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NASB | Matthew 18:17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 18:17 "If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile (unbeliever) and a tax collector. [Lev 19:17; Deut 19:15] |
Bible Question: I'd like to thank you for your response Parable. I am still somewhat confused. What if my problems aren't with any one specific person, just a general feel I get when I walk through the doors? Are you saying I should go to each congregation member and tell them that I don't feel like they care about me or anyone else in the church? Or should I go to each deacon and tell them I don't think they've done a good job of preparing the church for hardship because they're not reaching out to the congregation they're supposed to be leading? Honestly, I don't know where to start! This is why I just thought it's a pride issue for me (they really just won't listen to me because I'm young)and I need to work it out in my heart with the help of His Word, and see how the Lord will lead me. |
Bible Answer: Hi Spurgeon once said, 'if you find a perfect church, don't join it. You will only spoil it.' As I see it your choice partly depends from your point of view on your own spiritual quality and the needs of your children. Of course you also have to ask what is it like from God's point of view. If you are very much in need of spiritual sustenance yourselves because you are young in the faith, and do not feel you are getting it, or if you do not feel that the children's work will give your children a good foundation, then there may be a case for a move. On the other hand you always have to ask the alternative question, did God bring me here for a purpose? Can I help to make the children's work meaningful. Can I give support to someone who may not be saying much but is longing for support. A very godly evangelist whom I used to know used to remind us that Like a might armchair Moves the church of God Brothers you are treading Where the saints have trod. And it sometimes feels like that. But at some stage someone has to get out of the armchair and do something. And it is easier if there is more than one. From what you say 'they' are already nicely settled in their armchairs (although recognize that you may have received the wrong impression. Do you really know? Perhaps they are just discouraged). But until you get involved you will never know. Have you made any real attempt to get involved? When your church gets a new pastor he is going to need solid support. Are you able to give him it? There is never any suggestion in the New Testament that people 'looked round for a suitable church'. The impression given is that they went to their local church. Even in Revelation 2-3 they were to 'overcome' within the church. They were not told to form a new church. In the end however it is between you and God. God bless you In Him |