Rubble Around the Cornerstone

Romans 9:32 KJV

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

The Jews of Paul's day did not attain to righteousness while many of the Gentiles did because the Jews stumbled over faith in Christ, which the Gentiles instead embraced.  But today all the world has stumbled over this Stone. Faith in Christ is much less appealing today mostly, I think because the world has seen those who profess faith in Christ to be little changed by their faith.

Centuries ago that which drew men to the faith was the obvious faith of those who professed that faith.

• They would die before they would deny their faith
• They would live according to the teachings of their faith
• They believed that Christ was sovereign and therefore they trusted Him
• They saw each man as loved of God and therefore they would do even their enemies no harm

Christianity today is very much removed from that sort of faith.

• The world can point to wars fought in the name of Christ
• They can present evidence of professing Christians using faith to further their own name rather than to bless and support others

The world stumbles over Christ because Christianity has placed so much rubble before Him.

• Christ never took up a sword
• Christ spoke more harshly against religious error than against political abuse
• Christ ministered to both Jew and Gentile
• Christ cared for the Centurion as well as the Samaritan
• Christ forgave the most brutal of His enemies

We might remove some of the rubble in the way of faith if we would do the same.