Podcasts about narrow gate

It's what we all need to do.

Lead Pastor Josh Carstensen continues our Sermon on the Mount series.There are moments in life when thinking about decisions isn't enough—when you have to choose. In Matthew 7, Jesus brings us to exactly that crossroads.He presents us with two clear paths: a narrow gate opening to a hard road, leading to real life, or a wide gate leading down an easy road, ultimately ending in ruin. Faith in Jesus isn't just a one-time moment—it's also a continuous journey of choosing to follow Him, even when it's difficult. Today, Jesus asks us directly: "Are you in?"Thank you for listening to this message from Northwest Hills Community Church in Corvallis, Oregon, on May 11, 2025, at 9:30am. You can find us online at nwhills.com.Key Moments00:00 Welcome01:07 Message: Choosing the Path of Faith07:00 The Narrow Gate and the Hard Road13:06 Striving for the Narrow Door17:07 The Narrow Gate: An Invitation for All22:33 The Hard Path: Living Out Jesus' Teachings26:10 Final Reflections: Making the Decision

Matthew 7:7-14 | Simon Murphy11 May 2025

Thadd considers Jesus' words in Matthew 7:13-20. 

Many say they follow Yeshua—but few actually walk the path that leads to life. In this urgent and sobering message, we examine what it really means to walk the narrow path: a life of obedience, sacrifice, and holiness—not mere belief. Are you truly walking the way Yeshua walked, or have you settled for a version of faith that requires no transformation?Let us know what you think! - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HFLD9XWRead the transcript at https://119ministries.com/narrowpathaudioNote: All sermons are written and produced by 119 Ministries. To share these teachings more consistently—without compromising other projects—we use high-quality synthetic narration. While a human voice would be ideal, this format allows us to deliver more content effectively. If this style isn't for you, we invite you to explore our regular video teachings.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Sam 23; Ps 31,54; Matt 7 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's special Easter Sunday episode, Heather guides us through day 110 of our journey in the scriptures, reminding us of the hope and joy found in the resurrection—He is risen indeed! Together with listeners from around the world, we dive into First Samuel 23, Psalm 31, Psalm 54, and Matthew 7, seeking to see Jesus as the true source of life. Heather offers thoughtful reflection on what it means to live out the gospel, emphasizing that Christ's transforming love is a gift we receive, not something we earn. As we pray and meditate on God's word, we're encouraged to trust our good Father, live with love and courage, and let the joy of the Lord be our strength. Join us as we meditate, pray, and celebrate the risen life of Christ together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught, yet only a few seem to find it. Only one truly lived that way. He is the door through which we must pass in order for that kind of life to be possible for us. But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Unless we die to our own efforts and come to Jesus for that life, we will miss the kingdom entirely. The road is difficult because it requires us to die to our own selfish way of life. That is why few ever find it. He is the gate into kingdom life. Living a life where we are doing unto others what we would like them to do to us is the gospel working itself out in us. The spirit of Christ transforms our very character, and that is a gift from our good father. It's not something earned, strived for, or sweated out to obtain. No. It's a gift from God. It's a gift accomplished for humanity on the cross. His resurrection life in and for us is what we are celebrating this Easter day. As children, we are to trust our good father. He won't give us a snake if we ask for a fish. He knows how to give good gifts that get to the essence of our very life and come after our heart. He is a good father who gives his children good gifts. This is the good news, the gospel. Ours is to wake up to the reality that he is the good thing, our true life that alone can transform us from the inside out. Ours is to welcome the gospel that transforms us, making us people that love our neighbor as ourselves. We are to seek, knock, find, and pursue him with all our heart, mind, strength, and soul by the power of his Spirit. Then we will begin to experience the heart of our good Father, and he will produce in us the good fruit of good trees. He empowers us to live the way we were always intended to live. Allow God, through his spirit, to transform you. His life in you is what makes you a good tree that produces good fruit. Live with the awareness that your father is good. May that be our prayer and our pursuit today. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Audio reading: Lev 5:1-9, Joshua 2:1-24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Prov 12:26Join me in this journey reading through the entire biblein one year!  In Matthew 4:4, Yeshua said these words: “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedsout of the mouth of God.” Taking in the word of God every day is LIFE to our spirit and health to our bones!Visit us at: ⁠dailyaudiotorah.com⁠Go to Israel Connect: Your bridge to the land and people of Israel!

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Join host Andrew Bartolotta on the cityCURRENT Show as we dive into a powerful conversation with Weston Brann and Charlie Peters from Narrow Gate, a life-changing organization guiding young men to encounter Christ and discover their true purpose.Learn how Narrow Gate combines Christian mentorship, community living, and hands-on craftsmanship training to equip young men to overcome personal challenges, build resilience, and uncover their true potential. Through powerful personal stories, Weston and Charlie share how Narrow Gate not only transformed their lives spiritually but also prepared them for impactful careers through ventures like Narrow Gate Coffee and Narrow Gate Leather. Whether you're a leader seeking inspiration, someone navigating personal or professional crossroads, or simply passionate about transformative change, this conversation demonstrates how authentic faith and targeted skill-building can empower the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.Learn more: https://narrowgate.org/  

This is an important message for all who love and travel with Jubilee. God is doing a new thing, we must forget the old, and let God do the shifts in our hearts, homes, souls, and imaginations, so we can behold and know it. There it is, being known again. The post Through the Narrow Gate appeared first on Jubilee Church.

"The Narrow Gate"Series: Sermon on the Mount Speaker: Nick LauerSunday MorningDate: 16th March 2025Passage: Matthew 7:12-14

Jesus tells us that salvation is a narrow gate that we must strive through at the right time. To ignore the gate can be disastrous. Father Jeremiah leads us through this parable and Jesus' words about Jerusalem and his desire to gather the people to himself in Luke 13.Image: Public Domain. Image location: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/916822

Amie Rogers joins me on the podcast today and shares the word for 2025 God gave her to steward.    Here are just some of the nuggets this Narrow Gate word contains:    This current season has been and appears to be a continual and seemingly unrelenting onslaught of difficulties. It is the war at the threshold. We are approaching a season change with The Lord. Keep holding on a bit longer; remembering you are mighty in the Lord and Victory is His finished work He is walking you through and to. This new season of The Lord is not being entered into flippantly. It is not a wide opening; it is low, humble and narrow. This new season of The Lord will be a collision of Nehemiah and Joseph. What Holy Spirit has been showing me is long-awaited AND matured dreams beginning to be built; not for personal gain or glory but strategic preparedness for a season of famine that is yet to come. Join us as we unpack and discuss the many facets of this Narrow Gate Season word.   You can connect with Amie here: https://rawandrealministries.com/ Did you know that under the FREEBIES section on my website that I have 2 free 6-week video based Bible Studies on two of my books?  Yep, that is right, head over to the website to gain access to these FREE videos and more. The TWO books are: The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement and The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study.    You can order my books on my website here: https://debbiekitterman.com/ click on the store tab and choose the book(s) you would like to view under the book tab.   OR on Amazon here using my affiliate links:    Releasing God's Heart through Hearing His Voice:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615316220/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20 The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement: Hearing the Word of God for Others:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/0800798864/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   The Gift of Prophetic Encouragement Bible Study: Living a Lifestyle of Encouragment  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B083J3RCYP/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   Symbolism Reference Guode & Dream Journal: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0984012346/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20   Legacy: The Lost Art of Blessing  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNJNNHKY/ref=nosim?tag=da2he-20  

Liturgy Sermon @ St. Theodore Coptic Orthodox Church, Hendersonville -TN ~ March 8, 2025

Missionary to Uganda John Paul Stepanian preaches a sermon from Matthew 7 verses 13 and 14 on what it means to enter by the narrow gate.

"Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."In these verses, Jesus presents a sobering truth: the way to life is narrow, and few find it; while the way to destruction is broad and heavily traveled. This passage stands as a solemn warning against self-deception. It challenges us to examine whether we are truly walking in the narrow path, or merely following the religious crowd down the broad road of worldly ease and self-indulgence.The broad road is appealing because it requires no self-denial, no submission to God's Word, and no transformation of heart. It is the road of pride, worldliness, and self-sufficiency--the very things that sinful man loves. Tragically, this road ends in eternal destruction.Conversely, the narrow gate is the way of faith, repentance, and holiness. It is a path marked by trial, persecution, and self-denial, but it leads to eternal life. The narrow road is not for the half-hearted or the double-minded. Only those whom the Spirit has regenerated and drawn to Christ in true saving faith, walk in the narrow road.This passage dismantles the false gospel of easy-believism that pervades much of modern Christianity. Jesus does not present the narrow road as an optional, higher-tier discipleship path for the especially devout. It is the only road to eternal life. Many profess faith in Christ, yet walk the broad road, deceived into thinking they are saved, while refusing to submit to Christ's Lordship!True faith produces obedience; not perfection, but a life genuinely ma

The Narrow Gate!

Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine.Jacob, inspired by his grandfather's tale of “The Legend of the Great Mouse,” longs for an adventure of his own. When he steps beyond the village with his friend Rudy on a simple blackberry hunt, they are unexpectedly captured by the feared Swamp Rats. Inside this dangerous realm, they meet Goon, a rat burdened with guilt and yearning for redemption. As the story progresses, Jacob and Goon's destinies intertwine as they discover deeper truths about family, friendship, and the transformative power of forgiveness.However, lurking in the shadows is the sinister Caine, an escaped lab rat who grows increasingly unhinged as the situation unfolds. As Jacob navigates the swamps, he and his allies must confront Caine's dark ambitions. Will they be able to outsmart this formidable foe, or will the story of their adventure end in tragedy?Perfect for young readers who love tales of camaraderie, redemption, and high-stakes adventure, Freedom Through the Narrow Gate is a heart-stirring continuation of the world introduced in The Oasis King.Get a FREE COPY of The Oasis King when you visit https://dl.bookfunnel.com/g7q4s0patlMark David Pullen is the author of middle grade series The Oasis Chronicles. His debut novel, The Oasis King, was released this year and his second book Freedom Through the Narrow Gate will release in September. Being the boy who sought after adventure and escape, he would use his imagination to create strange characters and unique far-away worlds. Some of those strange characters and far away lands cemented themselves into his mind and later became part of the firm foundation for his writing style. He currently lives in Upstate New York with his wife, two children, and crazy pup Toby. Mark is a proud member of the ACFW Organization. His debut novel, The Oasis King, received an honorable mention in the New York State Book Festival as well as a PenCraft Literary Award. Mark is an avid cook and can often be found playing 90s video games.His stated purpose is to teach biblical values such as faith, hope, and resilence through dynamic stories. He hopes that kids who may need an escape from their struggles could find refuge in a book and see how my characters overcome their obstacles. I also pride myself on writing stories that families can read together and spend time with one another while reading.Learn more about his books when you visit his website at https://theoasisking.comPlease share StoryJumpers with a friend if you enjoyed this episode. StoryJumpers is still growing, and your positive review and 5-star rating would help.The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria's Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.comFeedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.orgDownload The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast episodes as soon as they are published!

This section of the Sermon on the Mount includes three of the more famous statements Jesus made and is known for: “ask…seek…knock”, “do unto others…” and “enter by the narrow gate”. Listen as Steve Coleman reflects on the decisions Jesus highlights in this passage.

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of denying ourselves, carrying our cross, and following Jesus. Through this series, let's journey together as we discuss the cost of the cross, what it takes to follow Him, and how we can be powerful witnesses to the world.

When we deeply desire something, our human tendency is to give it our all, isn't it? We explore every possible way to achieve that dream, attain that desired thing, or reach that longed-for destination.In the next three weeks, this new series will help us look deeper into understanding what it truly means to love God and have a personal relationship with Him, a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship.

When we deeply desire something, our human tendency is to give it our all, isn't it? We explore every possible way to achieve that dream, attain that desired thing, or reach that longed-for destination.In the next three weeks, this new series will help us look deeper into understanding what it truly means to love God and have a personal relationship with Him, a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship.

February 16,2025

Jesus Followers Know the Cornerstone of Christianity Is: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus is The Door and The Gate by which you must enter the Kingdom of God. In John 14:6-7, Jesus answers a question by the Apostle Thomas with the fundamental tenant of Christianity when He tells us all: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'". Also, in John 10:9-10, Jesus tells us: “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief {Satan} comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." Also, Jesus said, in Matthew 7:13-14, that He was "the Narrow Gate", and whomever enters the Kingdom through Him will be saved and have Eternal Life: {You} “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.". Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection are the events, of about two thousand years ago, that provided us all, by God's Grace, with access to The Narrow Gate, which is Jesus. Through Jesus' death on the cross for your sins and His Resurrection, He has given you eternal life, if you choose to enter The Narrow Gate. You may ask: “How do I enter this ‘Narrow Gate' of Jesus?”. By God's Grace you can enter Eternal Life, through Jesus, by your true belief and faith in Jesus as God along with your prayerful confession of your sins to God. With your belief, faith, and confession, you have entered through the narrow and only door to your Salvation. However and after your entry through the door, you must continue, in your faith and obedience, to follow Jesus – this is the only, and it is The Way provided by God's Grace through Jesus.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, help me to grab hold of you today. I need you. Set me free to begin reorienting my life around you, and you alone. Help me to pay attention to and honor how you have uniquely made me. Thank you for the gift of rest. In Jesus' name, amen.       Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 122). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. I will not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (including me). From Romans 1:16 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 7:13-14; John 14:5-7; Psalms150:1-6; John 10:9-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Beginnings of Prayer – Part 5: Start Now and Improve Your Prayer Life -- A Robust Prayer Life Will Transform Your Life ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Solo Ensemble, Stephen Main, Piedmont Community Church, Piedmont, California

Makers Church is a diverse community committed to following Jesus and loving people. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you are welcome at Makers Church. As a Christ-centered, Bible-believing church, we exist to make on earth as it is in heaven by developing and commissioning followers of Jesus Christ to love God and love others•Subscribe to our channel for fresh content to keep you connected at Makers Church and inspired all week long. •Makers Church Service times:In-person & Online: Sunday's at 9:45am•GIVE US A FOLLOWWebsite: https://www.makerschurch.orgMakers Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakersChurchMakers Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makerschurchSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/18RJPfsfH9zZxck4MTEXDI

...narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Mat 7:14

Giong Through the Narrow GateNot knownig I'm making a differenceWhy am I told to fear God

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Matthew 7:13-20, John 8:31-32, Acts 17:10-11, 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Galatians 1:6-10, 1 John 4:1-6

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Topics: James Teaching Law Observance, James' Role in Early Church, James' Actions in Acts 15, Grace vs. Law in Early Christianity, Peter's rebuke of Law Following in Acts 15, Division between James' Group and Grace Group, Requirements for Gentiles to be Saved in Acts 15, James and Temple Practices, James and Elders Refused the Great Commission, The Letter of Hebrews Addressing Judaic Work, Salvation by Grace Alone in Acts 15 Rejected by James, Acts 21 and James Instructing Paul to Perform Temple work, Gender Roles and the Talmud, The Talmud's view of Women, Paul's Correction over Law and Talmud in 1 Corinthians 14, James' Epistle Advocating Adherence to the Law, Faith Without Works Is Dead, Love Your Neighbor as Yourself in James, Use of Term “Blasphemer" in James 2, The Law's role in Caring for Widows and Orphans, Paul's view of the Law in Romans 6:14 Galatians 5:18 and 3:10, Meaning of James 2:10 About Breaking the Law, Christians Judged by the Law or Grace, Jesus' Promise of No Judgment for Believers (John 5:24), Cleansing and Purification Rituals in James 4:8, Believers as Saints vs. Sinners, Paul's Reference to "chief of sinners" in 1 Timothy, James' View on Teaching and Stricter Judgment (James 3:1), Paul's Teaching on Error in 1 Corinthians 3, Justification by Works in James vs. Grace in Romans 4:4-5, James' perspective on the Tongue and Defilement, Endurance of Job (James 5:11) vs. Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), James' Teaching on Oaths and Swearing, Anointing With Oil Jewish Practice, Anointing of the Holy Spirit in 1 John 2:20, Righteous Person's Prayer Availing Much (James 5:16), Holy Spirit Interceding in Prayer (Romans 8:26), Turning a Sinner From Error (James 5:20), Torah Observers and James' Teachings, The Law's perfection requirement (Matthew 5:48), Antinomianism Accusations, Cherry-picking the Law, Narrow Gate of Grace vs. Wide Road of Destruction, Hebrew Roots movement, James' Connection to Jewish Tradition, Paul's Emphasis on Grace Through Faith, Historical Context of Epistle of James, Early Church Debates Over SalvationSend Matt a text about this episode!Support the showSign up for Matt's free daily devotional! https://mattmcmillen.com/newsletter

Unedited YouTube Livestream (9a Service)

What do you do you do when you feel stuck? Pastor JD shares three areas in your life you must maintain healthy before you blame anyone else or anything else for your problems. We hope this message blesses you and helps you live better. For more about ConnectCommunity, visit: https://www.connectcommunity.org

In this session, we will enter the conclusions of Jesus within the Sermon on the Mount. What does he mean when he says: "Enter through the narrow gate?" What does he mean by saying the narrow way is hard? What does Jesus mean when he says that that the narrow way leads to life? 

Enter by the Narrow Gate : Luke 13:22-35 : Pastor Raef Chenery : 12-08-24 by Park Community Church

Fr. Mike confronts the hard truth Jesus preaches in today's readings: Many people will ultimately choose hell over heaven. While this can be deeply distressing, Fr. Mike reminds us to focus on Jesus's directive to each one of us: "[You] Strive to enter through the narrow gate." In the second part of today's commentary, Fr. Mike reflects on two of Jesus' most well-known parables: the parable of the Lost Sheep and the parable of the Prodigal Son. Today's readings are Luke 13-16 and Proverbs 26:10-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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The Narrow Gate 

Jesus responds to a question about salvation with a clear teaching about the consequences of our actions. (Lectionary - I, #481) October 30, 2024 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Read OnlineSomeone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Luke 13:27We should definitely take our Lord's words spoken above to heart. It's easy to presume we will be saved. It's easy to simply presume that God is kind and that we are good people at heart and, therefore, salvation is assured. But that's not what Jesus says.So who will be saved? When we get to Heaven, God willing, we may be surprised at who is saved and who is not. This is clearly one of the messages of today's Gospel. Jesus even goes so far to say that some, when they die, will assume they are going to enter into Heaven but will hear our Lord say to them, “I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!” Again, we should take these words to heart.One of the most dangerous sins we can fall into is presumption. Presumption is deadly because it has a double effect upon us. First, the person caught in presumption is one who has committed mortal sin but has not repented of it. But the presumptuous person also remains incapable of repentance because they refuse to acknowledge their sin. Their conscience is not working. They have blinders on and expect God to wear those same blinders. But God sees all things and judges accordingly.The “narrow gate” of which Jesus speaks is a simile used by Jesus to tell us that it is not easy to obtain Heaven. It requires a concerted effort on our part as well as the infinite mercy of God. But regarding our part, the attainment of Heaven is only possible if we intentionally seek out the will of God and respond generously to Him. First, that means we confess and turn away from our sins. But from there, it means that we make every effort to fulfill God's will in our lives.If this is hard to accept, simply remind yourself that this teaching came directly from Jesus Himself. He is absolutely clear and means what He says. If that fills you with a sort of holy fear, then that is a good thing. “Holy fear” is a gift by which we have a well-ordered conscience that is able to identify those things in our lives that have become immovable obstacles to eternal salvation. The same well-ordered conscience will lead us to that narrow gate which is the only path to eternal life. Reflect, today, upon the fact that we must all take eternal salvation seriously. If you find that you have become lax in your spiritual life, then use this Gospel as a motivation to change. Do not allow yourself to be one of those knocking at the gates of Heaven, only to realize that our Lord does not know you. Do all you can to eradicate the sin of presumption from your life, and your reward will be truly great in Heaven.My most merciful Lord, You and You alone can open the gates of Heaven to us, and You and You alone will do so only to those who have responded to Your holy will. Please open my eyes to any ways that I turn from You and remain lax in my spiritual journey. Give me the grace I need to see clearly and to respond to You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Last Judgement by Jose Luiz, via Wikimedia Commons

Sermon on the Mount E34 – Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount by presenting his listeners with a choice, illustrated in three parts. He first describes two gates and two paths. The narrow gate is difficult to enter, but it opens up the way to life. The wide gate is easy to navigate, but it leads to ruin. In this episode, Tim and Jon explore the choice we all must make after listening to Jesus' words and how the decision to live out our true calling as humans is challenged daily by paths that appear easier.TimestampsChapter 1: The Wide and Narrow Gates We Walk Through (0:00-12:49)Chapter 2: The Narrow Door (12:49-28:32)Chapter 3: The Few and the Many (28:32-45:16)Referenced ResourcesCheck out Tim's library here.You can experience our entire library of resources in the BibleProject app, available for Android and iOS.Show MusicOriginal Sermon on the Mount music by Richie KohenBibleProject theme song by TENTS“Golden” by Aarigod“Longing” by Chase MackintoshShow CreditsJon Collins is the creative producer for today's show. Production of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer; Cooper Peltz, managing producer; and Colin Wilson, producer. Stephanie Tam is our consultant and editor. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer. Frank Garza and Aaron Olsen edited today's episode. Aaron Olsen also provided the sound design and mix for today's episode. Nina Simone does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Today's hosts are Jon Collins and Michelle Jones, and Tim Mackie is our lead scholar.Powered and distributed by Simplecast.