• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection No stumbling blocks

No stumbling blocks

Posted on November 30, 2022 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”

Romans 14:13, ESV

In a previous post, I discussed the fact that visitors to our churches might be offended by the message of the gospel. They might be offended by what Scripture says on a given topic. Offenses may be inevitable and we need to acknowledge that fact as church leaders.

But the text above gives us encouragement to make sure that we are doing everything we can to remove “stumbling blocks or hindrances” as much as we are able.

I have visited churches that were very welcoming and friendly. I have also visited churches where I was greeted by no one and they seemed ambivalent to my presence. I was not at all encouraged to return for a second time.

I have observed churches that have an us-versus-them mentality and one gets the impression that the attendees feel superior to those outside the church. A quick search on YouTube would provide multiple examples of this “us-versus-them” mentality.

So, when I talk about the fact that some might be offended on a Sunday morning, my intent is not to make it acceptable for believers to be offensive in their behavior. Being unwelcoming and acting superior to those who visit are certainly offensive behaviors.

We should remove everything that could be a hindrance, outside of holding back on the truth of Scripture.

Let Scripture be the offense, not the way we present it. Let Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, be the offense, not how we follow Him.

Wisdom is required to figure out how we can accurately present the truth of Scripture in a way that it can best be understood by those who listen.

It is tempting to pull back from teaching truth when it is unpopular. But we don’t really have that option if we are going to be true to our calling as disciples.

If you are encouraged by this post or would like to make a comment, please use the comment form below to offer your feedback. If you are reading this in an email and would like to comment, you can reply to the email or click on the “Read in browser” link below to go to the web page where you can enter a comment. I enjoy hearing from you.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Not Yet

Living in the Not Yet

There are many places in Scripture where the phrase “how long, oh Lord” is expressed. This phrase exhibits a longing for change and protection. As I listen to news of the day I connect with this sentiment. There is much in our world that appears out of control and evil seems to win the day […]

Herod was conflicted about John the Baptist

Mark 6:20 is an interesting verse. The best manuscripts of this verse tell us that Herod was conflicted about what to do with John the Baptist. Herod’s wife, Herodias, wanted John dead, but Herod feared John and was at the same time intrigued and confused by John. (Note that the KJV and NKJV tell us […]

Yellow Star of David

The sin of silence and what to do about it

Recently, a friend handed me a CD on which were written the words “The in of silence.” When he gave it to me, he informed me that it was a sermon and that I would be challenged by it. Perhaps he identified the speaker on the CD when he gave it to me. If so, […]

Have a great summer

Have a great summer

I have decided that this will be my last post until September. Call it a vacation, call it a sabbatical, call it whatever you will, I will be taking a break.

Why don’t we do better at this?

It seems to me that this answers the question of why we don’t do better at loving others. I fail to love others when I fail to appreciate how much I am loved by God.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
January 2023
SMTWTFS
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031 
« Dec    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in