Definition of Offending
- Cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful
- Be displeasing to
- Break a commonly accepted rule or principle
Sent into the World to live out our Faith
16. Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
22. And you will be hated by ALL on account of My name (Yahshua – YAHWEH is Salvation), but the one enduring to the end shall be saved.
Matthew 10:16 and Matthew 10:22 (HRB)
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
It is of utmost importance for us as believers in YAHWEH the Father and Yahshua the Son, our Messiah, to share the message of salvation and abide by the teachings of Scripture(s). However, it is disheartening to note that our dedication to living out our faith will sometimes result in unfavorable perceptions and treatment from others. Such negative reactions can range from mild disapproval to intense hostility, leading to various forms of persecution, unfair treatment, and being labeled as narrow-minded, inferior, or weak. Despite these challenges, we must remain unwavering in our beliefs and strive to exemplify the love and compassion of our Savior.
The question is, Why? Why are BBBs (Bible Believing Believers) treated negatively and persecuted? The simple answer is that we live out our faith in YAHWEH with conviction or let your light shine for YAHWEH and Yahshua, which contradicts the lifestyle and choices of most people. But let’s see what the Bible says about it!
Placing Stumbling Blocks
7. Then, it is to you who believe, that this honor is given. But to disobeying ones, He is the “Stone which those building rejected; this One became the Head of the Corner.”
8. He is a stone of STUMBLING and a rock of OFFENSE. And they stumble at it, because they believe not the word: for which they were appointed.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
When you live out a faith, which tells you to live a holy set apart life (1 Peter 1:15-16), separated from the world and worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 and James 4:4), you are illuminating Yahshua to a lawless people. Yahshua is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. Your presence alone brings many a sense of unwanted shame and often inflicts a silent rebuke. Your life was built with Yahshua as the cornerstone and the things of YAHWEH as the other stone. Their cornerstone and the stones of their entire building are of their own sinful choosing.
- You built your life on YAHWEH and His Word through Yahshua, the cornerstone.
- They rejected Yahshua and built their life on their own stone(s).
- Your stones say Yahshua is the only way to YAHWEH. (John 14:6)
- Their stones say to worship whatever god you please because there are many ways to G_o_d.
- Your stones say one man and one woman until death do they part. (Genesis 2:24)
- Their stones say same-sex marriage, polygamy, fornication, and bestiality.
- Your stones say no lying or bearing false witness. (Exodus 20:16)
- Their stones say sometimes you need to lie.
- Your stones say no killing. (Exodus 20:13)
- Their stones say abortion is a right.
- Your stones say YAHWEH created everything. (Colossians 1:16)
- Their stones say everything created came out of nothing in a big bang. 0+0 = something.
You are a constant reminder of Yahshua and a different way of life they don’t believe in. Yahshua is the “stone of STUMBLING and a rock of OFFENCE.” The more you live with Yahshua as your foundational cornerstone, the more you will stick out. The ways and reasoning of this world will never align with your beliefs. Because of that, you will be offending with the rock of offense and placing Yahshua, the stone of stumbling, along their path.
Non-believers will hate you because they reject YAHWEH, His Word, and Yahshua. Believers will treat you less than and say that you are holier than thou, doing too much, or call you a legalistic. Remember, the people of YAHWEH rejected Yahshua, hated Him, and later killed Him for simply living out the will of his Father in full. When you live out your faith to the full, you are following the steps of Yahshua, and being hated is a part of it, even if it comes from people who say they believe.
The animosity coming from believers stems from believers that are unaware of Bible truths because they refuse to open the Bible, read it, study it, and believe it in its entirety. Many Christians and I was one of them, kept the Bible closed until church time and mainly depended on the words of the Pastor or whatever preacher delivered the sermon. This behavior leads to complacency, foolishness, blindness, and at worst, destruction. For info on how to study, please review the “How is your Study Life?” Pts 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The Light of the World
14. You are the light of the world. It is not possible to hide a city that is built on a mountain.
15. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the bushel, but on the lamp stand; and it shines for all those in the house.
16. So let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father in Heaven.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
When you truly live out your faith in Yahshua, it is very evident to non-believers and believers that you are different. The Bible says that we are the light of the world and a city that sits high on a mountain. When your light shines, it provides light for quite a distance and touches and influences many people in many ways. This light should not be hidden or ignored but instead spread. Your light should be prominent and noticeable, like a lone house at night with lights during a multiple-day power outage in the summer.
The purpose of letting our light shine or living out your faith is to allow others to witness and glorify our Heavenly Father and to inquire how they, too, can receive the same forgiveness, salvation, joy, and peace you have. However, as mentioned earlier, it is essential to acknowledge that our light may also serve as a stumbling block for some as they struggle to come to terms with their own beliefs and values. As such, it is crucial to approach our faith with humility, compassion, and love, always striving to lead by example and inspire others to follow in our footsteps.
Questions to consider before next week’s food for thought!
- Do you fear upsetting people more than you fear offending YAHWEH?
- Are you more worried and concerned about how others perceive you than how YAHWEH sees you?
- How do you balance your desire for social acceptance with your commitment to YAHWEH?
- In what ways do societal expectations and norms influence your decision-making?
- How do you seek guidance and discernment in making difficult choices that may not align with popular opinions?
- How can we cultivate a culture of authenticity and vulnerability in a world that often values image over substance?
By David Edwards
That was real inspiring. Keep up the great work.
amazing keep posting
Thanks for the post
thanks, interesting read