We walk around in a maze till we find the gate: Matthew 4:17.
The Maze
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Randy Kluth
Well-Known Member
Yes, to not be lost we have to belong. And we learn who we are and where we belong by passing through the Gate! :)
When I read the verse you quoted I didn’t think of a maze, all I had in my mind was that ‘ The door ‘ was becoming visable…………..
Stumpmaster
Well-Known Member
Oceanprayers
Active Member
I don't see how you arrive at that conclusion reading Matthew 4.
Specifically, the seventeenth verse. John the Baptist preached the same message. I don't see how we can understand the verse till we do as it says. But when we repent, as the verse instructs us, don't our difficulties fade away?
Another outburst like that and I'll have to send you to the principle's office.but the maize is still good to feed on.
Stumpmaster
Well-Known Member
Nor me, but I'm up for discussion about the second verse quoted here.
Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Mat 7:12-14 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (13) "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. (14) Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Oceanprayers
Active Member
Have yours?
Can any of us say Everytime we repent our difficulties disappear or fade away?
If I'm in difficulty, shouldn't the Holy Spirit assist in that time of need?
What is there to repent of if my difficulty, as an example, is facing eviction? My electric cut off ? My work hours being cut so I can't make my bills?
Oceanprayers
Active Member
What do you see as the bridge there between those two chapters, in whole for context? What links them as relating to one another given this thread topic?
Stumpmaster
Well-Known Member
Those ignoring the teaching of Jesus to repent because the kingdom of heaven is at hand have entered through the wide gate and are on the broad way that leads to destruction. Those who believe and obey the teachings of Jesus, and do unto others as they would have done unto them, have found and entered through the narrow gate and are on the narrow, difficult way that leads to life.
When we sin, we bring trouble into our lives. That doesn't happen if we stop sinning. And I think our faith is stronger when we repent of our sin.
I found growing up to be a confusing time for me.
Wondering why this or that.
We do not seek for God. If we are wandering in a maze, we are not looking for the real genuine true Christ, we are fooling ourselves if we thought we were. Maybe seeking for a false Christ to give us security, success in life, fame or money, a good marriage, or any other worldly pursuit, we did not care about the things of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
Romans 3
10 As it is written:
“There is none righteous, no, not one;
11 There is none who understands;
There is none who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside;
They have together become unprofitable;
There is none who does good, no, not one.”
13 “Their throat is an open tomb;
With their tongues they have practiced deceit”;
“The poison of asps is under their lips”;
14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways;
17 And the way of peace they have not known.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
God seeks out those He has foreknown as His own, those are the ones He is goading.
God in the OC, the Jews kept resisting His Holy Spirit.
We are now in a different New Covenant.
There is no Jewish old covenant relationship with God reaching out His hands to Israel all day long like he used to do, while they kept resisting Him stubbornly, as Stephen in Acts testifies of them. All that is over and out now forever.
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