The Progressive Nature of Church Discipline
CHURCH ARTICLE | Reagan McClenny | Lufkin, Texas
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”
After urging the brethren of Thessalonica to “…aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands…” in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, he reminds the strong and faithful brethren to “be patient with all.” Read More
One does not have to look far in the Scriptures to learn God has a special place in His heart for “orphans and widows,” those who are incapable of providing for themselves (Malachi 3:5). Christ maintained the “poor” you have always with you (Matthew 26:11), not to discourage His followers from helping the poor, but to alert them to this reality. Articles on the church and its role in benevolence are essential because too many begin to examine the question with their “emotions on their sleeves” and reach “emotion-driven” conclusions that force them to act outside of the authority of the Scriptures (Colossians 3:17). Benevolence, or assistance to those in need, is not difficult to understand if we “first give ourselves to the Lord” as those of Macedonia did in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Whether it be through the church or as an individual, we should do what we are able to do because it is in accord with Christ’s desire for His people to share what they have been blessed with (1 Timothy 6:17-19). 
It was about eleven years ago when I stood up after a quick lunch with my wife and youngest infant daughter and felt a sharp pain in my side. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. I reached to pick up my daughter out of her seat to carry her to the car. It hurt to pick her up. I said to my wife, “Something doesn’t feel right.” I went to the doctor and they ran some tests. Later that night I was being carted into surgery to have my appendix removed. I have not really missed that appendix. I assume it had a purpose. Yet, not enough to be missed. However, it certainly made its presence felt when something went wrong with it. How many church members might be described as an appendix? They are there and we suppose they are doing something. You might even hear them stir up a fuss. Yet, truth be told, if they disappeared from the assembly their absence may hardly even be noticed. 
The Lord’s plan is for each local church to have its own elders (overseers/shepherds) to rule and to shepherd the local flock (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Thus, a congregation that has men qualified to do this work but refuses to appoint them rebels against the Lord. It is just as sinful to refuse to do what the Lord requires as it is to do what He forbids (James 4:17).
CHURCH ARTICLE
CHURCH ARTICLE