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“ENTER YE IN”

Thesis: To teach the hearers that they need to “beware” of false teachers in and out of the church, in order that they may hear those longed for words from our Master “well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).

Text: Matt 7:13-27

Introduction,
1. This is the final part of our Lord’s sermon (commonly referred to as “the sermon on the mount”) He thus far spoke of the Christian blessings, the traditions of men, how to grow spiritually, where one’s priorities are to be in seeking God's kingdom, and what is to be our attitude towards others.

2. In this final section He deals with the things that will keep people out of God's kingdom, even though they may attempt to enter therein.

3. This, as well as all of our Lord’s lessons are essential for those that are attempting to follow Him into heaven, for we know that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

4. Thus will be looking at the grand finale of this teaching, and the points that He wanted to leave in their minds, and likewise ours.

5. As is often our custom we will examine these great truths by dividing them into three sections.
1) The Difficult Way
2) The Deceivers Way
3) The Doers Way

I. THE DIFFICULT WAY (v 13-14)

A. (v 13)

Mat 7:13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.

The disciples, and thus we are told to enter in by the narrow gate. Let us first take note that the gate is at the beginning, not at the end of our heavenly voyage, as depicted by some.

1. The entering of this gate requires obedience, in Luke 13:24 our Lord said to “strive” to enter therein (look at Luke 13:23-24).

Luk 13:23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

a. This word “strive” in the original language is "ag-o-nid-zom-ahee," from which we derive our word “agonize” and it means to “agonize,” “to struggle” to enter in the narrow gate, for many will seek to enter, and not be able for their degree of effort will fall short of that which is needed to enter into this door.

2. Also the gate, the door is said to be “narrow” this word in the Greek is "sten-os," and it depicts “narrowness from obstacles standing close about.”

1. These obstacles would be the sins and other weights (which may not be sinful of themselves) in our lives, which most will not give up in order to align one’s self with God's will (Heb 12:1).

Heb 12:1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

a. This wording also denotes that we must “squeeze” through, we cannot take our old man, our worldly ways with us, they will not fit.

b. And if we do “force” them through, we are only fooling ourselves into thinking we are spiritual, saved, when in fact we are idolatrous (Col 3:5), lust seeking (1 John 2:16), people of the world, the enemies of God (Ja 4:4), and will be turned away at the Day of Judgment (Mt 7:23)

3. But there is another gate, it is wide, it is crowded, and many enter at that gate.

1. This way is broad, it follows man’s ways, his opinions, the traditions of men as opposed to the word of God.

2. God's ways and thoughts are opposed to man’s ways and thoughts (Isa 55:8-9),

Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

3. One (God’s ways and thoughts) are sinless, just, holy, eternal perfection;

4. And the other (man’s ways; Pro 14:12; and thoughts) are led by self desires, thinking upon the temporal, the things of the world, for the most part.

5. The majority of mankind throughout the ages has chosen to follow themselves, instead of God, thus, in the want to be likened unto others instead of God, most are, and will be, lost . . .

a. In the garden of Eden, the majority was wrong,
b. At the time of the flood, the majority was wrong,
c. At the tower of Babel, the majority was wrong,
d. At the time of Abraham, the majority was wrong,
e. At the 40 yrs of Israel wandering in the wilderness, the majority was wrong,
f. In the time of the Judges, the majority was wrong
g. In the United Kingdom, the majority was wrong,
h. In the Divided Kingdom, the majority was wrong,
i. In the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities, the majority was wrong,
j. During the Intertestamonial period, the majority was wrong,
k. In the time of Christ, the majority was wrong,
l. When the church apostatized under Catholicism, the majority was wrong, and those that stood in the faith, were labeled heretics, and put to death by both Catholics and Protestants alike,
m. Even now, in the current apostasy in the Christ’s church, the majority is wrong, and those that oppose them are branded by various derogatory names.
n. The majority was, and always is wrong (Ex 23:2), for “many are they that enter in thereby.”

B. (v 14)

Mat 7:14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened (difficult; NKJV; hard; ESV) the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it.

Entering in the narrow gate (believing and being immersed) is just the beginning, then we must then follow the straightened, the difficult Way (Jesus said . . . “I am the way the truth and the life;” John 14:6).

1. Thus we must strive, agonize, struggle to follow, to imitate Christ, our perfect example (1 Cor 11:1), this way, the way, His way, is difficult, it’s constrained, it is that which is revealed in God's word, yet it is that “only way” which leads to eternal life, there is no other (John 14:6).

Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

a. This is a reference to commandment keepers (John 14:21), who love Christ, and prove it, by keeping His commands (John 14:15; 2 John 6).

Joh 14:15 If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

2Jo 1:6 And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.

b. This is a faith working through, agonizing through, motivated by love (Gal 5:6).

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

2. One way leads to destruction, it’s smooth, it’s popular, it’s deceptive, and it’s crowded, it looks right, but it’s not! All these people can’t be wrong, can they! It is written (Rom 3:2a) . . .

Rom 3:4a God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar;

3. The other way leads to life, it’s hard, there are rules, God’s rules, it was that way since the beginning, and it’s that way now!

4. And no one will find it by mistake; no accountable person will just wind up in heaven, Isaiah wrote . . . (Isa 35:8).

Isa 35:8 And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but is shall be for the redeemed: the wayfaring men, yea fools, shall not err therein

5. This verse (Isa 35:8) does not teach that the redeemed will not sin, for 1 John 1:8 teaches us that Christians do on occasion commit sin (1 John 1:8).

1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

6. What Isa 35:8 teaches is that the redeemed, the saved, will be holy, set apart for God’s will, and it will be purposeful, they, through the power of the gospel, will enter into the kingdom of God, through their hearing, believing and obeying it, no one will accidentally enter into that status, for it is a “Difficult Way” and they will certainly be well aware of their struggles along that route, for it certainty is “the difficult way.”

II. THE DECEIVERS WAY (V 15-23)

A. (V 15)

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

A prophet of God can either be a forthteller (one who proclaims forth God's message by inspiration), or a foreteller (one who by inspiration gives God’s predictions of future events).

1. We can apply this to those who do not teach the truth concerning God’s word (false teachers), knowingly, or not.

2. (Most false teachers earnestly believe what they teach is the truth, yet many of these have to discount various bible passages in order to justify the errors they teach, therefore they fall under the condemnation of being ashamed of Christ’s words; Luke 9:26) . . .

Luk 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his own glory, and the glory of the Father, and of the holy angels.

3. And also this can be applied to those who falsely claim inspiration today, even though God said in the bible that the faith has been “once and for all delivered” (Jude 3).

Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

4. This section would naturally follow what the Lord just taught, there would be many false teachers that would deceive people into believing that they could enter into eternal life through that wide gate, the broad way.

5. Outwardly they may be the epitome of gentleness, sweetness, helpfulness; often accomplished speakers and persuaders.

6. Yet inwardly they will be as ravening wolves, they may have ulterior motives, (money, possessions, a large following, a prominent name).

7. We are to be wary of them, for if followed, they, likened unto starving wolves after a kill, would devour our very souls.

B. (v 16-20)

Mat 7:16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 7:20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

How will we recognize them, in order to avoid their deceit into damnation? By their fruits, their fruits can be put into three categories . . .

1. The first fruit would be that which they teach, is it the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42) the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9), which is God’s doctrine (John 17:8), or is it the doctrine of men?

a. We are to give diligence to show ourselves approved to God (2 Tim 2:15).

b. We are to prove all things (1 Thess 5:21), and that includes what teachers teach.

c. We are to search the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), to prove them (1 John 4:1), in order to know if their teaching is God’s or men’s.

d. If the Bereans checked up on the inspired apostle Paul (Acts 17:11), we certainly ought to check up and question any discrepancies we come across today.

e. Some of the basic false doctrines taught today would be . . .

f. No baptism (immersion) salvation (Mk 16:16; John 3:5)

Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!

g. There are those promote a hierarchy type of church organization, while the bible teaches that each congregation is to be self ruled with its only Head being Christ through the instrumentality of the NT (John 17:20-21), not a headquarters, or a home office on earth (Eph 1:22).

Eph 1:22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

Joh 17:20 Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word (the apostles doctrine); Joh 17:21 that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me.

h. There are those that allow women in leadership roles in the church (1 Tim 2:12; 1 Cor 14:33b-34).

1Ti 2:12 But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.

1Co 14:33b As in all the churches of the saints, 1Co 14:34 let the women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as also saith the law.

i. There is the offering of will worship unto God, worship unto God has always been specifically directed by God (John 4:24).

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.

j. And there are some that assert that there are many faiths approved of God (Eph 4:5). Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

2. The second fruit would be their lifestyles, do they line up with the word of God?

a. Do they walk in moral purity, their speech, their actions (Tit 2:11-12)?

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, Tit 2:12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

b. If they are married, is it a scriptural marriage (Mt 5:32; 19:9; Heb 13:4)?

Mat 5:32 but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.

Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.

Heb 13:4 Let marriage be had in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

c. Do they habitat places that promote sin, liquor serving establishments, bars or casinos that supposedly serve the best and cheapest food in town, yet feed on the sinful weaknesses of others? (Eph 5:11).

Eph 5:11 and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;

d. Do they fellowship those that teach another gospel (Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, or Catholic teachers) thus bidding them godspeed, thereby sharing in their evil works (2 John 9-11)?

2Jo 1:9 Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. 2Jo 1:10 If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: 2Jo 1:11 for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.

e. Does a sparkle come to their eye when money or possessions are the subject, more so than when the will of God is under contemplation (Luke 12:15; Col 3:5)?

Luk 12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all coveteousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Col 3:5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

3. The third fruit would be their students, those that they teach (Phili 1:22; Col 1:6).

a. Do these attempt to be pure in speech and lifestyle? (Col 3:8; Eph 5:4)

Col 3:8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth:

Eph 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints;

Eph 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.

b. For Jesus said (Mt 12:36-37) . . .

Mat 12:36 . . . that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

c. Are they more concerned with God’s work, or that which they can receive from the world, possessions, pleasures, self gain, self promotion? (Phili 3:18-19; 1 John 2:15-16; Ja 4:4;).

Phi 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Phi 3:19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1Jo 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1Jo 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Jam 4:4 Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.

c. Do they look forward to the 1st day of the week in order to gather together with the saints and worship God in spirit and truth, or are they more so looking forward to some sporting event that promotes drunkenness, immodesty, and other lusts of the flesh, eyes, and vain glory of men? (Heb 10:25; 1 Cor 10:31)

Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

4. Occasionally you will find false teachers and their followers doing good, and sometimes preachers and followers of truth will get snared in evil, but neither is characteristic of them, it is not what they continue to “bringeth forth” over the long haul, they will be exposed for what they truly are.

C. (v 21)

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Here the Lord is looking back at the fruits of these false teachers and their followers.

1. Only those that “doeth” that continue to do God's will enter into the kingdom of heaven (Ja 1:22).

Jam 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

2. And God’s will is not found in the catechisms, in the confessions, nor the creeds of men, but in the plain and understandable living word of the living God, which was intended for the common man, not the Greek scholar, when we read it, we can understand its meaning (Eph 3:3-4).

Eph 3:3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, Eph 3:4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

D. (v 22)

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?

“In that day” here refers to the final Judgment on the Last Day.

1. These individuals will openly and plainly identify themselves with Christ. a. These seem to be very religious folks, their problem was not with “idleness”.

b. But rather their religious activity was of the wrong sort.

c. It should be noted that “in thy name” (KJV; NKJV; NASB; NIV),is incorrect here, the Greek word “en” (en; in) is not in this text, The ASV is likely the more correct rendering here “by thy name.”

d. They did “not” do these things “in” the name of Christ (“in” the realm of His authority; Mt 28:18; even though they may have believed so), but rather they did it “by,” alongside, His name, probably by verbal pronouncement as we see many times today, and falsely so.

e. To pronounce Christ’s name while doing a certain thing, is not to do something within the realm of His authority, we see that this exact thing took place in Acts 19:13-16; where the seven sons of Sceva verbalized our Lord’s name while attempting to cast out an evil spirit, and were severely beaten for their troubles.

f. We need to remember authority is not taken from its Originator, it is given from said Party; to assume without right, or take authority from One is an act of rebellion, usurpation, revolution, an act of war.

2. Let us also note that it seems that these individuals thought they could perform miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and that they believed this would get them into heaven, while the Lord states where one’s focus is to be (Luke 10:17-20)

Luk 10:17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name. Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. Luk 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. Luk 10:20 Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

3. Being “holy” set-apart from the world through the instruction in the Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed gospel gets one to heaven not miracles (Heb 12:14)

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

E. (v 23)

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (practice lawlessness; NKJV; NASB).

They thought they were Christ’s, but He states He never knew them.

1. They thought their miracles were genuine, they were not, the bible speaks of false apostles (2 Cor 11:13; Rev 2:2), lying wonders (1 Thess 2:9), false Christs and false prophets that will show signs and wonders (Mk 13:22), we must consider these to be of trickery also.

a. There are also many today that claim miraculous powers of all kinds from “healing” to “inspiration,” all of which the Bible declared would and have passed away (Dan 9:24; Micah 7:15; Zech 13:2; 1 Cor 3:8-10; Eph 4:11-13).

b. Miracles were for identifying God’s Son (John 20:30-31) and for confirming God’s word (Mk 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb 2:3), God’s Son has been identified, believed and obeyed; and God’s word has been fully delivered (John 14:26; 16:13; Jude 3) thereby fulfilling God’s purposes concerning these miraculous manifestations.

c. Miracles were never meant for a sign that one has received salvation (as Pentecostalism falsely claims), if that is true, no one today can have the hope of being saved, for no one today can, or has, performed a true Bible miracle.

2. These individuals were not Christ’s; these are still the false teachers and their followers in the text.

a. In the areas where God had legislated (law), they chose to do otherwise (lawlessness; 1 John 3:4).

b. Many say today “God didn’t say not to do it!” He doesn’t have to, when He states a specific command, gives specific instructions, to do otherwise is “lawlessness”.

c. We see example after example of this in the OT,

i. Noah’s ark of gopherwood (Gen 6:14),

ii. Nadab and Abihu’s strange fire which God commanded not (Lev 10:1-2),

iii. The attempting to move the ark by unauthorized Uzzah (2 Sam 6:3-7),

iv. The striking the rock instead of speaking to it at Meribah by Moses (Num 20:8-12).

d. All these things were written “for our learning” (Rom 15:4) “that no man fall after the same example of disobedience” (Heb 4:11), God does not change (Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17) as some would like to believe, and many falsely so teach, remember false teaching is our subject, this is “The Deceivers Way,” let us therefore not fall into their deceit (Col 2:8) . . .

Col 2:8 Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:

III. THE DOERS WAY (v 24-27)

A. (v 24-25)

Mat 7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: Mat 7:25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.

I would like to point out the present tense verbs here “heareth” and “doeth” in v 24

1. These are “present active indicative verbs,” they are ongoing, most modern versions translate these verbs “hears” and “does” possibly implying an action in the past, which would be an “aorist verb,” which these are not, a more accurate modern translation would be “everyone that keeps on hearing” and “keeps on doing.”

a. But seeing how unpopular obedience to God is these days, we can also see where modern translations also playing the part of the false prophet, deceiving people as to what their condition is in the eyes of God, seemingly according to God’s word. We can clearly see the dilemma that the pseudo religious world has brought about on mankind, and all that had their part in these translations will be accountable for their errors on “That Day.”

b. But everyone that “keeps on hearing” (forgetfulness will not be a viable excuse on That Day), and “keeps on doing” (obedience is essential; Heb 5:9, and that from the heart; Rom 6:17. motivated by the love of God and other’s souls; Gal 5:6) will be likened unto a man that built his house on the rock, and when the storms of life come, he will have all that is needed to stand against the wiles of Satan, and that Rock is Christ (1 Cor 10:3), His teachings, His examples, His authority.

B. (v 26-27)

Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: Mat 7:27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof.

Here again we see the same present tense verbs combined with a negative response and thusly a negative result.

1. It may seem strange to some that the Lord Jesus Christ would end His “sermon of sermons” on such a negative note, those that preached like this today would be accused of not being loving, or hard hearted,

a. But which of those individuals dares to throw such an accusation at the Son of the living God, God become flesh.

b. Yet we know that no know one manifested love as did our Saviour, that is exactly what we are looking at here, this is love (John 14:15; 2 John 6).

c. Jesus never whitewashed sin or its consequences in any of His preaching, thus neither must we, this “is” what we are to imitate (1 Cor 11:1).

d. Yet to put one’s self on the line constantly, in order that others may enter into that eternal reward, is the ultimate show of love, we must tell others what they “need” to hear, which is probably not that which they “want” to hear, it won’t be easy.

e. Let us always follow the New Testament’s pattern of sound words (2 Tim 1:13), in faith and love, being both hearers and “Doers” (Ja 1:22) of the Way, in order that we and others may continue to hear, believe and obey unto everlasting life.

Conclusion,
1. We looked at the “DIFFICULT WAY.” It is not impossible, it demands perseverance, but in the end it will be well worth the all the afflictions of this world brought about through it (Rom 8:18).

2. Let us always beware of the “DECEIVER’S WAY,” it is widespread within today’s religious world, and in some individual’s minds, if it is followed, it will cost us our very souls.

3. And our Lord showed us the “DOERS WAY,” that way which is built upon the Rock, a life of total commitment unto God, through obedience to the words of His only begotten Son unto the life eternal.

4. Yet we must first “enter ye in” through that door, concerning such God has specifically instructed us . . .

One must . . .

Hear the Word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Believe that Jesus is the Divine Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6).

Joh 8:24 Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins. (LITV)

Heb 11:6 and without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him.

Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) leave that old man behind, don’t try and drag him along (Eph 4:22-23; Col 3:9-10)

Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish. Confess Jesus as the Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9-10),

Rom 10:9 because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved: Rom 10:10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Be baptized (immersed, it doesn’t mean pouring or sprinkling, the bible has words for these acts, it is not baptism; this word “baptizo” in the 1st century was used of ships that sank in the Mediterranean) baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27) into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), where His blood was shed (John 19:34), unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); at which point God adds you to the church (Acts 2:47) translates you into the kingdom (Col 1:13) adds you to the one body (1 Cor 12:13), which is that consummating work of God (Col 2:12), which washes away your sins (Acts 22:16), and “doth now save you” (1 Pet 3:21).

And live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15; Heb 12:14),

1Pe 1:15 but like as he who called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living; 1Pe 1:16 because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Imitating those like Paul and Christ (1 Cor 11:1) who were not of the world though in it (John 15:18-19)

Joh 15:18 If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Being determined to follow God’s instructions, the Way, the difficult Way, the only Way that leads to life


"That in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written"

Contact us:
Evangelist - Kenneth Windbiel
715-866-4873
kensanwind@centurytel.net

We teach publicly and from house to house (Acts 20:20),
therefore if you would like to set up a house teaching session
or meet in a public place to discuss the gospel of Christ,
please contact us through any of the options listed upon this web site.

 Salute the church that is in their house . . .
The churches of Christ salute you. Rom 16:5, 16