Discipline or Correction

Am I Presently Disqualified from all Participation, Service and Giving?

The reasons I believe Scripture now bars me from nearly all church activities, service and giving until offenses two other believers hold against me are fully resolved–if that ever happens–and what I plan to do now.

What Does the Lord’s Table have to do with this?

Eating and drinking the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy way” in 1 Corinthians 11, in its full context, refers to partaking without a proper appreciation that those partaking with you are also members of the Body. It relates to the lack of a felt connection.

How should we respond together to the Lord’s discipline?

The passage from Hebrews 12:11-17 discusses the Lord’s discipline and how believers should support one another through it. Discipline, though painful, leads to righteousness and peace. This unified response showcases peace and holiness, helping others to see the Lord through our lives. Holiness and peace are essential for believers.

¿Cómo debemos responder juntos a la disciplina del Señor?

Hebreos 12:11-17 se centra en la disciplina del Señor y nuestra respuesta junta. Dios nos disciplina para mejorarnos y hacernos justos. Debemos apoyar a otros creyentes en su disciplina, promoviendo paz y santidad. Esto permite que otros vean al Señor a través de nuestras vidas. La clave es Hebreos 12:14.

You Are Not the One to Build, Part 3: God Making Peace with the World Through the Most Notorious Sinners!

Linked text to accompany the third in a series of videos about God’s gifts and callings for people, which he sometimes gives to notorious evildoers. Discusses Moses, King David and Saul of Tarsus, who literally got away with murder. Or did they?

Distinction Between “Sin” (Singular) and “Sins” (Plural) — Part 2

The Scriptures generally draw a qualitative distinction between “sin,” in the singular, and “sins,” in the plural. “Sin” is our inward attitude of rebellion against God. “Sins” are bad actions. This post gives a series of examples from John and the shorter Pauline Epistles.

Repentance and Earthly Consequences: the Consequences of David’s Sins–including Jesus

Though God forgave David his adultery with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah, this sin had a traceable chain of earthly consequences which extends to the present and which includes the death of Christ on the cross.

The Departure of Organized Christianity from its Roots, Second through Sixth Centuries CE

This is an outline of the second part of my attempt to link early errors of organized Christianity to the state of the modern world–specifically, in this part, by showing the origins and entrance of specific errors before Muhammad which profoundly affected subsequent history. Links will be added as future posts are written.

Authority Figures in the Church — Elders

The term term translated “elder” refers to the age and wisdom of persons functioning in this role in the Church. It often seems to be used interchangeably with “overseer” (or “bishop”), and the way a person legitimately functioning in this capacity is to be recognized (often called the “qualifications”) is the same as for an overseer. Like overseers, elders teach and lead by example, not by fiat.

The Nature of Angels–Messengers and Ministering Spirits

The place and function of angels is not often mentioned in Scripture, because they exist as messengers and ministering spirits, serving us on God’s behalf, not themselves, bringing God’s message not their own. They are never the dominant subject of any scripture.