By Franklin Graham The Bible says we are all traveling on one of two roads. Jesus described them in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” That’s a sobering thought. I’ve always thought of the wide road as a large, broad interstate-type highway running through a valley. And I pictured the narrow road as a tiny, winding, rough road—kind of like some of the ones we have in the mountains where I live. My mother told me she had a different vision, and I think hers is probably right on target. She said the narrow road is right in the middle of the wide road, but going in the opposite direction. When you think about it, that’s a pretty good description isn’t it? The world is heading full speed down the wide road toward destruction. But those who follow Jesus Christ in obedience and faith are going in the opposite direction. We face difficulties and obstacles—we will be ridiculed, mocked, and even hated. And we’re going to be in the minority, living as a “peculiar” people and operating by a different set of standards that are … [Read more...]

By David Jeremiah These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Recommended Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 Basic Combat Training is the official name for what U.S. Army veterans affectionately refer to as “boot camp”—ten weeks of programmed exercise, education, exertion, and examination. It is not fun nor meant to be. When new recruits begin to flag after the first week or two, they are reminded, “You can do anything for ten weeks!” In other words, the experience of suffering changes radically when there is an end point in view. When Jesus was preparing for the most intense of His own tribulations, His arrest and crucifixion, He warned His disciples that they, too, would “have tribulation.” It would not be open-ended tribulation but tribulation with parameters. It would not last forever; as He did, they would ultimately overcome the world and its tribulations; and those boundaries on their suffering were reasons for “good cheer.” He did not define the end point, only that the end point would come. When you wonder if the world has gotten the upper hand, remember: Christ has overcome the world. And, … [Read more...]