Backdoor revival (John 6:65-66)

And He said, "Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father." From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.  John 6:65-66

There is a great temptation among most pastors to skip over texts that are "hard" because it may drive people away.  

Romans 8:29-30 tells us, For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 

Ephesians 1:5 and 11 declare, He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will…In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.

That is just one example... but what about submission in marriage? What about... dare I say it... money!?!?

Look though at the Master and see what's going on.  Jesus preached and preached hard words and what happened?  Those who were not going to last anyway, fell off.  That, my friends, is what we call "backdoor revival".  

Sometimes loss is actually gain.

Cheers.