John 6 "Not A Halftime Decision"
The choices we make will make life altering differences in our futures.
It is certainly too important to be made at halftime.
The choice you make concerning God is potentially more life-altering than any other choice you may make.
Have I made the choice to really call myself a Christian?
The term Christian was first applied to the disciples. Acts 11:26.
The Curious (John 6:1, 2)
Why was the “great multitude” following Jesus?
Because of the miraculous works He did.
They came because of what He may do for them.
Today, people are the same. They follow as long as:
- It pays.
- It’s convenient.
- The blessings keep coming.
- They’re on the mountain top.
- No work is required.
- No deep commitment is required.
You can get a crowd when you promise a good time.
You really can’t get commitment from the curious.
The Convinced (John 6:14-15; 60; 66)
These are they that are intellectually convinced.
There is one fundamental flaw in this groups thinking:
They want Jesus to be the Messiah, but they Him to be their Messiah. They want Him to do their bidding.
They wanted what they wanted, not what Jesus wanted. (15)
They wanted the Crown without the Cross.
They were convinced but not ready for commitment.
The Cross was and is a still a stumbling block to many.
The Cross is an offense to some in regard to salvation because they are unwilling to renounce their own good works as insufficient for salvation.
The Cross is an offense because of pride.
We must trust Christ’s work instead of ours.
You cannot save yourself by good works, nor can you earn your salvation.
The Cross is a principle of life for believers.
The Cross is not only an event in history; The Cross is a principle for living our daily lives.
The Committed (John 6:66-69)
It is one thing to know the truth.
It’s quite another to act on it.
These acted on their faith in Jesus.
They had faith in Jesus as Savior.
Eternal life was found only in Jesus.
If we would be saved, it must come through Christ.
We must not only believe that Jesus is Savior, we must believe that He is Lord as well.
When I am truly committed to Christ, my behavior will reflect that commitment.
“If a man’s religion won’t take him to church, it is doubtful if it will take him to heaven.” Early Marter of the Church
We have many professing Christians who are simply curious or who are among the convinced.
The reality: only the committed are truly Christians.
Two tests to judge ourselves:
- My relationship with Christ.
- My obedience to Christ.
