Message summary: Are you living on East Street or Bible Road?

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"Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God'” (Acts 14:21,22).

A couple of weeks ago I drove through Centre County (that is the correct spelling) on the way back from a trip to the northern PA mountains with the Lapp family. On a short stretch of PA Rt 144 between Centre Hall and Potters Mills there are two roads that go off 144. Coming south the first is Easy Street, then a bit further is Bible Road. *

Easy Street appears to be a long lane to a farm but it still has an official-looking road sign on the main highway. Bible Road is a named road. The curious part of me (which is most of me) would like to know how these roads got their names.

The phrase "living on easy street" means "Having plenty of money to live a carefree and comfortable life, without having to work or struggle". Perhaps those who live on that lane has or aspire to have to that kind of life. If so that would describe the vast majority of people.

The gambling industry makes that kind of appeal. Win big and you will be set for life. The promise of living on Easy Street has ensnared many. One of my first ministry encounters in my early 20's was meeting a couple who had won the lottery with the expectancy of living on Easy Street from there on, but instead it destroyed their marriage and dreams of raising a family on Easy Street.

On the other hand living on Bible Road can be a hard path. Our daily verse is a summary of Paul's preaching to young believers in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, where he strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to remain true to the faith. The sole quoted portion of the message was "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God”. That biblical reference brings to mind the Christian allegory "Pilgrim's Progress" written by Paul Bunyan.

It's reflected in the line, "Through many dangers, trials and snares" found in a rather well-known hymn. Do you recognize it?*

On the surface Paul's message is not very encouraging! They probably would have preferred a message to the effect "Follow Christ and you will live on easy street". There are plenty of charlatan evangelists who teach that kind of message, usually built around giving to the preacher, or "sowing a seed".

But genuine encouragement tells the truth. That's what we need to hear and prepare ourselves for living on Bible Road which may include a bumpy ride.

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber