(pronounced lee'-thos)
STUMBLINGSTONE
Romans 9:33
As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Sion a Stumblingstone and Rock of Offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
Isaiah 8:14
And He will be a sanctuary--but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare.
Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Lord GOD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken."
Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?
Psalm 118:22
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
1 Peter 2:6
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
As born again believers we have nothing to be ashamed of, nor confounded (confused) over. We are able to believe because the Holy Spirit of God has stirred within us a desire to believe. And we choose to listen to Him, believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and give our hearts, our lives and everything about us to Him; following Him in our everyday life, choosing to submit to His will in every decision, big or small.
We are not to hide our faith in Jesus Christ, nor are we to flaunt it with a 'holier than thou' stance. We are overjoyed to be included in God's family and serve Him in His kingdom. And we strive to share this joy we have in Him with others which usually, if we are following the Spirit's leading, leads us into both joy (that another person has accepted Christ) and suffering (because we are coming under attack (mocking, persecution) for sharing our faith).
It is Jesus Christ and Him crucified and resurrected that throws some folks off, making it harder for them to believe. We must remember that at one time we, too, were not believers. And remember what it took to get us to turn our hearts to God. Never stop praying for someone else, no matter how long it takes for them to turn their hearts to God. Never speak against another person, nor gossip about them. For this not only taints your testimony, but negates your relationship with God and people. Why would anyone want to be a Christian like that when the world system behaves in much the same way?
Remember that the Cornerstone of our faith is Jesus Christ. The Word says to lay no other foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11 "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."). And that everything built on that Foundation will be judged by God. Therefore, we must build with wisdom and use only the building materials which the Spirit has given us to build with.
Philippians 4:4-9
4) Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5) Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
9) And what you have learned and have received and have heard and have seen in me, practice these things. And the God of peace will be with you.
