"The Great Separation" - Pastor John D. Putnam

March 22, 2026

Pastor John D. Putnam

In this week’s POSC Podcast, Pastor Putnam delivers a sobering and thought-provoking message titled “The Great Separation.” Drawing from Matthew 25, this message paints a powerful picture of the final judgment, where the Son of Man separates the sheep from the goats—revealing a truth that is both urgent and deeply personal. This message confronts a critical question every believer must answer: Whose heart do we carry? It is not enough to attend church, speak the language, or stand in the same field. The true test is whether we hear His voice, follow His leading, and embody His compassion. “The Great Separation” is both a warning and an invitation—a call to examine our lives, draw closer to the Shepherd, and allow His heart to become our own before that final moment of separation comes. To learn more about what God is doing in Sheboygan County and beyond, visit us at posc.church!

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Episode Notes

Main Point: At the end of time, there will be a clear separation between those who truly follow the Shepherd and those who only appear to belong—identity is revealed by obedience and compassion.

Jesus describes a final moment where all people are gathered and separated as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.
Sheep and goats may appear similar externally—they share the same environment, proximity, and experiences—but their nature is different.
The defining difference is not appearance, position, or association—it is whether they follow the Shepherd’s voice.
Sheep reflect the heart of the Shepherd through obedience, dependence, and compassion toward others.
Goats represent independence, self-centeredness, and resistance to direction—even while remaining near the flock.
The final judgment is not based on what we claim, but how we live—our actions reveal our true identity.

Key Scriptures:

Matthew 25:31–46 – The separation of sheep and goats.
John 10:27 – “My sheep hear my voice… and they follow me.”
Psalm 100:3 – “We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Ephesians 5:15 – “See then that ye walk circumspectly…”
2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.”

Major Themes:

Proximity vs. Identity: Being near the flock does not mean belonging to the Shepherd.
Hearing and Following: True sheep recognize and obey the Shepherd’s voice.
Compassion Reveals Nature: Love and service toward others reflect the heart of Christ.
Indifference Is Dangerous: The goats were not condemned for evil acts, but for neglect and self-centeredness.
Examination Before Separation: Now is the time to evaluate our hearts before the final separation occurs.

Reflection Questions:

Do I truly follow the voice of the Shepherd, or do I simply stay near the flock?
Does my life reflect compassion and service, or convenience and self-interest?
If my actions were examined today, what would they reveal about my identity?