The restoration principle of Matthew 18:15-20 is designed by the Lord to bring help and harmony to the Body of Christ as we serve in the church. Yesterday, we saw that the first step outlined was a private conference with the one who has offended (cf. Matthew 18:15). Ideally, this would be enough to deal with the offense, and nothing more needs to be done. However, we live in a sin cursed world, where everything does not work ideally. So, that brings us the question, what do we do when this private meeting does not work. According to Matthew 18:16, the next step would be a PRIVATE Conference with the offender. In both of these situations the goal is to keep the information in as tight a circle as possible so that the behavior is not put on public display. Again the goal here is to resolve the issue and bring about restoration. The purpose of these witnesses is to verify that what is being done is being brought about by love and a desire to bring restoration and hide a multitude of sins. As a result, the “witnesses” spoken of in Verse 16, should represent the leadership of the … READ MORE

How are sinners supposed to live together in unity? Jesus addresses this issue in Matthew 18:15-20. This passage which has been referenced as “church discipline, is perhaps better identified as the restoration principle. The point of this passage is to help us understand how we encourage each other to remain faithful to the Lord, and what is the process by which we maintain the purity of the Church. Restoration from sin is the corollary of evangelism. Restoration deals with sin in the lives of those who have made professions of faith. Evangelism is the initial act of discipleship, whereas the restoration principle is part of the follow-up and shepherding of professing saints. This passage outlines four basic steps to achieve correction and restoration in the lives of believers. Allow me to share the first today, and develop the other three in the days to follow. First, is Private Reproof, found in Matthew 18:15. Here we see that the offended believer is responsible to arrange a PRIVATE meeting and share with the offender what sin they have committed. The word for “reprove” in this passage means “to bring to light”. Often people do not realize that they are caught up in … READ MORE

Some people dismiss church membership because they think it means making people jump through hoops, or they think it means erecting standards of behavior for the sake of entry. However, Christianity is not about standards, it is about free grace. We must understand that the standard for church membership should be no higher or lower than the standard for being a Christian. The church’s responsibility is to affirm sheep. What are the steps that we should look at in order to bring a person into membership to the church? This must be something universal, and regardless of age or culture. It does not mean that they should have a complete knowledge of the Bible, but it does mean that a person who becomes part of a church can point to three things that will be developing in their heart and mind. Every person is at different stages in these three areas, but they must be able to demonstrate that they are willing to grow in their understanding of these three areas of thinking:1. Faith – A church is to affirm a person’s profession of faith as Jesus did with Peters affirmation in Matthew 16:16 “You are the Christ, the Son … READ MORE