Gates of Praise & Salvation Church

"STRIVE TO ENTER IN AT THE STRAIGHT GATE ..."

Those of us who serve the Lord (those who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior and follow after Him) are to be mindful of His admonition in these last days:

"Strive to enter in at the straight gate, for many ... will seek to enter in and shall not be able." - (Luke 13:24-30). (1)

In other words:  get into the press toward entering the Kingdom of God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might; because many think they have entered in but they have not - not according to the scriptures. (2) Also, let us repent and shun this worldly casual manner in which many have chosen to relate to the Lord but not considering what the Lord's word says about how we should relate to Hm. (3)

And because many are not seeking the Lord the with the whole heart (cr. John 4:24); many are not laying to heart some of the things which God hath appointed to His people to endure during this test of time. (4)

We cannot have a casual relationship with the Lord and expect Him to fulfill his promises to us (cr. Revelations 3:15-16).  For example, if we are not standing in this world as a light (an example) of the Lord's words and ways, we prove ourselves to be liars.  For the scripture says: "...God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say we have fellowship (communion) with Him, and walk in darkness (practice the works/deeds of the flesh - Ephesians 5:1-21), we lie, and do not the truth (or practice His ways)" - (I John 1:5-7).

Salvation is conditional - for we have to repent from sin, confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and follow Him. (5) Likewise, returning to Heaven is conditional:  "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him ..." - (II Timothy 2:12); and our suffering starts the moment we begin to stand on His word. (6)

Therefore, "Take heed lest you fall." - (I Corinthians 10:12), because we can "come short" of the glory of God - (Hebrews 4:1-12); and if we do not "fulfill all righteousness" - which hath been appointed to us (Matthew 3:15) - we lose.

Also, the scripture says:  "everyone that striveth for the mastery (those that are continually witnessing the Lord, and His words; and preaching and/or teaching in sincerety and in truth) ... are not crowned except they strive lawfully (devote serious effort and energy; struggle in opposition; and contend according to His word)" - (I Corinthians 9:25).  Therefore. let us seek to enter into the rest of the Lord - (Hebrews 3:1-18), because "... many ... will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." - (Luke 13:24)

Finally, remember, there are two (2) sides to eternity: "... everlasting punishment ..." and "... life eternal." (Matthew 25:46) - and because time is wrapping up, and we do not have much time to dilly dally. Which side have you chose?  Consider it carefully, and if it is to be with the Lord, move toward Him diligently, as His word has commanded - (Philippians 3:14).

REFERENCES: (King James Version - Study Bible with Jesus Christ's words in Red)

1) Luke 13:24-30; Matthew 7:13-23; Matthew 5:19-20; Matthew 19:28-30; John 7:34-38; John 8:12-55; John 13:33-35; Romans 9:31-32 & Romans 8:4-14

2) Deuteronomy 6:1-5; Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:29-31; & Luke 10:25-28

3) Malachi Chapters 1-3; John 4:24: Romans 7:6; Romans 8:14; & I Corinthians 2:12-15

4) Deuteronomy 8:2 & 16; Jeremiah 24:5-7 Luke 16:16; I Corinthians 9:13-18; I Corinthians 10:5-22; II Timothy 2:2-12; Titus 2:11-15; & Hebrews 12:5-11

5) Acts 2:38; Romans 10:9-17; Matthew 16:23-27; & Matthew 19:28-30

6) II Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:9-21; I Peter 4:1-19; & I Peter 5:1

NOW, "... LET HIM THAT READETH UNDERSTAND ..." (MARK 13:14) AND, MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ACCORDING TO HIS WORD (ISAIAH 1:19-20).