A teaching by Rev. Barbara Williams, President of the Ministry of the Watchman International
Week of March 22-26, 2021
MONDAY
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:12-14
The Lord is completing what many bible scholars consider the most profound sermon ever preached… the Sermon on the Mount. In this discourse the Lord is setting forth the rules of the Kingdom of Heaven. This sermon includes the essence of Christian church doctrine. The basis of the faith that we adhere to is included in this powerful sermon, so in summing up what He has previously taught, the Lord instructs the hearer in the most important part of the sermon: how to accomplish the things that God has set forth. How do we accomplish the beatitudes? How do we live a life pleasing to God? What are the first steps?
If you are in need of healing, there is good news! Proverbs 4:20-22 SAYS:
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
So there is life and health in God’s word. Since God’s word is medicine, we must take it like we would a prescription. I suggest three times a day, like you would your food. Remember, healing is the children’s bread. Consider this your “dose” for today. Remember, read, and meditate three times a day the following:
Rx: Acts 10:38 ~ How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
If you’ve never studied the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we invite you to join us as we read through the Bible in a year. Read and meditate on these chapters this week:
March 22: Exodus 33, John 12, Proverbs 9, Ephesians 2
March 23: Exodus 34, John 13, Proverbs 10, Ephesians 3
March 24: Exodus 35, John 14, Proverbs 11, Ephesians 4
March 25: Exodus 36, John 15, Proverbs 12, Ephesians 5
March 26: Exodus 37, John 16, Proverbs 13, Ephesians 6
March 27: Exodus 38, John 17, Proverbs 14, Philippians 1
March 28: Exodus 39, John 18, Proverbs 15, Philippians 2
TUESDAY
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:12-14
The first step is to know that the Kingdom is a place that we enter. How will we know the entry? We will know because of the numbers of people at the gate. They are few. This is a somewhat frightening idea, but it is true nonetheless. The path that the multitudes are choosing is known as the broad way. This way seems nice, but leads to destruction. What are some of the characteristics of the broad way? It is interesting that one of the busiest streets in America is Broadway Avenue in New York City. It is lined with all types of interesting things to see. There are theatres, merchants, retail stores, offices, delicatessens, and everything in between. Musicians play on street corners, and the garment district is not far… there are small businesses and many apartment buildings. It is open and free and accessible to all. The streets are jammed with taxicabs and buses. It is an exciting place.
WEDNESDAY
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:12-14
This describes the road to hell, according to our scripture. It is an exciting place. All of the beautiful, important and rich people are on this road. There is a thrill a minute, until the prices must be paid for the wages of sin. When the cup of a person’s iniquity is filled, then there occurs a weariness of the broad way life. The person forgets the bright lights, the glitz and glamour the reality of the wages of sin settles in, and the person begins to desire something more. At this point, they will seek God, or the devil will find a way to sink them further into sin. When a person finds out that sin is their problem, they are on the way to the narrow road. This is a glorious time for them, because they are being led to the narrow way.
THURSDAY
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:12-14
The gate to the narrow way is not as exciting as that of the broad way. We get to the door by accepting the golden rule. We begin by doing things to and for people that we would like to have done to us. When we decide to live this way, we find ourselves in the company of a thin crowd. Not many people can do this for very long without smarting. We need God’s power to do this without quitting when the favor is not returned. We need even more of His help to do this when we are reviled and persecuted by the very person to whom we extend ourselves. This road must be paved with the grace to forgive. Jesus puts us on the road and walks with us. He prepares the way with His grace. He lights the way with His Word. The strength to walk comes from the Holy Spirit.
FRIDAY
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:12-14
The narrow way leads to the “zoë” life. It is a good life: a more abundant life. It is promised to all, but attained by few. Perhaps the most pronounced characteristic of this life is peace. It is sealed in the blood of Jesus and we have a covenant of peace with God. He promises us His peace. He has left for us His peace. He rules in our hearts by the sign of peace. We could then say that few find the true peace of God in a permanent fashion. The peace of God must be sought…and keep seeking until it is found. Even when circumstances are upsetting, keep looking for the peace. Peace is the sign that lets you know that you have entered the gate, and on the other side of the gate is the large room of the abundant life that God has promised you. Remember the road to the gate is narrow, but once the room of life is entered, it is a room filled with the righteousness, peace and joy of the Holy Spirit. This makes it all worthwhile. Stay on the road.