Jesus - The Rock Of Offense

Описание: • The Gospel Of Christ That Offends•
The Gospel is about God's rescue, not about "us" but a story of divine love that can feel offensive to those who don't see their need.
The goal isn't to avoid offense but to stand unashamed in the truth, allowing God's word to transform lives (Romans 1:16). Some try to make the gospel palatable, but this can lead to a false gospel that doesn't truly save 1 Peter 2:7-8 (ESV)
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe. "The stone that the builders reiected has become the cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. This passage describes Jesus as a precious cornerstone for believers, but a "stone of stumbling and rock of offense' for the disobedient, who reject His message and stumble because of their disobedience, fulfilling prophecy. Believers find Christ valuable and foundational, while those who disobey the word stumble over Him, a destiny they were appointed to, highlighting the contrast between faith and unbelief. In simpler terms, to those who believe, Jesus is the most valuable part of their lives, the very foundation. But to those who refuse to obey God's message He's like a rock in the road they trip over something they were meant to stumble on because of their refusal to accept Him.
"The gospel that offends" is centered on the cross of Jesus which challenges
human self-righteousness, sin, worldly values, and traditions, creating conflict with those who prefer comfort, self-justification, or easy answers, and is considered offensive because it demands radical transformation, repentance, and submission to Christ, which contrasts sharply with modern desires to avoid offense.
•Reasons the Gospel is Offensive•
• It demands repentance and humility: It requires individuals to acknowledge their spiritual bankruptcy and need for a Savior. which confronts one's journey toward self-actualization and personal autonomy.
• It makes exclusive claims: Jesus statement, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6), is often seen as narrow and intolerant in a pluralistic society that tends to value all religious paths as equally valid.
• Challenges Self-Righteousness: It confronts those who believe thev are good enough or can earn salvation, proclaiming that all fall short and neec grace.
• Demands Transformation: The message of union with Christ requires a life change and surrender to God. which offends those attached to sinful desires or worldlv lifestvles
•Highlights Sin: The gospel exposes sin and rebellion against God, which is offensive to those who deny or minimize their own wrongdoing.
• Calls Out Hypocrisy: Jesus offended the Pharisees by rebuking them for prioritizing man-made traditions over God's commands, a pattern that still offends religious hypocrisy.
• The Cross: The idea of a crucified Messiah, seen as foolishness by some and a stumbling block by others, remains central and offensive to worldlv wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:23).
• The Purpose of Offense•
• To Reveal Truth: Jesus stated that any plant not planted by God would be uprooted, indicating that truth itself will cause some to stumble
• To Inspire Faith: While causing offense, the true gospel ultimately overcomes it leading to genuine faith and a path to righteousness, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:24 the cross is power and wisdom to those who are called
• To Stir the Heart: The offense isn't alwavs in the messenger but in the message exposing something "not right within our heart,' prompting self-examination. #Christ