Christ: The Rock of Offense

"They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."

1 Corinthians 10

There was a point in my recent life when God called me out from worshipping the god of "feelings". Even more recently, God pointed out that I'm serving others’ feelings by tiptoeing around people's triggers. We live in a cancel-culture where people are triggered into offense very easily. And it’s a trend that’s out to muzzle believers.

Because the world’s message is, “You are perfect just as you are”, some will think that we’re judgmental when we preach the gospel. It's offensive to hear that we are sinners. When we share this, we need to make sure that we speak in love and humility, because we need God’s forgiveness too. We are just as desperate for his grace.

Those of us who are sensitive and empathetic intuit the needs and desires of those around us. It’s a gift we like to use to love others well. Those of us with this personality can slip into people pleasing and a deep effort to make everybody feel comfortable. It’s a good thing, sometimes. But, it can also lead us into an unrighteous need for approval and comfort.

The offense of the cross is uncomfortable. The disciples were executed for preaching it. We must not bow to cancel-culture. We must keep an eternal perspective and obey God’s command to proclaim Christ -- the penalty of sin and the hope we have in Him alone. Those who are not in Christ should be panicking! Judgment is coming. Let’s speak the truth boldly, with love, to a world that is perishing because of sin.

If we are tiptoeing around issues of sin in our nation to avoid triggering people who don't want to look in the mirror, then they're never going to think they need Christ. Who needs a savior if there’s nothing to be saved from? We have to first look in the mirror if we are to ever move into the incredible joy and peace of the Lord, in whom there is no condemnation at all. The mirror is the Bible. The Word of God. And faith only comes by hearing it. Who can see their need for Christ, otherwise?

We can't call the world to repentance if we’re worried about offending with the truth. Let's not serve the God of this present world. That’s not love. Let's serve the one who loves us enough to be honest and invite us into salvation. It’s his loving-kindness that brings us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

2 Corinthians 3:12

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

Acts 27:31

Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.

Ephesians 6:19

And also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.