The Word this Week (Matthew 18:15-20)

Beloved, discipline in the hands of God is a "Means of His Grace" entering in to heal us and lead us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   When our brother or sister points out our sin, do we see this as a means of God's grace?  Jesus says, that is the work of Spirit, the presence of Christ in our midst.  

Thanks be to God.  

Matthew 18:15-20

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18 “I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Memory Verse:  Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.