Finding Happiness in the New Year The most popular song to sing at the end of the old year and the beginning of the new is “Auld Lang Syne.” The Scottish poet Robert Burns was the first to publish it in 1796. He heard it sung by an old man Read more…
Subjects of Church Discipline One the most common areas of disagreement in regard to church discipline is just who are subject to discipline. Some limited it to just those who committed sins which are specifically mentioned in scriptures. Those Specifically Mentioned Jesus mentions those who refuse to correct personal offenses Read more…
Objections to Church Discipline It would seem that with the plain teaching upon the subject of discipline as set forth in the New Testament there could be no objections registered by anyone who professed to believe in the teaching of the apostles. But, every good work or endeavor meets criticisms Read more…
The Neglecting of Church Discipline Church discipline has been a neglected subject in many congregations in modern times. It is one of the most abused and unused duties given to the church. Much of this is because of ignorance, confusion, false teaching, the emotional difficulty involved, lack of love and Read more…
Purpose of Church Discipline Part Two In last week’s bulletin the improper motives of church discipline were considered as well as the main motive, which is to save the soul of the erring brother. However, there are several other reasons God has commanded church discipline. To Protect the Church Discipline Read more…
Purpose of Church Discipline Part One A congregation may practice discipline exactly according to the process outlined by the scriptures, and still not be displeasing to God. Proper procedure is one thing, but the correct motive behind the disciplinary action is just as important. A failure to understand the real Read more…
Treatment of Sinner in Church Discipline After the congregation has followed the proper process in disciplining the member who will not repent, it is essential that the whole congregation know how to treat the one disciplined. Do Not Socialize with Them We must quit keeping social company with the one Read more…
Procedure of Church Discipline (Part Two) Public Admonishment Church discipline requires that the church listen and speak. Jesus said, “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church” (Mt. 18:17). The purpose for this command is manifold: frustrations of caring Christian can now be overcome because Read more…
Procedure of Church Discipline Part One An elder once said, “We all know that we ought to improve church discipline, but nobody seems to know where to begin and how to do it”. Through lack of knowledge many souls who might have been restored through church discipline have been lost. Read more…
Definition of Church Discipline Our English word for “discipline” comes from the Latin dicipulus meaning “pupil, disciple.” Thus, “discipline” originally referred to “teaching.” The idea of punishment was only secondary. A disciple is “one who accepts and follows a teacher of a doctrine or learner” (Funk and Wagnall). “Disciple” is methetes in Read more…