Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, 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 shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them. (Mat 18:15-20)
Reconciliation and Church discipline. One of the most misunderstood and misapplied directives of all church policies outlined in the Scripture. Jesus teaches us that as ministers of reconciliation we should seek the restoration of our fellowship and relationship with another church member as soon as possible, and only elevate the disciplinary steps if necessary. An egregious sin may requires more steps, and also involve a response from the local body against unrepentant sin, especially when the sin is public.
Above all, the members involved must be in agreement, for disagreements lead to further problems in the church, and standing in unity and in the authority of the Name of Jesus should lead to restoration and reconciliation, or it leads to exposure of a cultural christian, or unbelieving 'church' member, in need of a true relationship with Jesus Christ through faith in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
We are to seek Christ and work through His Spirit, and do all in love that we may exemplify Him as His ambassadors to those within and without. Always seeking reconciliation, but knowing that those who will not, may be lost and in need of the Saviour, we speak the Truth in love, and living the Gospel we preach, we are to bring all who will receive Him into the unity of the Spirit and the body of Christ.
As His ministers and ambassadors, we minister to the hurting, and represent Him to others, so that they may see Jesus in us the hope of Glory. We love one another, to disciple, and to grow in the Word, until we all grow up in Him. We proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to all who will hear and believe the Gospel, that in believing they might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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