“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7:14 (NIV)
This past Sunday at The Gathering, we were reminded of a sobering yet powerful truth: hell is not a myth. Jesus spoke of it often—not to scare us, but to warn us because He loves us. The message wasn’t sugar-coated, but it was full of hope. It was a wake-up call to examine which road we’re walking on—the wide road that leads to destruction or the narrow path that leads to life.
Two Roads, Two Destinations
The Bible clearly teaches that there are only two paths in life. One leads to eternal life with God, and the other to destruction. The wide road is easy, comfortable, and popular. But the narrow road? It requires surrender, self-examination, and true repentance. It demands a daily choice to follow Jesus—fully.
“Today, God is giving us an opportunity to examine ourselves. Which road are we really on?”
We can come to church. We can sing the songs. We can say the right things. But if our hearts are not surrendered, if we’re still holding on to secret sins or old habits, we might be walking the wrong way—despite all appearances.
The Reality of Hell
Hell is real. The Bible describes it as a place of:
- Eternal fire (Matthew 25:41)
- Darkness and weeping (Matthew 8:12)
- Eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
- A final destination for those who reject Christ (Revelation 20:14–15)
No one ends up there by accident. The road is marked clearly with choices—small daily decisions to obey or disobey, to listen or ignore, to repent or resist.
What’s Holding You Back?
So many of us carry around burdens we refuse to lay down. The message put it bluntly: What are you still hiding in your pocket? That thing you don’t want to let go of. That habit. That unforgiveness. That “just in case” sin.
“If you believe there’s nothing to repent of, then you’re not really listening.”
Repentance isn’t just saying “I’m sorry.” It’s turning completely around—letting go of the sin and surrendering fully to God. And when we hold onto secret sins, we give the enemy access to our lives. We keep ourselves stuck on the road to hell.
God’s Desire: Life, Not Death
2 Peter 3:9 reminds us:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
This is God’s heart. He’s not looking to punish. He’s not standing at the edge of heaven waiting to smite you. He’s at the door of your heart, knocking, waiting, calling. He wants you to live. Really live.
The Narrow Road Requires Sacrifice
The narrow road isn’t popular. It’s not always comfortable. It asks for everything—your pride, your plans, your pleasures. But it gives you something greater in return: peace, purpose, and eternal fellowship with God.
“It’s not about how good your life is—it’s about who is guiding it.”
Even in trials, when you walk the narrow road with Jesus, there is peace that doesn’t make sense. Joy in the middle of the storm. Assurance in the face of uncertainty. That’s what He offers.
Don’t Gamble With Your Soul
There was a heartfelt appeal at the end of the message: Don’t wait. Don’t pretend. Don’t gamble with your eternity. If you haven’t surrendered everything to Christ—if you’re still clinging to your own way—now is the time.
“The question isn’t, ‘Will God send me to hell?’
The question is, ‘Will I reject the salvation He’s freely offering me?’”
Jesus is standing at the door and knocking (Revelation 3:20). Will you open the door? Will you give Him access to every corner of your heart? Will you let Him lead?
Takeaway Verses for This Week
- Matthew 7:13–14 – The wide and narrow roads
- 2 Peter 3:9 – God’s patience and desire for repentance
- Matthew 25:41 – Hell as eternal separation
- Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin and the gift of God
- John 14:6 – Jesus as the only way
- Revelation 3:20 – Jesus knocking on the door of your heart
A Final Word of Encouragement
No matter what your past looks like, no matter how far you’ve wandered, no matter what you’ve held onto—today can be a new beginning. The door is open. The narrow road is still available. And Jesus is still calling.
Choose life. Choose Jesus. Choose the road that leads home.