“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1John 2:1-6 KJV)
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” (1John 2:28-29 KJV)
Christians all over the world are faced today with a very frightening situation. More and more, the problem concerns the matter of their convictions. Often Christians explain what they do by simply claiming to be motivated by a conviction. “Convictions” have become a combination of Bible views and personal ideas. If we change our minds about a matter, we just change the conviction. Whether it is marriage, or tithing, or separation from the world, or soul winning, or entering the ministry, we need to determine if our stand is a conviction or a preference.
Preferences can be very strong beliefs. We can hold them with such intensity that we give our energy and wealth to it. It can cause us to be very vigorous about what we do. We can believe it to be so “right” that we promote it among others and teach it to our children. But it is a preference, a strong belief that you will change for some reason (looking like a fool, a fanatic, an odd ball).
I know as a pastor I am faced with certain moral battles dealing with people in the world and protecting God’s flock from false doctrine. Will I stop preaching against sodomy, same-sex marriages, pre-marital “shacking up?” Is it a preference or a conviction based upon the Word of God?
“Well, Pastor, what if no one agrees with you? What if you can not get anyone to follow you?” Convictions are never based upon popularity or success. Convictions are based upon what God says. Sometimes in life convictions fall out to a positive end. Joseph and Daniel are examples of men standing by conviction at the jeopardy of their life, yet God preserved them. But John the Baptist was beheaded for his conviction. Peter and Paul went to jail over convictions, as did John Bunyan.
A conviction will always show up in life. Our behavior will tell the story when we are faced with crisis. A young man may be overwhelmed with a young lady, believing she is God’s will for his life. He may marry her with only a preference and no conviction, but when he makes that vow it then must be a conviction because God will hold him to his promise. Homes are destroyed because they are founded upon preference rather than conviction. When beauty fades and health fails, preferences change quickly.
The two points of reference that must line-up are lip and life. And the areas where preferences falter the most and convictions stand the strongest are faith, family, finances and friends.
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bottle Suckers
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
As I mounted the pulpit yesterday I was reminded once again that we preach to a mixed multitude of hearers. Some have never heard what we proclaim from the Word. To them it is all fresh and new. They will either develop a hunger for the Gospel or turn a deaf ear to it. At the other end of the spiritual spectrum we have the saint who has received the Word of truth and yet desires to hear it again and again. Seems they never get enough of the “old, old story.” I understand and have respect for both these groups. Some men are just not interested in any way by spiritual matters. Some are desirous to know God but never thought they could. Still others, even though veteran saints, thrive on the soul nourishing strong meat of the Word.
What puzzles me are those who never grow, never increase in their spirit. To use a secular phrase, “they just don’t get it!” They are “bottle-sucking” spiritual babies. They come, they hear, it goes in one ear and out the other. They never apply the Word to their life. They struggle with the most simple of life’s matters. Instead of being prayer warriors, they are always on the prayer list. The flesh wins out in their daily existence. And when another brother in Christ tries to help them and bolster them up, they stand on wobbly legs for a short time then fall to the ground like a new born.
Please understand, dear reader, I am not dis-compassionate of these weak brethren. And I know they shall always be with us. Jesus called them weak in spirit. I believe we must love them, encourage them, help them in any way we possibly can. It is just a shame that they will never join the work force and help in the work of the ministry. O, that they would grow some teeth.
As I mounted the pulpit yesterday I was reminded once again that we preach to a mixed multitude of hearers. Some have never heard what we proclaim from the Word. To them it is all fresh and new. They will either develop a hunger for the Gospel or turn a deaf ear to it. At the other end of the spiritual spectrum we have the saint who has received the Word of truth and yet desires to hear it again and again. Seems they never get enough of the “old, old story.” I understand and have respect for both these groups. Some men are just not interested in any way by spiritual matters. Some are desirous to know God but never thought they could. Still others, even though veteran saints, thrive on the soul nourishing strong meat of the Word.
What puzzles me are those who never grow, never increase in their spirit. To use a secular phrase, “they just don’t get it!” They are “bottle-sucking” spiritual babies. They come, they hear, it goes in one ear and out the other. They never apply the Word to their life. They struggle with the most simple of life’s matters. Instead of being prayer warriors, they are always on the prayer list. The flesh wins out in their daily existence. And when another brother in Christ tries to help them and bolster them up, they stand on wobbly legs for a short time then fall to the ground like a new born.
Please understand, dear reader, I am not dis-compassionate of these weak brethren. And I know they shall always be with us. Jesus called them weak in spirit. I believe we must love them, encourage them, help them in any way we possibly can. It is just a shame that they will never join the work force and help in the work of the ministry. O, that they would grow some teeth.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Let's Make A Deal
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” (Genesis 4:6-7 KJV)
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV)
Years ago, before there was “Deal or No Deal” there was a game show on television called “Let’s Make A Deal” with master of ceremony Monty Hall. He would present to the contestants chosen from the audience an opportunity to select a prize he would offer them (sometimes cash, sometimes items) or they could select a mystery prize hidden behind one of three doors. The temptation of the unknown was overwhelming. Sometimes the mystery prize would be far greater than the original offer, sometimes it would be a Mexican burro with a load of sticks. Regardless, the people would have fun playing the game.
We, as well, have two doors from which to choose. But this is no game show. There is a great deal to lose if we choose incorrectly and a great deal to gain if we are right. God makes no mystery of His divine offer of salvation, nor does he disguise the damnation of sin. God tells Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” Cain was given a second chance to make his heart right with God. He chose the sin at the door.
Christ offers Himself as a door to God that will bring about eternal life and life more abundant.
How about you, friend? Which door will you select?
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 KJV)
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV)
Years ago, before there was “Deal or No Deal” there was a game show on television called “Let’s Make A Deal” with master of ceremony Monty Hall. He would present to the contestants chosen from the audience an opportunity to select a prize he would offer them (sometimes cash, sometimes items) or they could select a mystery prize hidden behind one of three doors. The temptation of the unknown was overwhelming. Sometimes the mystery prize would be far greater than the original offer, sometimes it would be a Mexican burro with a load of sticks. Regardless, the people would have fun playing the game.
We, as well, have two doors from which to choose. But this is no game show. There is a great deal to lose if we choose incorrectly and a great deal to gain if we are right. God makes no mystery of His divine offer of salvation, nor does he disguise the damnation of sin. God tells Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” Cain was given a second chance to make his heart right with God. He chose the sin at the door.
Christ offers Himself as a door to God that will bring about eternal life and life more abundant.
How about you, friend? Which door will you select?
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 KJV)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Science Falsely So Called
1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 1Ti 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
In the time of the apostles they contended with false science (knowledge) and those that professed to have some kind of erroneous faith. I suppose today is no different. Presently, we have those who promote a faith that is relative to situations and circumstances. They can make “the faith once delivered to that saints” fit about any whim or justify any sin. Doctrine is “legalistic” and unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. I guess the up-side to it all is that this condition is a sign of the end time. 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
With all the degree mills available to the “wanna be” theologian it is not surprising that so many are preaching “profane and vain babblings” which we are commanded to avoid. I have more confidence in the sincere student of the Word of God who sits at his dining room table with an open King James Bible and listens to the Holy Spirit of God than I do in the modern babbler who promotes himself rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything seems to be “septic” today. No one is brave enough to identify sin and call it by what it is for fear that they will be labeled “judgmental” by their peers. Matthew 7, “judge not lest ye be judged” is their cry and they can’t even get that right. The next time you hear that said, look and see if it is not coming from someone who is trying to justify their own sin.
The old faith, the old time religion, is still the right stand. Stay with the Book. Let it be your science, your song and your solace.
In the time of the apostles they contended with false science (knowledge) and those that professed to have some kind of erroneous faith. I suppose today is no different. Presently, we have those who promote a faith that is relative to situations and circumstances. They can make “the faith once delivered to that saints” fit about any whim or justify any sin. Doctrine is “legalistic” and unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. I guess the up-side to it all is that this condition is a sign of the end time. 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
With all the degree mills available to the “wanna be” theologian it is not surprising that so many are preaching “profane and vain babblings” which we are commanded to avoid. I have more confidence in the sincere student of the Word of God who sits at his dining room table with an open King James Bible and listens to the Holy Spirit of God than I do in the modern babbler who promotes himself rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything seems to be “septic” today. No one is brave enough to identify sin and call it by what it is for fear that they will be labeled “judgmental” by their peers. Matthew 7, “judge not lest ye be judged” is their cry and they can’t even get that right. The next time you hear that said, look and see if it is not coming from someone who is trying to justify their own sin.
The old faith, the old time religion, is still the right stand. Stay with the Book. Let it be your science, your song and your solace.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Victorious Believers
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” (Isaiah 6:1-4 KJV)
In our time so few have a real and legitimate vision of the Lord. Some see Him as the Saviour but not the Sovereign. To borrow a carnal phrase, “What’s up with that?” Folks are willing to receive the mercy and grace of God, forgiveness of sin, and adoption of sons, but feel no obligation to place Jesus Christ as authority over their lives. I know believers can sin, but we should always have a distain for sin and be quick to repent. Anything that would disgrace or dishonor our Redeemer is never to be repeated or practiced in our lives.
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5 KJV)
Perhaps, it is because we have a distorted view of self. We have a tendency to think more of ourselves than we should. I recall several years ago there was a big trend to enhance the personal self image. Well, that did nothing but lead people to be self-centered and selfish, independent from God, and incredible ingrates.
However, not every Christian is like that. There are still many who lift up the Lord and place Him on the throne of their life. And when it comes to the call of God they have no hesitation to respond in the affirmative because they know Who God is and what they themselves are. These are the brothers and sisters I love being around. These are the ones who encourage me. These are those who live in victory and spend no time in chronic self pity.
“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:6-8 KJV)
In our time so few have a real and legitimate vision of the Lord. Some see Him as the Saviour but not the Sovereign. To borrow a carnal phrase, “What’s up with that?” Folks are willing to receive the mercy and grace of God, forgiveness of sin, and adoption of sons, but feel no obligation to place Jesus Christ as authority over their lives. I know believers can sin, but we should always have a distain for sin and be quick to repent. Anything that would disgrace or dishonor our Redeemer is never to be repeated or practiced in our lives.
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5 KJV)
Perhaps, it is because we have a distorted view of self. We have a tendency to think more of ourselves than we should. I recall several years ago there was a big trend to enhance the personal self image. Well, that did nothing but lead people to be self-centered and selfish, independent from God, and incredible ingrates.
However, not every Christian is like that. There are still many who lift up the Lord and place Him on the throne of their life. And when it comes to the call of God they have no hesitation to respond in the affirmative because they know Who God is and what they themselves are. These are the brothers and sisters I love being around. These are the ones who encourage me. These are those who live in victory and spend no time in chronic self pity.
“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:6-8 KJV)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
SPIRITUAL TERRORISTS
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” (Genesis 6:5-6 KJV)
“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.” (Ezekiel 8:12-13 KJV)
It is inevitable that man will sin. He is born into sin by the fall, and lives by sin in his natural state. I have said many times that the only thing the flesh can do is sin. And because sin has no boundaries, it is inconceivable how far sin can go. Case in point: the Iraqi insurgents are now using Iraqi women with Down’s syndrome as human bombs. They dress them as pregnant women and send them among their designated targets.
Do not ask me how or why anyone could have so little regard for human life. I do not have the answer.
But it is no less depravity to have the heart of an ingrate. How can the people of God be so proud and self-centered in our lack of appreciation for the grace and mercy of God that has been afforded us. Such ones among the redeemed who attempt to justify their evil acts and wickedness while evidently believing that God does not see or hear the truth, are no better than the disguisers of the innocent, sending them to a slaughter. Deceiving liars, they are, destroying their own homes and crippling a generation to follow them. They have no regard for the truth they claim to believe, nor do they care about the effect their wickedness has upon others.
I grow weary of hearing, “No one understands my feelings,” “I should have a right to be happy,” “One little mistake (modern word for sin) should not make that much difference.” Waa, waa, waa! Boo, hoo, hoo! O, for pity’s sake, Christian, grow-up and open your eyes. Plug your ears to these “Dr. Feel Good” preachers and snap back into reality. While you are playing around with the snakes, your family is being destroyed, your loved ones are going to hell, your neighbors are lost. Get some appreciation in your heart for what Christ has done for you and show Him that you love Him by obeying Him. Stand up for what is right…with your life!
Until believers start believing that holiness counts for a lot with God, keeping your vows is something God holds us to, and servitude to Christ is true liberty, we are no better than spiritual terrorists.
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21 KJV)
Don’t complain about the Quran being wrong when you won’t even follow the Bible you claim is the truth.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Feed My Sheep
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17 KJV)
Even with my limited time as a child on the farm I learned that animals must be fed. We did not have a large flock of sheep but we did have enough that we had to care for them constantly. I was not very good as a shepherd, but I did it because I loved my Dad and my Uncle John. David was a great shepherd and that is what made him a great leader.
The soul must be fed as much (or even more) than the body. This is what ails us today. We are puny weaklings when it comes to spiritual matters. We cave in to lustful temptations and prideful desires. We struggle to stand strong on matters of conviction and doctrine. And this is primarily because we do not nourish ourselves with the spiritual food God provides. If we treated our bodies like we treat the soul we would most all be in hospitals with few to care for us.
Now Jesus instructed Peter to feed His sheep. Not because it was pleasurable (though it can be), not because they would love him for it (still many do), but because he loved Him. This is the one motivational reason that supercedes all others. Sheep can be unresponsive at times, but whether we love them or not we shepherd them because we love Him.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:12-15 KJV)
I do not believe there has been an earlier time of my forty-one years in the ministry that I have spent more time in prayer for the sick. It seems that they are like the poor, we will always have them with us. These physical bodies are constantly breaking down, becoming more prone to illness, and more so as the aging process continues. And I feel sure that I shall have need to pray for others and have personal need of pray in the days ahead.
I do not like to suffer nor do I enjoy seeing others suffer from injury or illness. It is our lot to do so because of sin, but it is by no means a pleasant experience. That is one reason why I have never understood hypochondria. Why anyone would desire to find sickness and pain to experience and seemingly enjoy it, is beyond my reasoning. I have observed too much of suffering in the lives of others to pursue it for myself.
We are reminded in Scripture that God is merciful. Even though we do deserve to agonize in pain, He is so gracious and compassionate to us. Jesus is our Great Physician. It is by His mercies that we are not consumed. I am so glad He hears and answers our prayers.
Perhaps, someday I shall be lying on a gurney in the hospital, not knowing if it is my time to leave this world and go on to be with the Lord. I believe it will be a great comfort to know that others are praying for me and that God is in control of it all. “...and the Lord shall raise him up...”
I do not believe there has been an earlier time of my forty-one years in the ministry that I have spent more time in prayer for the sick. It seems that they are like the poor, we will always have them with us. These physical bodies are constantly breaking down, becoming more prone to illness, and more so as the aging process continues. And I feel sure that I shall have need to pray for others and have personal need of pray in the days ahead.
I do not like to suffer nor do I enjoy seeing others suffer from injury or illness. It is our lot to do so because of sin, but it is by no means a pleasant experience. That is one reason why I have never understood hypochondria. Why anyone would desire to find sickness and pain to experience and seemingly enjoy it, is beyond my reasoning. I have observed too much of suffering in the lives of others to pursue it for myself.
We are reminded in Scripture that God is merciful. Even though we do deserve to agonize in pain, He is so gracious and compassionate to us. Jesus is our Great Physician. It is by His mercies that we are not consumed. I am so glad He hears and answers our prayers.
Perhaps, someday I shall be lying on a gurney in the hospital, not knowing if it is my time to leave this world and go on to be with the Lord. I believe it will be a great comfort to know that others are praying for me and that God is in control of it all. “...and the Lord shall raise him up...”
Friday, February 1, 2008
Confession of Sin
Each Friday I receive the Friday Church News Notes from Way of Life Ministries. In this blog I am sharing one of the articles from that weekly email which deals with a subject that I believe is so needed for us to observe and practice in our lives today.
(Friday Church News Notes, February 1, 2008, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from How on Earth Can I Be Spiritual by C. Sumner Wemp: "The word confess in the Greek has at least two ideas inherent in it. One means 'to agree with' God that the deed is sin and wrong. Don't quibble with God. Call it what it is. ... Then there is also the idea of naming it. It is quite easy to try to tone down confession and gloss over confronting sin by praying the vague prayer of asking God to 'forgive us of all our sins'! This is a cop-out! He says confess them (1 John 1:9). ... There remains a barrier in many hearts because they have not named their sin to God. The freedom from guilt and the liberty of true fellowship with God is lacking because some have not been sincerely honest with God and called the sin by name. ... One other course of action often needs to be taken, and that is an apology. Private sin should be kept private. ... but if a Christian offends another person through losing his temper, or is unkind in word or deed, he should go to that one and apologize. This surely is what Matthew 5:22-24 is teaching. Many never will get a clear conscience until they have personally apologized. One step further: public sin needs to be confessed publicly. If a brother has hurt the testimony of Christ and the whole church so that the community and church knows about it, he should confess before the whole church his wrong and his sorrow and apologize for it. This open apology has started many a revival."
(Friday Church News Notes, February 1, 2008, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from How on Earth Can I Be Spiritual by C. Sumner Wemp: "The word confess in the Greek has at least two ideas inherent in it. One means 'to agree with' God that the deed is sin and wrong. Don't quibble with God. Call it what it is. ... Then there is also the idea of naming it. It is quite easy to try to tone down confession and gloss over confronting sin by praying the vague prayer of asking God to 'forgive us of all our sins'! This is a cop-out! He says confess them (1 John 1:9). ... There remains a barrier in many hearts because they have not named their sin to God. The freedom from guilt and the liberty of true fellowship with God is lacking because some have not been sincerely honest with God and called the sin by name. ... One other course of action often needs to be taken, and that is an apology. Private sin should be kept private. ... but if a Christian offends another person through losing his temper, or is unkind in word or deed, he should go to that one and apologize. This surely is what Matthew 5:22-24 is teaching. Many never will get a clear conscience until they have personally apologized. One step further: public sin needs to be confessed publicly. If a brother has hurt the testimony of Christ and the whole church so that the community and church knows about it, he should confess before the whole church his wrong and his sorrow and apologize for it. This open apology has started many a revival."
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