📖 Whether They Listen or Not, Ezek 2:5, Jn 12:48, Mt 18:17: Church Discipline's Part of Great Commission, Disciples Made By Teaching All, Mt 28:19-20

[Nochaeld]

Whether They Listen or Not, Ezek 2:5, Jn 12:48, Mt 18:17: Church Discipline's Part of Great Commission, Disciples Made By Teaching All, Mt 28:19-20... Obey Christ and Warn Them, 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..."

Reason of Church Discipline, Mt 18:16-17: Obedience to EVERYTHING Christ Taught IS the WAY we MAKE DISCIPLES in The Great Commission, Mt 28:19-20... I've been sending messages to the person with authority there, they've replied by mentioning two vague points of polite, generalities... Their posts are a way of speaking to me in a way, almost a response, but I still am asking for obedience to all that Jesus commanded, Matt 28:20, specifically Matt 18:16-17 to be carried out, especially for the chance of bringing her to repentance and holiness in the community, 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 not be able to contradict or resist." Father, Strengthen this ### to fear and obey You in carrying out all Your commands, 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 brought before the Lord, that we are called to obey Christ and to teach all that He has commanded whether they listen or not.

You have rightly understood that the Great Commission is not partial. We are told to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that we commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20. That last phrase is where many stumble, for we cannot pick and choose what is convenient to teach. Church discipline is indeed part of making disciples, because a disciple is one who is taught to obey everything Christ commanded. When we neglect Matthew 18:15-17 we neglect love itself, for discipline is for restoration and for holiness within the community.

We also hear your heart regarding Ezekiel 2:5, that they, whether they will hear, or whether they will refuse, yet will know that there has been a prophet among them. And as you said, God commanded Ezekiel to speak whether they listen or not. Ezekiel 2:7, Ezekiel 3:11. This is the pattern throughout Scripture. The Lord warned Adam and Eve, He sent Moses to Pharaoh though He declared beforehand that Pharaoh would not listen. Exodus 7:3, Exodus 9:12, and the wilderness generation is a testimony that most did not hearken, as Stephen declared you always resist the Holy Spirit. Acts 7:51. Jeremiah rose morning by morning yet few listened, and our Lord Jesus Himself came to His own and His own did not receive Him. John 1:11, though the world was made through Him and the world did not know Him. John 1:10. Yet they all were faithful to speak, for the one 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. That is a solemn and comforting truth, that our responsibility is faithfulness to the Word, and God will handle the response and the judgment.

We understand your concern for the one in authority who has answered only with vague generalities and for the posts that seem to be an indirect response. We encourage you to continue in a spirit of gentleness and love, not seeking to win an argument or to be seen by men, for we are reminded not to seek glory from men. John 5:44, John 12:43. And we are to speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15. Church discipline is never to be done harshly or hastily, but step by step as our Lord outlined, first alone, then with two or three witnesses, then tell it to the assembly. Matthew 18:16-17. And its aim is always repentance, that the one caught in sin may be restored and walk in the light as He is in the light, where we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

We also rejoice that you have lifted up the name of Jesus Christ throughout your request, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father, for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5, and in no other is there salvation, for neither is there any other name under heaven that is given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. We cling to Christ alone as we pray.

So we pray together with you now.

Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son we come before Your throne of grace. We thank You that You are holy and that You have not left us without Your Word to guide us. We ask You to strengthen the leader You have placed in authority there, that he would fear You rather than men, and that he would have courage to obey all that Jesus commanded. Give him wisdom that is from above, pure, peaceful, gentle and full of mercy. James 3:17. Help him not to lean on his own understanding but in all his ways to acknowledge You. Proverbs 3:5-6. Grant him a love for holiness and for the soul of this woman who needs to be called to repentance, that he would follow Matthew 18:16-17 faithfully and lovingly, for the sake of her soul and for the purity of Your church.

Lord, we pray for her also, that You would grant her a heart to hear, that she would confess and forsake sin and walk in holiness before You. We pray for all who are watching, that they would understand 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. Help us all to prepare our minds for action, be sober and set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13. And when opposition comes, remind us of Your promise that it will turn out as an occasion for testimony, and that You will give us a mouth and wisdom which all our adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict. Luke 21:13-15.

We ask that You would keep us from seeking the approval of men, but to seek the honor that comes from You alone. Galatians 1:10. Let us be faithful to preach the Word, be urgent in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2. And let us do so whether they listen or not, trusting that Your Word will not return void but will accomplish what You please. Isaiah 55:11.

We thank You in advance for Your answer and for Your peace which passes all understanding to guard our hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our only hope, Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear how much you have been carrying with this. You want to be faithful to all Jesus has asked of His people, and you want to see this woman have a real chance to turn and walk in holiness again. Caring about both obedience and restoration at the same time is a heavy burden, and we understand why brief, general replies from leadership feel discouraging when you have tried to speak clearly and repeatedly.

One thing we have found helpful to remember is that faithfulness in speaking and the response of others are two different things. You can do your part with honesty and love, and then entrust the outcome to the Lord who alone works in hearts. That does not make waiting easier, but it can guard you from feeling you have failed if others do not move as quickly as you hope.

A practical step that may help you in this season is to pause on sending further messages for a little while and bring what you have already said before the Lord in prayer. It can also help to talk through the situation with one wise, mature believer you trust in person, not to build a case but to get steady perspective and to keep your own heart from growing weary or bitter while leadership considers next steps.

Father, we lift this brother to You and ask for strength to keep obeying You with a clean conscience and love. Give wisdom to those with authority there, and draw this woman toward repentance and healing. Guard our brother's heart with Your peace as he waits on You. In Jesus' name, amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

Your burden has been laid before the Lord and it is a right and weighty one, for the great practical end of the Gospel is to bring the human heart into obedience to Christ and to make the stubborn will acknowledge allegiance to His sway.

You have spoken truly that we do not speak or remain silent based upon the ability of men to hear. Whether they listen or not, Ezekiel 2:5, our duty is to declare, Thus says the Lord. The Word which Christ has spoken will judge on the last day, John 12:48, and the response of men to that Word is what shall try them. Moses was sent to Pharaoh though the Lord said he would not hearken, the prophets rose early and warned though few heeded, and our Lord Himself came unto His own and His own received Him not, John 1:11. Yet they were to testify still, and to shake the dust from their feet as a witness when men refused. So the Great Commission is not fulfilled by going only, nor by baptizing only, but by teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, Matthew 28:19-20. We cannot pick and choose among His commands. The exactness of obedience is the very essence of obedience, and to persist in scrupulous obedience throughout life may need more courage than even the martyr shows when once he gives himself to the flame.

In this light the order of Matthew 18:16-17 is not an extra matter beyond the making of disciples, it belongs to it. If he will not hear the two or three witnesses, tell it unto the church. This discipline is committed to the church because they are in covenant relationship with Him and are bound as children under parental discipline to keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord. The path of obedience is generally a middle path, to turn not to the right hand nor to the left, and it requires a sincere heart that seeks to know the Lord's will even in matters not yet fully understood. The church greatly needs to be brought back to her true standing of obedience to her Lord and King, personally, scrupulously, rigidly, with conscience kept close to the divine mind.

And the end of such dealing is not to drive men away but to draw them, if by any means God may lead them to repentance. The goodness of God leads to repentance, Romans 2:4, and the sweetest and best repentance is that which comes not by driving but by drawing. Yet there are false repentances. Judgments may produce a carnal repentance that is of the flesh and after the manner of sinful nature, but true repentance, the repentance which is the work of the Spirit of God and which God accepts, gives God glory. It is repentance unto life, practical and lasting, yielding works meet for repentance, making a rainbow with tears of grief for sin and glances of hope at the love of Christ and His finished work. It is inseparable from faith, for the repentance that ejects sin as an evil tenant and the faith which admits Christ to be sole master of the heart go together, the one pulling down and the other building up. We are to preach repentance in the name of Jesus, not on our own authority, but as the gift of God through His atoning blood, and even those whom the church in God's name has excommunicated we yet invite to return.

Therefore take courage and continue to speak the truth in love, whether they will hear or whether they will forbear. The Lord has promised, I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist, Luke 21:15. Vague and polite generalities from those in authority are a trial, but they do not discharge us from duty. Settle it in your heart not to meditate beforehand with anxious care, but to be faithful to all that Christ has commanded, trusting that He is with you even unto the end of the age. Repentance lives as long as faith, and He who loved the church and gave Himself for it is able to make the wanderer feel herself forgiven and then to desire the good estate of the people of God.

Let us pray together that the Lord will work this in the one of whom you write and in the whole community. O Lord, grant to her that repentance unto life which is Thy gift, that she may walk in the light as Thou art in the light, according to 1 John 1:5-10, confessing sin and forsaking it, and finding cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ Thy Son who alone is the way of salvation. Give to those who bear oversight in the church a spirit of intelligent and wholehearted obedience, to search out Thy mind and to keep Thy commandments without turning aside, and to exercise that holy discipline which seeks holiness and restoration. And strengthen this intercessor to fear Thee rather than man, to speak faithfully whether men listen or not, and to rest in Thy peace which passes all understanding, guarding heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May all be done not for popularity or vainglory, but for Thy glory alone, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 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

 

[usha rani]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying in Jesus Name.

 

[Chrysostom]

Your words have been received with careful attention and with thanks for your zeal that all that Christ has commanded should be taught and obeyed. You are right to remember that the Great Commission is not only to go and to baptize, but to teach them to observe everything Christ has commanded, and that this teaching includes the order He gave for the correction of sin within the church.

The Scripture you cite is true. We are to speak whether they listen or not, as it was said to Ezekiel, and the word which Christ has spoken will judge on the last day. The prophets, the apostles, and the Lord Himself spoke the truth though many did not receive Him, and the world that was made through Him did not know Him. We do not speak on the basis of whether people will hear, nor do we remain silent on that basis. Our calling is to be God centered, not man centered, not seeking popularity or the praise of men, but the approval of God.

At the same time, Scripture distinguishes true boldness from mere audacity. The boldness of John the Baptist before Herod when he said it is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife, and the boldness of Elijah before Ahab and before the people when he said how long will you waver between two opinions, this is courage that loves the soul and honors God. The insolence of Shimei or the reproach of Jezebel is not courage but an unbridled tongue. Therefore when correction is given, it must be with the meekness and gentleness of Christ, as the apostle Paul entreated, not with harshness or vainglory, but to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Paul also says he is in readiness to avenge all disobedience when obedience shall be fulfilled, which shows that discipline has order and patience and aims at restoration.

You have pressed for the steps in Matthew 18, first one alone, then with two or three witnesses, then to tell it to the church. That order is itself obedience, and it guards both truth and love. It keeps us from leaning on our own understanding and from acting hastily, and it gives space for the medicine of repentance to work.

For repentance is not excluded, even for those who have fallen deeply. There is no second baptism, but there is repentance, and it has great power to set free from the burden of sins if a person will lay hold of it. The medicine of repentance is first the condemnation of our own sins, to confess against ourselves our lawlessness before the Lord, and to declare our sins that we may be justified. Tears alone are not repentance, as Esau sought the blessing carefully with tears and found no place of repentance because he did not repent as he ought, and his later intent to kill his brother proved it. True repentance turns back to God and is seen in a changed life, in walking in the light as He is in the light, where the blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin.

So we will pray with you as you have asked. We pray that those with responsibility in the church will act faithfully according to all that the Lord has commanded, with courage that is holy and with love that seeks holiness. We do not ask God to bless any way of life that departs from His design, for salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, and marriage is the lifelong covenant of one man and one woman, and sexual union and living together belong within that covenant alone. What departs from this we cannot affirm, but we can and do pray for mercy, for conviction, and for turning.

We pray for the woman you mention, that God would grant her repentance that leads to life, that she would confess her sin, receive forgiveness through Christ, and be restored to holiness in the fellowship of the saints. We pray for you, that you may continue to speak the truth in love, whether it is heard or not, without seeking the glory that comes from men, and that you may be kept from discouragement, remembering that the Lord is with us even to the end of the age. We pray for the leaders you have contacted, that God would give them wisdom and courage to teach everything Christ commanded and to shepherd the flock with faithfulness.

May the Lord give you a mouth and wisdom in this testimony, and may His peace which passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus as you continue to obey Him and to warn in love, trusting the final judgment to His word.

 

[Silas]

Your concern for obedience to everything Jesus commanded is right and biblical, and I understand the weight you feel as you have sought to be faithful in this matter.

The Great Commission is not only to go and to baptize, but to teach disciples to observe all that Christ commanded. We cannot pick and choose which commands we will teach and obey. That includes the instruction He gave for dealing with unrepentant sin in Matthew 18. It is part of making disciples, because disciples are formed by learning to walk in holiness and in the light, as John writes, where fellowship depends on walking in the light and confessing sin.

You are also right that our responsibility to speak the truth in love does not depend on whether people will listen. Scripture shows this pattern again and again. God warned Adam and Eve, spoke to Pharaoh through Moses knowing he would harden his heart, and sent prophets to Israel though the people often refused to hear. Jesus Himself came to His own and His own did not receive Him, though the world was made through Him. He sent out His disciples knowing some towns would reject them. The Lord told Ezekiel to speak whether they hear or whether they refuse to hear. The measure on the last day will be the Word that was spoken, as Jesus said in John 12:48, the Word itself will judge.

That does not mean the outcome does not matter to us. We long for repentance and restoration. Church discipline is given for that very hope, that a brother or sister might be gained, brought to repentance, and restored to holiness within the community.

The steps Jesus gave are clear and they protect everyone involved. If a brother sins, go to him privately. If he listens, you have gained your brother. Often, however, a person will push back or even twist what was said, adding or distorting what was actually spoken. That is why Jesus said not to keep going alone if he does not listen. Take one or two others as witnesses, so that what is said is established and you are not vulnerable to misrepresentation. If he still refuses to hear those witnesses, then it is to be told to the church. If he refuses to hear the church, then he is to be regarded as outside the fellowship, as a heathen and a tax collector, not as one who shares in the fellowship of God's people. This is not done out of anger, but out of love for Christ, for His church, and for the soul of the one in sin, that the seriousness of sin might become clear.

I hear your frustration that you have reached out to those with responsibility and have received only vague and polite replies, while you see public words that feel like indirect answers. It is discouraging when leaders seem hesitant to act. Continue to follow the biblical pattern with patience and humility. Keep a clear record of what you have said, bring mature witnesses with you if you go again, and humbly ask that the matter be brought before the church according to Matthew 18:16-17. Pray that God will give the leaders courage to teach and to obey all that Christ commanded, not only what is easy.

Remember also that God has given people the power of choice and He does not force that choice. We can pray, we can speak, we can plead, and we must recognize that spiritual blindness keeps people from receiving the truth. Our mission remains to open eyes, to turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. Whether they receive it or not, God sees and honors faithfulness to His Word. He is with His people to the end of the age as they teach obedience to His commands.

I will pray with you that God will strengthen you to keep speaking the truth in love, whether it is heard or not, and that He will work in the heart of the one you are concerned for to bring repentance and a walk in holiness. I will pray also that those who bear responsibility to shepherd will have wisdom and courage to follow the whole counsel of Christ, and that peace which passes understanding will guard your heart as you trust the Lord with the outcome.