Is There Another Way?

 

Today’s sermon has been edited and digested by me as I took notes while Pastor Jerry gave the message.  He was reading from Matthew 18:15-20. 

Conflict is all around us.  This world is engaged in horrendous challenges in Nations, our families and even in the church.  At this point, we are sinners and we tend to fight and argue.   

Is There Another Way? 

We all know the Golden Rule:  “Do unto other’s as you would have them do unto you.” 

In the Bible even Peter, Silas and Paul had disagreements.  Yet they respected one another and the bonds of love knit them together in peace even as they went separate ways.

 

Matthew 18:15-17 New King James Version ¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, You have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Pastor went on to tell four stories about conflict and arriving at a peaceful settlement. 

He was preparing our members to realize change is in the air.  Our church will very soon need to face some hard facts about growth and not everyone will be happy about answers that need to be considered.

 

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 My thoughts went further and the rest is what I edited from todays sermon. 

 

Jesus asked that question as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane;  Is There Another Way?  The answer echoed back: “There is no other way.” Jesus cried out, “Not my will but thine be done.” 

We have many religions in this world, and they all have their requirements to reach heaven.  For some it is selling magazines, others must go through certain rituals and obey certain rules; then for some it is killing Christians to secure a place in heaven. 

Even Christians place a heavy burden on many of their members, by requiring particular clothing, certain hair styles, and abstaining from anything that appears worldly. 

The Bible is clear that there is ONLY ONE WAY to reach heaven.  Salvation is a gift and cannot be earned.  The simple truth is to believe on Jesus Christ that he died for your sins, rose from the dead on the third day and that He desires to be number ONE in your life.

Is There Another Way? 

The answer is very clear!   

Absolutely Not !!  There is no other way.