5 Comments

  1. T. I. Miller

    Eph. 4:11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. This is every Pastors main assignment, yet the most ignored. What is their excuse? I have met but one Pastor who appreciated modern discernment apologetic s. Even respectfully referring them to even a lighthouse article is met close minded hostility. Such humble servants those Pastors.

  2. CW

    Wonderful teaching! So many scriptures, showing such a wonderful balance of truth and mercy. Galatians 6:1 always come to my mind about this topic: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” That scripture is like Matthew 18 in that it addresses more of a one-on-one situation. What I love and appreciate about that verse is that it conveys the gentleness and compassion and humility we are to be filled with, and exhibit, as we approach someone who needs correction, admonishment, etc. We should be submitted to the Spirit of God, let Him fill our hearts and guide us at all times. Christ Jesus said for us to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. Paul said to speak the truth in love. What a wonderful balance we see in the Word of God! He is so loving, so wise, so true. Glory to God!!!

  3. Anna Rosa

    And I get so tired of this one being twisted in Matthew 18, it has to do with sin, not exposing wolves: “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.” But even so, that has been done, silence was the reply, so now we have proceeded with the next steps!

  4. Anna Rosa

    In one word: YES! We are to expose error, and name false teachers by name. The Bible is full of such exhortations. Of course love is the motive for all involved, even if it may not always come across as loving. And right, the Bible does not handle wolves with a golden tong! Even our parents corrected us when we were in error, and that is their job. What would it look like if this were the case: I’m 5 years old and playing outside. Mom is watching in the yard nearby. I fall into a big ditch that dad was digging for a pool. I get hurt and cry, luckily nothing worse happened. I ask mom why she didn’t warn me, as she saw and knew about the danger. Her reply: “Oh, I did not want to say anything…. because…. you know…. that would not be…. um….. uh….. loving.” Or just a gentle whisper; “Psst! This may not be a good place to play.” (Really?!)

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