The word for this week is "narrow". It's found in the New Testament only in Matthew 7:13-14:
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. KJV
This is the Greek word "thlibo". Strong's Concordance says: to crowd. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to press. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: hemmed in, like a mountain gorge; the way is rendered "narrow" by the divine conditions, which make it impossible for any to enter who think the entrance depends upon self-merit. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: Literally: to press, squash, hem in, be narrow. Some people think that they have to try to do and be good enough to enter into Heaven. I remember sharing the Gospel with my mom, who was raised Catholic. When I asked her what she would say if she died that day and was asked why she should be allowed into Heaven, she said, "Well I have tried my best to be good." When I shared the Truth with her that JESUS took upon Himself ALL of her sin and shortcomings, and that the ONLY way into Heaven was to receive Him and His free GIFT of Salvation, she was overjoyed! She prayed right then to be born again, and she told EVERYONE she saw that she was a BELIEVER!
The WAY is VERY "narrow" in that there IS only one way! But that WAY costs us nothing but our pride in admitting that in and of ourselves it cannot be done. Acts 4:12:
12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.
I see such a light of love and life in each of your beautiful daughters and I know that others see that, too! As I pray for you and Kristine and your family, I really sense that there are going to be many who want to know about the hope that is in you, and the light, life and love that they always see! Keeping things simple will help tremendously in answering these things! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Here's To The One":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
