The Broad Way or Narrow Way—Which Is Best?

By Dennis Abernathy

Jesus speaks of the narrow and broad way in Matthew 7: 13-14. One is traveled by the few and the other is widely-traveled. One way leads to life and the other to destruction. The narrow way is the way of intolerance, discipline, commitment, and is rife with difficulty, and the broad way is the way of tolerance, indulgence, selfishness, and the way of least resistance.

Many believe that being intolerant is wicked and bad. But, when God is being blasphemed, when truth is under attack, or when opinion is substituted for God’s Word, it is right to be intolerant i.e. we must firmly stand for what the Bible teaches and refuse to accept wrong beliefs and practices.

God’s way is narrow because the way of truth and holiness, by necessity, is narrow. Christians are often called “narrow-minded,” as if to say being “broad-minded” is desirable. But Jesus advocated the opposite.

People wrongly think being “broad-minded” is the same thing as being “open-minded.” But being “open-minded” is good because it can aid us in seeking and understanding the truth. In contrast, “broad-mindedness” equates to “anything-goes” religion, morality, or variant lifestyle.

All lifestyles and all religions are not equally good, leading to the same destination. Christ says there are only two roads in life and they lead to radically different destinations. The broad way may look very inviting and the narrow way may look very daunting. We all stand at the cross-roads and the road we choose is literally a matter of life and death! Think on these things.

Author: Dennis Abernathy is the evangelist of the White Oak Church of Christ, located in White Oak, Texas 75693. He can be reached at preachab@suddenlink.net.

By Mark Mayberry

Introduction

The expression, “my people,” occurs 230 times in 217 verses in the NASB. It reflects a closeness, a familiarity, a family relationship. Such blessings are found in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Special Relationship

As the people of God, we share a special relationship with Him. The descendants of Abraham were divinely chosen to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Gen. 12:1-3; 18:19; Exod. 19:5-6). Avoiding all forms of idolatry, the Israelites were commanded to keep God’s statutes and reverence His sanctuary. By so doing, they would enjoy God’s continued favor: “Moreover, I will make My dwelling among you, and My soul will not reject you. ‘I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people” (Lev. 26:1-13, esp. vv. 11-12). Today, the Lord grants a similar offer to Jew and Gentile alike. This special relationship is ours, not by birthright or merit, but by divine adoption and grace (Rom. 8:14-17; 9:19-33; cf. Hos. 1:1-11).

Special Rights

As the people of God, we enjoy special rights. Such was true for ancient Israel, not only practically, but also prophetically (Jer. 31:31-34; 32:36-44). Such is also true for disciples of Christ. The right to become children of God is granted to all those who receive Him (John 1:9-13). The right to eat of the tree of life and enter the gates of heaven is granted to those who wash their robes (Rev. 22:14-15).

Special Responsibilities

As the people of God, we share a special responsibility. Such was true for Israel of old (Jer. 11:1-17). It remains true for contemporary Christians (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Let us avoid the perils and pitfalls of disobedience, recognizing that failure carries devastating consequences (Jer. 4:22; Hos. 4:6; 11:7).

Conclusion

Do you desire to be a part of God’s family, to benefit from His blessings, to know His grace and forgiveness? You need to be washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 7:13-17; Titus 3:5-7). You need to walk in the light of His word (Ps. 89:14-15; 1 John 1:5-10).

The Life of Job

By Mark Mayberry
1/7/2018

Introduction

For our instruction and encouragement, the Bible records many notable examples (Rom. 15:4-5), but none are more meaningful and moving than the life of the patriarch Job (Job 1:1-3).

God is watching from above. Like any loving father, God is pleased when His children act honorably. The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:8; 2:3).

Satan, the malicious accuser of the brethren (Job 1:9-11; 2:4-5; cf. Zech. 3:1-7), lurking in the shadows and roaming to and fro on the earth, constantly looks for opportunities to entice us into sin, and—through our failure—bring shame upon our heavenly Father.

What He Did Right

Job was blameless and upright—one who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1). The same is expected of us (Eph. 1:4).

He was a real spiritual leader in his home, consecrating his children, and offering sacrifice on their behalf (Job 1:4-5). Similarly, we endeavor to raise our sons and daughters in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).

Despite his trials, Job did not (initially) sin or blame God, but manifested a spirit of acceptance (Job 1:22; 2:10). The NASB marginal note for “blame” in Job 1:22 is “literally, ascribe unseemliness to.” While God tests us and allows us to be tempted (Ps. 11:4-5; Prov. 17:3; 2 Tim. 4:16-18), it is unseemly (and wrong) to ascribe unto Him the malicious motives of Satan (Luke 22:31-32; 1 Pet. 5:8).

What He Did Wrong

Job became too invested in defending himself. There is a place for offering a defense, but with balance and restraint (Prov. 25:27; 27:2; 2 Cor. 10:12, 18; 12:11, 19). Job blamed God for things that were beyond his comprehension/understanding (Job 38:1-3; 40:6-9).

 What He Lost

Job lost his wealth (Job 1:13-17), his family (Job 1:18-19), and his health (Job 2:1-8). He lost the support of his wife, who in a foolishly mocking tone said, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9-10).

Although Job’s friends were initially supportive, coming and sitting on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, because they saw that his pain was very great (Job 2:11-13), yet, their counsel was flawed (Job 4:1-11) and offered no benefit (Job 6:14-18).

Initially, he faced these misfortunes with a spirit of acceptance (Job 1:20-22). However, due to the prolonged nature of his trials, and the provocation of his friends, eventually, Job lost his patience, expressing unfettered frustration with both his earthly friends and his heavenly Father (Job 3ff).

What He Gained

Joe learned the necessity of reverence (Job 38:1-11). He rediscovered the importance of humility and repentance (Job 42:1-6). Coming to appreciate the value of endurance, the patriarch gained a renewed appreciation for the compassionate and merciful outcome of the Lord’s dealings (Job 42:10-17; James 5:11).

Conclusion

In studying experiences of Job, we have briefly considered what he did right, what he did wrong, what he lost, what he gained? In looking at your own life, what have you done that is right? What have you done that is wrong? What have you lost? What have you gained? Do you need the blessing of forgiveness and the promise of divine fellowship? Obey the gospel while there is time and opportunity.

Note: Presented at the Adoue Street Church of Christ in Alvin, TX on 1/7/2018.  To see a video presentation of this lesson, go here.