Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:1-2

Stumbling blocks, it’s one of the biggest issues in the Church that has hampered it since the beginning. You might ask , what is a stumbling block? The original Greek word is “skandala” meaning a snare, trap, cause for error. We all know stumbling-blocks within the Church, someone who tries to enforce heresy on the Church to divide or someone who tries to implement sin within the Church. The stumbling block is a divider, a deceiver, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We see alot of YouTubers who have become stumbling blocks, misleading many Christians with false doctrines and division

But Jesus said “Woe to him” woe to the stumbling block, those who prevent someone from coming to Christ will have blood on their hands. It’s good to be zealous about God and to be passionate, but make sure you’re not becoming a stumbling block for others trying to find Jesus. 

So what is the punishment for the stumbling block? Jesus said “It would be better if you were thrown into the ocean with a large stone tied around your neck, than to offend one of God’s children” Jesus takes great offense to the stumbling blocks, its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, be careful what you are preaching!

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. Luke 17:3-4

Now does this mean we should accept any doctrine or allow sinful behavior to continue? No, Jesus said “If anyone sins against you, rebuke them and if they repent , forgive them” It’s easy to rebuke people but harder to forgive, Jesus requires both. If you’re going to rebuke people, be ready to be rebuked yourself. It’s important we continue to humble ourselves and obediently learn and serve one another with the love of Christ

Forgiveness is an ongoing job, it’s probably one of the hardest things to do in life, however we must remember judgement belongs to The Lord. Give it up to God, often when we try to resolve issues on our own, we make a greater mess of the situation. As the expression goes “Let Go and Let God” theres alot of power in that motto

So let’s examine ourselves, are you a stumbling block for others coming to Christ? Make sure you are a minister for the Kingdom and not a hindrance to the Kingdom , Amen!