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Discipline, no matter the form, is difficult stuff. No matter how we need to be disciplined, the fact that we must work at it indicates our deficiency in some way. At times, that is just working on the basics of the Christian life, becoming more like Christ in our thoughts and actions. But at other times, more outside help is needed. As we continue to think through how we are to live together as community, Jesus today commands that we be loving one another through discipline. But what does that look like?
Sermon for January 28th, 2024.
Sermon for January 28th, 2024.
In this message, we read Matthew 18:15-20. We walk through what Jesus taught about the local church. We are provided with an answer to the question many find themselves asking as they navigate the role of the gathered assembly in their lives, “why church”?
In this message, we read Matthew 18:15-20. We walk through what Jesus taught about the local church. We are provided with an answer to the question many find themselves asking as they navigate the role of the gathered assembly in their lives, “why church”?
Community Baptist Church Henderson Kentucky (KY)-Pastor Dr. Tim Hobbs (a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship affiliated church)
Doing conflict well Matthew 18:15-20 Rev Keith Morrison
Church of the Apostles- Dawsonville, GA
The weekly sermon from Alfred Almond Bible Church in Almond, NY
Weekly sermons and study guides.
Weekly sermons and study guides.
Do you know what it means to "follow" Jesus? Due to social media, in today's society, the word "follow" means to simply press a button and "become a fan" of someone. But to "Follow Jesus" means something totally different. "Following Jesus" means to read and study the Word of God, and apply what we learn from the Word of God to our every day lives; to love people in the same manner that Jesus loves people. So, do you "follow" Jesus, or do you "Follow Jesus"? If you'd like to join us, please visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock Texas. You can also call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or visit us online at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus, and if you'd like to donate to help us bring the Gospel to the world, just click on the donate button on our website.
Forgiveness is one of the great gifts God gives us to thrive in our relationships with one another and display His love to the world
A verse-by-verse study of the book of Matthew.
Pastor Mitch and Jessica Munn breakdown the 10/17 Sermon " Slippery Slope"
Pastor Mitch and Jessica Munn breakdown the 10/17 Sermon " Slippery Slope"
This week Pastor Mitch discusses how arguments happen and sound biblical methods to preventing and overcoming them. Verse reference Matthew 18: 15-20.
This week Pastor Mitch discusses how arguments happen and sound biblical methods to preventing and overcoming them. Verse reference Matthew 18: 15-20.
Join us for The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost with The University Church on August 29, 2021 as we look at the words of Jesus, "Where Two Or Three Are Gathered In Jesus’ Name."
Join us for The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost with The University Church on August 29, 2021 as we look at the words of Jesus, "Where Two Or Three Are Gathered In Jesus’ Name."
Love God. Love People.
Como parte de la serie de los compromisos relaciones de nuestra iglesia, este dia, estudiaremos la Disciplina Restaurativa y Amorosa de la iglesia, donde entendemos el texto de Mateo como las palabras de Jesus para animar y guiar a Su iglesia a como practicar, crecer y ejercitarse en la disciplina restaurativa y amorosa.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
The "Gates of Hell" will not be able to overcome our church if we will practice gentle admonishment like Jesus instructed. Learn the whys and hows of gentle admonishment and its incredible benefit to family, work and church.
"However Jesus said it, we can doubt the number he used mattered that much. The point is the interplay: the two-way dynamic between the gathering of God's people and the presence of God's authority and power." Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt preaches on the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, in celebration of World Communion Sunday. The Scripture lesson is Matthew 18:15-20.
Winnetka Presbyterian Church
Winnetka Presbyterian Church
Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church
Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church
Although it is often the case that the faults and sins of others are overlooked, there are times when doing so only prolongs alienation and encourages them to continue acting in a hurtful manner. If God is being dishonored, relationships are being damaged, or others are being hurt, Matthew 18:15-20 offer us steps for how to address grievous sin.
Although it is often the case that the faults and sins of others are overlooked, there are times when doing so only prolongs alienation and encourages them to continue acting in a hurtful manner. If God is being dishonored, relationships are being damaged, or others are being hurt, Matthew 18:15-20 offer us steps for how to address grievous sin.
When a christian sins, the church must act.
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
Teachings from Lakeside Presbyterian Church EPC, Brandon, MS
Teachings from Lakeside Presbyterian Church EPC, Brandon, MS
Conflict will happen, even among disciples. That is why Jesus left us a clear and simple blueprint for how to resolve conflict when it arises. Biblical conflict resolution reflects God's heart, restores relationships, and rescues us from cancerous attitudes and actions.
Pastor David O. Cofield, Rainsville First Baptist Church, Rainsville, AL continued his series "Restore Your Church" with this message "The Starting Point of Church Discipline" based in Matthew 18: 15-20 on Sunday night, February 24, 2019.
Pastor David O. Cofield, Rainsville First Baptist Church, Rainsville, AL continued his series "Restore Your Church" with this message "The Starting Point of Church Discipline" based in Matthew 18: 15-20 on Sunday night, February 24, 2019.
Pascal Denault - Matthieu 18.15 -DESCRIPTION- Dans ce message nous verrons la première étape dans la discipline d’Église : la confrontation personnelle. Ce verset renferme une grande sagesse pour la préservation de nos relations et la résolution de conflits que l’on soit celui qui doit reprendre ou celui qui doit être repris. Mais si cet enseignement est simple à comprendre, il est difficile à appliquer. -QUESTIONS- 1. Est-il nécessaire d’appliquer des standards différents avec nos frères et avec le monde? 2. Comment réconcilier le fait qu’il faille couvrir les péchés et les confronter? 3. Faut-il reprendre un frère uniquement lorsque nous sommes concernés? 4. Pourquoi est-il difficile de reprendre? 5. Que signifie reprendre « entre toi et lui seul »? 6. Quels sont les buts visés en reprenant un frère? 7. Que devons-nous reconnaître lorsque nous sommes repris?
Pascal Denault - Matthieu 18.15 -DESCRIPTION- Dans ce message nous verrons la première étape dans la discipline d’Église : la confrontation personnelle. Ce verset renferme une grande sagesse pour la préservation de nos relations et la résolution de conflits que l’on soit celui qui doit reprendre ou celui qui doit être repris. Mais si cet enseignement est simple à comprendre, il est difficile à appliquer. -QUESTIONS- 1. Est-il nécessaire d’appliquer des standards différents avec nos frères et avec le monde? 2. Comment réconcilier le fait qu’il faille couvrir les péchés et les confronter? 3. Faut-il reprendre un frère uniquement lorsque nous sommes concernés? 4. Pourquoi est-il difficile de reprendre? 5. Que signifie reprendre « entre toi et lui seul »? 6. Quels sont les buts visés en reprenant un frère? 7. Que devons-nous reconnaître lorsque nous sommes repris?
Pascal Denault - Matthieu 18.15-20 -DESCRIPTION- Ce texte fait partie des textes fondateurs pour établir l'Église du Seigneur. Avant d'examiner les détails qu'il contient pour la vie de l'Église, nous considérerons quelques éléments préliminaires essentiels à l'application de l'enseignement de Jésus. -QUESTIONS- 1. Comment ce texte est-il relié avec ce que Jésus enseigne dans le reste du passage? 2. Qu'est-ce que la distinction entre l'Église visible et invisible? 3. Qu'est-ce que la distinction entre l'Église locale et universelle? 4. Qu'est-ce qu'un disciple? 5. Qu'est-ce que la discipline?
Pascal Denault - Matthieu 18.15-20 -DESCRIPTION- Ce texte fait partie des textes fondateurs pour établir l'Église du Seigneur. Avant d'examiner les détails qu'il contient pour la vie de l'Église, nous considérerons quelques éléments préliminaires essentiels à l'application de l'enseignement de Jésus. -QUESTIONS- 1. Comment ce texte est-il relié avec ce que Jésus enseigne dans le reste du passage? 2. Qu'est-ce que la distinction entre l'Église visible et invisible? 3. Qu'est-ce que la distinction entre l'Église locale et universelle? 4. Qu'est-ce qu'un disciple? 5. Qu'est-ce que la discipline?
1. The process. 2. The goal. 3. The authority.
Last week, Pastor Marc Sharp began a series on the Lord’s discipline. We learned that discipline is not the same as punishment and is something to be embraced. Today, Pastor Marc talks about how discipline plays out within the church. What role do the members of the body have in disciplining the church? What offenses bring someone under the discipline of the church? What are the boundaries for church discipline? When should we escalate a discipline process?
Last week, Pastor Marc Sharp began a series on the Lord’s discipline. We learned that discipline is not the same as punishment and is something to be embraced. Today, Pastor Marc talks about how discipline plays out within the church. What role do the members of the body have in disciplining the church? What offenses bring someone under the discipline of the church? What are the boundaries for church discipline? When should we escalate a discipline process?
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In the context of Lost Sheep, Jesus tells us how to deal with a Brother who offends us. We learn that the heart of confrontation has to be reconciliation or the Kingdom loses power.
Ramsey Creek Baptist Church
Harvest Bible Fellowship's weekly Message.
Finishing up 50 days of love with Love Speaks the Truth? How do you confront someone you love? Paul did this with his letters to the church at Corinth.
The Controversial King
Today we look at a passage often described as "church discipline" and attempt to return it to its context in Matthew's Gospel and in the canon as a whole such that we can see how it functions in the life of the church today.
Today we look at a passage often described as "church discipline" and attempt to return it to its context in Matthew's Gospel and in the canon as a whole such that we can see how it functions in the life of the church today.
Brad Sullivan Proper 16, Year A August 27, 2017 Emmanuel, Houston Exodus 12:1-14 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Our Pre-Harvey Lives Are Dead and In the Tomb Last Friday, I was volunteering over at FamilyPoint Resources, a little ways down Memorial from here. Family Point has after school programs for children in this area along with other services for children and families. With school not yet in session last week, FamilyPoint opened up to have some hang out time for the neighborhood kids, and I was there to help with that. I spent a little bit of time on the soccer field, but mostly built LEGOs with a group kids. It’s great getting to see what they come up with and how excited they are to show off their creations. There was the occasional dispute over, ‘that piece is mine,’ but mostly we just built together and admired each others’ creations. Afterwards, I was talking with the executive director, Stephanie Hruzek, about Family Point and the needs of the neighborhood. They need folks to come help with after school, of course, and they’re also assembling teams to help muck out houses. All are welcome to join in those efforts, by the way. One thing that was so heartening and wonderful in Stephanie’s and my conversation was the seeming role reversal of families that Family Point is used to serving, coming out to help serve others, be it through mucking houses, helping at Family Point, or just helping out a neighbor in any way they need. The humanity that she has seen in the wake of Hurricane Harvey has far surpassed the damage done. Fear of the other and fear of the unknown seem to be down right now, and our shared humanity is coming to the fore. Stephanie shared her joy at this recognition of, this living into our shared humanity, and our hope and prayer is that this seeking out and reaching out for the other continues. Reaching out for one another and recognizing our shared humanity feels like pre-Harvey burdens have been lifted off our shoulders, burdens we were not even all that aware of: burdens of fearing others or ignoring others. Amidst these burdens which we often carry, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus’ yoke is his teaching, his way. As much as our religion has at times tried to make Jesus’ way difficult and heavy, the way of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus are easy, and light. The way of Jesus takes other burdens off our shoulders and lightens our loads as we walk this life together. Helping others with our post-Harvey, newfound common humanity has felt lighter than before. This is the way and the teaching of Jesus. Post-Harvey, we’ve been walking in the way of love, and we’ve been less encumbered by the burden of fearing the other, less encumbered by the burden of ignoring the other, less encumbered by the burden of enmity towards the other. Friends and family who have had estrangement growing over differing political and religious beliefs have found that such differences don’t matter in the wake of Harvey. Our petty differences and even our important differences do keep us…different, but they don’t need to divide us. If we need to be divided, God will sort that out later on. In all seriousness, Jesus taught on several occasions that any sorting out of the people, any dividing of humanity that needs to happen will be done by God at the end of the ages. In the mean time, Jesus taught that we are to live with each other, sometimes to put up with each other, but above all to love each other and to live out our common humanity. Paul told the church in Rome to “owe no one anything except to love one another.” The burden of fear keeps us from loving one another, and there are few heavier burdens than fear - except perhaps a desire for vengeance. Before Paul wrote to owe no one anything except to love one another, Paul wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…” (Romans 12:17-19) Desire for vengeance may seem justified, but it is a heavy burden, and Jesus’ yoke, his teaching, seeks to lighten that burden. “If another member of the church sins against you,” Jesus taught, “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Ok, so if we’re being honest, going up to the person who has hurt you and going to them with your heart in your hand letting them know that they hurt you is not an easy task. Doing so requires courage and vulnerability. You might just get hurt again. Going to someone and seeking reconciliation, however, is so much easier and lighter than carrying around the burden of hurt forever. The weight of carrying that pain around is hard and heavy, carrying the accompanying fear and mistrust takes are hearts of flesh and turns them into hearts of stone, weighing us down even further. We trust less and less and fear more and more, when we don’t seek reconciliation, and then we end up with our pre-Harvey burdens of fearing the other, ignoring the other, and holding enmity for the other. Seeking reconciliation is a far easier and lighter burden than the burden of carrying fear, mistrust, and enmity. Even if you can’t be reconciled, Jesus taught that you still don’t carry the enmity around. You drop it. You let it go. If you can’ t be reconciled, then let that person be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. On the one hand, you’re considering that person to be outside of your life, apart from you. On the other hand, what grudge would you hold against someone who is not a part of you? Let the grudge go, let the person go, and wipe the slate clean. It would be up to the other person at that point to rebuild the relationship. At the same time, gentiles and tax collectors were a part of Jesus’ and the early church’s mission field, so there is a writing off and a starting over in Jesus’ teaching about when reconciliation doesn’t occur. Death and resurrection. Such is the way of Jesus. Such is his easy yoke and his light burden. Our shared humanity, seeking out the other without fear, forgiving and actively seeking reconciliation: these are ways of Jesus that we absolutely need in our post-Harvey lives, and what we need in our post-Harvey life as Emmanuel. We need each other. We always did, but pre-Harvey, we felt secure enough in other things not to realize our need for each other quite so acutely. Our pre-Harvey lives are dead and in the tomb. Our post-Harvey lives and post-Harvey life as Emmanuel is emerging from the tomb. Post-Harvey, we have been woken from sleep, and we realize just how much we need each other. More than a building, more than programs, we need each other. Emmanuel Episcopal Church & School is a new creation by water and the Word. We need to stay joined together, and we need to discover new ways to join together as well. In our post-Harvey, resurrected life, we need to keep reaching out into our community. We are a church, a people, without a building right now, and this is a challenge for us, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to live into our common humanity. Without our building to gather in and serve from, we get to gather and serve in other people’s buildings. We get to gather and serve in other people’s homes. We get to join with our neighbors as they gather and serve us. With prayer and reconciliation, we get to continue in this resurrected life, sharing in our common humanity as a new creation by water and the Word, following in the easy way and light burden of Jesus.
Traditional Sermon
Our Debt of Love
Connecting People to God in Christ
Brad Sullivan Proper 16, Year A August 27, 2017 Emmanuel, Houston Exodus 12:1-14 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 Our Pre-Harvey Lives Are Dead and In the Tomb Last Friday, I was volunteering over at FamilyPoint Resources, a little ways down Memorial from here. Family Point has after school programs for children in this area along with other services for children and families. With school not yet in session last week, FamilyPoint opened up to have some hang out time for the neighborhood kids, and I was there to help with that. I spent a little bit of time on the soccer field, but mostly built LEGOs with a group kids. It’s great getting to see what they come up with and how excited they are to show off their creations. There was the occasional dispute over, ‘that piece is mine,’ but mostly we just built together and admired each others’ creations. Afterwards, I was talking with the executive director, Stephanie Hruzek, about Family Point and the needs of the neighborhood. They need folks to come help with after school, of course, and they’re also assembling teams to help muck out houses. All are welcome to join in those efforts, by the way. One thing that was so heartening and wonderful in Stephanie’s and my conversation was the seeming role reversal of families that Family Point is used to serving, coming out to help serve others, be it through mucking houses, helping at Family Point, or just helping out a neighbor in any way they need. The humanity that she has seen in the wake of Hurricane Harvey has far surpassed the damage done. Fear of the other and fear of the unknown seem to be down right now, and our shared humanity is coming to the fore. Stephanie shared her joy at this recognition of, this living into our shared humanity, and our hope and prayer is that this seeking out and reaching out for the other continues. Reaching out for one another and recognizing our shared humanity feels like pre-Harvey burdens have been lifted off our shoulders, burdens we were not even all that aware of: burdens of fearing others or ignoring others. Amidst these burdens which we often carry, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus’ yoke is his teaching, his way. As much as our religion has at times tried to make Jesus’ way difficult and heavy, the way of Jesus, the teachings of Jesus are easy, and light. The way of Jesus takes other burdens off our shoulders and lightens our loads as we walk this life together. Helping others with our post-Harvey, newfound common humanity has felt lighter than before. This is the way and the teaching of Jesus. Post-Harvey, we’ve been walking in the way of love, and we’ve been less encumbered by the burden of fearing the other, less encumbered by the burden of ignoring the other, less encumbered by the burden of enmity towards the other. Friends and family who have had estrangement growing over differing political and religious beliefs have found that such differences don’t matter in the wake of Harvey. Our petty differences and even our important differences do keep us…different, but they don’t need to divide us. If we need to be divided, God will sort that out later on. In all seriousness, Jesus taught on several occasions that any sorting out of the people, any dividing of humanity that needs to happen will be done by God at the end of the ages. In the mean time, Jesus taught that we are to live with each other, sometimes to put up with each other, but above all to love each other and to live out our common humanity. Paul told the church in Rome to “owe no one anything except to love one another.” The burden of fear keeps us from loving one another, and there are few heavier burdens than fear - except perhaps a desire for vengeance. Before Paul wrote to owe no one anything except to love one another, Paul wrote, “Repay no one evil for evil…never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…” (Romans 12:17-19) Desire for vengeance may seem justified, but it is a heavy burden, and Jesus’ yoke, his teaching, seeks to lighten that burden. “If another member of the church sins against you,” Jesus taught, “go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Ok, so if we’re being honest, going up to the person who has hurt you and going to them with your heart in your hand letting them know that they hurt you is not an easy task. Doing so requires courage and vulnerability. You might just get hurt again. Going to someone and seeking reconciliation, however, is so much easier and lighter than carrying around the burden of hurt forever. The weight of carrying that pain around is hard and heavy, carrying the accompanying fear and mistrust takes are hearts of flesh and turns them into hearts of stone, weighing us down even further. We trust less and less and fear more and more, when we don’t seek reconciliation, and then we end up with our pre-Harvey burdens of fearing the other, ignoring the other, and holding enmity for the other. Seeking reconciliation is a far easier and lighter burden than the burden of carrying fear, mistrust, and enmity. Even if you can’t be reconciled, Jesus taught that you still don’t carry the enmity around. You drop it. You let it go. If you can’ t be reconciled, then let that person be to you as a gentile and a tax collector. On the one hand, you’re considering that person to be outside of your life, apart from you. On the other hand, what grudge would you hold against someone who is not a part of you? Let the grudge go, let the person go, and wipe the slate clean. It would be up to the other person at that point to rebuild the relationship. At the same time, gentiles and tax collectors were a part of Jesus’ and the early church’s mission field, so there is a writing off and a starting over in Jesus’ teaching about when reconciliation doesn’t occur. Death and resurrection. Such is the way of Jesus. Such is his easy yoke and his light burden. Our shared humanity, seeking out the other without fear, forgiving and actively seeking reconciliation: these are ways of Jesus that we absolutely need in our post-Harvey lives, and what we need in our post-Harvey life as Emmanuel. We need each other. We always did, but pre-Harvey, we felt secure enough in other things not to realize our need for each other quite so acutely. Our pre-Harvey lives are dead and in the tomb. Our post-Harvey lives and post-Harvey life as Emmanuel is emerging from the tomb. Post-Harvey, we have been woken from sleep, and we realize just how much we need each other. More than a building, more than programs, we need each other. Emmanuel Episcopal Church & School is a new creation by water and the Word. We need to stay joined together, and we need to discover new ways to join together as well. In our post-Harvey, resurrected life, we need to keep reaching out into our community. We are a church, a people, without a building right now, and this is a challenge for us, and it is also a wonderful opportunity to live into our common humanity. Without our building to gather in and serve from, we get to gather and serve in other people’s buildings. We get to gather and serve in other people’s homes. We get to join with our neighbors as they gather and serve us. With prayer and reconciliation, we get to continue in this resurrected life, sharing in our common humanity as a new creation by water and the Word, following in the easy way and light burden of Jesus.
Our Debt of Love
Pastor Marcus continues with part 2 of his sermon on forgiveness and church discipline.
Forgiving our fellow Christian is not always easy but we are commanded to do it.
Go to them privately and work it out!
Go to them privately and work it out!
Go to them privately and work it out!
The Bible is central to the Christian Faith. Understanding what the Bible is and what it isn't, what it says and what it doesn't say, how to use it and how not to , is one of the most important lessons any of us will ever learn in relation to Christianity. Today's sermon tells us to stop reading it...and start studying it.
Ramsey Creek Baptist Church
The details on discipline.
Welcome to East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church!
Welcome to East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church!
A study through the Gospel of Matthew, with a special subseries on the Sermon on the Mount.
These studies are from our current series, both Wednesday evening and Sunday mornings.
Matthew 18:20 is often misunderstood as a statement that it only takes two people to make a church. However, Jesus' presence is not determined by numbers. Plus, Jesus is speaking about he authority given to the church to address sin among believers.
Dealing with sin in relationships is one of the most painful things we can be involved in. Jesus gives us clear guidelines to follow in bringing forgiveness and resolution to these difficult issues.
Dealing with sin in relationships is one of the most painful things we can be involved in. Jesus gives us clear guidelines to follow in bringing forgiveness and resolution to these difficult issues.