Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 86

March 26;        I Corinthians 8:13;          141/260;         ‘Never Cause Stumbling’

1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

There is a very important principle taught in this verse.  We must do everything we can to avoid causing someone to stumble in the things of God.  Religion teaches all kinds of things that are not biblical.  Those who follow these unscriptural doctrines do them because they have been taught that these things are of God.  Without looking to, knowing and doing the Word of God, sincere people over the years have done all kinds of things that are meaningless at best and could be spiritually harmful.  Not eating certain foods, as this chapter deals with, is usually not eternally harmful and can and should be corrected sincerely and kindly.  Being taught that your salvation depends on the good works that you do, since it can effect eternity must be dealt with, with great seriousness and yet still kindly.  If you are a serious disciple of Jesus Christ, know the Word and desire to help others, you can play a very important role in helping others ‘get on the right track.’  We must never be arrogant about correcting someone, acting as if they are stupid for believing what they have been taught.  God’s love never fails and if you minister in love, showing that person what the Bible teaches, they will see the truth.  It may take a little time but it will happen.  If there is a biblical reason for not doing what they have been taught, it is even better.  Take infant baptism.  People get baptized when they realize they are a sinner and desire to identify with the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.  An infant does not know this.  His love and truth frees.