Which Path Are You On?

Narrow is the way, few be that find it

By Roger Pritchett

http://www.raptureready.com/

The words of Christ from the Holy Bible below is saying that few be that find the way to eternal life with God. Why do many choose the large gate and broad way with much company? Why do many choose to live only for the flesh and choose to reject the spirit of the living God? Why do many choose to live totally unconfined, and totally uncontrolled living to please only self? Why do many daily choose to walk the broad road to serve the flesh and do evil in the eyes of God? When we choose to serve the world and the evil one of this world we are on the broad road leading to hell. When we walk in the flesh and not in the Spirit of God we are walking down the wrong road. Are these words spoken by Jesus himself telling us that as many who make the rapture there will be as many who miss the rapture? Are the words of Jesus saying that many will go to destruction by not taking the narrow way leading to the strait gate? The word few is the key word here.

Matthew 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

I recently heard a powerful anointed message from my son in law on the broad paved road that leads to the wide gate that leads to hell. He challenged the congregation to search their hearts to make sure they were ready to meet Jesus and were on the narrow path to heaven. God through the Holy Spirit is speaking to his messengers to speak truth to the people. This message started with talking about the much traveled road that was smooth and easy to travel. He talked about the wide paved crowded road that was agreeable to all works of the flesh and worldly pleasures. He said the wide gate at the end of this road was backed up with travelers. The wide gates going into this area look enticing and fun. He talked of all the sin filled things that trap many traveling down this broad paved road to this wide gate. There are seemingly many pleasures down this broad paved road, but it will lead to destruction. These seemingly pleasures never fill the void in your heart that only God can fill. It is often a wildly celebrated party going down this road.  He talked of sin issues that get a hold of people that separate them from God. He mentioned that he was not judging or doubting anyone’s salvation, but we must inspect our hearts and know that Jesus truly lives in us. This broad paved road leads to hell and many will go that way.

He then shifted gears to another road. This road is narrow and looks like it is seldom taken. He talked about a narrow straight path like you would see out hiking in the woods. This road is a straight narrow path that looks untraveled. This road is a path of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a daily relationship with him. This path seeks through the power of the Holy Spirit to live in righteousness before the Lord. This narrow road can only be followed with the spirit of God living in your heart through salvation in Jesus. This road is the straight and narrow and leads to eternal life with Jesus. This is a life that one lives for Christ and strives to walk daily in the spirit of God and not in the flesh. This is the only road where the void and emptiness in ones heart can be filled by God’s presence. There is nothing of this world that can fill the void in the human soul but Jesus. The spirit of God lives in the born again believer traveling down this road. This narrow path leads to heaven and few will find that way.

When sin is not being preached about and warnings to the saints a lukewarm church will be the result. They have a form of Godliness, but deny the power of the Holy Spirit. The words of Christ’s say that in the last days that many would be lukewarm and would be rejected by God. They are rich and in need of nothing. Scripture could not be any plainer with Christ’s very words telling us that he will reject these that have grown lukewarm.

Revelation 3:16  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Revelation 3:17  Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

When the word of God is preached the world will come out against you. Upon completion of this wonderful sermon there were those that disagreed with this sermon and accusingly said works was preached and not faith. This couldn’t be farther from the truth because everything he said was backed up by God’s Holy Word the Bible. Often there are those that attempt to take out of context passages in the Bible. They somehow want to twist the plan of God and pervert the grace of God to cover their lifestyle of sin. They have a problem with the scriptures of works and living a righteous life for God that is written in the Bible. In comparison of two of the many writers of the New Testament we see that Paul and James do not contradict each other on faith and works, but they complement each other. What both men wrote in the bible was inspired by God and God never contradicts himself. Paul’s focus at times was on the unsaved man and how he might get right with God through his one and only son Jesus. James primary focus at times was on the already saved person and how he might show his faith and demonstrate the reality of that faith. James was talking about how a person of faith must live after receiving Christ by faith in his saving blood. The writing of Paul talks also of works in addition to faith. Paul writes that we are his workmanship and must aspire to do good works. Before the conversion of Paul he was a servant of sin and of divers lust and pleasures and after the Holy Spirit came into his heart after salvation he was a new creation and was born again. He was called to grace by the Holy Spirit of God to follow Jesus down this straight and narrow road. All the passages of the Bible below are written by Paul. Our works are only accepted by God when we have faith in Jesus and his saving blood.

Ephesians 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:8  This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Colossians 1:10  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Later that day in the evening service I heard another message from my father on heaven. I stand in awe of God and his direction of the Holy Spirit. I am truly amazed at how often I have heard lately from other believers the passage of scripture of wide is the gate, but narrow is the way. My father also spoke of the gates and in particular the gate of heaven. He spoke of a dream that God gave him about heaven. Scripture from the word of God the Bible speaks about visions and dreams in the last days.

Act 2:16  But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

Act 2:17  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

 My father had clarity of what he saw and he spoke of a dusty narrow straight unpaved path. A dusty narrow straight unpaved path that looked seldom traveled and not worn or wide. The entrance to heaven was a dusty narrow straight path that lead up to an enormous but narrow gate that was made of pure gold.  This spectacular gate had unimaginable beauty of jewels of every kind on the gate. The brilliance and awe of this gate was of such beauty that he had never seen in this world and will never see in this present world. Upon entering through the beautiful gate a brilliant light came toward my father. The light was so spectacular and brilliantly bright that he couldn’t see. When he looked to the side from the brilliance of light he saw a man and a women walking toward him. As the couple got closer he could tell it was his mother and father. My grandparents were not old, but they were young and in the prime of their life age. They walked with my father to a river that was coming out of the very throne of God and the river had beautiful trees on its banks. It was a setting of indescribable beauty. There hanging from one of the limbs was a golden dipper. I remember grandfather always during the summer had a dipper in some cool spring water on the back porch. The spring water was the best water you could ever drink, but this time the water grandfather had was the water of eternal life from God himself. Grandpa reached out and got the golden dipper and handed it to my father for a drink. My father said you and mom drink first. Grandpa said we have already drunk and have had plenty. My father then heard it’s not his time and immediately woke up. This dream of heaven was so real it was like he was there. He felt homesick to go back because it was such a magnificent beautiful place. Thank God for speaking to the hearts and minds of his servants.

In our journey to make heaven our home are there going to be those that will miss the rapture that are deceived by thinking they are saved, but have not accepted Christ through faith? Are there going to be those that attend church regularly, but live a life of sin and have never accepted Jesus by faith? Will there be those that miss the rapture that do great works for the kingdom of God and never truly accepted Christ by faith? Are there going to be those that will miss the rapture that are deceived by thinking they can do works for Christ to make up for their un repented sins and completely nonexistent relationship with Christ? An earlier message from my son in law talked about a relationship with a spouse. Would there be much of a relationship with a spouse if they only saw each other and talked briefly for an hour or so on Sunday? What if they only saw each other a couple times a year or less? What if they did as they please all week and just stopped by for a quick visit once a week or once in a while?  What if they done things over and over to hurt the other and sometimes took great joy in inflicting this pain. Would an unapologetic half hearted sorry be enough to sustain this relationship? Would the apology be accepted if they knew the cycle of betrayal would begin hours later? If this is the kind of relationship you have with God please search your heart and ask forgiveness and follow Jesus down that straight and narrow road. Will pride stand in the way in the hearts of man to admit there is perpetual sin in their life and only Jesus can take it away? Grandfather always said, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.” If you are walking the broad paved road of sin and there is no difference between you and the world, will the Lord know you on judgment day? We are talking about your eternal soul and where you will spend eternity.

Matthew 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 which is in heaven.

Matthew 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Matthew 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Repent and ask forgiveness of your sins, have faith in Christ and him alone, serve God with all your heart and soul, live the most righteous and holy LIFE you can before God, and worship God in Spirit and truth before it is too late.

Romans 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  

Beware of and do not attend churches that have false worship, false Christians, and false teachings of God. Beware that there are many who profess to know God and this includes pastors. Many have an outward ministry and externally receive the gospel and profess Jesus. Many are lost and have no desire to deny sin and have no love for a holiness of LIFE. Many profess in words and works that they know the Lord, but they deny the power of the Holy Spirit to work in their lives and reside in their souls. They are born again by words only and not by the power of the Spirit of God. There is no true repentance and desire to hate sin. They hold on to the things of the world that has become idols in their LIFE and are separated from God.  Beware of professing believers and preachers that are hanging onto the world with one hand and are holding onto God with the other hand. Beware of churches that have emotional gatherings that have a form of Godliness, but deny the power of a genuine move of the Holy Spirit. Churches and ministers that are accepting of sin and strive to look like the world to attract the masses are false before almighty God. Scripture warns of false prophet’s only out for self and material gain. What have we seen over the past decades? These are men with corrupt minds with corrupt principles that corrupt the word of God. These false prophets deny the truth and do not have the Spirit of God. These are false teachers that serve themselves with worldly profit and gain. They teach that all prosperity is consistent with religion and that anything less is inconsistent with religion. They teach that an increase of property is of course true religion.

1Timothy 6:5  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

When we stand before God on that final judgment day there will be no divisions of people. There will not be sections with religious denominations, people groups, and any other divisions of people. If you were deceived by wrong teachings there will be no excuses of what you were taught by preachers and teachers or denominational teachings or what you thought the Bible said. Read the Bible yourself and know what it says. Find a Bible believing church where the word of God is preached and not just a building that is just an entertainment social center. Charles Spurgeon who is often called the prince of preachers predicted over a century and a half ago what would happen in the end times before the coming of the Lord.

A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats - Charles Spurgeon

Psalm 83 - Who's Who and Why Should It Matter to Me?

Psalm 83
A Song. A Psalm of Asaph.

Psalm 83 was probably written some time after the end of King Solomon’s reign (about 900 BC)  but the Bible contains no account of such a coordinated effort by all of Israel’s neighbors to destroy them, either during that time or since.  A partial fulfillment may be in view in 2 Chronicles 20 when Moab, Ammon, and parts of Edom invaded Judah during King Jehosophat’s reign (872-848 BC) Interestingly, Jahaziel, a Levite who prophesied Judah’s victory in that battle was a descendant of Asaph, who wrote Psalm 83. Applying one of his favorite tactics, the Lord set Israel’s enemies against each other and they defeated themselves. Ezekiel 38:21 tells of a future use of this same tactic.**

1 Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! 2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.”

Sounds like today's headlines from one of Israel's newspapers. As of this writing, Egypt and Jordan are the only neighboring countries that have a treaty with Israel, albeit, a cool relationship. However, recent developments have Egypt in an uproar and protests have begun in Jordan.

Thousands protest in Jordan

Egyptian Cabinet officially resigns after days of protests

Now the news pundits I have been listening to, and I have listened to a lot of them from various networks, are saying that all the protesters really want is freedom and democracy. That may have been true when these protest started out. President Mubarak was known to be a dictator and the living conditions of the everyday people, wasn't the best. Like all people everywhere, they want a better life.

The problem is, now the Muslim Brotherhood have stepped into the picture. Now why should it matter if the Muslim Brotherhood take over?

If Brotherhood takes over, IDF will face formidable enemy

Muslim Brotherhood Wants War With Israel

An Overview of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood's Stance on U.S. and Jihad

Now look at a map of Israel, and the surrounding countries. If Jordan and Egypt are led by the Muslim Brotherhood, Israel will have no "friends" left among the surround countries.

Without Egypt, Israel will be left with no friends in Mideast

5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites;  Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot.

The countries lined up against Israel in this Psalm inhabited the lands of Israel’s current neighbors. Edom and the Ishmaelites were in land occupied by southern Jordan today while the territories of Moab and Ammon make up the rest of that country. Ahman, the modern spelling of Ammon, is the capital of Jordan.**

The Hagrites were part of Aram, whose capitol was Damascus in modern Syria.  Gebal (also called Byblos) and Tyre can still be found in present day Lebanon. The Amalekites lived in Israel’s southern desert and Philistia settled in Gaza on Israel’s southern border. Assyria would conquer Aram shortly after Psalm 83 was written and the descendants of Lot is another reference to Jordan.  Remember, Moab and Ammon were the sons of an incestuous union between Lot and his two daughters (Genesis 19:30-38).**

So here we have all of Israel’s next door neighbors, all of them sworn to Israel’s destruction, and all of them being whipped into a frenzy by Syria and Iran.**

9 Deal with them as with Midian, As with Sisera, As with Jabin at the Brook Kishon, 10 Who perished at En Dor, Who became as refuse on the earth. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb and like Zeeb, Yes, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, 12 Who said, “Let us take for ourselves The pastures of God for a possession.” 13 O my God, make them like the whirling dust, Like the chaff before the wind! 14 As the fire burns the woods, And as the flame sets the mountains on fire, 15 So pursue them with Your tempest, And frighten them with Your storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame, That they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17 Let them be confounded and dismayed forever; Yes, let them be put to shame and perish, 18 That they may know that You, whose name alone is the LORD, Are the Most High over all the earth.

Midian was defeated by a vastly outnumbered force under the command of Gideon. It was another case of the Lord turning Israel’s enemies against each other and causing them to defeat themselves. (Judges 7)**

Jabin was a king of the Canaanites and Sisera was the commander of his army. The Lord lured the Canaanite army into a trap and the Israelites destroyed them.(Judges 4) The commander of Israel’s army was named Barak, just like Israel’s current Defense Minister. Probably a coincidence.**

Oreb, Zeeb Zebah, and Zalmunna were all leaders of the Midianite army defeated by Gideon.**

Watching today's news is exciting if you look at Biblical prophecy. Reading sections such as Psalm 83, Isaiah 17 (the burden of Damascus), Isaiah 19 (the burden of Egypt), the little book of Obadiah (concerning Edom aka Jordan), and Ezekiel 38-39 (prophesy against Gog aka Russia and Persia aka Iran). Of course there are many other sections of prophesy, but these are the ones I have been concentrating on recently.

Now I asked in the title, why should it matter.  Knowing that we are living in the generation (Matthew 24:34) that saw the first sign in 1948, the reestablishment of Israel as a nation. (Matthew 24:32 - Israel is symbolized as the fig tree.) If you read the God-Magog war in Ezekiel, you will notice that some countries are not mentioned. I believe that is because they were destroyed during the battle mentioned in Psalm 83 and Isaiah 17. I also believe that the 7 year peace treaty mentioned in Daniel 9:27 will happen after the Gog-Magog war.

Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, is poured out on the desolate.

And I believe that the Psalm 83 war, along with Isaiah 17 will happen before the Gog-Magog war. I also believe that this war is immenent. Of course, once the covenant is confirmed, the 70th week of Daniel will start, meaning what we call the 7-year tribulation will commence. And I also believe that before the tribulation begins, Jesus will come back and remove His Church in what we call the rapture.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Are you excited yet?

So, do I believe that what is happening right now in Egypt and Jordan is a precursor to these wars and the rapture. I like to believe so, however, an Almighty God is in control. I believe He is putting the pieces together so He can redeem the world. So my answer will have to be, only God knows.

Are you ready to stand before Jesus? Do you know him as your personal Saviour? If you don't, you're running out of time.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

In order to accept Jesus, just admit to Him that you're a sinner and you need a saviour. Ask him to forgive your sins. It's that simple. When you do, your sins will be covered by the blood of Jesus' sacrifice and you will be able to stand in front of a Holy God.

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:10

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Thessalonians 5:9

Jesus is waiting and soon he will be returning for his Bride first, then to execute judgement on an evil, unbelieving world. Which side will you be on?

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20

God willing, until next time

Maranatha

** http://gracethrufaith.com/ikvot-hamashiach/psalm-83-preview-of-a-coming-attraction/

"I Will Set Egyptians Against Egyptians"

I have been telling my brothers and sisters in Christ how important it is to have a knowledge of Biblical prophecy. This is a very good article that shows how an Almighty God is putting the pieces together that will herald the return of the King of Kings. Also remember that there won't be any peace in the Middle East until the Prince of Peace appears.

There are several sections of the Bible mentions and I urge you to read them. For those of us in Christ, these are exciting times. We are witnessing prophecy happen in front of our eyes.

I also urge you - if you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, please don't hesitate. Time is getting short.


"I Will Set Egyptians Against Egyptians"

God willing, until next time

Maranatha

Which Will You Be?

Once again, I am posting an article that was written by somebody else, but this is a message worth reading and passing on.

One Taken, One Left

By Roger Pritchett

This is not a message to tickle the ear or to lull you to sleep. This message contains powerful passages from God’s Holy Word the Bible. This writing shows many scriptures of Jesus very words that he spoke emphasized in red. I don’t think it could be any plainer or emphasized with more importance what Jesus is telling us. Are these words spoken by Jesus himself telling us that as many who make the rapture there will be as many who miss the rapture?

He Gets It

I will tell you right up front, that I do not agree with his New-Age theology. In that, he is a false teacher. But that is not what this blog is about. This message is long, but the facts are important and I ask that you take the time and listen. We are living in perilous times, and the fall of Egypt will snowball to where the peace of the world is at stake.

Pray for the peace of Israel. Once Egypt falls under the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, Jordan will not be far behind. Israel will be surrounded by her enemies, just like God told us she would. And pray for the government of the United States, that they don't desert Israel. That will bring final judgement on us. God will protect Israel, but he will pour His wrath out on those who curse her. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee, and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3 (KJV)

And also pray for those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He is our hope and He will one day bring peace to Israel.




God willing, until next time

Maranatha