Ep. 87: What is Church Discipline?

In the biblical context, church discipline is a crucial process designed to uphold holiness and accountability among believers. It is not a punitive action but a loving correction intended to address sin within the congregation. The practice is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's concern for the purity of His people. Misconceptions often paint church discipline as legalistic or harsh, but when properly applied, it is gentle, patient, and clear in its adherence to biblical principles. The steps outlined in Matthew 18-private confrontation, bringing witnesses, telling it to the church, and treating the unrepentant as an outsider-are meant to ensure fairness and promote reconciliation. Church discipline serves as a means of sanctification, aiding believers in living out their deliverance and fostering a deeper relationship with God and fellow Christians.
Other Resources:
Legal Risks for Churches and Church Discipline (9Marks): www.9marks.org...
Church Discipline Principles (TGC): www.thegospelc...
Deep Dive into "Healthy Church" use of Discipline (Challies): www.challies.c...
Church Discipline Primer (9Marks):
www.9marks.org...

[@bradharford6052]

What do you mean when you say a Holy God? What does that look like?

[@focused_onchrist]

God's holiness speaks of his perfection and "otherliness" - meaning that he is not like us but above all created order ruling in purity and righteousness.

[@bradharford6052]

@@focused_onchrist Thank you. I agree. The reason I asked is that many portray Father, Son and Spirit as out there in the sky somewhere, aloof and displeased with humanity and unwilling to be exposed to or have anything to do with the depraved people that they created to be loved and to participate in the relationship and fellowship of the Triune God.
It is such a joy and life transforming to learn that this Holy God has entered into our darkness and blindness and made us like Him, in His image and likeness.
It was a joy to learn that the believers of the first several centuries were transformed by understanding what many of the church fathers affirmed in a variety of ways and words:
He (God) became what we are, so that we would become what He is.
In Jesus Christ His holiness, His glory, HIs righteousness and His very being He has given to us and included us into the relationship, fellowship and experience of Father, Son and Spirit.
Gives a new meaning to be holy for I am holy, doesn't it.
Thanks for responding.