The One Way

2026-05-24 Nathan Chaffin Matthew 7:13-14
Series: Morning Message

The Bible teaches there is only one way to salvation through Jesus, entering the narrow gate rather than the broad way that leads to destruction. This sermon challenges believers to stay on the difficult path despite false teachers and persecution, anchoring identity in the one body, one faith, and one baptism.

Detailed Summary

The sermon opens in Matthew 7:13-14, contrasting the narrow gate with the broad way that leads to destruction. The central message is unmistakable: there is only ONE way to salvation, and that way is through Jesus. Christians are called to choose the difficult, narrow path even when it is unpopular, because the easy road leads only to ruin.

A sober warning is raised about false teachers who may knowingly deceive. Faithful followers will inevitably face persecution and must remain steadfast, just as Paul and the early apostles did. The message brings this home with vivid contrast: modern believers may grumble about being called a name, while Peter was crucified upside down, and other apostles gave their lives for the gospel. Persecution is not optional for the disciple of Christ.

From there, the sermon turns to Ephesians 4 and the beautiful description of church unity: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The speaker directly addresses the reality of conflicting denominational beliefs and asks a penetrating question. Baptism by immersion is taught as the one way God designed for entrance into the body of Christ, the visible act that unites every believer across every line of division.

The sermon closes with urgent warnings about straying from the right path, illustrated through the image of a bowling lane curving away from the pins. Quoting Proverbs 14:12, the speaker reminds the congregation that whatever path seems right to a man, its end is the way of death. Believers are encouraged to persevere in godliness, fixing their thoughts on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, closing with the words of Philippians 4:8.