{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Sermon on the Mount - Part 9","description":"David continues the church\u2019s Sermon on the Mount series, framing it like crossing a mountain pass: you can\u2019t relax too early or lose focus before you\u2019re \u201call the way off the mountain.\u201d He says Jesus\u2019 teaching demands a response, not just hearing, but doing (quoting James 1), like the kids at the church\u2019s Spark group who often know the right answers but don\u2019t always live them out. The sermon focuses on Matthew 7:13\u201323 and presents three \u201cchoices\u201d Jesus sets before listeners as the series reaches its final section (\u201cthe kingdom response\u201d): 1) Choose the narrow gate (not the wide gate) David contrasts the wide gate\/broad road (easy, popular, \u201cdo whatever feels right,\u201d no effort) with the narrow gate (costly, requires obedience, growth, and often going against the crowd). He uses a piano analogy: playing any notes you want is \u201cfreedom\u201d but produces noise; following the \u201csheet music\u201d is harder but creates beautiful music. The narrow gate involves a 180-degree turn (repentance), not a small adjustment. Application: \u201cWhat are you carrying that won\u2019t fit through the narrow gate?\u201d Like a dog with a stick too long to pass through, you may need to put something down. 2) Choose discernment about who you listen to (watch for false prophets) Jesus warns about false prophets: they look like sheep but are wolves. David tells a story from his student days when someone claimed Jesus had returned \u201cin secret\u201d to a hall in Aberdeen, an example of why discernment matters. Key clarification: false teachers aren\u2019t the same as flawed teachers. Every preacher is imperfect and should be accountable and open to questions; that\u2019s different from someone intentionally distorting truth for self-gain. How to spot false teaching: Test what\u2019s said against Scripture. Look for fruit in the teacher\u2019s life (echoing Galatians 5: love, joy, peace, etc.). Not perfection, but evidence of the Spirit\u2019s work. He warns especially about online platforms where there\u2019s often little accountability and algorithms can pull people toward harmful teaching. 3) Choose genuine discipleship (not empty profession) Jesus\u2019 warning:\u201cNot everyone who says to me, \u2018Lord, Lord\u2019\u2026is presented as a call to self-examination, not judging others. Some may say and even do impressive religious things, yet lack real relationship with God; their works are for show, and Jesus says, \u201cI never knew you.\u201d David describes two common reactions: Burdened\/anxious faithful: reassured with \u201cMy grace is sufficient for you\u201d (2 Cor 12:9). Jesus isn\u2019t trying to crush sincere believers. Convicted\/comfortable: urged to respond and seek real relationship, quoting John 14:23 (love shown in obedience). Closing emphasis These aren\u2019t one-off decisions but daily choices in lifelong discipleship. He ends with a C.S. Lewis quote about the spiritual battle beginning each morning: making space for God\u2019s \u201cstronger, quieter life\u201d to shape us deeply (like dye soaking through, not paint on the surface). The final encouragement: choose Jesus\u2019 way, seek first his kingdom, and live a responsive, obedient, relationship-rooted faith. ","author_name":"Sermons from Aberdeen Christian Fellowship","author_url":"http:\/\/www.aberdeencf.com","html":"