IRON GATES
Acts 12:1-10

Introduction:
A. Cities of old were usually fortified with thick walls in 
   order to protect the citizens from the raid and attacks of 
   enemies. Because of the walls, it was not possible for the 
   people to come and go as they pleased. Gates were set in the
   walls at certain points and these were the only passages that
   the people could use. If the gates were closed, the people 
   on the inside could not leave, but neither could anyone get 
   in from the outside.
B. In Acts 12 we find that James has been beheaded because of 
   his stand for the truth. Peter is in chains and imprisoned 
   behind iron gates. An iron gate was usually not a small 
   gate. But it was usually a large, heavy gate used to keep 
   prisoners from escaping. The jailer had the only key and no
   one got in or out without him opening the gate.
C. Just like the iron gate of a prison, we find many iron gates
   in the lives of people today that hinder them from doing what
   they should do.

I. The Iron Gate - Prejudice (Means Pre-Judge)
   A. Many people make up mind before seeing what Bible says 
      about something.
   B. Like a judge coming into a court romm and before any 
      evidence is presented saying, "I don't want to hear any 
      of the facts. I've got my mind made up."
      1. People are hardened by this iron gate.
         a. People are prejudice toward church and truth.
         b. Some so badly, they will possibly never obey God -
            Acts 17:32
         c. That's why it is often difficult to get people to 
            come to a study of the Bible.
      2. Members of church can be prejudice to what this book 
         says also. 

II.Iron Gate - Indifference
   A. I don't care
   B. Careless about Spiritual matters - Rev. 3:15
      1. Wrote to churches of Asia - Laodiacians.
      2. People will tell you they don't care what the Bible 
         says.

III.Iron Gate - Suffering
   A. Many people who suffer.
      1. Illness
      2. Pain
      3. Loss of loved ones.
   B. People want to blame God for their suffering.
   C. Many want do things of a spiritual nature, but
      1. They will let suffering interfere - 1 Thess. 4:18
      2. We must learn how to handle suffering.
         a. Sometimes there is a purpose for it
         b. 1 Peter 2:21

IV.Iron Gate - Neglect
   A. Most members are guilty of this sin more than any other.
   B. We know to do better just neglect to do so.
      1. Come to all services
      2. Go see someone.
         a. Heb. 2:1-4
         b. James 4:17

V. Iron Gate - Ignorance
   A. This doesn't mean void of education
   B. Just not aware (Example) - Acts 17:30
   C. You have heard it said that "Ignorance is bliss." If that
      is true, then we shouldn't teach anyone about what the 
      Bible says.
   D. We have a responsibility to study this book.
   E. One of sins that crucified the Lord - 1 Cor 2:8
      1. God held them responsible - Acts 2:36
   F. Only thing that will wipe out ignorance is study.

VI.Iron Gate - Pride
   A. Lot of people will not go to heaven because of pride.
      1. 1 Pet. 4:6
      2. Prov. 16:18
      3. Obadiah 3 (the Israelites vision about edomites); 
         Hosea 5:5
      4. Israel fell because of Pride.
   B. God will not tolerate Pride - Prov. 6:17
   C. One of the reasons elders must not be a novice - 
      1 Tim. 3:6, 11

Conclusion:
A. Many times there are Iron Gates in our lives. No doubt we 
   could continue to add to the list. These gates will keep 
   folks from doing the will of God.
B. How about your life? Is there an iron gate that you need to 
   open?