Path Least Traveled!

For Friday, June 20, 2025:

Luke 13:24 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.”

The question put to Jesus was, “How many will be saved?” Is it a lot, or perhaps just a few? I don’t need an exact number. Perhaps we could get the answer as a percentage? Are 10% saved while 90% perish? Or is it the other way around? Since the gate is narrow, I surmise that not everyone who calls out, “Lord, Lord,” will be rescued.

God is patient. He’s giving us a lot of time to firm up our decision. God wants more and more of the faithful to cement their decisions for Jesus. But friends, time is running out! There will come a day when God says, “No more time!” Our grace period has ended. It’s a real line in the sand. Those who have committed themselves to Jesus will be “IN!” Those who reject Christ will be “OUT!” Unfortunately, fence-sitters will also be out. If you’re not perceived as being “with” Jesus, you may find yourself on the outside. “I never knew you!”

Those who humble themselves before Jesus go to the front of the line. Those who think too highly of themselves will bring up the rear. The first will be last, and the last will be first. It’s exciting to watch your pecking order shift as judgment day draws closer!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Narrow Gate!

For Wednesday, February 15, 2023:

Matthew 7:13-14 NLT, Jesus speaking: “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Like many things in life, Jesus encourages us to first set our eyes on a goal. We can then pursue that intention and assess our progress. If we don’t identify where we’re going, how will we know when we arrive? The gate is not our destination, but it opens to the path that leads to eternal life.

Jesus’ way may be more difficult, but it’s the right choice. There is often only one way to do the right thing, but it may require a lot more work. It’s easier to do the wrong thing, to do too little or to do nothing at all. Being helpful requires more effort.

Once we’ve entered the narrow gate, we need to continue progressing down the good path. The way to destruction is easy and many choose it, forgetting that eternity is a long, long time! But the narrow path has the best reward for those who pursue it – Eternity in the presence of Father God! Make that your goal!

Don’t just stand outside the narrow gate. Have the courage to enter!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship