Dealing with situations Biblically...

There are many different and some very difficult  circumstances in life. As I reflect on Old Testament methods of dealing with sin and rebellion, it was very much cut and dry.

Literally.

For instance, rebellion and death  for sins were carried out  by family.

Ex 32: 25 Levites went through the camp killing  with a sword family and neighbours who participated in idolatry.

Deut 21 : 18-21 parents to hand stubborn rebellious children over to be stoned by the Elders.

Lev 24:11-14 son of israelite woman to be stoned for blasphemy.

How do you think the heart was of these parents?

How do you think their heart, deeply in love, feels when the heart must choose...God or family? God or loved one?

These are profound choices. Most people  do not have the love of God,  the passion of God, which is greater greater than for  the one they love, protected, nurtured, provided, gave all for...and then turn them over for death.

Would you sacrifice the one you love? For God?

Most would say...NO.

and that answer shows you your true love of God. He is not first in your heart.

In the New Testament, we no longer kill and stone those caught in detestable sins.

But, nevertheless, there must still be action. We must make a stand against sin, which can spread through the Church of Christ, his body, and corrupt innocent  and weak Christians.

Mth 18:15..20..

Speak to the person privately

Then to Elders

Then take it to the church

Then treat them as pagans.

This is Jesus' instruction to the church on how to deal with sin.

It's very public. It's very dramatic. It rips the heart apart.

Why?

1 Tim 5:20

So others take warning. Learn.

God truly hates idolatry and other wicked and evil sins.

They must be judged.

There must be separation.

Sad. Tragic. Heart wrenching. For crying.

But we must do what is best for the Body of Christ.

Separation. So all think. Reflect. Learn.

God hates sin. Unrepentant sin has a horrific eternal consequence.

1 Cor 5: 5 the punishment was separation.

Then upon repentance  brought into the fold.

With open arms.

Repentance.  Forgiveness.  Fellowship.

I really wonder how people understand  God's Word.

What happens on earth...in church...has already happened  in the spiritual realms.

When there is separation on earth..that is because God has decreed it in heaven.

Matthew 18:18

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind   on earth will be  ( has been)  bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be (has been)   loosed in heaven.

Expelled from earth.. reflects what HAS BEEN  done in heaven.

Friends..this is not a joke.

It's not for laughing.

It's  for repentance .

So what was bound, will be loosed.

Reflect.

If you believe Jesus, his Word, you can only repent.