow gate. This gate is small, and the road beyond it is narrow. What does this mean? The narrow gate represents Jesus Himself. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” To enter through the narrow gate is to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, to trust in Him for salvation, and to follow Him with all our hearts.
But Jesus also describes the road that follows the narrow gate as hard. It is a path of self-denial, obedience, and submission to God’s will. It is a road where we must let go of sin, pride, and selfish ambition. It is a road that requires faithfulness in the face of trials and perseverance in the face of opposition.
This road is narrow not because God wants to make it difficult for us but because it requires commitment and discipline. It is a road of discipleship, where we grow in holiness and love for God and others. It may not be the popular road, but it is the one that leads to life—abundant life now and eternal life with God.
3. Few Find It, But It Is Worth It
Jesus also makes a startling observation: “Only a few find it.” The narrow road is not the road most traveled. It can feel lonely at times. It requires us to go against the current of the world’s values and to live by faith, not by sight. But it is the road that leads to true life.
As Christians, we are called to walk this road in faith, trusting that God’s way is always best, even when it seems hard. The life that Jesus offers is not simply about rules and restrictions; it is about a relationship with Him. The narrow road is the path of freedom from sin, peace in our hearts, and the joy of walking with our Creator. And though the journey may be difficult, the destination is glorious.
4. Choosing the Narrow Road Every Day
The choice between the narrow and broad roads is not a one-time decision; it is a daily choice. Each day, we are faced with temptations to take the easier path, to compromise our faith, or to seek comfort over commitment. But Jesus calls us to choose the narrow road every day, to walk closely with Him, and to follow His example of love, humility, and obedience.
The narrow road may be hard, but we do not walk it alone. Jesus Himself is with us, guiding us, strengthening us, and encouraging us. And the reward is great—eternal life in the presence of God.

Jesus’ message in Matthew 7:13-14 is clear: the road to life is narrow, and few choose to walk it, but it is the only road that leads to true and lasting joy. The wide and easy road may seem attractive, but it leads to destruction.
Let us, therefore, enter through the narrow gate. Let us commit ourselves to walking the narrow road, no matter the cost, because the life that Jesus offers is worth every sacrifice. Choose the narrow path, and you will find the peace, hope, and eternal life that only God can give.Amen.

Jude 1:14–16 (NKJV)

“Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.’ These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”

Today we come to a sobering, yet essential passage in the book of Jude. These few verses pack a heavy punch. Jude reminds us of an ancient prophecy from Enoch, a man who walked with God in the days before the flood, and was taken up — he never saw death. Enoch’s words echo down through history as a trumpet blast to awaken the slumbering and warn the rebellious: The Lord is coming.

Not just in gentleness and mercy — but in judgment.

This is not a popular message today. We like to talk about grace, and we should! But grace only makes sense in the context of truth. And the truth is, there is a day of reckoning. And Jude is telling us, don’t be fooled by smooth talkers, don’t be deceived by religious disguises — judgment is coming, and we must be ready.

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1. The Certainty of the Lord’s Coming

Look at verse 14: “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints…”

This is not a metaphor. This is not a fairy tale. Enoch saw it — a vision of the Lord returning in power, surrounded by His heavenly host. Revelation 19 confirms it. Jesus will return, not riding a lowly donkey this time, but on a white horse, as King of kings and Lord of lords. He’s coming not to be crucified, but to be crowned.

So what does that mean for us?

It means we must live with urgency. You don’t have time to play games with God. You don’t have time to keep dabbling in sin, thinking you’ll clean it up later. The trumpet could sound today. And when He comes, it won’t be to negotiate. It will be to judge.

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2. The Purpose of His Coming: Judgment and Conviction

Verse 15 says: “to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly…”

Notice the repetition of that word “ungodly.” It’s mentioned four times in one verse. That’s no accident. Jude is making it crystal clear: God is not just judging wicked deeds — He’s judging an ungodly posture, an ungodly heart. These are people who have pushed God out of their thinking, their living, and their speaking.

Some people say, “Well, I’m a good person.” But Jude says God will judge even the attitude behind the actions. He sees the motives. He hears the words spoken in secret. He sees the hidden rebellion of the heart.

We can fool people — but we cannot fool God.

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3. The Character of the Ungodly

Verse 16 gives us a glimpse of who these people are:

“These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.”

Church, doesn’t that sound familiar? Our culture has made complaining a pastime. Grumbling has become a personality trait. People are ruled by their desires and chase after what feels good instead of what is good.

Even in the church, there are some who speak flattering words just to gain influence — they say what people want to hear, not what they need to hear.

Let me say this clearly: God is not impressed by charisma. He is looking for character.

So I ask you today — are you living for Him, or for yourself? Are you surrendering to His will, or complaining because it doesn’t match your preferences? Are your words building people up or manipulating for your own gain?

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A Call to Repentance and Readiness

The Lord is coming. That is the message of Enoch, and it is the message of Jude. And here is the good news: Though He comes in judgment, today is still the day of grace.

Jesus took the judgment we deserved at the cross. He bore the wrath of God so that anyone who believes in Him would not face that judgment when He returns.

But listen — if you reject that grace, you will face that judgment. And it will be just. There will be no appeals. No second chances.

So I urge you: Repent. Turn back. Stop playing church. Stop pretending to be godly while living ungodly.

Let your heart be broken before God. Let your mouth be filled with His praise instead of complaints. Let your life be marked by humility, not swelling words.

The Lord is coming. Will you be ready?

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Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, Your Word is clear. You are holy. You are just. And You are coming. Wake us up, Lord. Shake us out of spiritual slumber. Help us to walk in the fear of the Lord and the grace of Christ. Let not one soul leave here unchanged. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1 John 4:18 (KJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Humans are fearful beings. Survival is our primary goal, and the fear of death is one that many people struggle with for their entire lives. God has given us the chance to live without that primary fear. God has allowed all Christians to not fear judgment day and enjoy everlasting life. God’s love for us is without fear, but can we say the same? This should be our ultimate goal, one that we must strive for. The reward: a life in heaven, next to our savior, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Introduction:

1. In our journey of faith, one of the most profound truths we can grasp is that we are saved by God’s grace, not by our own efforts.

2. Grace is God’s unmerited favor—His gift to us, freely given, though undeserved.

3. Let’s explore what it means to be saved by grace through faith and how this truth impacts our relationship with God.

I. Grace: The Undeserved GiftGod’s Initiative, Not Ours: From the beginning, it was God who took the initiative to save us (John 3:16). We did nothing to earn this love.Mercy over Justice: Grace means that instead of receiving the judgment we deserve, we receive mercy.The Cost of Grace: Although grace is free to us, it came at the highest price—Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

II. Faith: The Means by Which We Receive GraceFaith as Trust in God: Faith isn’t just belief; it’s a trusting relationship with God. To have faith is to trust in Jesus’ work on our behalf, not our own efforts.Faith, Not Works: We are not saved by our good works or accomplishments, but by God’s grace accessed through our faith in Jesus.Example of Abraham: Romans 4 describes how Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness. He trusted God’s promises, not his own ability to fulfill them.

III. Saved for a PurposeCreated for Good Works: Ephesians 2:10 says we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Good Works as a Response, Not a Requirement: Our good deeds are a response to God’s love, not a means to earn it.Faith Leads to Transformation: When we are saved by grace, our hearts and lives begin to change. True faith leads to actions that reflect Jesus’ love.

IV. Living in Assurance of SalvationSecurity in God’s Promise: When we trust in God’s grace, we can rest in the assurance that our salvation is secure, not dependent on our performance.Humility and Gratitude: Understanding grace leads to a humble and grateful heart, knowing that we’ve done nothing to deserve it.Encouragement to Walk in Faith: We are invited to walk daily by faith, trusting God’s grace to carry us through all of life’s challenges.

Conclusion:

1. Being saved by grace through faith reminds us that it is all God’s work in us. Our role is to believe and trust in Him.

2. As we embrace this truth, may we live lives that reflect God’s grace, drawing others to Him through our love, faith, and humility.

3. Let us celebrate and thank God daily for the gift of salvation and the assurance of His unending grace.

Closing Prayer:

Thank you Lord for the gift of grace and salvation through Jesus. We ask for a deeper faith in your word and promises. Help us to walk without fear as we do your work and bring glory to your name. Lord, we thank you for the mercy you have shown to us for we are all sinners not worthy to be in your presence. Help us Lord to grow and walk more in your ways, helping us to let go of our sin and worldly desires. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son. And he sent out his servants to call those who had been invited to the wedding, but they would not come.
“Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited: Now I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened animals have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the marriage.’
“But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his business. And the rest took his servants, mistreated them and killed them.
“But when the king heard of it, he was angry, and he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and invite everyone you find to the marriage.’
“So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together everyone they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man who was not wearing a wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Tie him up hand and foot, take him away, and throw him into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“For many are called, but few are chosen”.
Matthew 22:2-14

The Gospel invitation goes out to a many, but only a few show themselves to be actually the chosen of God.

“Many are Called, but Few are Chosen” (Verse 14): The parable ends with this sobering statement. While God calls many through the gospel, only those who respond in faith and obedience are chosen to enter His kingdom. It’s not enough to simply hear the gospel or be invited to the banquet; we must respond to the invitation by receiving Christ and living in obedience to Him.

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet is a reminder of God’s grace, the seriousness of our response to His call, and the importance of being clothed in the righteousness of Christ. God invites all of us to the wedding banquet, but how will we respond? Will we accept His invitation, or will we be too distracted by worldly concerns? Will we come properly clothed in Christ’s righteousness, or will we rely on our own works?

Let us take this parable to heart and respond to God’s invitation with humility, faith, and gratitude, knowing that He has prepared a place for us in His eternal kingdom.

Isaiah 43:1

But now thus says the LORD
who created you, O Jacob,
and he who formed you,
O Israel:
“Fear not,
for I have redeemed you,
I have called you
by your name;
you are mine.

This chapter states God’s relationship to the people of Israel. He is their Creator (v 1), their Redeemer (v 1,14), their Saviour (v 3), their King (v 15), and Protector (v 2), One Who loves them (v 4), and Who will restore them (vs 5,6), and forgive them (v 25). Israel failed to do what they should have done (vs 22-24), and God had to punish them for it (v 28), but He would not fail (v 25). The people of Israel on their side of the relationship were to be witnesses (vs 10,12) and glorifiers of God (v 21). There is sweet truth in this chapter for all who trust the God of Israel as their God and Savior.

Genesis 8:21 (KJV) And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.

The worship of believing, obedient hearts is pleasing to God. In the Old Testament their sacrifices were like a pleasing aroma also because they spoke of Christ. The word translated “soothing” is from a Hebrew word meaning (among other things) “to give rest to, to quieten”. Possibly the word indicates that the “soothing aroma” of burnt offerings alleviate God’s wrath against man’s sin (because it spoke of the then future sacrifice of Christ). Lev 1:9.

Every child is born into the world with a sinful nature. So every inclination of his heart will be away from God’s holy standards. His thoughts and desires will be self-centered, not God-centered. It will be necessary to teach him to do right – the wrong he will do is by nature.

We are all guilty of making a promise we couldn’t keep! Our promises can be unrealistic or unattainable and we have no control over unseen obstacles that make it impossible to keep our end of the bargain. God is in control and all things happen according to His plan. He is the only one with the ability to always keep a promise. He is dependable, trustworthy and reliable as He promises to love us and forgive us when we sin against Him.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Paul warns Timothy of false teachers and how quickly they can twist Scripture to say what people desire instead of what is true. We face the same danger in the world today. Some become bored with the Gospel and add to it what they want. Others take the Word and bend it to the desires of the people they teach. Either way, we must keep our eyes and ears open for false prophesy, cling to Scripture, and speak out when we observe imposters leading believers astray.

“Following their own desires”– such people wish to do what they please and hear what pleases them. Their question is not “what is true?” but “what makes me feel good?” (though they would not put it in these words). They do not want the truth, because the truth condemns their way of life and interferes with what they want to do. So they draw back from the light of truth into the darkness. This is their great sin and condemnation. To receive God’s salvation we must desire the truth above everything else. But these people do not desire it and do not want to desire it. They will prefer empty stories to God’s truth.

We do not like to be wrong, and our egos become bruised when we stand corrected. The Bible provides details as to how we should conduct our lives so that we align with the will of God. We read the Word of God and gain wisdom regarding sins we need to remove from our lives. People who enjoy their sinful lifestyles don’t want to hear they are wrong; they deflect from the truth and do what they want to do instead of what God asks of them. We will continue to study the Word and understand truth from false prophecy.

Matthew 11:15 (KJV) He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Psalms 31:24 (KJV) Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

No matter what the difficulties, God is still in control and believers can safely rest on the foundation of His sure promise. Being shaken by threats, slanders, and dangers, giving in to depression, fear, and weakness must have no place in the believer’s life.

We become fearless amid earthly struggles because the Lord is on our side! The power of His name will frighten the enemy and strengthen our hearts to weather any storm. We have hope when faced with physical and spiritual dilemmas because the Lord is always present and willing to carry our burdens. Our relationship with our Heavenly Father grows stronger each day, and we will continue to lift our voices in praise for His amazing love.

John 8:31-32 (KJV) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Disciples are those who choose the Lord Jesus as their teacher, who learn from Him in order to obey, who follow where He leads. Here He says only those who continue to do this are true disciples. The proof of discipleship is in perseverance. Some appear to begin well, but soon leave Christ’s teachings and go their own way. Such were never true disciples, not “disciples indeed”.

Christ came to set men free. What is this freedom? Not political freedom, not freedom from physical slavery, but freedom from the bondage of sin. Along with that He gives freedom from guilt and punishment, from the condemnation of God’s holy law, from fear of death, from the chains of the world and its empty way of living, from the bonds of possession, from any tie that would prevent us from fully following Christ and serving God . It is spiritual freedom He gives. And it is a “glorious liberty” which is possible only in the way of Christ.

How does Christ give this freedom? Through the knowledge of the truth. A true disciple comes to know Christ who is the Truth and the truth about Christ – who He is and why He came to earth and what He accomplished here. He will also learn the truth about himself and about salvation and the meaning of other great teachings Christ has given. This knowledge of the truth is the only way to liberation.

Men are held in bondage by the lies of Satan and other men, especially lies in religion, by sin, by unbelief and by ignorance of the truth of Christ. The truth that sets men free is Christ’s truth alone.