Faith Well Grounded

Thank you for the thought-provoking reply.

I take it from the quote that you refer to 1 Cor 5, with the mention of the levening in this context. We see there that it is in reference to an established member of the church that is involved in willful, habitual sin and moral debauchery, and that refuses to turn from it. It would appear that I didn't make enough distinction in my blog. I apologize.

You may also reference Matt 18:15 - 20 for such instruction in Church Discipline. But you should notice, I hope, that here too the context is in regard to the member who will not repent, and resists the efforts of the church. It is not in reference to those who stumble, but of those who are quitting the race. It is not for those who are struggling, but for those who are giving up the good fight.

You should also notice that Matt 18 is speaking to those in the church who have wronged you. And later in the same chapter, when asked how many times to forgive them, He makes it clear that it is at the very least a lot.

As to your last paragraph, let's hope that the hospitals don't take the additude of some churches, for where are the sick to go if not where the Cure is?

In Matthew 18:19,20, after defining the extended process of Church Discipline, which involves repeated opportunities, Jesus makes it very clear that He is not as afraid of a few sinners as some Christians seem to be.

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. "

The context of this, in a discussion of Church Discipline, seems to indicate that the power that formed and continues the Church is more powerful than the infections.

Finally, I am not nearly as inclined to see in scripture the command, nor the right to judge others as you indicated in your opening paragraph. And I will admit this is not a noble or righteous choice on my part. It is a selfish fear for my own well-being.

"Mat 7:1,2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. "

In any event, we should both be able to agree with Hebrews 12:11 that the hope of Church Discipline is the return of the brother or sister to the body, and the not hope of a purging.

Blessings to you.