Among the most robust of these findings is what it takes for the mind to grow: challenge and support. - Immunity to Change by Robert Kegan

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with tenderness and ends it with toughness in the form of three warnings of TWO: GATES, TREES, DOERS.

A. GATES / Assurance of the FEW (Matt. 7v13-14)

The dominant idea is this: in order to enter Life, it is necessary to make a personal choice no longer to follow the anonymous crowds but, on the contrary, ‘to find’ and to follow the Christ. - Frederick Dale Bruner.

B. TREES / Assurance of FRUIT (Matt. 7v15-20)

One must evaluate prophets by their fruits, not by their spiritual gifts. - Craig S. Keener.
True prophets convert sinners to God, or at least confirm and strengthen those that are converted. False prophets do not. -John Wesley

C. DOERS / Assurance of FELLOWSHIP (Matt. 7v21-23)

Religion is the means. Relationship is the end. Jesus didn’t say, “You didn’t know about me.” he said, “I never knew you.” You did charismatic works and had great doctrine but never allowed me access to the deepest places in your life to enact my will.

Religion is the means. Relationship is the end. Jesus didn’t say, “You didn’t know about me.” Rather he said, “I never knew you.” You did charismatic works and had great doctrine but never allowed me access to your life because you were too busy, non-committal, or inoculated to me.

It is our determination to be independent by being in control that makes us unavailable to God. - Richard Neuhaus

If you want to be a Christian, be one. – Martin Luther