Martyn Lloyd-Jones:
There is no purpose in having a basis or a confession of faith unless it is applied. So we must assert the element of discipline as being essential to the true life of the church. And what calls itself a church which does not believe in discipline, and does not use it and apply it, is therefore not a true church. (What is an Evangelical? p. 83)
Filed under: Bible, Christianity, Church, Gospel, Martyn Lloyd-Jones | Tagged: Evangelical |
Samuel at Gilgal 
Sore spot. Some churches can over discipline – or use it out if context. My husband and I agreed, after I survived a sexual assault, that moving out for a while to focus on therapy would be a positive temporary step.
I eventually received a letter from my pastor whom I loved as a father. A certified letter. Without my husbands knowledge and consent. A letter he did not also receive.
The content included the statement that I must present myself before the pastors and elders so that may reconcile myself with God and my husband. If I was not to comply, my pastor would begin church discipline.
Really now? It was not a happy time, but my husband even went to help pick furniture. There were no extramarital affairs. How could this bring on the necessity of church discipline? Not to mention that I was singled out in a fragile state without my husbands knowledge. My husband is my cover and spiritual leader no matter where we live.
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Reblogged this on My Delight and My Counsellors.
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