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NASB | Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, ¶ To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), by the will of God [that is, by His purpose and choice], To the saints (God's people) who are at Ephesus and are faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus: |
Bible Question: What is the Bible rules for memebers in the Body of The Church...the church I have attended is going to write a letter to this lady that has been out for sometime for sickness of her Mother and diff. things Now that she is coming back the Pastor don't like her and the Board is going to send her a Letter ( Only if the Board memebers will sign..which some wrong. what is the Scriture telling you to do a thing like that..The Woman has been coming to the Church doing seting in the Cong. and tell me how more can the Church's of the Lord Jesus Christ be so out of Order. Love is the Key..and this don't sound like Love to me..could you help me understand this I think its wrong and if I am wrong Please tell me... Markarious if you read this Help me... |
Bible Answer: Greetings WilBo! Welcome to the StudyBibleForum and thank you for your question! You asked about "membership rules", or if the Bible sets forth any 'rules' for members of a local church. In the example that you have explained, I believe that that "root" issue is whether or not the woman can return to your church, keeping her membership in an upstanding position, after being away from the church for some time in care of her mother's sickness and various things. However, I believe that there may be other issues besides just this issue of attendance. If attendance is truly the only issue here, then the Bible does state in Hebrews 10:25 that we should not forsake "our own assembling together." The church, the body of Christ, is called to become ever more like Jesus Christ, its head, in its worship, ministry, witness, mutual love and care, and the ordering of its common life (Ephesians 4:13,15). The church is a society of believers from many nations, each anointed for witness by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1-11). Divisions between nations, races, classes and gender are being healed as people from every human grouping are reconciled and united in the church (Acts 11:1-18; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Gal. 3:26-28). The church is the household, or family, of God (Mark 3:33-35; Eph. 2:19). Therefore, commitment to one another is shown in loving one another as God loves, in sharing material and spiritual resources, in exercising mutual care and discipline, and in showing hospitality to all (Deut. 10:19; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2). And we have been called to uphold that commitment to each other. The church should welcome all who join themselves to Christ to become part of the family of God (John 20:21; Matt. 28:18-20; Matt. 5-7). The church depends on God for its very being and life (Eph. 3:20-21), and its foundation is none other than Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:11). According to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles, all believers participate in the church's mutual care and discipline as appropriate. Church Discipline is intended to liberate erring brothers and sisters from sin, to enable them to return to a right relationship with God, and to restore them to fellowship in the church. It also gives integrity to the church's witness and contributes to the credibility of the gospel message throughout the world. Any corrective discipline in the church should be exercised in a redemptive manner. But, as your example suggests, the Pastor and several other members have become involved in this situation. As we know very little of the circumstances surrounding the lady that you have mentioned, perhaps it is in the best interest of the church to take note of the direction given by the Pastor, since it is clear that the situation has escalated higher than just on a level between two church members (Eph. 4:15; Matt. 18:15). If the situation has been brought to the congregation, and if the erring member persists in sin without repentance, rejecting the admonition of the congregation, then perhaps suspension of membership is in order (1 Cor. 5:3-5). However, when this occurs, the church continues to pray for those who have been disciplined, seeking to restore them to fellowship (2 Cor. 2:5-11). But my advice is to take the lead of your Pastor, who has been appointed by the Lord to lead your church, and to handle circumstances that affect the congregation as a whole. I believe that the congregation and the Pastor must first clearly define and determine what the sin of this lady actually was, before coming to conclusions regarding discipline. When the offense has been clearly stated, and all have concluded that a sin has clearly been committed, then it is time for reproof, repentence, forgiveness and restoration. Blessings to you, Makarios |