"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
I don't want to go into this like I'm carrying a hammer, and like THOR, here I am, coming to pound you on the head with my judgement. No, instead I come to you as I would want someone to come to me. There are some things that just shouldn't be talked about in front of large audiences, and some would argue "But it says rebuke before all!!". My goodness, if that's the way we were all treated we wouldn't last too long in this now would we? I think it's easier to just do, and not say a word. People will usually get the hint. Most will at least, and those who don't will learn fast that living a double life will eventually reveal itself, and there won't be no hiding it. "But you're going against the word". Am I? The bible says to love one another as I have loved you. To love our neighbor as ourselves. JESUS didn't announce all of your sins did he? No, he didn't. The reason I'm even touching on this subject has to do with my own stinking attitude, and I never really thought about it this way, until now. Isn't that something. God has given me clarity, and he wants you to be free from that sort of dictator like spirit and attitude. It's God's church, and he'll clean house when the time comes for him to do so. We just need to keep truckin! Keep living for Jesus. I'm good with finding another seat, or simply saying to a brother "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer interested". There's just a better way to go about it, than becoming emotionally involved to where it causes us to sink down to a level GOD has not purposed for us to be on. I don't comment on here much, but when I do, I feel like I'm being led of GOD to do so. I hope that this is clear, and hopefully it will help you as it has helped me. May GOD bless you richly!
Thanks for those interesting thought-provoking comments. The very real need for love, patience, counsel, & the Lord's dealing with the offender are required, yet there has to be times, and sometimes with speedy action, to deal with rampant sin within the Body of Christ. As I read your post I thought, what if I had acquired some life-wasting disease & given weeks or months to live unless I took immediate action; how should I respond? I know of some Christians who will say that we're in the Lord's Hands - He will either heal or take my life so I will do nothing & just trust Him. Most others I expect, would have sought medical advice very early to receive the best treatment available to extend life & enjoy family a little longer. I probably would choose this option if I was in such a state & time-limited.
Christ's Church is no different & the spiritual & leadership integrity of the Elder/Pastor/Council are of utmost importance. Should they do nothing (even just quietly speaking to the sinning member & then leaving the matter with the Lord), or else to take an active position of dealing with that member, which would include private ministry & warning, as well as a more visible judgement & punishment? In the Corinthians passage you shared, Paul understood that "judgement must (first) begin at the house of God..."( 1 Peter 4:17), for once the cancer sets in, then the Body begins to be infected all over, & if the Church decides to remain a mute spectator to this evil, they would greatly err bringing shame to Christ & deeming the power of the Cross unworkable. We can see today what the world sees & believes about Christians, when child molestation instances have appeared, and without the Church identifying & dealing with it.
Even Jesus was so critical with the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3, both in their teaching & bearing with & approving of evil amongst them. I believe that the Church is to take a strong stand against sin, but done according to biblical guidelines.
First, hello to you my good friend, Chris. Thank you for offering direction on the matter at hand. I certainly appreciate it, and I stand in agreement with you. I should've added the fact that leadership, elders in the church, or members who are more experienced with dealing with such matters, they're the ones who should be left with tackling these types of issues. I think sometimes in some cases we have too many chiefs, and not enough Indian's, a figure of speech, of course not poking fun at anyone. I really liked what you wrote about taking "immediate action".
Sometimes these issues are not dealt with, and swiftly become a real problem.
A church that takes a strong stance against sin, like you say, will usually become a thriving church, and a church well recognized by all.
Thank you again for your input. It only helps me more, and more to know, that God is the one behind the wheel of my life.
Many blessings and blessing upon blessing be unto you.
May the strength of our LORD and Savior be upon you.
Thank you Amasuca for speaking out on this very important matter that is often swept under the carpet in many congregations. May these words inspire some Church leader to deal with, or seek help to deal with, such difficult & uncomfortable issues that will most certainly arise within any group of believers; for the sake of the health & vibrancy of Christ's Church & not to abstain from troubling the waters of peace within. Every blessing.
1 Corinthians 5:11
"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."
I don't want to go into this like I'm carrying a hammer, and like THOR, here I am, coming to pound you on the head with my judgement. No, instead I come to you as I would want someone to come to me. There are some things that just shouldn't be talked about in front of large audiences, and some would argue "But it says rebuke before all!!". My goodness, if that's the way we were all treated we wouldn't last too long in this now would we? I think it's easier to just do, and not say a word. People will usually get the hint. Most will at least, and those who don't will learn fast that living a double life will eventually reveal itself, and there won't be no hiding it. "But you're going against the word". Am I? The bible says to love one another as I have loved you. To love our neighbor as ourselves. JESUS didn't announce all of your sins did he? No, he didn't. The reason I'm even touching on this subject has to do with my own stinking attitude, and I never really thought about it this way, until now. Isn't that something. God has given me clarity, and he wants you to be free from that sort of dictator like spirit and attitude. It's God's church, and he'll clean house when the time comes for him to do so. We just need to keep truckin! Keep living for Jesus. I'm good with finding another seat, or simply saying to a brother "I'm sorry, but I'm no longer interested". There's just a better way to go about it, than becoming emotionally involved to where it causes us to sink down to a level GOD has not purposed for us to be on. I don't comment on here much, but when I do, I feel like I'm being led of GOD to do so. I hope that this is clear, and hopefully it will help you as it has helped me. May GOD bless you richly!
Christ's Church is no different & the spiritual & leadership integrity of the Elder/Pastor/Council are of utmost importance. Should they do nothing (even just quietly speaking to the sinning member & then leaving the matter with the Lord), or else to take an active position of dealing with that member, which would include private ministry & warning, as well as a more visible judgement & punishment? In the Corinthians passage you shared, Paul understood that "judgement must (first) begin at the house of God..."( 1 Peter 4:17), for once the cancer sets in, then the Body begins to be infected all over, & if the Church decides to remain a mute spectator to this evil, they would greatly err bringing shame to Christ & deeming the power of the Cross unworkable. We can see today what the world sees & believes about Christians, when child molestation instances have appeared, and without the Church identifying & dealing with it.
Even Jesus was so critical with the Churches in Revelation 2 & 3, both in their teaching & bearing with & approving of evil amongst them. I believe that the Church is to take a strong stand against sin, but done according to biblical guidelines.
Sometimes these issues are not dealt with, and swiftly become a real problem.
A church that takes a strong stance against sin, like you say, will usually become a thriving church, and a church well recognized by all.
Thank you again for your input. It only helps me more, and more to know, that God is the one behind the wheel of my life.
Many blessings and blessing upon blessing be unto you.
May the strength of our LORD and Savior be upon you.
In Jesus name
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