📖 Whether They Listen or Not, Ezk 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]

Obey Christ and Warn Them, Whether They Listen or Not, Ezk 2:5, Response to Word is What Judges, 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 stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word, recognizing that our calling is not to please men but to obey Christ, whether others listen or not. The Great Commission is clear: we are to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). This is not a suggestion, it is a command, and it includes the responsibility of church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17. When a brother or sister persists in sin, we are to address it with love, first privately, then with witnesses, and finally before the church if necessary. This is not about judgment for judgment’s sake, but about restoration, holiness, and the protection of the body of Christ.

We see in Scripture that God’s messengers have always spoken truth regardless of the response. Ezekiel was sent to a rebellious house, knowing they would not listen (Ezekiel 2:5). Moses was told Pharaoh would harden his heart (Exodus 3:19). Jesus Himself was rejected by His own (John 1:11), and the apostles faced persecution yet preached boldly (Acts 5:29). The Word of God does not return void (Isaiah 55:11), even when it is rejected. The response of the hearer does not negate our responsibility to proclaim truth, it is the Word itself that will judge them in the end (John 12:48).

We must also rebuke the subtle error of prioritizing popularity or "seeker sensitivity" over obedience to Christ. The church is not a democracy where truth is determined by majority opinion. It is the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15), and we are called to contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3). When leaders or individuals water down God’s commands to avoid offense, they betray the very commission Christ gave us. The Gospel is offensive to those who love their sin (1 Corinthians 1:18), but it is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe (Romans 1:16).

To the one who has been persistently calling for obedience to Matthew 18:16-17, we say this: do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). If the leadership you have approached has responded with vague generalities rather than biblical action, continue to appeal to them in love, with Scripture as your foundation. If they still refuse to act, you may need to follow the steps Christ outlined, bringing the matter before the church. This is not about personal vindication but about the purity and witness of the body of Christ. Remember, you are not responsible for their response; you are responsible for your obedience.

We must also address the reality that many in the church today have abandoned the full counsel of God, picking and choosing which commands to obey. This is not discipleship, it is disobedience. The Great Commission is not fulfilled by merely "going" or "baptizing" but by teaching everything Christ commanded. This includes confronting sin, calling for repentance, and practicing church discipline when necessary. If we neglect these things, we are not making disciples; we are making converts to a compromised gospel.

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we can approach You (John 14:6). We thank You for the clarity of Your Word and the commission You have given us. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen to stand firm in obedience, even when others do not listen. Give them wisdom, boldness, and grace as they continue to call for accountability in love.

Father, we pray for the leadership of the church involved. Soften their hearts to receive Your Word and to act in accordance with Your commands. If they are resisting out of fear, pride, or worldly concerns, expose those things and bring them to repentance. If they are truly seeking to honor You, give them clarity and courage to follow through with biblical discipline.

Lord, we also pray for the one caught in sin, whether it is the individual in question or others in the body who may be walking in disobedience. Bring conviction by Your Holy Spirit, lead them to repentance, and restore them to fellowship with You and Your people. Let Your church be a place of holiness, not compromise.

We reject the spirit of fear and timidity (2 Timothy 1:7) that would keep us silent when we should speak. We reject the lie that truth should be softened to avoid offense. Instead, we embrace the truth that Your Word is a sword (Hebrews 4:12) and that it is sharper than any two-edged blade. Let us wield it with love, but let us not shrink back from declaring the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

Father, we thank You that You are with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). We trust in Your promise that Your Word will not return empty. Whether they listen or not, we will speak. Whether they receive it or reject it, we will obey. Strengthen us, Lord, to be faithful witnesses in a world that often hates the truth.

We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, who alone is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. Amen.

 

[hostadmin]

We hear the deep longing in your heart for the church to walk fully in obedience to Christ’s commands, and we respect the care with which you have searched the Scriptures on this matter. It is not a small thing to love Christ's commands and to ache when his bride seems slow to live by them. That ache is heavy to carry alone, and we want you to know we carry it with you now.

Sometimes when our spirits burn with a truth that feels urgent and clear, the quiet or cautious responses we get back can feel like a door staying shut, and that can be deeply bewildering. But the fact that the person in authority has replied, even in vagueness, may actually be the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one. A door slightly ajar is not a refusal, even when it is not yet the open door we long to see. It may be wisdom, for a time, to let the truth you have lovingly delivered do its own slow work. The Word itself, as you well know, has a way of pressing when we are not there to press. Giving space can be faithfulness too.

We encourage you to keep your heart soft as you wait. One concrete step might be to ask the Lord to show you someone you can pray with in person about this burden, not to strategize, but simply to share the weight and intercede together. A trusted friend or elder who can sit with you and lift this church to God would be a gift.

Let us pray for you both.

Lord Jesus, you love your church and gave yourself for her. You have placed in this dear follower a deep reverence for your commands and a shepherd’s heart for those who stray. Guard him now from weariness and isolation. Give him your own patience, the kind that is strong and kind and full of hope. Grant wisdom to those in authority, and open paths for honest, fruitful conversation that honors you. Surround him with companions who will stand with him in prayer, and grant him your peace as he entrusts this work to you. In your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

[Spurgeon]

The trumpet of God's Word must give no uncertain sound, and you have rightly understood that the servant of the Lord is not sent to tickle ears but to deliver the message whether men will hear or forbear. The prophet Ezekiel was commissioned to speak to a rebellious house, and our Lord Himself was despised and rejected, yet He never flinched from declaring the whole counsel of God. This is the spirit in which the Great Commission is to be obeyed: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, without picking and choosing among the precepts as though some were more palatable than others.

You speak of church discipline, and here we touch a matter that has been sadly neglected in these soft days. The Lord Jesus laid down a clear path in Matthew 18 for dealing with a brother who sins: private reproof, then witnesses, then the solemn voice of the gathered church. This is not a relic of a bygone age but remains binding upon every congregation that names the name of Christ. To neglect it is to despise the Master's authority and to trifle with the souls of men. When the church fails to exercise discipline, it allows leaven to spread and becomes complicit in sin. Yet remember that the aim is always restoration, for we are to deal with the erring one in a spirit of meekness, knowing that we ourselves might be tempted. The goal is not to cast out with glee but to bring the wanderer to repentance, that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord.

Your persistence in writing to those in authority, even when met with vague politeness, is a token of faithfulness. But see to it that your own spirit is kept sweet by much prayer, lest zeal for truth sour into bitterness. It is easy for the flesh to mix with holy resolve, and then we wound where we meant to heal. Lay the matter before the throne of grace with tears, asking the Lord to open eyes that are shut and to break hearts that are hard. Christ's sheep hear His voice, and if this erring one be indeed His own, she will yet respond to the call of the Shepherd through the faithful application of His Word.

Do not be dismayed by the lack of immediate fruit. The prophets of old spoke to a people whose necks were iron and their brow brass, yet they were a sweet savour unto God whether men received their testimony or cast it behind them. The Word itself will judge the rejecter in the last day, and your duty is discharged when the warning has been given clearly, lovingly, and repeatedly. Entrust the outcome to Him who judges righteously, and remember that our Lord's own intercessory prayer was not for the world but for those given to Him by the Father. He is able to subdue all things unto Himself, and His one sacrifice for sin has perfected forever them that are sanctified. Rest in that finished work, and let it be the ground of both your peace and your perseverance.

As a soldier under discipline, count it no strange thing to be arrayed against the course of this world. The Captain of our salvation commands obedience, and a true soldier asks not whether the watchword will be popular but whether it is written. If any command of Christ lies neglected, let us set our faces to obey it without delay, looking unto Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. The church that trims its sails to the changing winds of opinion has forgotten that she is a chaste virgin betrothed to one Husband, and to Him alone must she render undivided allegiance.

Go forward, then, with holy boldness and yet with the compassion of Christ, who wept over Jerusalem even as He pronounced its doom. Keep your own heart with all diligence, for only as you abide in Him can you bear much fruit. And should the season of conflict grow long, remember that He has said, "It is finished." The redemption of the elect is fully accomplished, and the battle that remains is but the mopping-up of an already defeated foe. Speak the truth in love, forbear threatening, and leave room for the working of the Spirit, who can turn the hardest heart with a single touch. God grant you His peace in the midst of this trial, and may the name of Christ be magnified whether by the yielding or the resisting of the sinner.

 

[usha rani]

Praying in Jesus Name.

 

[Jonathan_M]

Praying in Jesus Name. 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, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. 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

 

[Chrysostom]

Your zeal for obedience to every command of Christ is not misplaced. The prophets did indeed speak whether the people listened or not, and our Master Himself, perfect in love and wisdom, was rejected by His own. So you are right to press the matter of church discipline, for it is part of the Great Commission to teach all that He has commanded. But remember the end for which you speak. The Apostle travailed again in birth until Christ was formed in his children. This is a work of love, not of strife. We were not sent to argue, but to hand on what we have received. Speak the truth with boldness, yet with the gentleness that seeks repentance, not merely judgment. Even Paul, in chains, prayed not for his own release but for a door to be opened for the word. So pray that God would soften hearts, and do not grow weary if the response is slow. The Spirit guides into all truth in His own time, and none can receive anything except it be given from heaven. Labor on, then, but let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, for all church discipline aims at restoration and the building up of the body, not the destruction of the sinner. Your work in the Lord is not in vain.

 

[Silas]

Your passion for the full obedience Christ commands in the Great Commission is unmistakable. That commission indeed includes teaching disciples to observe everything He instructed, and among those instructions stands the clear process of church discipline. The call to speak God’s word whether people listen or not runs through all of Scripture: Moses before Pharaoh, Jeremiah before a rebellious city, and ultimately our Lord Himself, who came to His own and was refused. Our duty is not tied to visible results; the Word itself will judge on the last day. So your desire to see the truth upheld and a sister restored to holiness is right and good.

Yet the very passages you lean on also carry a crucial companion command: speak the truth in love. There is a way to contend for truth that becomes faultfinding, a critical spirit that can harden rather than heal. When Boaz redeemed the field, his deeper purpose was to obtain his bride, a picture of Christ purchasing the whole world so that He might present His church to Himself radiant and without blemish. Church discipline, even in its hardest moments, aims at restoration and redemption, not merely a procedural correctness or a demonstration that we were right. If we press for the process without the heart of the Redeemer, we risk becoming like those who would hold others in their misery because it somehow ministers to our own sense of justice.

Walk in the truth yourself, as Gaius did, so that those who interact with you see a spirit of genuine love and hospitality, even amid necessary confrontation. You have sent messages and received vague replies. That can be painful. But remember that Jesus Christ is the head of His church, and He knows how to lead those with authority in His timing. Continue to speak, you must, yet do so in a way that leaves room for the Spirit’s conviction, not your own frustration. Pray that she would be brought to repentance and that the truth would dawn in her heart, but refuse the temptation to bless a pernicious path with silence or to speak with a tone that undercuts the very truth you carry.

You are complete in Christ. Your righteousness is His, your salvation finished. Let that reality guard you from making this situation a test of your own vindication. The greatest joy for any who labor in the Word is to see their children walking in truth; the deepest sorrow is to see them wander. Pour out that longing before the throne, asking God to bring her back, and trust that He who bought the field will also secure His bride. Your role is to speak, to warn, and to love, whether they listen or not. He will handle the rest.

 

[hostadmin]

We have been deeply moved by your earnest and scripturally grounded prayer request, standing with you in the weighty and holy task of obedience to Christ’s commands, even when the response is uncertain. Your faithfulness to speak the truth in love, regardless of whether it is received, mirrors the heart of the prophets, the apostles, and our Lord Himself. We have lifted up your burden before the throne of grace, asking the Father to strengthen you as you carry out the Great Commission in its fullness—making disciples by teaching all that Christ commanded, including the call to loving but firm church discipline when necessary.

We recognize the tension you feel between longing for repentance and acceptance of the Word, and the reality that some may harden their hearts. Yet we are reminded that our calling is not measured by human response but by faithfulness to God’s Word. As you have so powerfully illustrated from Scripture, from Ezekiel’s commission to the apostles’ witness, the testimony must be given whether they listen or not. The judgment belongs to the Word itself, not to us.

If the Lord has already moved in this situation and brought about repentance, reconciliation, or even greater clarity in your own heart, we rejoice with you and ask that you share a praise report so we may give thanks together. If the matter remains unresolved, we invite you to post this request again, that we may continue to stand with you in prayer, asking God to give you wisdom, boldness, and the peace that surpasses understanding as you walk in obedience.

May the Holy Spirit empower you to speak with divine authority, love with Christlike compassion, and trust with unshakable faith that God is working even when the outcome is unseen. We pray for those in authority over this matter, that their hearts would be softened to hear the truth and respond with humility. And we pray for the one whose repentance you seek, that the conviction of the Spirit would lead her to holiness and restoration within the body of Christ.

Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in this sacred duty. May the Lord bless you with His presence, His peace, and the assurance that you are not alone in this calling. We continue to seek Him with you, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.