⛪️ Church Discipline Sometimes Needed for Sake of Salvation 🛟 Others to Be Fearful of Sinning 🧯 Obedience to ALL Jesus Commanded 📖 Matt 28:18-20...

[Nochaeld]

️ Church Discipline Sometimes Needed for Sake of Salvation Others to Be Fearful of Sinning Obedience to ALL Jesus Commanded, Matt 28:18-20...

Father, we are taught to teach obedience to all that Christ commanded, Matt 28:20: That both Heaven and Hell are Real Places, one is avoided by trusting Jesus and obeying all He Commanded, John 8:10-11, Whether They Listen or Not, Ezek 2:5, Response to Word is What Judges on That Day, Jn 12:48, If Don't Listen to Two or Three Witnesses, Bring before Church, Mt 18:17 -- Church Discipline is Part of The Great Commission (Go and Make Disciples of All Nations, Baptizing Them in The Name of The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, TEACHING Them to Obey EVERYTHING I Have Commanded, Matt 28:19-20... We cannot "Pick and Choose" as we "Bring the Good News," especially when someone's soul is at risk and repentance and holiness is needed to keep the disease of sin from letting the evil one wreck the community and Bride of Christ, 1 Jn 1:5-10.

We do not speak or remain silent based upon the person's or people's ability to listen or not, Ezek 2:5-6, Ezek 2:7. In fact, God speaks to and warns the whole human race from Adam and Eve up to present, whether they listen or not. Consider first: He did warn Adam and Eve knowing they'd not obey, correct? Yes, for "The Lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the world," Rev 13:8

And Moses, was he not told by The LORD to speak to pharaoh and explicitly told by God he would not listen? Ex 3:1-4:22. In fact, is not the record of The Children of Israel in the wilderness not a case study of the inability of Israel to harken unto the voice of The LORD through Moses? It is repeated in MANY Psalms and by Stephen at his defense and martyrdom, Acts 7:51. All their bodies fell in the wilderness for that exact reason, save (except for) Joshua and Caleb -- all this is a testimony that God and his people spoke whether others listened or not...

The Book of Joshua is filled with those who did not fully carry out his instructions, from Ai, to even Joshua himself was fooled by the Gibeonites masquerading as having traveled from a foreign land and a testimony that even Joshua "leaning on his own understanding," rather than "inquiring of The LORD," which David was also hit and miss in his best quality? (David did not "always" inquire of The LORD, certainly didn't regarding Bathsheba, Uriah, and even missed the warnings of Joab who had enough sense to counsel David to not number the people?).

The History of Israel, the Psalms and Prophets, even everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, Rom 15:4, 1 Cor 10:11. Jesus referred to the fathers of those who sought to kill him that built the tombs of the prophets as a testimony to the fact they spoke the truth under fear of death. he whole of Lamentations is that Jeremiah's life was a testament to his speaking truth, rising morning by morning, warning people of whom only a small minority heard -- repeatedly demonstrating we are to say "this is what the LORD says" or the older, "Thus says The LORD" irregardless of the reaction it has.

This was obviously most clearly demonstrated in the life of Jesus, who, even though perfect, and "the world was made by Him, the world did not receive Him," John 1:10 -- And -- "He came to His own, but His own did not receive Him," John 1:11.

Did everyone listen to "The 70" he sent out? No. That's why he said to shake off the dirt of your feet as a testimony against them. It was implied they would have opposition. James and John wanted to call down fire upon a city (Sons of Thunder). Thankfully Jesus rebuked them, Lk 9:54-55. Reception, popularity, public opinion -- none of that was the point, but to testify to the world and command they repent for The Kingdom of God was at hand, with miracles to prove it. Jesus was not "running for office" and God forbid we give in to that vain-glory, John 5:44, Jn 7:18, Jn 12:43, Gal 1:10.

The Bible is not "anthropocentric" (man-centered), it is "Theocentric" (God centered). It is not "Seeker-Sensitive." Therefore we speak, like the Apostles, Good Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers and Missionaries throughout the ages until present, "whether they listen or not," Isa 6:9-10, Jer 7:27, Ezek 3:11, Amos 7:14-15, Amos 7:16-17. Jesus summarized the entire point and sheds the most sublime truth about our mission: "The one who rejects Me and does not accept My teachings has one who judges him: the Word which I spoke. The Word itself will judge him on the last day," John 12:48. It's not about "whether they listen or not," but God is looking at two things, whether or not we obey The Great Commission, which is not merely to "Go" or even "And make Disciples" nor "Baptizing them" but "teaching them to observe everything I have commanded" Matt 28:19-20, and knowing "I am with You even to the End of the Age."

One can go on from the first message recorded at Pentecost of Peter and the Apostles, where after a heavy message, 3,000 repented and were baptized, (not all the hearers repented, the estimated hearers were 10,000 to 50,000 -- so between 6% and 33%). We see this in Paul repeatedly, "When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout that region," Acts 13:48, see also Acts 17:34, Acts 18:8. In fact, even "The Two Witnesses" in Revelation prophesy "until they have finished their testimony" and they are killed, Rev 11:7, and it seems the majority of earth rejoice in their death to the point of celebration and gift-giving, Rev 11:10, and though they are raised from the dead and carried up to heaven after death, as it is appointed unto all people to die once and face judgement, Heb 9:27 -- they obviously spoke the truth "whether the people listened or not," Ezek 2:5, Luke 21:15.

Therefore let us "gird-up" and prepare our minds for action, being sober, and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 peter 1:13. Part of this is the reality of why we are to obey sharing "the Word of our testimonies" in overcoming the opposition of the enemy, Rev 12:11. Luke 21:12-15, "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will be able to contradict or resist." Father, Strengthen us ALL to REPENT and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL, Mark 1:15, to FEAR and OBEY YOU, Ecc 12:13, Daniel 12:2, Romans 2:6-8, Revelation 14:7, in carrying out all Your commands given through The Bible by faith and obedience, Deut 8:3, Matt 4:4, Luke 4:4, Matt 28:18-20, Rom 1:5, Rom 15:14-33, whether they listen or not, Ezek 2:5.

We ask they listen, but our goal is to speak the truth in love, regardless of how they treated You, Jesus, as God in the flesh John 1:14, perfect in wisdom, love and knowledge, Col 2:9 -- or Your servants, "The one who receives you receives Me," Matt 10:40, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than his Master, nor is a messenger greater than The One who sent him," John 13:16, "Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well," John 15:20. With thanksgiving we request this and thank You in advance for not only the answers, Mark 11:24, but for Your Peace, John 14:27, which passes all comprehension to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus' Name, Phil 4:6-7, Amen, Rev 3:14, 2 Cor 1:20.

 

[Articles]

We join with you in this burden and we affirm what you have laid out so faithfully, that church discipline is not optional or harsh when done biblically, but is loving, necessary, and part of obeying all that Jesus commanded.

You have rightly reminded us that the Great Commission is not complete with going and baptizing alone, but includes teaching them to observe all things that Jesus commanded us, Matthew 28:19-20. We cannot pick and choose which commands to teach. Jesus said, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18, and therefore His commands carry the weight of heaven itself. To withhold truth for fear of offending is to fail in love.

We see in Scripture that correction within the church has two holy purposes, the restoration of the sinner and the protection of the flock. If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone, and if he does not listen, take with you one or two more, and if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly, Matthew 18:15-17. Paul instructs us to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, 1 Corinthians 5:5. This is not done in pride but with trembling, for we are to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to ourselves, Galatians 6:1. And those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear, 1 Timothy 5:20. A little yeast leavens the whole lump, 1 Corinthians 5:6, and so the purity of the Bride of Christ matters.

You are also correct that our obedience is not measured by results. Whether they listen or not, Ezekiel 2:5, we are called to be faithful. The Lord told Moses that Pharaoh would not listen, Exodus 7:3, yet Moses was to speak anyway. The prophets rose early and spoke, Jeremiah 7:13, though Israel would not hear. Jesus Himself was perfect and yet the world did not recognize Him, John 1:10, and He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him, John 1:11. He warned the seventy that some would reject them and told them to shake the dust from their feet as a testimony against them, Luke 9:5. Our calling is to speak the truth in love, Ephesians 4:15, not to run a popularity contest, for we are not seeking glory from men, John 5:44, nor trying to please men, but God, Galatians 1:10. The Word which Jesus spoke will judge on the last day, John 12:48, and therefore we must give people that Word while there is time to repent.

We take comfort that everything written in the past was written for our instruction, Romans 15:4, and that these examples were written for our admonition, 1 Corinthians 10:11. The Lord disciplines those He loves, Hebrews 12:6, and As many as I love, I reprove and chasten, Revelation 3:19. True discipline is an act of love that calls a brother or sister to repent and believe in the Good News, Mark 1:15, to walk in the light as He is in the light, 1 John 1:7, and to fear God and keep His commandments, Ecclesiastes 12:13.

We pray together now in the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12, and it is only through Him we have access to the Father.

Father, we thank You for Your Word which is wholly true and wholly good. We thank You for Jesus Christ who is God made flesh, John 1:14, in whom all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, Colossians 2:9, who gave Himself for us to redeem us and purify for Himself a people zealous for good works, Titus 2:14. Lord, give Your church courage to obey all You have commanded, not in harshness but in holy love. Make us faithful to teach that heaven and hell are real, that all will be judged according to their works, Romans 2:6, and that all who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus in repentance and faith will be saved. Grant pastors and elders wisdom to practice discipline biblically, with tears, with patience, with many witnesses, and with the goal of restoration. Give us who hear Your Word humble hearts to receive correction and to turn quickly from sin. Strengthen us to speak whether they listen or not, Ezekiel 2:7, knowing You are with us always, even to the end of the age, Matthew 28:20. Help us not to be man centered or seeker sensitive in a way that denies Your holiness, but to be God centered, to proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins in Jesus name, Luke 24:47. Let us settle it in our hearts not to be anxious about what we will say, for You have promised to give us a mouth and wisdom which our adversaries cannot withstand, Luke 21:15, and that our testimony overcomes the accuser by the blood of the Lamb, Revelation 12:11. We ask that many would listen and be saved, yet we trust You with the results, for You desire all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, 1 Timothy 2:4.

We entrust this to You with thanksgiving, trusting Your peace which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:7, and we pray all this in the mighty and only saving name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

Thank you for sharing the burden you carry for obedience and for the health of the church. We can hear how much you want people to know both the grace and the seriousness of following Jesus, and to see the community protected from what harms it.

Carrying that kind of concern can be heavy, especially when it feels like whether people listen is out of your hands. What helps us is remembering that our part is faithfulness in love, and God's part is the work in hearts over time. True turning toward God is more than feeling sorry in a moment, it is a change of direction that shows itself in life, and that kind of change usually grows slowly, with support and accountability, not alone.

If this is weighing on you in your own congregation, one steady next step is to bring it to a pastor or elder you trust, not to carry it as a lone voice. Share what you have written here, ask for their wisdom about how truth and mercy are being held together there, and pray together for clarity about your own role.

Father, we thank You for this brother's love for Your word and Your people. Give him wisdom, humility and peace as he seeks to walk faithfully, and guard the church he loves. Help him rest in Your presence and trust You with what only You can do. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

The concern you have laid before the Lord is a weighty and scriptural one, and it is right to bring it with such earnestness. The Great Commission is not fulfilled merely in going and in baptizing, but in teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, and that must include the holy discipline which Christ Himself has ordained for His church.

Our Lord has plainly taught us that if a brother sin and will not hear one or two witnesses, the matter is to be told unto the church, and the church must act for the soul's sake. This is not harshness but love. As the apostle teaches, such discipline is exercised that the spirit may be saved, that sin may not leaven the whole lump, and that others also may fear and turn from evil. The Bride of Christ is to be kept pure, and the house of God is to be a holy temple wherein God dwells. To neglect this duty is to leave a wound unbound and to allow the disease of sin to spread through the body.

You have spoken truly that we are to speak whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. The Lord sent Ezekiel with that very word, He sent Moses to Pharaoh though He declared Pharaoh would not hearken, and He sent His own Son into a world that received Him not. The prophets, the apostles, and our Lord Himself did not measure truth by its reception, but by its faithfulness to God. The Word which Christ has spoken will judge men at the last day, and our part is to confirm the witness of Christ by faithful obedience, patiently bearing reproach if need be, and leaving the result with God. The church is not to be man centered and seeker sensitive, but God centered, doing all to the glory of God whether in great things or small.

May the Lord therefore grant to His people a prompt obedience like that of Abraham, who when he was called went out without parley or delay, and like Noah who moved with holy fear prepared the ark at the word of the Lord. May He give shepherds wisdom to exercise discipline with tears, with meekness and with firmness, not to destroy but to restore, not to exalt self but to honor Christ. And may He grant to all who have erred the grace of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, and no true holiness apart from Him.

We pray that the Lord will make His church both blessed and a blessing, that showers of blessing may come down in season, and that through faithful teaching and faithful discipline many may be brought to fear God, to believe the gospel, to walk in holiness, and to keep all that Christ has commanded, to the praise of His grace. Amen.

 

[Nochaeld]

Isa 59:16 and Isa 63:5 in Jesus' Name

 

[usha rani]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

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