AfterThoughts: July 7, 2019

July 7, 2019

The Road Less Traveled

Matthew 7:13-23

 

This week, Pastor David continued the Sermon On The Mount series with a message about the only path that leads to heaven. Re-read those verses as you consider these questions.

 

• Think about the “fork in the road” decisions you have faced in your life. How did your choice(s) impact you, then and later in your life?
• In this passage, Jesus clearly describes only two choices – the wide path and the narrow path – for how we live and experience eternity. How does that description differ from what we hear and see in our culture today? In what area(s) of your life do you find yourself looking for a third way or a moderate position?
• Matthew 7:20 says “Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Who does “them” refer to in this verse? What does the “fruit” of your life indicate about your relationship with Jesus?
• What path are you on today? Is it the path that leads to heaven? If not, would you trust Jesus today? If you have never received God’s gift of salvation, we invite you to visit dawsonchurch.org/becoming-a-christian to learn more.

ADDITIONAL DISCOVERY:

 

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood, 

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

 

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken"

 

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. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

-Matthew 7:13-23

 

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

-James 2:19

 

Salt, Sugar & Fat – Michael Moss

Watch this week’s sermon at www.dawsonchurch.org/SOTM.