Church Discipline: Six Steps

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The LORD corrects those He loves and we all need correction at times, yet only if we choose to hearken, humble ourselves, be teachable, and repent, will God restore us back to Himself (Proverbs 28:13; Hebrews 12:5-12; Revelation 3:19, etc.).

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

Pastor Steve Cornell

(Matthew 18:1-35)

When someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, he also becomes part of a spiritual family. He belongs, as Jesus said, to “one of these little ones which believe in me” (Matthew 18:6). “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5: cf. I Corinthians 12:24-27). Among the followers of Christ, there is a powerful spiritual unity that overcomes social and ethnic distinctions that separate people in the larger culture.

Believers form a spiritual family of brothers and sisters in Christ. Our loyalty to Christ and to those who belong to Him is so significant that we will not allow mere earthly relationships to compromise it. It is not uncommon for those earthly relationships to become strained when a person becomes a follower of Christ. (see Matt. 10:32-37) Our love for Jesus Christ, which is demonstrated in our love for those who belong to Christ, is superior to the love we have for mere earthly relationships.

In Matthew 18:15, Jesus opens with a family reference: v. 15, “if thy brother shall trespass against thee.” “Brother” is not meant as an exclusive reference to male members of the Church. (The same teaching applies to “sisters” in Christ). It could be understood this way, “If a fellow member of the church sins….”

What should our response be when a fellow member sins? (whether “against us” or not) Should we say, “That’s his business, who am I to judge him?” No. Jesus said, “Go and show him his fault just between the two of you.” Jesus’ requirement begins with “private confrontation.” But, before this step, there needs to be “personal preparation.”

The first two steps must be followed. They are:

1. Personal preparation (see: Matthew 7:3-5)

Jesus forbids looking at the faults of others without first dealing with our own sins. Remove the log from your own eye, Jesus insists, before you notice and remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Jesus clearly encouraged involvement in other people’s lives, but only after careful self-examination. This will help facilitate the attitude described in Galatians 6:1-2.

2. Private confrontation (Matthew 18:15; cf. Lev. 9:17).

Through proper preparation, we should prayerfully and patiently desire to resolve matters at the step of private confrontation. This is where the teaching of Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15 should merge (See below my “Two Principles for Resolving Conflicts”). Church leaders should repeatedly teach people the principles of confronting and covering in love before applying Matthew 18:15-17.

If private confrontation does not lead to true repentance and restoration, a third step is required by Jesus.

3. Private conference (Matthew 18:16; cf. Deut. 19:15; Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6)

If the third step, “private conference” is needed, it is not merely based on the sin that originally occasioned the confrontation. Instead, it is activated because of an obstinate attitude of the one confronted (v. 16). When a sinning member of the church refuses to heed the confrontation of a fellow believer, thus refusing to be restored to proper fellowship, the circle of confrontation needs to broaden so that it includes one or two others (This is based on an O.T. principle from Deut. 19:15; Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6). Assuming that the one who made the initial confrontation kept the matter between himself and the sinning member, whom should he enlist for this third step? “One or two more” right? Yes. But who should these people be?

* People who are spiritually prepared (Matt. 7:3-5)

* People who are spiritually mature (Gal. 6:1)

* (Perhaps, but not necessarily) People entrusted with spiritual oversight (I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:28)

Nothing in the text requires that these people be eye witnesses to the sin being confronted. If they had been, they should have gone to confront. Ideally , it would be good to include people who are known and respected by the erring member (e.g. small group leaders). What is the function of the one or two others? (V. 16), “that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” Their purpose is not to threaten or intimidate, but to help the erring brother to understand the seriousness of the matter. They do not get involved to evaluate the truthfulness of the charge, but to strengthen the rebuke and the call to restoration. After private conference, if the erring member remains obstinate and unwilling to acknowledge and repent of the sin and be restored to proper fellowship, Jesus teaches a fourth step (3rd in the text itself).

4. Public Announcement (v. 17a)

“Tell it unto the church” (i.e. to the “ekklesia,” the assembly). This step is a sobering reminder that sin is not always a private or personal matter for a Christian. When sin separates and alienates believers, it must be dealt with and resolved. But how do we take the step of public announcement? This might depend on the size of the church. In our church (500+ people), it would be communicated to the covenant members through a special meeting of the membership. These meetings would be precipitated by a letter to the members emphasizing that an urgent matter must be addressed. It is wise to make public discipline announcements at a service that includes communion. This helps the entire body remember that we all need the Savior and His forgiveness. It also helps to protect the body from a sinful pride (Gal. 6:1-2). Further, it affords opportunity for congregational instruction about repentance and restoration.

It is important for churches to specifically outline these steps in their constitutions to avoid law suits. Churches have been sued for following Matt. 18 and have lost in court, because they lacked specific reference to the steps in their official documents. (Note: It is not enough to say, “We follow the bible.”) Churches are wise to limit the public announcement to those who are actual members. Discipline of non-members is sticky territory. This is another reason why most churches need to become more intentional about membership (see: Membership Matters, Chuck Lawless, Zondervan).

5. Public confrontation (v. 17b),

This implies that the church (as an assembly) has made an appeal to the erring member. When the church is informed, it seems to imply that the pastors will be involved. And when this happens, it should be accompanied by warnings about the need to avoid:

* Gossip and slander

* A proud, critical spirit (Mattt. 7:3-5; Gal. 6:1)

* A lenient or punitive attitude

* Playing spiritual detective

People should be encouraged to pray for repentance and restoration. They should also call the brother or sister to make things right by responding in a godly manner. For those uncertain what to say, we recommend that they say, “I don’t know all the details, nor is it my place, but I do want to encourage you to make things right with the church.”

No one should give this brother the feeling that everything is fine (cf. II Thess. 3:12-14). Don’t act in cross purpose with the church. This would be disrespectful to the Church. Remember the goal, “Gain/Win thy brother.” It is redemptive! We should long for and pray for true repentance. True repentance is described in II Corinthians 7:10-12: ““For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.”

If true repentance becomes clear, the goal is restoration. This is described in: II Corinthians 2:6-8: “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”

6. Public exclusion (v. 17c)

When the sixth step becomes necessary, the focus shifts from the individual to protection of the Church. The emphasis moves from redemptive to judicial. This decision protects the unity and purity of the Church but it is also best for the individual.

This final step is powerfully illustrated in I Corinthians 5.

Steve Cornell

When a Brother Stumbles

Church discipline serves to bring the transgressor to repentance and restore his faith in God.

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The Over Population Delusion Exposed [video]

FACT: There are 100 people groups that are uncontacted and remain isolated from modern societies which is further proof of over population being an induced myth.

FACTS are dangerous to those who perpetrate lying propaganda. Example:

Threat: There Were 93,331 Drug Overdose Deaths in the US in 2020 and ZERO Deaths from Climate Change in the US in 2020

While these lying agents of the enemy of all souls push the “danger” of “global warming,” the simple facts eviscerate their agenda.

ALL of Creation, Including the Earth and its People, are Exclusively God’s Property

The LORD owns the earth, not you, luciferian. You are an antichrist sinner, less than a spec of dust in contrast to the Almighty who said “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalms 24:1)

Depopulation Devils Exposed! The earth is the LORD’s and He said He wants it populated! (Psalms 24:1) Those who participate in deciding who lives and who dies are murderers in the eyes of the Almighty. And, any person encouraging people not to have children is encouraging something that is against what God stated and is a divine command that is still in full force – “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, BE FRUITFUL, AND MULTIPLY, AND REPLENISH THE EARTH, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

“Those who believe the over population myth should humbly read the Bible and it will wipe out their ignorance. Especially the book of Genesis.” Shadrack Rotich

No such thing as over population. Anyone who believes that has been deceived by the murderous depopulationists. Not long ago a study was done which proved that every person in the world could live comfortably in the state of Texas. The LORD who made the earth, made it to be inhabited and provide everything for such to happen. These are antichrists who are against the LORD and His plan to fill the earth with people (Genesis 1:28). Over population is a lie to push the agenda of depopulating the earth by murdering billions. It’s time to make peace with your Maker, the Judge of your eternal soul – before it’s too late. Peace with God

Those who believe in this lie of over population are bearing false witness against the Almighty and making a foolish, ungrounded indictment upon our Maker. Totally gullible. Bought the lies. It’s all an evil agenda to communize the world, and a communist world dictator is coming, the antichrist. Communism has never worked and never will – except temporarily for those ruling over the masses. Communism is the few self-appointed elites murderously ruling with tyranny. Only deceived souls are buying this delusion.

Below is a lost soul disagreeing with my above statements:

“The world is grossly over populated. We could do with a few generations who don’t want to have children. If everyone just kept popping them out like you suggest, how does the world sustain that many people?” Amy

MY REPLY:

Who the heck do you think you are pretending to decide who can live and who must die to suit the delusions you’ve gullibly bought into? You are completely selfish, sinner. What if someone, some other luciferian decides that YOU are expendable? – That you don’t matter and should be eliminated? Do you know what Jesus’ Golden Rule states?

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31

“The earth is THE LORD’s” not yours (Psalms 24:1) One thing’s for certain – There is a God and you are not Him.

“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalms 24:1

The LORD made the earth and doesn’t need puny finite beings like us “deciding” that there is not enough room for more people. Total selfishness. It’s not up to YOU to decide if God’s green earth is over populated. You are completely brain washed, indoctrinated into the religion of self-worship, secular humanism. Not long ago an extensive study showed that the whole population of the world could fit in the state of Texas, each person and family with a large piece of land. Case closed. Junk science. Lies.

Regrettably, you don’t yet see the end game agenda of these scams you’ve bought into. The lie of over population and the murderous depopulation agenda is are tools of the evil dictators in order to accomplish global dominance. This will bring the most horrific times the earth has ever seen under the antichrist.

“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” Matthew 24:21-22

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Are You Bless-able? English and Spanish [podcast]

Who is Going to be “Blessed”?

“A FAITHFUL MAN shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20

Like it or not, God has conditions to appropriate His blessings. Rebels hate this reality because they despise personal accountability, personal responsibility. Their rebellion changes nothing. Either repent, be saved, and walk humbly with Christ, or lose your soul for eternity in hell (Mark 8:34-38).

True followers of Jesus are doing the work of the Gospel, are diligent, are “not slothful,” and “inherit” “the promises” of God “through faith and patience.”

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:10-12

In the New Testament, we don’t ever see disciples of Christ spending all kinds of time singing praise songs, numbing themselves out, etc. No, when the Holy Spirit truly fills a believer, it’s to be a witness of Christ and that person is sent out.

Jesus dwells large only in those who practically obey Him and not those just trying to get an emotional fix by soaking in a building in a “revival.”

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Are We Bless-able?

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Have you given God your life?

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

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Articles

Mexico Mission Momentum Part 41

The first shipment of Spanish Bibles has arrived!

A staggering miracle has befallen Maria’s precious life and she still can’t believe it!

ALL because YOU have said “YES JESUS, I am going to lift this beloved sister in Christ, this laborer for our LORD in prayer.”… and you are giving to help her!

You my friend are guilty of delivering glory to God and a death blow to the enemy of all souls!

We are now finding out that Maria works and 3 different locations each day. This is how she is able to distribute hundreds of JESUS tracts daily.

When Jesus says “I will build my church” He was not speaking about collecting money to build physical buildings. That came in with the pagan catholic church hundreds of years later. No, Jesus was speaking of building His kingdom in the hearts of men, beginning with the revelation that He is the Messiah (Matthew 16:18).

If the money you give isn’t going directly into the Great Commission Jesus gave us, you are wasting your giving (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20).

Building up Gospel laboring fruit-filled diligent disciples such as Juan and Maria, is building Christ’s church! Oil the wheels that roll!

“The blessed word says that freely we receive, freely we give. For from His fullness we all receive grace upon grace, blessing upon blessing, brother. So Paul said, ‘Woe to me if I do not do it!’ Then we must do the Great Commission that God gave us for His honor and glory.” Juan

Juan and Maria are being continually tended to, supported with prayer etc.

Brother Mark went to spend some time with sister Maria for the first time and found out she needs a new cell phone. So, we bought her one……..

Maria is a widow and works 3 different “jobs” that are tips only. Her rental is $100 per month. She only told us this information because we asked her. Maybe someone would be prompted to begin paying sister Maria’s rent? God is able amen.

“That we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

We’ve been meeting with brother Juan and sister Maria regularly, sometimes daily.

“We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” 3 John 8

Spiritually and supply wise, refreshing and re-stocking these disciples (and others) is our part, our opportunity and privilege. And you have been a big part of this saints. Your prayer and support have been and are vital.

Recently restocked brother Juan and brought Maria about 2k tracts last night.

She was elated.

Your prayers and support are making this possible.

“I will never cease to be amazed by how hungry these people are for God! From all the pictures it looks like they begin to read the Jesus tract as soon as they receive it! In America, it’s very hard to find people who truly want Jesus because they are rich and in need of nothing and have no idea how wretched, miserable, poor, and blind they are. Rev 3:17. Including those so-called Christians! Who just try to put Jesus over their filthy rags! Nothing but dead religion. Yet they believe they are good and will be in heaven, when inside they are white-washed tombs. It’s refreshing to see the hunger of the beloved Mexico people! Thank you for sharing all these stories of how the Lord is touching hearts! Blessed to be a small part of this ministry.” Karen Cochran | Mission Mexico

Your prayers and support are going a long way to help Mission Mexico!!

The Bibles God’s people sent just arrived and will be distributed to incarcerated Mexicans soon.

The JESUS tract is being distributed daily by the hundreds with the Word of God spoken in those exchanges.

“WE are labourers TOGETHER with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:9

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10

Please allow me to remind you … that your prayers and financial fuel are essential to what is going on here and each of Christ’s participating disciples shall be rewarded equally, fully—no matter what part they play! 1 Samuel 30:24

Recently I became desperate as the need for financial supply dropped like a bless-ed bomb within a short window of time. Instead of trusting I panicked instead of taking it to the LORD and trusting Him. The reception of Juan and Maria has been earth shaking, a type of sign from God that He loves and desires to save the bless-ed and beautiful people of Mexico. America has rejected the LORD saints.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14

Can you even believe that our LORD is using us, you and I and others, to give His glorious Gospel to the nation, the people of Mexico?!

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:13-14

The Gospel Momentum Continues to Grow

From brother Juan: “Brother Cresenciano asked me if I had any Jesus pamphlets he could take with him and hand out, and said he wanted to serve his neighbor with love. Glory to God!”

Over 20,000 JESUS tracts in print here in Mexico. More than 12,000 have been distributed to date. We are now beginning to take in love offerings to print the next 10,000 JESUS tracts.
Okay, from now on, if you see a pic of someone holding a stash or stack of JESUS tracts, it’s because they agreed to do so, they asked for more tracts in order to reach their world here in Mexico with the Gospel of Jesus. Gospel momentum!

Brother Juan and sister Maria and several others in Christ are blazing a Gospel trail (Mark 1:45). Jesus is coming.