1. Westside Church of Christ “Assemble the people before Me to hear My words so that they may learn to revere Me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.” – Deut. 4:10 Sunday Assemblies: 9:30 Bible Class 10:30 Worship 6:00 Worship Wednesday Assembly:7:00 Bible Class We are glad you are here today! Please silence cell phones www.warnerrobinschurch.org

3. The Strait and Narrow Path Matthew 7:13-14 Strait (not “straight”) Passageway connecting two bodies of water Difficult Narrow Not wide

4. Jesus walked it… Was tempted Was tested Was tried Was challenged Was successful! So can we!

5. But some people ask… How wide is the path? How long is the path? Like the denominational preacher who asked how many sins it takes to fall from grace… Such questions reveal the heart… They are not looking for Christ’s path They are looking for the “other” path They reject all or part of God’s plan They seek their own path and will They seek the minimum requirements

6. How wide is the path? Only as wide as the space between danger Like buoys to guide a boat through reefs or rocks God’s laws are warning signs to keep us out of trouble They are meant to help us avoid sin Not meant to inconvenience us

7. What they really mean is…

8. Is there a set number? Does it take 1 sin? 10 sins? More to fall from grace? Bible doesn’t provide a number Why live on the edge? Be safe: any one can be the one! Jesus said, “Sin no more” Instead, walk in safety: Walk in the light 1 John 1:7 Walk with Jesus John 8:12 Stay in the center! Proverbs 4:27 Psalm 141:10

9. How long is the path? As long as your life Hebrews 9:27 Do I have to stay on it all the way? Philippians 3:12-14 Can I wait till I’m about to die to get on it? James 4:14 - let’s make an appointment! Acts 22:16 – Why delay? 2 Corinthians 6:2 – Now is the time, today is the day!

10. The length of the path Are there shortcuts? John 10:1 – no other way, no sneaking in Best bet to “drown in the baptistry”? Can I go faster? Bible calls it a “walk” (2 John 1:6) If you run, you’ll need more endurance (Heb. 12:1) The question of “how long” is really about avoiding what one perceives as the drawbacks of the walk The Philippian jailor considered it a joy to be saved the same hour he heard the Gospel! (Acts 16:32-34)

11. Which path do you follow? The broad path It is the easy path of least resistance “the gate is wide and the way is broad” Ease does not make it right It is the popular path “there are many who enter through it” Popularity does not make it right – Exodus 23:2 It leads to destruction – Proverbs 21:16 The strait and narrow path of Christ It leads to life! John 8:12 If you are on the wrong path, Christ is looking for you Luke 19:10

12. The choice is yours… “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15) Choose today which path you will follow. FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. (Hebrews 10:37)