A Door That’s Narrow

A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed hearing from our conference speaker, Dr. David Saxon, who highlighted various Baptist preachers throughout history. One such preacher is well known by many for authoring his famous and beloved book, “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” In it, John Bunyan depicts the Christian life as a journey that includes obstacles at every turn. The struggle to persevere in one’s journey and to press on to the Celestial City resonates with his readers. But I wonder how much of Pilgrim’s Progress feels relevant for us today? The Christian walk seems rather easy compared to the struggles and turmoil that young “Christian” had to endure. In fact, one might say that tiresome plodding and the daily battles against temptation have been replaced with the ease of modern transportation (i.e. easy believism) that allows one to stow their luggage (i.e. burdens of sin and cares of this world) in the overhead compartment while leaning back and enjoying the ride.  In Luke 13, Jesus warns his listeners against this mentality by describing the way of salvation as something that requires great struggle and commitment. He says in verse 24, “Strive to enter the narrow door; for many will seek to enter and will not be able.” Such “striving” entails full and complete abandonment of self and commitment to Christ (Lk 12:31-36; 14:27, 18:18-23). It’s what the Apostle Paul speaks about when he tells believers to kill sin, walk in the Spirit, take up the whole armor of God, lay aside every weight, run with endurance, etc. Unfortunately, modern Christianity can present a much broader door than what Jesus describes. Following Christ through the door of his salvation is not for the faint of heart or the individual simply looking for a ticket into heaven. In contrast, current religiosity presents a shallow, smooth, and deceptive path to heaven. The true path is not easy or broad — even for societies without much physical intimidation, there are crosses to be carried in every age, and costs to be considered. Do you know Jesus? Do you truly know Him? Or will he say, “Depart from me, you evildoers, I know not where you are from” (13:25-27). I fear many “Christians” will hear these words someday because they failed to enter the “narrow door,” having spent a lifetime seeking other doors that promised false hope and counterfeit joy.  – Pastor Nate

Sunday at Liberty

9AM: David Mumford–Evangelism Training

10AM: Pastor Nate–A Door That’s Narrow–Luke 13:22-35 (sermon notes)

6PM: Pastor Rory–Love vs Sacrifice–Hosea 6:1-6