CHOICES: CHOOSING THE NARROW GATE

                         

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CHOICES: CHOOSING THE NARROW GATE

"… Enter…in at the strait gate for WIDE is the GATE and BROAD is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the GATE, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it…” (Matthew 7:14 KJV).

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The NARROW gate symbolizes the single WAY, path, highway, or road people take that allows them to follow the DEEDS (choices) that lead them straight to LIFE. "… Enter…in at the strait gate for … strait is the GATE, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it…” (Matthew 7:14 KJV).

“ … what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.  Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives …” (Galatians 5:15-21 MSG).

The WAY of the Spirit appear to be a difficult path to most people nevertheless, it is STILL the WAY to LIFE. “…Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV).

The seemingly difficult NARROW WAY is often filled with the reality of spiritual adventure, multiple supernatural options, and gratification from the indwelling Spirit you will NEVER experience ANY other WAY. “…I am come that THEY MIGHT have life, and that THEY MIGHT have it more abundantly…” (John 10:10 KJV). “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

The NARROW “WAY” is the ONLY way to become functional again. “…apart from Me  (the Holy Spirit) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

The NARROW WAY will help you get yourself BACK together again; body, soul, and Spirit. “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

The NARROW WAY is about being restored again to the “image” and “likeness” of God through the “breath of life.”  “…And the LORD God … breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in … [you]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

When God breathed “the breath of Life” into Adam and Eve they became ALIVE. “…and man (woman) became a living soul …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God created man with a body, soul, and his SPIRIT! Thus, “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). You can’t even be ALIVE!

The NARROW WAY is the path to RESTORATION to God’s original creation of body, soul, and Spirit. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

To KEEP it “very good” God said to Adam and Eve: “…Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

However Satan, the murderer and liar, came along and said:  “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

“…The highway to hell is broad … for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). 

“…The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The good UNION with God was destroyed. “…the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

Remember, “….God saw … it (his creation, including mankind-body, soul, & spirit) was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).  However, “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

 “…She took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

At “THAT” very moment “they” DIED as God HAD said. … Thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

 “… [Their] … iniquities … [immediately] … separated [them]… from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…Every man (or woman) is tempted, when … [they are] … drawn away of his (or her) own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

“…At that moment their eyes were opened… [AND] …Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV & Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

“…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

 “… [They were] …separated … from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They were NOW “…DEAD in trespasses and sin…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Through … [Adam and Eve] … sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).

God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit SEPARATED from man and the “image” and “likeness” of God was detached. Now you could say: “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (Body) … [but] … the breath of life (Spirit) … [separated] … and man became a … [dead] … soul (Soul) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV)."… Enter…in at the strait gate for … strait is the GATE, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life…” (Matthew 7:14 KJV). “…I am the way,,, the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).

The NARROW WAY leads a man or woman BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness?”  “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The NARROW WAY is how God RESTORES your body and soul again with His Spirit.  God says: “…I will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV). God is the “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).  Thus, “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

God WANTS you BACK, but it is your CHOICE to enter the NARROW WAY he has supplied. “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). Thus, “... God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV). God “…spared not his own Son, [from becoming the WAY,] but delivered him up for us all?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT).

“….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The LORD God … [sent forth] … his … [son;]… the breath of life and man became a living soul … [again] …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

“…We were dead in our transgressions … [God] … MADE US alive together with Christ …” (Ephesians 2:5, 16 NASB). Like the prodigal son, “… [YOU (were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV).

The NARROW WAY leads to LIFE and the BROAD WAY leads to destruction. “….When you follow the desires of your sinful nature (the BROAD way), the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life WILL NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. …” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT).

The NARROW WAY restores the DEAD soul from SIN, its effects, and its consequences. “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB).

Those who enter into the NARROW WAY are “IN” Christ and are AGAIN” connected to his Spirit (Luke 15:24 NIV). “IN” Christ MEANS you are CONNECTED with God, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17). “… abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…I am the vine, you are the branches…” (John 15:1-11 NASB).

You may EXIST. You may be physically ALIVE. You may be breathing, but you can and are ONLY spiritually ALIVE through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God is the ONLY one who can RESTORE spiritual LIFE. “…It is the SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou… Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory …[life,]… and beauty …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Once you enter into the NARROW WAY the indwelling Holy Spirit becomes the PROOF that YOUR soul has been MADE “ALIVE” again and you are NOW a “child of God.”  “… The Spirit Himself testifies … [within us] … that we are children of God…” (Romans 8:16 NASB). . “…And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all…” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

The NARROW WAY satisfies the SOUL. “… My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:14 NASB).  “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…” (Psalms 23 KJV).

The NARROW WAY leads you to LIFE. “… [YOU (were]…. DEAD and [you have been made]… ALIVE AGAIN…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). God the “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).

The NARROW WAY GIVES LIFE TO YOU. “…The … [indwelling] … Holy Spirit gives birth to… SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT). “….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…I will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  

“…It is the … [indwelling HOLY] … SPIRIT who gives LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB) “….He … [alone] …restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

If it is NOT the NARROW WAY it is NOT God’s WAY. Even if YOUR WAYS seem right it leads to death and destruction. “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “…the way is broad that leads to destruction, …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

“… the way of the ungodly shall perish…” (Psalms 1:6 KJV).  “… Good men and women travel right into life; sin’s detours take you straight to hell…” (Proverbs 12:28 MSG). “… Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die…” (Proverbs 15:10 KJV).

The NARROW WAY will EMPOWER you to exemplify Godly character by KEEPING his commandments. “…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “… keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways…” (Deuteronomy 8:6 KJV). “…Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice…” (Deuteronomy 26:17 KJV).

“ … Keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself …” (1 Kings 2:3 KJV). “… My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined…” (Job 23:11 KJV). God “…grant[s]… [true believers]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

The NARROW WAY is the WAY of true and lasting TRUTH, PEACE, LOVE, GRACE, MERCY, PROVISIONS, EMPOWERMENT, and SATISFACTION.

“ … Jesus saith…I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…ye shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free…” (John 8:32 KJV).

“ … Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… “in” me you may have peace…” (John 16:33 NIV). “…My peace I give to you …” (John 14:27 NASB). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … peace, …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“ … Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). Christ, has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “….CONTINUE IN MY LOVE….” (JOHN 15:9 KJV).  

“… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God is able to make all GRACE abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

“… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…” (Psalms 103:8 KJV). “…For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him…” (Psalms 103:11 KJV). “…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children…” (Psalms 103:17 KJV). “…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).

“… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…God will generously PROVIDE all … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

“… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in you, …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…God hath said, I will dwell in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“… Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… My people will be satisfied with My goodness,” declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:14 NASB). “…I [God]… satisfy …and refresh everyone …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB). “…I [God]… satisfy  …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).

The NARROW WAY is the PATH to unlimited SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS! “…Blessed be the God …who HATH blessed “US” with ALL spiritual blessings …in heavenly places “IN” Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).  “…it is your Father's GOOD PLEASURE (joy, delight) to GIVE YOU the kingdom (spiritual blessings) …” (Luke 12:32 KJV).

The NARROW WAY is the PATH of Godly or Christlike CONDUCT and makes you a true and living EXAMPLE of “People of the WAY.” “…That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)….” (Romans 8:8-11 NLT).

“…Jesus saith…I am THE … WAY…. THE life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… He who has the Son has the life …” (1 John 5:12 NASB).

“…Ye shall know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

Therefore, "… Enter…in at the strait gate for WIDE is the GATE and BROAD is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the GATE, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it…” (Matthew 7:14 KJV).