The Strait and Narrow

John came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. We call him John the Baptist because he baptism with water. One crying out in the wilderness for the nation of Israel to repent. John had said to Herod

“It is not lawful for thee to have her.” And John is put in prison for Herodias sake, Herod’s brother Philip’s wife.

Later is beheaded for Herodias sake.   John spoke up against this adulterous relationship even when the Pharisees and Sadducees would only conform to the world around them. John called them “O generation of virpers” they sould be helping the nation and calling them to repentance, but they are vipers sucking the life out of the children of Isreal.

Today I see the COGOP giving the broad definition of the word Fornication which receives couples in to membership which by scripture is called adultery. One having another’s wife (husband) to me that is the same as what John is calling sin because like Heord his brother Philip was still alive.  My Church says that if they only profess their faith then they are allowed to become members it’s not about if they forsake their sins.  What then will they say about  others that ask for membership and professes faith (homosexual)? If we allow divorce and remarriage (adultery) has the church opened the door for others?  Now if John gave his life for speaking out against adultery why then the Church now allows these to become members of the Church?  We must speak out like John “Repent, Repent, Repent!   

“27. They preach man who say that so soon as the penny jingles into the

money-box, the soul flies out [of purgatory].” 

 Studying the writings of Martin Luther.  He makes a stand against the Church which has started what is called “indulgences.” This is money for salvation. This number 27^th verse is from his 95 theses.

This is directed to the Church and Pope for their high minded and money hunger.  He also said, that the Pope nor priest can forgive you of your sins verse 33.

 “33. Men must be on their guard against those who say that the pope’s pardons are that inestimable gift of God by which man is reconciled to him;”

 Martin is said to nail his papers to the local Church doors. By this Martin is a marked man going against the Church and Pope. It is Martin that starts the Reformation of the Church by this act to cry out against the wrong doings of the Church. He says that salvation comes by faith not by priest, pope or penitents.    It’s times like these that one man or one woman making a stand that will make a huge difference.  Martin changed the whole Church by his stand to cry out. Will you make a stand and cry out against the false teaching of divorce and remarriage? Now in our day a cry out is needed to spread the truth. Like the sinner going before the priest or pope for a letter of pardon, they would pay for their penitents (indulgence), but their sin will not be forgiving. 

“75. To think the papal pardons so great that they could absolve a man even if he had committed an impossible sin and violated the Mother of God–this is madness.”

To say that an adulterer now can become a member of the Church is to say that an adulterer is now part of the body of Christ– this is madness.

It is my understanding that a local pastor now has the power to determine who is an adulterer and who isn’t. I have spoken to my pastor about this and he said, “This couple can, but this couple can’t.” I asked why?  The one couple whom he wouldn’t take in has been married more that two times.   If I understand the bible neither would be welcome into the kingdom without repentance and forsaking ones sin.

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.   Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”(matt.7:18-19 kjv)

True repentance brings forth good fruit. We all can understand the good and bad fruit have you ever tasted a bad apple! And the saying that one bad apple will cause the lot to turn bad.

 Now if someone professes to be a Christian and saved, but knownly live in sin. Then I ask myself which fruit are they bringing forth? Now the cogop will let those in their sin(adultery) become church members in some churches allowing them to teach others.  It would be best not for those to be taking into membership and giving a part of the Body of Christ that can lead others, when them theirselves is in need of help.  Our church seem to be less spirit filled now than any other time, maybe it’s time to turn to :

 (1 Corth.5:13 kjv)

“But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

“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:”(Matt.7:13KJV)

 We chose the life that we live; there are so many choices down the road of life. One major chose is our spouse. The one we will live with for life. But in today’s world it’s not so much for life. Even in my Church today it has open membership to those in a Adulterous relationships(mark.10:11,12) This would be far from the straight and narrow way. This would be the broad way that many today go down in there life of decisions. Why is it a straight and narrow gateway that only a few that find it? So many will believe a lie and go down the broad way and so few will stand for the truth. One reason is that the one you think should know the way will be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (matt.7:15) I fear that the cogop has open the broad way to many in the understanding that by accepting adulterous relationships into covenant membership.   I asked myself which road will we chose the way to life or deaf.