November 2nd, 2025 - Choosing a Path
Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:13-23
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A Mountain of a Message
1. broken hearts
2. the heart guides the law
3. hearts shaped by disciplines
4. healthy hearts worry less
5. and ask God to heal other hearts
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6. Choosing a Path
Jesus expects that you practice.
He believes you can grow.
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BUT
It only works after you surrender your heart and ask him to be your master.
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It won't be easy, but it is worth it
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
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It is easy to see these people as weak or lost
Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek,
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful,
the pure in heart, the peacemakers,
those who are persecuted
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But their hearts are being formed from above.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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It is easy to be self-righteous on the big laws
‘You shall not murder,
but practice paying attention to your heart
anyone who is angry ... will be subject to judgment.
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It is easy to love those you love
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
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It is easy to perform when there is an audience
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.
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It is easy to receive our bread and forgiveness
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,as we also have forgiven our debtors
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It is easy to focus on earth things
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, ... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
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It is easy to worry
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
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It is easy to condemn and advise
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. Do not throw your pearls to pigs.
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It is hard to know you need to ask and to keep asking (poor in spirit)
8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
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And many will try to help you for their own purposes.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
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Trust your spiritual gut
20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
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It is not about power, but heart
22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
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Who then can be saved?
All, by grace.
The question is how much disciple-life you will experience.