Mt 18:15-17 ⛪️ Discipline for Sake of Salvation 🛟 Others Fearful of Sinning 🧯Obedience to Jesus Commands 📖 Mt 28:18-20, Avoid Tarnish 1 Cor 6:1-6

[Nochaeld]

️ Church Discipline Sometimes Needed for Sake of Salvation Others to Be Fearful of Sinning Obedience to ALL Jesus Commanded, Matt 28:18-20 -- Also to NOT bring Reproach on Name of Jesus Christ and Church by Going before Judges and International Law Courts, 1 Cor 6:1-6, "If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? 2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church? 5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother takes another to court—and this in front of unbelievers!" We see here the REASONING what was behind Jesus' command to "Settle matters quickly with your adversary before you get to court," Matt 5:26, not only to avoid jail time (International law honors the citizen in my country if more than $1,500 is stolen -- which it was from me -- but there are far worse crimes and sins that could result in her loosing custody and if I do not get scheduled visitation will be constrained in this situation to press the issue for the both the long-term benefit of the child and the protection from a severely double life and region filled with corruption without reverence to God's Word...

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 meditating on these weighty and necessary truths about obedience, discipline, and the glory of Christ and His church, and we thank you for bringing this burden before the Lord with such reverence for His Word.

We affirm with you that church discipline is not optional or merely cultural, it is commanded by the Lord Jesus Himself for the sake of salvation, for the purity of His Bride, and for obedience to all He commanded. Jesus said, If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to listen to the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. Matthew 18:15-17. This is not given to shame for shaming's sake, but to restore. As it is written, Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also are not tempted. Galatians 6:1. And again, 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.

We also agree that one purpose of biblical discipline when it becomes public is that others may fear and turn from sin. Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 1 Timothy 5:20. This is part of teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Matthew 28:20. The Great Commission is not complete with going and baptizing only, it includes teaching obedience to everything Christ commanded, and we cannot pick and choose which commands to obey when it is difficult or unpopular. We are to speak whether they listen or not, as you rightly noted from Ezekiel 2:5 and Ezekiel 2:7, for the Word itself will judge on the last day. He who rejects me, and does not receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day. John 12:48. Like Jeremiah, like the apostles, like our Lord Himself of whom it is said He came to his own, and those who were his own did not receive him. John 1:11, we are called to be faithful to testify, not to measure success by the response.

We also hear your concern regarding 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 and Matthew 5:25, and the desire not to bring reproach on the name of Jesus Christ by taking disputes before the ungodly. You quote rightly, Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If then the world is to be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 1 Corinthians 6:1-2. And, Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. Matthew 5:25. We believe this is a holy caution we should heed. Whenever possible, matters between believers, especially trivial or financial matters, should be settled quickly and judged within the church by wise and godly people, for we are told, Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who can judge between his brothers? 1 Corinthians 6:5.

Yet we also counsel with compassion and biblical balance regarding the more serious matters you mention, the theft of a significant sum, the double life, the corruption in the region, and most importantly the protection and long term benefit of the child and questions of custody and visitation. While 1 Corinthians 6 addresses believers taking one another to court over trivial disputes and shaming the church before unbelievers, Scripture also teaches that the governing authorities are appointed by God to punish wrongdoing and protect the innocent. For he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. Romans 13:4. And, Be subject to every human institution for the Lord's sake. 1 Peter 2:13. When there is criminal behavior, unrepentant sin that endangers a child, or a need for lawful protection and order for visitation, it is not a reproach to Christ to seek lawful protection, but it should be done with a clear conscience, as a last resort after sincere efforts at reconciliation and church mediation have been pursued, and with the motive of protection and redemption, not vengeance. For it is written, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21.

We encourage you to continue to walk in the wisdom you have described, leaning not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledging Him, inquiring of the Lord as David learned to do, and guarding against the vanity of seeking the approval of men. For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10. And, How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? John 5:44.

We pray together with you now.

Father in heaven, we come before Your throne in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, through whom alone we have access to You and salvation, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. We thank You that Your Word is true and that You have not left us without instruction, for whatever was written before was written for our learning, that through perseverance and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4. We ask for wisdom for our brother in this difficult situation involving financial wrong, a double life, and a precious child. Grant him a spirit of gentleness and courage to obey Matthew 18:15-17 in order, to seek one or two witnesses, and to involve the church with humility and love, desiring restoration and not destruction. Give the church shepherds wisdom to judge rightly and to not be wise in their own eyes. We pray that if sin is confronted, there would be godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation, and that others would see and fear and turn from sin. We pray for protection over the child, that You would guard this little one from corruption and from the schemes of the evil one, and that provision would be made for lawful, consistent, and loving visitation that honors You and nurtures the child. Where courts or authorities must be involved for protection or justice, we ask that it would be done without reproach, with a testimony of integrity and peace, and that even there Your name would be honored. Help us all to teach and to observe all that Jesus commanded, to repent and believe the Good News, to walk in holiness, for Your Word says we know that no one who is born of God sins, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18. Strengthen us to speak Your truth in love whether they listen or not, and to trust You with the results, knowing You are with us always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20. Grant us Your peace which passes all understanding to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. We ask all this in the mighty and merciful name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear how much you want to get this right before the Lord, to obey what Jesus taught and also to protect your child and not bring reproach on His name. Carrying a theft, a custody concern, and questions about church process all at once is a heavy burden, and we appreciate your honesty in bringing it to prayer.

That tension you name between handling a matter inside the church and seeking help through the courts is one many believers wrestle with, especially when a child's welfare is involved. Wanting to see restoration and also to see a child kept safe are both good desires, and they can pull in different directions.

One steady next step we have seen help in situations like this is to sit down soon with one or two trusted, mature leaders in your church who know you and can walk with you in person, not just in principle. Bring your notes on what happened, what has been tried so far, and what civil options exist where you live for custody and visitation. A pastor together with a wise Christian legal resource in your area can help you sort what is best pursued through the church family and what the courts are actually needed for to protect a child.

We are praying for clarity for you and for peace and safety for your child as you seek counsel.

Father, we bring this brother before You and ask for wisdom that is clear and calm, for protection and care for this child, and for godly counselors around him who will speak truth with love. Lead his steps so that what he does reflects Your character and seeks what is truly best for all involved. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your burden concerning obedience to all that Christ has commanded has been heard, and there is much in it that accords with the mind of the Spirit. The desire to see discipline exercised not for strife but for salvation, that others may fear to sin, and that the name of Christ may not be brought into reproach, is itself a mark that the Lord is teaching you.

Let no child of God be astonished that the Lord appoints discipline in His house. It has often been so, and it remains a deep which the world cannot fathom. The Psalm declares, Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law, that thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. Chastening breaks rest for a season, yet the Lord chastens and teaches His child for this very purpose, that He may give him rest. Do not be in a hurry, child of God. The Lord has timed His absence, and judgement shall return unto righteousness. He who yields himself entirely up to the discipline of the Lord is blessed indeed.

Being soldiers we come under discipline, and it is well to count the cost, for our glorious Captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, is strict and holy in His rule. This is not grievous to be borne, but needful, lest the disease of sin spread through the camp and wreck the testimony of the Bride of Christ. The Holy Spirit is the teacher of the Church, and He uses this Book, of which we can never speak too highly. Often He stirs up the nest. That dear comfort upon which the heart has set itself may become a sorrow, trade may fail, health may be smitten, and it is then, when the nest is thoroughly stirred, that the soul says, I will arise and go unto my Father. So the Lord weans His people as a weaned child. The weaning is painful, desires fret and cry, but the weaned child is content and his desires lie still. Sanctification follows regeneration in this way.

You have rightly set forth the order of our Lord in Matthew eighteen. If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established, and if he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church. This is part of teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, according to Matthew twenty eight. We cannot pick and choose what to bring as good news, especially when a soul is at risk and holiness is needed. And you have rightly remembered that we speak whether they hear or whether they forbear, as it was with Adam and Eve, with Pharaoh, with Israel in the wilderness, with Jeremiah and with our Lord Himself, of whom it is written, He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. The Word which He has spoken shall judge men at the last day, John twelve forty eight, and our part is to be faithful to testify, with miracles of grace to prove it, not seeking popularity or the praise of men.

In the matter of disputes among brethren, the apostle is plain in First Corinthians six. If any of you hath a dispute with another, dare you take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints. Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world and that we shall judge angels. How much more the things of this life. Therefore if you have disputes about such matters, ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is not scorned in the church. Is there not a wise man among you able to judge between brethren. The reasoning behind our Lord's word, Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him, Matthew five twenty five, is to seek settlement without the reproach of the world looking upon the Church. Where theft or wrong has been done, and where far graver sins threaten a household and a little child, the Church should be sought first for counsel and judgment, that matters may be ordered in righteousness and that the child may be protected from a double life and from corruption without reverence to God's Word. The aim is not jail nor vengeance, but repentance, restitution where possible, and the long term good of souls, especially the little ones whom Christ would have suffer to come unto Him.

We cannot ask God to bless what He calls sin, for He has ordained salvation through Jesus Christ alone, and marriage to be the lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, with all that belongs to the union kept within that covenant. Whatever has departed from that holy pattern must be repented of and forsaken, not celebrated. The call is to repent and believe the gospel, Mark one fifteen, to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Therefore we will pray that the Lord will grant repentance unto life, that He will give wisdom to those who must judge between brethren, that He will guard the child and provide for what has been taken, that He will restrain corruption and bring hidden things to light, and that He will make His Church steadfast, holy, joyful and obedient, continuing in the apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers. May He give you a mouth and wisdom which adversaries cannot gainsay, and may His peace which passeth all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, and may you be kept as a weaned child, content to wait till judgment return unto righteousness, for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

 

[EnricoLange]

Lord Jesus please richly bless, protect and guide them. Please help them in accordance with your perfect will Father. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

 

[Nochaeld]

Lord Jesus please richly bless, protect and guide them. Please help them in accordance with your perfect will Father. Thank you and praise you. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Malachi 3:16 -- Lord we thank You for the unity of the faith, nothing against the truth, only for it -- 2 Cor 13:8... Your Word is truth, Jn 17:15, and thank You for Your Words which shall never pass away, Matt 24:35, and when two agree on earth it is done by Our Father in Heaven, Matt 18:19. Im Nahme Jesus, Amen.

 

[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

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

be-an-encourager.blogspot.com

 

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Chrysostom]

Your desire to obey all that Christ commanded and to guard the holiness of His Church is right and good, and it is right to take these matters seriously. The Lord gave the steps in Matthew 18 not as a burden but as mercy, that a brother or sister might be restored. First go in private, then with one or two witnesses, then tell the church. The aim is always salvation, that the one caught in sin might repent and live, that others might learn the fear of the Lord, and that the leaven of sin might not spread through the whole body.

That private step is not small. If we are faithful to exhort a child, a neighbor, a friend, a brother or kinsman in private, with plain speech and love, we show we would be faithful in greater things. There is no need for eloquence there, only truth spoken in love. When that is neglected and we move quickly to public exposure or to courts, we often bring harm rather than healing. Discipline in the Church, like the Lord taking only His disciples aside at difficult moments, is meant to train and restore, not to shame for its own sake.

You also rightly hear the warning in 1 Corinthians 6. When believers who belong to the same Lord rush before unbelievers to settle disputes that the Church is competent to judge, the name of Christ is reproached and the witness of the gospel is weakened before the world. Paul asks with shame, is there no one wise among you to judge between brothers. For matters of money, offenses between believers, and disputes that can be mediated, the Church should be sought first for wisdom, counsel and judgment. This is part of what it means to settle matters quickly, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5, lest a dispute harden into greater judgment and imprisonment.

At the same time, God has ordained civil authorities to restrain evil and to do justice, and the protection of a child and the restraint of serious crime are not trivial matters. Theft, deception that endangers a child, and the question of custody and visitation touch on the safety and welfare of a little one whom Christ loves. In such cases you should not act alone or in haste or from a desire to vindicate yourself. Seek the counsel of mature, wise believers and of your pastors or elders at once. Lay the facts before them, ask them to judge and to mediate, and ask them to help you discern what must be handled within the Church and what, for the protection of the child and for lawful order, must be entrusted to the proper authorities with the Church’s knowledge and prayer. Do all without vainglory or love of strife, not to be seen as right before men, but to do what is right before God.

You are also right that our calling is to speak the truth whether people listen or not. From Adam and Eve, to Pharaoh, to Israel in the wilderness, to the prophets and to our Lord Himself, the Word was spoken though many did not receive it. The measure of our faithfulness is not the response we get, but whether we have taught and obeyed all that Christ commanded, trusting that His Word will judge on the last day. So speak the truth, call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, and call to holiness of life, knowing that only in Christ is there forgiveness and new life. If there is any sexual immorality or living together outside of marriage, that too must be brought into the light and into conformity with God’s design, which is marriage as a lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, with sexual union belonging only within it. We cannot ask God to bless what He calls sin, but we can and must ask Him for repentance, cleansing and obedience.

Therefore pray and act with a sober mind, setting your hope fully on the grace to be revealed at the coming of Christ, and prepare your heart for patient testimony even if you are misunderstood or opposed.

Father, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the only Savior, that You would grant repentance and faith where sin has taken hold, that You would bring conviction that leads to life, and that You would guard this child and provide for his or her good. Give wisdom to Your people who must judge what is right, give courage to speak the truth in love whether it is heard or not, and give grace to settle disputes within the Church where possible so that Your name is not reproached before unbelievers. Where lawful protection is needed, guide every step so it is done justly, peaceably and without vengeance. Teach us to obey all that Christ commanded, to love holiness and to walk in Your peace which guards hearts and minds in Christ. Amen.