22nd October 2024

In our attempt to love and accept all people, to be open to the way they do things and to accept their beliefs, we have become too lax in the things we believe. These words have been attributed to Alexander Hamilton, ‘If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.’ If we do not stand strong in our faith, we will fall for the first lie given. So was the warning given by God when the children of Israel entered the Promised Land. It seemed harsh treatment to those who had rejected God and his ways, but it was not very long before the beliefs of those people penetrated and stained the beliefs of the people of Israel for the one true God. It is now being said by some, that there are many ways to God and that each religion has its truths, but Jesus counters that here in John 14:6 to say that there is only ‘one way’ to God and that he was the way.

We tend to be rule breakers, it is obvious in a car park. If it is head-in parking only, you will always find someone who backs in, some take two spaces by parking on the line and then there are those who park diagonally taking up many spaces. Jesus talked about those who did not enter the gate but tried to climb over the fence and tried to sneak into the Kingdom (John 10:1-10).  Every year someone climbs over a fence at a zoo, or a national park and it usually ends in death. A barrier is there for our protection, but many try to enter any way they choose. There is one way Jesus said, and if we enter the Kingdom of God through Jesus, we enter the safe way, the only way that leads to life.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NIV). I am just not ready or willing to put my trust in anyone else but Jesus. We get more than Jesus in doing so, we get the Father and his love and the Holy Spirit to guide us and protect us. The narrow or singular way is more than a restriction, it is a guard against going the wrong way that leads to death. When the seas are rough and the waves high, it is a good thing to have those railings, those barriers to keep us from falling into the sea and drowning. When we take the hand of Jesus, he will keep us from sinking and he will take us safely to shore (John 6:15-21, Matthew 14:22-33). 

The path is wide which leads to destruction and narrow which leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Why is it so difficult for some to see and enter the right way? The distractions of this world are many. The call to follow this world and its ways is made easy and enticing. Jesus did not say it would be easy to follow him, but the reward is worth the difficulty. Jesus is the way, and oh, what a wonderful Saviour we have in Jesus.

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church