HOW IS RIDING A BICYCLE LIKE BEING A CHRISTIAN?
Wth a show of hands how many of you have ever ridden a bicycle? Many people say if you have ever been on a bicycle and have mastered breaking either on the pedals, or the grips on the handlebars, or the old Barnie Ruble way just sticking your feet down which I have done numerous times. You have mastered pedaling, steering, getting on and off with you and the bicycle going down. They say you never will forget how to ride a bicycle. As for me when I was much younger at the age of 10 year old Christmas morning I received my first bicycle. It was red in color with a small amount of white pinstripe with a headight on the front fender. The bike most likely was picked up by Santa Clause at the Western Auto. That morning I was so happy my own bike, I had been taught on a girls 26 inches bike as my cousin taught me how to ride, believe me it wasn’t pretty. But back to Christmas morning I rolled my new bike out most likely around 5:30 in the morning to ride it to my Aunt and Uncle house which was right passed my grandmother house. Did I mention the big white oak that was four feet from the edge of the pig pen. This was the path we traveled daily to ride the bus to school, I had walked this same path it seemed thousands of times not deviating from the route I took each day. I never had any trouble with this route until that Christmas morning. As I left that early Christmas morning to ride to my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins house I cut the light on to guide me to my destination. As I rode the thoughts enter my mind my very own bicycle, as I pedaled faster I could see the shining metal from the glow of my front light. The faster I pedaled as I went through my Grandmother back yard passing the smoke house the faster I pedaled. I could see the pig pen and the large white oak coming into view. My objective was to spilt the distance between the pig pen and the tree the faster I pedaled. With all the excitement to this point I had forgotten the root that ran at a 90 degree angle from the white oak running directly toward the pig pen. My front tire hit the root and propled my self and my new red Western Flyer into the tree. I escaped with just a few scratches however my bike was not damaged except the front fender and the headlight that was all scratched, and dented up. The accident was completely my fault it wasn’t caused by a deer running in my path, or I was talking or texting on my cell phone no it was caused by not paying attention to what I was doing. Since I have started my bicycle riding again it seems I still have accidents but as my Daddy use to tell get back up you sometimes will fail but don’t let that stop you from trying. Well Pastor what that got to do with the message today? Please turn in your bibles to Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Let Pray:
Many people sometime in their life have probably thought “Why did God make salvation such a narrow path?” The passage in Matthew 7:13-14 and Luke 13:23-24 causes some to question the goodness of God. After all, if He really want to save everyone, why didn’t He make it easier to be saved? Why doesn’t He just let everyone into heaven?
I. THE STRAIGHT GATE
A. Jesus said enter into the straight gate
B. Keeping our eyes focused on Jesus
C. Looking ahead having our mind, body, and soul to the one who will give us life
D. That Christmas Morning the Gate was not straight the white oak and the corner of the pig pen were off set causing to enter baring to the right.
E. Jesus tells us even though the gate is straight and wide
F. If the opening between the Oak and the pig pen had been wider I possibly would not have wrecked
G. But the bible tells us straight is the gate for wide is the gate and broad
is the way that leadeth to destruction .
H. Is this possible where people have come up with the idea of many ways to God
I. Ladies and gentlemen there is only one way and that is by the blood of Jesus Christ that took away your sins both in the past, present, and future.
J. God offers salvation to everyone who accepts it
II. NARROW IS THE WAY
A. Here we see the straight gate but it’s a narrow passage
B. While there will be relatively few who go through the narrow gate compared to the many on the broad road, there will still be multitudes who will follow the Lamb.
C. In the book of Revelations the Apostle John saw this multitude in his vision.
Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands
D. Jesus Christ is the Door through which we all must enter
E. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
F. Entering the narrow gate is not easy
G. No amount of effort saves us; salvation is by the grace of God through the gift of faith Ephesians 2:8-9 for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourself; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.
H. No one will ever earn heaven by striving for it
I. But entering the narrow gate is still difficult because
1. of the opposition of human pride
2. Our natural love of sin
3. The opposition of satan and the world in his control
4. It seems it’s a constant battle against us in the pursuit of eternity
III. WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU RIDE A BICYCLE
A. Riding a bicycle for the first time or if you haven’t ridden in a long time is like a new Believer in the Lord Jesus Christ
B. You must eat right when riding a bicycle, ( being a new Christian you must eat right also the bible says in Psalms 119:103 How sweet are they words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth (GOD”S Word)
C. A bicycle rider must keep the tires inflated, the chain oiled to function at its best ( A Christian must be read up in Gods word, prayed up to receive the blessings that Christ has for us)
D. A bicycle rider sometimes will take his or her eyes off the road and can have a accident ( A Christian can sometimes take his eyes off of Jesus and sometimes you will stumble)
E. A bicycle rider can just say I am tired I don’t think I will ride today. ( A Christian does get tired but God gives us strength, and the ability to finish strong in the race of life)
F. A bicycle rider should wear a shirt that is bright that motorist can see him.
(A Christian has the Mark of God the Holy Spirit that all may see has actions and how he does for GOD and OTHERS)
G. A bicycle rider who is new to riding when the hills come it much harder to pedal to get to the top. (A Christian will face hills, disappointment, heartache, but by keeping your eyes focused on the Lord you will by God help make it to the top. Each time by trusting God and warding off Satan you will become stronger.
H. Keep spinning the pedals ( Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might)
Conclusion: The thrill of riding a bicycle isn’t for everyone, but the Love of Jesus Christ is (John 3:16) the Grace of Jesus Christ is for everyone if only they will receive it. Ephesians 2:8 for by Grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourself: it is the gift of God: My Prayer as others in the congregation today praying you will make
the most important decision you have ever made. Every eye closed Jesus died on the cross for your all your sins settle it today lay them on the alter please come, If you would like for me to pray for you just raise your hand in Jesus Name
