Hello Everyone,

In verse 3 we see The old gate.

There is a paradox associated with this gate. It was located in the NW corner of the city, the section of the city called the Mishnah, or new quarter.

So, the old gate led to the new quarter. This reminds us of our never changing message. Yes we try new methods along the way, but our message never changes. We need to swing wide the old gate.

We need to swing wide the old gate that man is born a sinner. Many today reject this truth. Call me sick, but not a sinner. Call me behaviorally challenged, but not a sinner.

The humanist and evolutionist say, we're not sinners, just underdeveloped.

The geneticist says, we're not sinful, we just have bad genes.

The sociologist says, we're not sinful, just products of our environment. The educator says we're not sinful, just ignorant. We just need to learn.

Listen if you don't have a heart change, nothing you do to the head matters.

Our problem is sin. The heart of the problem is the human heart. And we can't change this message just because people today don't like it.

I'm glad that we have a church that declares I don't just need a boost from beneath but a birth from above!

No one can visit Mt. Calvary until they have first visited Mt. Sinai.

It was there the 10 commandments were given, and we all break them, and you cannot be saved until you realize you are a sinner!

Swing wide the old gate!

I don't like to talk about hell anymore than the next guy, and I take no joy in thinking of people going there...not even my worst enemy.

But I must talk about it because Jesus did!

Here's one more: Jesus is the answer! Swing wide the gate!

THE answer! Not just AN answer. He is the ONLY way! This is now considered 'hate speech' in many places. It is now politically incorrect to say Jesus is the only way to Heaven.

Jesus! Say this name in public, in a way other than an obscenity, and stand back and watch the fireworks.

You can say "God," and you won’t get a squeak.

You can say "Our Father/Mother in Heaven," and few will flinch.

You can say "Great Spirit," and people will nod in approval.

You can say "Allah" and you will be considered tolerant.

Only one problem Jesus is God.

Only one problem Jesus alone brings salvation.

Only one problem Jesus is the only One to rise from the dead.

Only one problem all other gods are nothing.

So speak His name LOUD!

Shout it from the mountains!

Whisper it in the dark!

Write it in the sky!

That’s not hate, its hope.

Swing wide the gate!

Pastor Phil