Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer

I humbly submit for your consideration a very simple answer; that on our little sphere nothing will cause a quicker divide than the "TRUTH" on any given matter. 
(Psalms 145:18; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:7)

Some may even call [TRUTH] various fashionable idealogical names so as to confuse seeking to add credence or power for their weak position on the matter at hand. 
And still others demand protection via safe spaces to protect their fragile egg shell minds from the realities of any TRUTH; not of their own making. (2 Corinthians 11:15)

Today "TRUTH" is mislabeled and considered a microaggression or worse and must be controlled via the sentimental marxism of political correctness. (Galatians 4:16)

“He who marries the spirit of the age will soon be a widower.” Dean W. R. Inge

In the Lord's freedom.....warrior on

February 12 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Derrol PORTER Supporter Emancipated by the Liberating King

The Gospel means "Good News", so why does good news divide, people?

The verses you cited have been used by others to say Christianity isn't a religion of peace but Jesus is saying it brings conflict and division because of opposition and like all Scripture, it must be read in context.

When Jesus came as the Messiah chaos did break out. Why?:

[1] Satan's Reign as the Prince of the Air (Ephesians 2:1-2) in the world was immediately challenged and Satan tried to immediately destroy Jesus through his temptations in the wilderness, Matthew 4:1-11. War on!

[2] Systematic religion as the power of bondage in the world was immediately challenged by Jesus. In John 14:6 Jesus says He is the only way to the Father, and the religious leaders immediately tried to destroy Jesus through lies and even death, Matthew 12:14. War on!

[3] Social Rites as the pattern of structure in the world was immediately challenged by Jesus stating that clinging to your family and earthly passions had to be secondary in order to be His disciple, Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:24-25, and Luke 9:57-62. War on!

When Jesus came everything changed and continues today. Satan, false religion and humanistic ritual all still challenge True Christianity, but the True Gospel or Good News remains the only way to real peace. Peace with God and Peace of God.

The Word of God is a divider even of the soul and spirit, Hebrews 4:12. As a two-edged sword, so it divides self, society, and sacred ritual.

February 12 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I would say that it stems from Jesus' rightful claim to be of first importance (even above the closest earthly ties of family, friendship, or social/political allegiance) in the lives of His followers, as He indicated in passages such as Matthew 10:37-38 (immediately following the verses cited in the question).

Conflict and division are sure to arise when people determine to follow Christ, and those who are close to them, or who believe that they have a greater right to the person's loyalties, cannot (because of their pride) understand or accept the change that this produces in the person's priorities.

That pride is also the fundamental reason why the separation occurs to begin with -- because, apart from conviction by the Holy Spirit, people do not want to believe or admit that they are utterly incapable of saving themselves, and thus require a Savior. What is truly "good news" to the redeemed thus becomes offensive to the unsaved, and is such a fundamental difference in perspective that it leads to separation and estrangement.

February 12 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft Supporter 74 year old retired pipeline worker

The gospel of the bible separates true believers from unbelievers. First Corinthians 15:1-4 That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that He was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. That is the only gospel and those that believe it are saved and have eternal life now. 

Within Christianity there are many unsaved people who do not believe that gospel or add something to it. First we have to believe we are all sinners. No one is exempt. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. The good news of the gospel is that we are saved by grace without works. Jesus paid it all and we paid 0. Salvation is a free gift of God and any one can be saved by Just believing the gospel. Ephesians 1:13 and 4:30. John 5:24. Any one who has ever trusted Jesus as their savior is saved and has eternal life now based on what the bible says, not on what people say.

Salvation is a free gift. It has nothing to do with how we live or what we do. No one can save themselves. We need a savior. There is only one mediator between God and man, The Son of God Christ Jesus. 

All works based salvation is a lie. We have to do nothing to be saved. Romans 11:6 IT is all grace, not works. We can not save our selves by what we do or do not do. Matthew 7:21-23 should put fear in you if you should believe you can be saved by what you do. Jesus will tell you, depart from me I never knew you. Why? Because they trusted in their works as a way of salvation instead of on Jesus alone as the only way of salvation through grace. Not works. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. The law can not save us. It only shows we are sinners and can only be saved by grace.

Many preach Ephesians 2:8-9, but then turn right around and add works to it later. We can only accept the free gift of salvation by grace. We can not add anything to what Jesus has already done. That is to give the glory to man for saving himself. 

Jesus tells us not to be deceived. He tells us how to tell false teachers. They are devoid of the truth of the gospel and are not saved. They believe they are saved base on their works, but we can only be saved by grace.

This is why most churches are divided. One has the true way of salvation by grace without works, and the other have a false gospel of works salvation: Religion.

February 23 2018 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is it about the gospel message that divides people?

Read Hebrews 4:12.

Paul stresses that God's word, or message, can deeply penetrate the inner person, like a sharp sword.

The Greek term rendered "able to discern" (lit., "able to judge") conveys the idea of scrutinising, evaluating, and distinguishing. The discerning power of God's word is seen in its ability to distinguish between "thoughts" and "intentions," two ideas that are very close in meaning.

Heb 4:12 indicates that God's word pierces deep into the figurative heart, discerning a person's thoughts, attitudes, desires, motivations, and purposes, thus bringing the entire inner person to light.​

How a person responds to God's word can reveal his true thoughts, even his intentions or motives, which influence his behaviour or conduct. For example, if a person responds positively to God's word by making needed changes in his life, he shows humility and sincerity. He wants to please his Creator. 

On the other hand, if he tries to find fault with God's word, he may be revealing negative traits, such as undue pride or selfishness. Perhaps he is trying to justify conduct God disapproves of.

Scripture shows that the gospel brings a clear message of truth, and that truth creates a dividing line. The gospel reveals who Christ is, exposes the condition of the human heart, and calls for a response that not everyone is willing to make.

The Gospel Confronts Human Pride

The message declares that people cannot save themselves and must rely entirely on Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18 says the message of the cross is "foolishness" to those who reject it, because it removes all grounds for human boasting.

The Gospel Exposes Sin

The gospel reveals sin's seriousness and the need for repentance.

Jesus said in John 3:19–20 that people resist the light because it exposes their deeds.

This exposure creates discomfort and leads some to turn away.

The Gospel Declares Christ's Exclusive Authority

The message proclaims that Jesus alone is Lord and Saviour.

Acts 4:12 states that salvation is found in no one else.

This exclusivity offends those who want many paths or their own way.

The Gospel Divides by Its Call to Surrender

Following Christ requires denying self and submitting to His rule.

Jesus said in Luke 12:51 that He came not to bring peace but division, because allegiance to Him separates those who accept Him from those who refuse.

The Gospel Reveals the True State of the Heart

The message is welcomed by those whom God draws, but resisted by those who harden themselves.

John 10:26 shows that unbelief is rooted in a deeper spiritual condition.

Summarising the whole topic

The gospel divides because it declares a clear truth that demands a personal response. It reveals the reality of sin, the authority of Christ, and the need for repentance, which many resist. Scripture shows that the message exposes the heart, drawing some while others turn away. The call to submit to Christ's rule challenges human independence, naturally separating those who accept His word from those who reject it. Jesus taught that His message would create distinction, because following Him requires a change of life and loyalty that not everyone is willing to embrace. The gospel's power to reveal what is hidden and demand exclusive devotion causes this division.

9 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Daniel Veler Supporter

Your question: What is it about the gospel message that divides people?

I’d like to address the question of why Christians divide themselves based on their interpretations of Scripture. 

Some individuals believe that once a person is saved, they must adhere to the Law. Conversely, others argue that salvation is a gift from God, not a consequence of following the Law. While both perspectives have some validity, the issue lies in their limited understanding. God is not the author of confusion. They fail to seek divine guidance to comprehend the apparent contradiction between their beliefs.

By not seeking the truth from the Lord we see churches splitting and forming another denomination of their own to support what they believe.

I said both views have an element of truth. Let’s see how that is.

By God’s grace he sent his Son that whosoever believes in him shall be saved. It is by Faith we are saved. But it doesn’t end there. God puts his Holy Spirit within us that we may walk in his will, keeping his commandments. 

For what was impossible for us to do, the Holy Spirit gives us power from the Lord to fulfill the law by just one fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that is Love.

These are the fruits we receive that we may walk in his Spirit.

Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Here are some examples of how we walk in his Spirit.

The law prohibits bearing false witness. If the love of God resides within you, it prevents you from doing so, as it is a manifestation of His love.

The law says you shall not kill. If the love of God resides within you, it prevents you from doing so, as it is a manifestation of His love.

The law says you shall not commit adultery. If the love of God resides within you, it prevents you from doing so, as it is a manifestation of His love.

In conclusion, if any law was given by God it is fulfilled by the LOVE he has placed within us. The Apostles tells us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Meaning not to walk as others do, but to walk in the Spirit which God has given unto us. 

Both parties perceive only a partial truth. If they had sought understanding from the Lord at any point, they would have comprehended the entire truth.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report