The Great Divide

Introduction

We live in a time of divisions within our country. Without going into details about the various divisions, we can all agree that it is certainly a time of division.

Throughout American history we’ve had times of division…The Civil War and the 1960s are just two examples.

But, Christian history is also dotted with times of great division within what was known as the church. Paul argued with the church in Jerusalem over the Gentiles being added to the church; the division of what was known as the Imperial church and the more monastic church; the Great Schism, which saw the division of the Catholic Church in the west and the Eastern Orthodox Church; the Protestant Reformation; and even within the Baptist denominations we’ve seen examples of division, like the division between anti-slavery northern Baptists and pro-slavery southern Baptists of the pre-Civil War era.

All of these divisions are important, and are worth closer study. But, this morning I want to talk about an even more important division, I’ll call it the Great Divide, that is as old as the Gospel message itself. Yet, there is no more important topic in all the world.

This will be my eighth sermon from John 6. We started looking at John 6 in November of last year, took a break for Christmas, Easter, and to consider our mission as followers of Christ, but found our way back to John 6. Today, we will finally finish up John 6, with a passage of Scripture that in many ways takes all that Jesus taught in John 6, and lays out a challenge. That challenge is this: which side of the great divide are you on?

The Great Divide - John 6:60-71

Group #1: The Apostates - verses 60-66

Jesus teachings are too hard, no one can accept it.

What’s an apostate?

Why did the apostates turn?

V. 61 - Jesus teaching offended them.

The Gospel is still offensive...

V. 62 - They couldn’t step back from their own wants to see the bigger picture.

For too many today, religion is all about, “What’s in it for me?”

V. 63 - The Spirit had not illuminated the truth to them.

This is true today as well. Not everyone we evangelize will come to faith ever. Not everyone we evangelize will come to faith right now. But, some will. Some, those who God has drawn to Himself, will, so we must bring the message of hope to all, since there is no way for us to know if this person will eventual put their faith in Him or not.

V. 64-65 & 70-71 - Because, for some, their hearts were wicked.

Some will reject the Gospel because their hearts are wicked.

Thus, we cannot take it personal when some hate Jesus and hate His church, and specifically hate you because you love Jesus.

Group #2: The True Believers - verses 67-70a

Where else could we go? You are the only pathway to spiritual sustenance.

Why does a true believe continue to trust Jesus, no matter what?

Because there is no where else a person will find the words of eternal life.

Because there is no one else that is the Holy One of God.

Because there is no one else who can truly see the hearts of men.

So What?

Are you a true believer?

If say you are a true believer, how will you respond when your faith is tested?

To turn from Jesus because it too hard.

To become stuck because you aren’t getting the answers you want.

To believe Jesus despite your circumstances.