Pastor Zack explores Jesus' challenging command about the narrow and wide gates, false prophets, and what it truly means to do the will of the Father, revealing three essential steps every believer must understand.

THE NARROW AND WIDE GATES:

Matthew 7:13-14 - "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."

This passage is heavy. It can either terrify us (questioning our salvation) or seduce us (making us think we're already fine). But Jesus wants us in the middle—wrestling with Him, not panicking or becoming complacent.

FALSE PROPHETS AND FRUIT:

Matthew 7:15-20 - "Watch out for false prophets. They come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."

You can identify false teaching by examining the fruit it produces. An apple tree doesn't grow oranges. A false prophet's actions will be out of step with Scripture.

THE HARD TRUTH:

Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Many will point to their prophesying, demon-casting, and miracles—but Jesus says "I never knew you." They were relying on their works instead of Jesus' completed work on the cross.

THE REAL GOSPEL:

This isn't about earning heaven through goodness. This is about faith in Jesus leading to a transformed life. The gospel is: You don't deserve it, so Christ did it for you, and He gives it to you freely if you believe.

THREE STEPS TO WALKING THE NARROW WAY:

Step 1: Be Saved
John 6:38-40 - Put your faith in Jesus Christ. Believe in His completed work on the cross. This isn't just head knowledge, faith like trusting a parachute leads to action.

Step 2: Do Good, Abstain from Evil
1 Thessalonians 4:3 + Galatians 5:19-26 - Stop living for yourself. Kill the old self and pick up your cross. Bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This isn't about perfection today, it's about direction and desire for change.

Step 3: Make Disciples
Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus has all authority. He commands you to go make disciples of all nations. Once you're saved and being sanctified, don't keep it to yourself. Tell others about the God who saved you.

THE FOUNDATION:

Matthew 7:24-29 - Build your house on the rock (Jesus and His ways) not on sand (worldly ways). A house built on rock stands firm against storms. A house on sand crumbles.

THE WILL OF THE FATHER:

When you hear that "still, small voice" calling you to something good, something that doesn't feel like you, that's often God. The flesh always wants what's easy and destructive. The Spirit invites us to what's difficult but life-giving.

THE CHALLENGE:

Live like a saved person. Lay down your way for His way. Teach others to do the same. Don't waste the short time you have on this earth. The stakes are high, and people are waiting to hear about Jesus.

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becomehope.com

0:00 - Introduction: Baby Announcement & The Narrow Gate
2:00 - False Prophets, Fruit, & The Hard Truth About Works
6:00 - The Gospel: Jesus Did It For You, Not About Your Works
10:00 - Step 1: Be Saved - Faith in Jesus & His Completed Work
14:00 - Step 2: Do Good, Abstain from Evil - Identity in Christ
18:00 - Step 3: Make Disciples - The Great Commission
22:00 - Building Your House on Rock vs. Sand: Security in Jesus
26:00 - Discerning God's Voice & Living as a Saved Person
28:00 - Final Challenge: Live It Out, Teach Others, Don't Waste Time
30:00 - Closing Prayer