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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10 Steps to Restoring a Brother [podcast]

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:7-8 “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Psalms 141:3 10 Steps to Restoring a Brother “Moreover if thy brother (not a lost soul or wolf) 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. 16 But if he will not […]

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Abiding

“Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” [podcast]

“Be Not Moved Away”

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” Colossians 1:23

The victory is in Jesus Christ, and we are “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Remaining before the LORD, seeking His holy face “continually” is essential to abiding in Christ (1 Chronicles 16:11; John 15:1-16; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16).

“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

Being “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD,” has never been more essential than it is in this last hour before our LORD’s return.

Jesus is coming.

The Devil’s Diversions

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 Corinthians 2:11

Satan has laid traps for each of us, snares of politics, non-essential doctrines, heresies, and fascinations of all kinds (2 Corinthians 2:11; Colossians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 5:8). Beware. His mission is to derail Christ’s saints from abiding oneness, fruitfulness – the fruit, more fruit, much fruit Christ has ordained us to walk in. Read John 15:1-16.

These things are of this fallen world and used by “the god of this world” himself, Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Why are there Christians who fall away from the work of Christ? – It’s because they ceased, fell away from the worship of Christ. Ceasing to participate in the work of Christ is the result of ceasing to worship Christ truly – becoming worldly or all about the fleeting cares and trinkets of this world.

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

“JESUS was met with hatred, and if you follow HIM you will be also. Hate mongers didn’t stop HIM, and shouldn’t stop us either.” Nelline Richard

Dear friend, be reminded that you will stand before the Almighty to give full account for your life in His earth that He gave you to steward for His eternal glory.

“We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

Satan, the “god of this world”

As “the prince of the power of the air,” the evil one controls the airwaves and uses the noise to distract you, to confuse, and to anchor you in the temporal, the horizontal. This he does to prohibit/hinder your fellowship with the LORD, the vertical.

Are you living FREE or AFRAID/in FEAR?

“And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18

Someone has rightly stated: “Fear is the currency of control.”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

“Jesus’ twelve disciples didn’t get rich off the gospel, they died for it.” Nelline Richard

Do you see this misconception of dragging a cross around as an issue, an erroneous view of what Christ and Paul spoke of concerning the daily cross and the purpose of it?

Yes exactly, and perhaps that’s what’s missing—the resurrection—from the erroneous view of the cross by the modern church….

Only Jesus bore our sins on that cross (Isaiah 53). Dragging our cross around daily won’t expiate for even one or any one of our sins….. we are debtors to live in the Spirit instead of the flesh

One disciple noted:

“We owe no debt to Christ. This is law—tit for tat thinking. Salvation is a gift. It is not a MasterCard account, but an unconditional gift. We are now to live after the Spirit, not the flesh. Yes, without the aid of the Holy Spirit the cross message is a burden with no good news. Lies. Romans 8:12. We are not debtors to the flesh. We are debtors to no one! We have been given a gift for which no debt was/is incurred.”

Heirs with Christ:

“12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:12-17

A Brother wrote:

“The worldly mind cannot think outside of ‘performance-based,’ tit for tat, earning blessing, merit based meritocracy, mammon based, law based labeling and judgmentalism, eye for eye, love those who love you back but not enemies. This is all a legalistic tree of knowledge of good and evil type mind and is dualism. God is non-dual, single, pure, not double-minded, sincere and the tree of life (love) which has a single-eyed view of life and lives in the way of the cross— unconditional self-sacrificial love.” T

The mind has to be turned upside down by the experience of the cross and resurrection to get this “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Perhaps this is all about the exchanged life, right?

Clearing the Noise

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Only the truth, embracing and obeying it, makes us free from confusion and fear (John 8:31-32, 36).

Is the Cross Meant to be Drudgery or Victory?

The cross makes us free from the chains of religion, false obligation, dead pursuits, and drudgery.

As you well know, there’s a common misconception that is in the mind of most Christians concerning Jesus’ command to deny self, take up the cross and follow Him…. WHAT does that really mean? Does it mean the believer has to drag some burden around every day of his life? Does it mean drudgery, misery, and a heavy weight (Matthew 11:28-30)?

Let’s clear this up, God willing brother. I know you’ve probably taught on this already since you’ve been teaching and learning the cross for a while…… is it correct that……

The cross isn’t a burden. It’s an instrument to crucify you so that you can be liquidated, raised up, and free to be glorifying to, and to be used of God (Galatians 2:40).

The cross is not a burden. It is an instrument of crucifixion so that you are set free to serve God in the resurrection grace of Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life.

The cross sets us free, resurrection life in Christ…..”

F.B. Meyer on Colossians 3:1-11

“SEEKING THE ‘THINGS THAT ARE ABOVE’

Let us repeat the glorious truth, which was doubtless the heart of Paul’s teaching, that our old nature has been nailed in Christ to the Cross, and laid in the grave; and that our real self, the second Adam, has entered the new world of resurrection. We belong to the world on the threshold of which Jesus said, ‘Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended.’ We must guard against the defiling touch of the world, of sin, and of the old self-life. We stand between two worlds, each solicits us: let us yield to the influences that pull us upward, and not to those that anchor us to this sinful and vain world. Our eternal blessedness has begun, let us walk in it.

In Christ we profess to have put off the old man, i.e., the habits of our former life, Col_3:9; now let us actually do so, in the power of the Holy Spirit. We profess to have put on the risen Christ, Col_3:10; now let us don the attire and habits of the new man. Too many Christians resemble Lazarus, quickened from his death-sleep, but still arrayed in grave-clothes. Too few array themselves in the radiant beauty of the risen Lord, which is the common heritage of all who believe in Him, whatever their rank or nationality.” F.B. Meyer

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

NOTHING happening on God’s earth today is even remotely important compared to the work of Christ through His saints – to feed His flock and win the lost! That is the Great Commission He mandated to us and holds us accountable to accomplish! He’s with us beloved saints – all the way to the end – supplying every iota of grace and otherwise!

Jesus promised “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20

Get in the Word.
Stay in the Word.
Surround yourself with the Word.
Share the Word.

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

“Work of Faith, and Labour of Love” [podcast]

Don’t Bother Obeying If You Don’t Love! “Sadly… Failing to keep the words and commandments of Jesus Christ and the Word of God is the greatest proof that you really don’t love Him.” Jennifer Leza If you are in love with someone, you want them to love you back. You want them to want you. That’s what makes chemistry and a good marriage – a man and a woman who spontaneously reciprocate love to each other – because they truly love one another. Think about that. No human would deny such a simple, self-evident truth. Well, the One who made […]

"I Love You Son" [podcast]

THIS WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS: (author unknown) “I LOVE YOU SON” AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH’S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUEST MINISTER WAS ONE OF HIS DEAREST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS AND THAT HE WANTED HIM TO HAVE A FEW MOMENTS TO GREET THE CHURCH AND SHARE WHATEVER HE FELT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SERVICE. WITH THAT, […]

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ [podcast]

The Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3 Paul gave no glory to the sinful men who imprisoned him. Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, The apostle took pleasure in these afflictions for the sake of Christ. We are reminded of his thorn in the flesh where Paul gave no glory to “the messenger of Satan” whom God allowed to afflict him … 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, […]

Fruitfulness is Found in Abiding in Christ [podcast]

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Proverbs 28:20 Jesus is the True Vine “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the […]

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About the Father’s Business [video]

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

“Love these shorts! Packed full of so much scripture in 30 seconds! I will never forget the words of my father on his death bed! “I didn’t know it was an option.” Meaning he did not know he needed to receive Jesus in order for his sins to be forgiven. And to be made right with God and go to heaven. How will they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14. How can they believe if no one is telling them about eternal life with Jesus?” Karen Cochran

Gospel Action in Mexico Part 37

UPDATE – DELIVERED FOOD TODAY; – I purchased numerous food items for Clara and her boys today. Traversing difficult terrain to deliver the goods God supplied through your faithful giving left me with a sidewall puncture. A sidewall puncture cannot be patched and replacement was quoted at $274. Settled for a used tire. In this challenge came opportunity. God used the punctured tire for me to meet a wayward man. Jose has spent time in the USA and has family there. His wife is presently in Colorado; he expressed strain on his family. Jose received God’s Word preached to him […]

Evangelism Adventures: Stories, Reports, and Testimonies of God's Amazing Love [podcast]

SO, we prayed for God to use us today right? …. He’s hearing our prayer. So, in the gym this morning, a lady near me was struggling to get a large plate on each side of the barbell. So, I began to help her and she said “No Ingles” which means she does not speak English. So, I affirmed that she speaks Spanish and I began to speak God’s Word to her in her language. Her face lit up and she thanked me. God is good! Jesus says “The seed is the word of God” and His people are planting […]

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Abiding

The Greatest of these is Charity [podcast]

God sent His only begotten Son to die for your sins and He now calls you to lose your life in this fleeting world and follow Jesus – His example and His teachings.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16

Loving God and Others

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

Following Our LORD Jesus by Putting God and Others Above Ourselves

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

Due to the Many Evil things Transpiring in this Late Hour before Our LORD Returns, the Love of Many toward God and Others, is Waxing Cold

“All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:8-14

Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Romans 12:9-10

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35

The Savior’s Love in His True Disciples vs the Lovers of Self

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5

God’s Love in Us

THE LOVE CHAPTER

Read it each morning this week in the King James Bible.

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

YOUR PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I come to You now, in Jesus’ name. Please make good on Your prayer of oneness – that Your people, Your body will be one with You. Thank You for dying for my sins Jesus, for shedding Your precious blood to purchase me to Yourself and the Father. Please break me, let me be poor in spirit and pure in heart. Cause me to be full of Thy holy love toward You and others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Return of Christ | Discipleship

The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold [podcast]

If someone’s love toward God’s people has waxed cold, it’s only because their love for the LORD first waxed cold (Matthew 24:10-14). Today is the best day to repent and return to the LORD. “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all […]

10 Clues Your Love for God has Waxed Cold [podcast]

The wise virgin saints are keeping their lamps full of divine oil, they are taking personal responsibility for their own spiritual state with Christ the great and soon coming Bridegroom. Read Matthew 25:1-13. “The Love of Many Shall Wax Cold” “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the […]

A Plea to Return to the LORD [podcast]

Widespread Corruption IMPORTANT: Read Matthew 24 and Luke 21 this week. Jesus foretold this would all be happening right before He returns! Jesus is coming. Get ready. A cursory introduction to Jeremiah 5-7. God’s people were in rebellion to Him and reaping what they’d been sowing (Galatians 6:7-8). Read, pour prayerfully over these chapters this week beloved. This message is designed to launch the God fearing saint to pour over this passage as they examine their hearts, their lives before Him honestly. “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. 26 For […]