Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, August 13, 2023

Stumbling Stone or Stepping Stone Today, Pastor Michael discusses good teachers and how they are stepping stones to learning, not stumbling stones.  A good teacher helps a learner step up, not stumble. And along that line, as a Christian, you can be the reason someone steps up to the faith or a stumbling block to them. We’re at the end of Mark and are discussing this idea with Jesus’ teachings in Mark. In chapter 9, verse 42, Jesus states, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to fall away — it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.” We must be careful not to cause anyone to stumble in their faith, whether they are simply young people or young believers. Michael adds some “Do’s” and “Don’t” on what we can do to help be a Stepping Stone, instead of a Stumbling Stone to someone’s faith journey. DON’T be somebody’s excuse for unbelief. DO set the example of a humble life that is pursuing God. DON’T be the reason somebody’s spiritual growth gets stunted. DO support and nurture those who are younger in the faith. DON’T be the discouragement that derails a faith journey. DO be the reason that somebody decides there is truth in Jesus because of what they see in your life. DON’T influence anyone to trust their own morality or religion. DO set the example of trusting in Christ! You may impress people with your strength, but you’ll connect with them through your weakness! (CSB Study Bible Notes) 9:42 To cause someone to fall away refers to hindering discipleship or causing someone to sin. Little ones refers to immature disciples. A heavy millstone was the one donkeys turned to grind wheat. As terrible as drowning was, Jesus said it would be better than suffering the punishments of vv. 43-48. Verses can be found in Mark 9: 42. Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.