Wide and Narrow Gates 

  Conclusion

     The "Sermon on the Mount" as it is known (Matthew chap. 5-7) would have helped the people if they all had tape recorders. As it was, the crowd was amazed, "...because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." 

     As with the other "gospels," the Holy Spirit gave the former tax collector, a disciple of Jesus, the words of this book in the A.D. 60s. We learn what God wants of and for us if we search the scriptures with all our hearts. 

     We're warned about judging others but not ourselves. We're told to ask, seek and knock on God's door by prayer...and to do to others what we want them to do for us. We are God's workmanship, with responsibility. It all matters, because...

     When we die, our souls are taken to heaven, or to hell. Jesus often referred to hell. We can obey the ongoing conditions for salvation, receiving God's grace by the Lord's sacrificial death. Many Christians are satisfied to attend church on Sundays. But, we are called to pray and let our light shine seven days a week.  

     We don't want to hear Jesus say, "I never knew you."  

     The narrow way and the narrow gate are available. 

"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn (first in position) from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." - Colossians 1:18