The entry this week is a bit of departure from the usual in that I happened across an article in a magazine published by the organization "Friends of Israel" (FOI). I am not a member of FOI and disagree with a pre-millenial position that they promote. Lord willing, more on that another time. But much of their teaching is straight Bible; and this article is impressive. The reason for mentioning it here is threefold: 1) it is interesting, 2) they are "christians" trying to convert Jews, and 3) it fits with our last lesson. So read the following excerpts quoted directly from "Friends of Israel" (Jan/Feb '09), written by Steve Herzig:

"Is there only one way to God?....'Orthodox Rabbi Schmuley Boteach told Larry King in 2000, "I cannot accept that there is a morality, in a spiritual system, which denigrates me as a Jew and says that I am going to burn in hell even though I have lived a good life... This barbaric element which has entered into religion has got to be put aside.'.......(The writer continues) There is no middle ground when answering the question, 'Is there only one way to God?' The reply must be either yes or no. And the Bible is the only place that contains the correct answer......To obey Jesus often brings rejection. To publicly claim He is the only way to heaven will ensure you a reputation of being narrow-minded, unkind, hateful, and intolerant. However, Jesus is not the only subject on which the Bible takes a narrow view. There was only one way for Adam and Eve to remain in the Garden of Eden. They disobeyed God and were expelled. There was only one acceptable sacrifice for Cain and Abel.......In the days of Noah there was only one avenue of deliverance from the worldwide flood: the ark.....In Egypt God gave Pharaoh one option: 'Let My people go'. At the Passover in Egypt, only the blood of the lamb on the door saved the firstborn in each family from death.......There was only one way to move the Ark of the Covenant (I Chron. 13:9-10) and only one way by which the Syrian commander Naaman could be cleansed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-19). The Old Testament, in fact, is filled with restrictions and instructions that show God had a precise way He wanted things done. Any other way was unacceptable to Him. Why, then, does it seem strange that there is only one way today for people to come to God?.........There is only one way to God, Larry (King). Through faith in Jesus Christ."

This is just one man's summary of what the Bible teaches. But anyone who knows the Bible will agree that this is a true and accurate summary. God has shown us over and again that His way is the right way--Not man's way, but His way. It seems narrow to some, but it still is the Truth--God's way! Listen to Jesus, "Enter by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matthew 7:13,14)." See you next week!