Seeking The Narrow Way
ABOUT OUR PURPOSE AND MISSION
"Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently". Psalm 119:2,4 (NKJV).
Have you ever considered salvation as difficult? Do you know that the Bible says that only violent men take heaven by force (Matthew 11:12). No, this is not works driven righteousness, but rather a desire and willingness to run, fight, wrestle, and be in agony to win such a great prize. You will need to overcome opposition from within and without with great cost to your self.
You will not give up at any cost until you have come to the great blessing (Genesis 32:26). Only those in the race who endure to the end will receive this prize. Just like you would never expect to win a race without diligent preparation and training, so preparation is also necessary to enter the spiritual race.
About Mark:
I am married with 4 daughters. A Wisconsin native currently living off the grid in the Elroy, Wisconsin area. I'm a business owner and entrepreneur who currently owns Wisconsin Tiny Homes and has two Air B&B tiny home rentals in the Elroy area.
I have made several self funded missionary trips to Kenya and Ethiopia, including an indigenous business startup in northern Kenya. I enjoy many outdoor activities including competitive running.
So how does the Bible describe this preparation?
Preparation to receive the gift of salvation is not agreeing to or believing the facts of salvation; such as, Jesus died on the cross and rose again for my sins. The demons also believe and shudder (James 2:19).
But Jesus, on His part was not entrusting Himself to all those who believed in Him, for He knew what was in man (John 2:23-25). It is a desire and willingness that will stop at nothing to obtain such a great treasure.
It is only those people who are weak and heavy-laden with their sin who will receive rest (Matthew 11:28). It is not admitting you are a sinner, but rather feeling the burden of your own sin, both the guilt and power of sin. Only those people that are truly sensible of their sin and groan under it and are convinced of the great evil of their own sin will seek out mercy. Those that are truly sick of their own vileness before a holy and righteous God will be prepared to receive pardon and rest.
It is a duty of those who are truly heavy-laden with their sin to come before God for rest. This means you are meditating and thinking on your sins past and present to truly understand this burden you have been carrying around your whole life. It is only those people whom the Holy Spirit is drawing that are following this narrow and difficult way that will ultimately be saved from their sins.
Being prepared for this great gift.
Being prepared for this great gift of salvation is not about what we can get from God or what we are trying to avoid, but rather it is our duty to worship and obey a holy and sovereign God because He is infinitely worthy and He has commanded us to do just that. Remember, you are to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. If you truly love God, you will desire and strive to obey His commandments.
Obedience to God's Word has never changed.
The new covenant has not abolished obedience to the word of God. Jesus came to fulfill the law and not abolish the law. The law is a tutor to show us the heavy burden of sin in our own lives to the point that we will cry out for mercy. Keeping the law of God will not save in and of itself; however, ignoring and/or making light of the law of God will most certainly condemn you to hell for eternity.
