Don't be a STUMBLING BLOCK!!

Don’t be a Stumbling block

in the path of your brothers and sisters in Christ

This is one of a few topics, I am passionate about not only because, of my own experiences in churches but, I remember being able to recognize at a young age people whose lives did not match their walk not in the sense of passing judgement but from the things I saw them do outside of church.

 Mark 9:38-50; Deut 6:1-9; Mark 9:38-50

A stumbling block is anything that causes a person to fall away from the truth.

 A stumbling block is a trap that catches an unsuspecting person.  A stumbling block is anything that contributes to a brother or a sister going astray, falling into sin, and/or losing sight of their eternal hope in Christ. Now that we know what a Stumbling Block is let me identify a few things that can cause brothers and sister to stumble and/ or fall. There are quite a few other things. started.

• Scandal within the church!
• A church that is not on one accord!
• A believer who is lukewarm not living the life!
• You are over -heard Passing judgement on another!  (Warping someone’s perception of another member by gossiping or backbiting.)
• No follow-up! (Churches that do not have a system-set up to follow-up with visitors and new members after they have joined, this is actually, the responsibility of all) Why should they come back or stay with a church that doesn’t even acknowledge that they are there.
• The old cold shoulder! (They spoke or reached out to hug you, shake your hand and you did not acknowledge them)

Gal 5:7-8,10; Is 50:4; 1 Pe 4:11; Prov 18:21; James 3:6

As leaders, as well as members within the body; we need to be sensitive to our how own choices, conduct and behaviors affect those around us. Someone is always watching whether you know it or not. A Misrepresentation of your belief, of God’s word can alter or tear down; God’s work in a fellow believer (New or Old). The bible tells us be careful for nothing (Phil 4:6-8); Be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove (Matt 10:16)

If a brother or sister is drawn to you…They were likely drawn to the words of your testimony or something they admired or something about you they identified with. Especially, new babes or new members. The way you behave after church, outside of church can greatly affect someone who is new. Specifically, newborn babes. If they see Nothing different in you from what they see in the world.

• It can cause them to question their decision to be saved
• It can cause them to leave the Church! (Woe unto you!)

Be careful how you flaunt your freedom outside of the church. I mentioned, in my previous topic (Thank you, Jesus) If you are saved at home, be saved at work, at school, at the restaurant and in other people’s homes. (Deut 6:1-9)

Yes, indeed you may be grown but, why go to Hell in a Volkswagen when you can go in a Cadillac? (Secret sins)

Someone see’s you gyrating or, see you in public hugged up with someone and they know you are single…What are you telling them? That it is okay…to fornicate? (That may be how it is perceived), Is your salvation limited to the church?

The brother or sister you do not see anymore. The new member who came a few Sunday and hasn’t been seen since. “How do you know it wasn’t because of you??”

Men and Women of God, I exhort you to take this very seriously, “Souls at stake” Do not allow the enemy to you as a puppet to interfere with the building of God’s Kingdom. There are consequences to our actions remember, that. Whether received or nay, the Word of God does not return void! He who hath an ear let him Hear!!!

When you know Better, you what…You should Do Better!