Tag: The Church

Devotionals

Mode of Church Discipline               

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 18:15-20 NIV – Dealing With Sin in the Church – “If – Bible Gateway

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We church people get squeamish on the subject of church discipline and perhaps we should. It is a very delicate but necessary function of the church. Care and accountability are never more important than in church discipline. It is essential to the life of the church. Jesus knew that His church would face brothers and sisters in Christ and church elders sinning against each other. He gave us a simple three step method on how to handle it in Mathew’s gospel.

Jesus says first of all, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” (Mt.18:15 niv) Jesus says to approach them, one on one, in the love of God to show them their sin and the need for repentance. Restoration of the sinning believer with God and you is the goal. We are not loving God or our church family if we are blinded or ignorant of sin around us. As a church family we are to be accountable to one another.

Jesus’s instruction for step two is as follows, “But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” (Mt.18:16 niv) Again no broadcasting to others but select one or two other believers to confirm the charge and encourage repentance. Paul gave this same instruction to Timothy concerning elders in the church. “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” (1Tim.5:19 niv) This is a very important step for everyone, but extremely important for those who serve as elders.

 Jesus then gives us step three in Matthew’s gospel, “If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Mt.18:17 niv) Our Lord is very concerned about His church. Believers are to be separate from the world and any sin found in the church, especially among the leadership and not dealt with will tarnish the credibility of the gospel message, Paul also gives Timothy Jesus’ third step by saying, “ But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” (1Tim.5:20 niv)

Church discipline is extremely difficult to deal with but must be dealt with to avoid putting shame on the name of Christ. The main point of church discipline is the restoration of the believer. It is a loving service of the church that pleases God when sin is removed and a family member restored.

Devotionals

Family Obligations within the Church

Loring Schultz

“If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.” 1 Timothy 5:16 NLT

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You have heard it said, ‘the church is a family’ and that it is. We have families within the church so we have families within a family, sounds confusing. Then  there are some people who view the church as their only family and that is true as well. When it comes to helping those in need within the church family where does the responsibility lie. It lies with every true child of God to see to it that proper care is being administered through the guidance found in scripture.

In last week’s devotional entitled ‘True Faith’ we noted Paul saying that ‘those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.’ (1 Tim.5:8 nlt) All Christians are responsible to care for their family, especially their immediate family. The church as a family has an obligation to care for its family members but not quite in the same way. Paul gives us an example of this concerning widows in the church. He addresses women in the church who have relatives who are widows to care for them. This could also be said of men in the church. Widows who have families able to provide for them should be under their care. The church then is able to better provide for those widows whose only family is the church.

When the church as a family follows the teaching of scripture in all areas of life, we can better serve our individual families and our church family. The church as a family will be able to also care for needs of those in the community in which we live. This is something our Lord wants us to do. “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Mt.25:37-40 nlt)

Devotionals

Scarce Faith         

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV – Some Will Depart from the Faith – Now – Bible Gateway

“……. when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8 ESV

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At the end of the parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge (Lk.18:1-8) Jesus says, “I tell you; he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Lk.18:8 esv) Jesus is fast forwarding to His second coming and is indicating that a spiritual decline will be in progress. The time will be a time of persistent prayer for true believers similar to the woman in the parable.. This will be a time of mass spiritual decline. True faith will be scarce. False teaches will be leading people away from the gospel, and persecutions will be on the rise.

The apostle Paul informs Timothy of the same thing in his letter of instruction of 1 Timothy. “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” (1Tim.4:1 esv) As the days get closer to Christ’s return, Satan and his demons know they are running out of time. The day of everlasting torment is getting closer for them. Their only purpose is to lie, deceive, and destroy.

The world has been observing these devilish effects for some time now. There has been a great exodus of people from the church in recent years. Many churches have abandoned their gospel roots of salvation to include unbiblical methods of salvation to get along with the changing culture. It’s not hard to see who is behind this apostasy. The evil one is doing all he can to keep people in need of salvation from hearing the true gospel. Be aware Satan is also in the business of deceiving Christians with false doctrine to keep us from growing in Christ and from evangelizing the truth.

May we be alert to the deception around us, not getting caught up in it, and be in a steadfast position to continue to share the gospel in these ‘scarce faith’ times.

Devotionals

Guard your personal relationships

Loring Schultz

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” Matthew 5:22 NASB

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How we treat one another in the body of Christ is important. Anger is an issue that if not under control will lead to unfortunate circumstances between us and our brothers and sisters in the Lord. It is not only the result of unchecked anger that is the harm, but the seriousness the Lord God puts on it as explained by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus equates the anger in the heart as the same hate in the heart which leads to murder and is liable to the court. “You have heard that the ancients were told ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’” (Mt.5:21 nasb) The verbal abuse of calling a brother or sister an idiot or ‘you good-for-nothing’ stems from the same internal attitude of sinful motives which Jesus says will find you guilty before the supreme court. Jesus is serious about uncontrolled anger in our lives because it is a serious issue.

Our personal relationships other Christians are obviously hurt through this display of anger and reckless speech. Jesus addresses a remedy for reconciliation by saying, “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering.” (Mt.5:23-24 nasb) In other words, before you engage in worship with other believers make things right with those you have harmed. The Lord wants us to guard our relationships with those of like faith in the kingdom of God, it’s serious business.

Devotionals

Who are our neighbors? 

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 10:25-37 NLT – The Most Important Commandment – One – Bible Gateway

“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” Luke 10:29 NLT

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We have come accustomed to the word ‘neighbor’ meaning someone who resides fairly close to us. A neighborhood is a vicinity of family homes on the same street or development where people live. Some of us know our neighbors by name, usually those next to us or across the street. Some may even know most of the people on their block and are close friends with them. But then there are others who don’t know anything about the people who live right next door to them. There may not be that many, but enough to know we’ve become somewhat anti-social in the world in which we live. For the Christian, this ought not to be. Jesus explains who our neighbors are in the gospel of Luke. If we’re having trouble recognizing the people closest to us, what Jesus has to say about who are our neighbors are may shock you, but I trust it won’t.

One day Jesus answered a lawyer, an expert in Jewish law, who asked Him, ‘and who is my neighbor?’ after Jesus told him to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ The lawyer wanted to justify himself with what he thought was the real question, who exactly then is my neighbor? Jesus told him the story of the good Samaritan who helped a Jewish man attacked and robbed by bandits and being left for dead. This beaten man was passed over by both a priest and a lay associate from the religious community offering no help. But a Samaritan comes along, a hated race among the Jews and vice-versa, he stops and helps this Jewish man. Jesus then asks the lawyer, ‘“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?’ The man replied, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Then Jesus said, ‘Yes, now go and do the same.’” (Lk.10:36-37 nlt)

Our neighbors are clearly all those who need our help, not necessarily only those in our neighborhood. They are those we may have nothing in common with, not even the same language. Christians and the local church have the responsibility to help care for the needs of their community and those we come in contact with who need our help. First and foremost, in the presentation of the gospel message by being the light of Christ in a dark world. Then to be true neighbors in helping those in need in the name of Christ, bandaging their wounds and caring for them until such a time they are restored and are themselves able to help others. May we know who our neighbors are and be good neighbors.

Devotionals

The First Deacons

Loring Schultz

Read: Acts 6:1-6 NLT – Seven Men Chosen to Serve – But as the – Bible Gateway

“We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.” Acts 6:2-3 NLT

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Formal church structure in most denominations and independent churches have an office entitled ‘deacon’ within the church organization. The word ‘deacon’ is first used in Scripture in Philippians 1:1 by the apostle Paul, and then again by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 as he lays out the qualifications for deacons. You won’t find the word again in Scripture, but enough is said as to who is to fulfill that office, those who fill the qualifications.

You may ask, what is a deacon? A simple answer is ‘one who serves.’ Within the church, a deacon is one who assists the pastor and elders in various tasks of church ministry. They are ones who serve. Although the work of a deacon is not expanded on in Paul’s writings, Luke gives us a perfect example of the role of a deacon. We find the story in Acts chapter 6 where the church was rapidly expanding and problems were starting to develop. There was a complaint by the Greek speaking believers about the Hebrew speaking believers in the distribution of food to their widows. Clearly this was an important function and responsibility of the church, but not as in the preaching and teaching of the Word. Regardless, this work needed to be done, done properly and in order. And for that to happen you need people who fit the criteria for being a deacon.

The church body has many parts to it. Deacons are an important part of the church, and more are needed to carry on the work God has called us to do. It is important to note, the qualifications for deacons and elders are almost identical. One who desires to serve in this role should be very conscious of this. The Lord may be calling you to serve as a deacon, so, take note of the qualifications of the first deacons and follow their lead.

A Christian Perspective

The Church is Open

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 NLT – The Final Judgment – “But when the – Bible Gateway

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

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The United States just ended the longest government shutdown in its history. There has been a lot of criticism going back and forth as to who is responsible for it. Each side digs in their heels and waits for the opposition to fold which did happen finally opening the government. Most of the services that were shut down only had a slight impact on people with some exceptions. What turned the tide in this shutdown, not counting the elections being over, were two major concerns: air traffic safety and the SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) being paused until after the shutdown. There is not much any of us can do about air traffic safety, but we can all do something about the food supply.

I have often said, ‘if the church does its job, there is no need for government assistance.’ The church is always open, it never closes. What I had found to be the bigger the story was not where 42 million SNAP recipients would get assistance, but why does the richest nation in the world have 42 million people on a food assistance program in the first place. The church can help lower that number and even eliminate it in the future. News reports over the past few weeks have noted the number of churches and faith-based organizations that have stepped up in helping those in need of food assistance. It happens every time. God’s people respond in a time of crisis.

But we should be in a constant mode of stepping up and helping those in need, the very ones Jesus calls ‘the least of these my brothers and sisters.’ We as Christ’s church, individuals, local churches, denominational churches, and the universal church all have the responsibility to care for all those who need assistance of any kind. The government can help supplement it, but it’s not their job. It’s the churches job and responsibility, and we’re always open, not like the government.

Devotionals

God’s Orderly Design     

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 2:9-15 NLT – And I want women to be modest in their – Bible Gateway

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NLT

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Having established proper order and maintaining it in any area of life here on earth prevents confusion and even chaos.

Our God is a God of perfect order. When the world starts to change up what God has designed there is mass confusion. Our world does not function as it should because it is out of order of God’s original design. God has a specific design for men and women and the roles of each in our world today. We can see the chaos that has developed over recent years when God’s creation order is ignored. But more on that at a future date. Today, our concentration is on God’s design for men’s and women’s roles in the Christian church.

First of all, men and women are equal in the body of Christ. Paul, the apostle affirms this in the book of Galatians. (Gal.3:28) However, men and women have different roles in the church when it comes to the corporate worship service. God has designed men to be responsible for leading the church in worship. This results in a lot of push back in 2025. But God commanded it. Women are in no way inferior to men in spiritual matters. Both men and women learn equally from the preaching of the Word. It is by God’s orderly design.

Adhering to the truth of Scripture is vital for the Christian church in all its functions, activities, and mode of worship. God’s Word has not changed over time to meet the demands of a changing culture. Accepting any changes opens up the whole Bible to question what is for today and what is not. But more importantly, the way of salvation becomes subject to change. There is only one way of salvation (Jn.14:6) and it is in God’s unchanging Word along with His design for worship.

Devotionals

Accountability in Public Prayer

Loring Schultz

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” 1 Timothy 2:8 NLT

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Think back to the last Sunday morning worship service you have attended. What was the most important part of the service for you? Was it the singing or the reading of Scripture? Perhaps the time of confession is the most beneficial for you, but is it most important? Maybe you prefer to fast forward right to the sermon, for that is where you get fed and receive strength for the upcoming week. All of these on their own are very important but it is also how they collectively form the corporate worship service together that is important. But there is one part I haven’t mentioned yet, and it’s the glue that keeps it all together in working order and makes it happen It’s prayer.

The apostle Paul instructing Timothy in the proper order of the worship service said, “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God.” (1Tim.2:8 nlt) The men who pray have an enormous responsibility and are accountable as they lead the congregation in prayer before almighty God. Paul says they are ‘to pray with holy hands lifted up to God.’ Paul is not concerned about posture here, ‘holy hands’ represents one’s life being free from every form of evil. The men who pray must approach God in a pure and holy manner. We note also Paul says men are to pray.

 If one’s life is to be free from every form of evil it should be free from anger and controversy, which Paul notes at the end of our key verse. The man of God (who is not perfect) is to be right with God with sin confessed and living righteously when leading God’s people in public prayer as part of the worship service. For this he is accountable.

Devotionals

Prayer Walk

Loring Schultz

“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38 ESV

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Living in the United States there are plenty of opportunities to participate in various walks for a worthy cause. Organized by volunteers, these walks take on the spirit and passion each walker brings with them. Grass roots movements, as they are called, inspire others with the same passion and desire to help the cause. Sponsored events, although much larger, fail to display the true passion of any movement as they are concerned only with numbers. People dedicated to their righteous cause will have success because what drives them is an unselfish attitude to help others.

This week my church started a weekly ‘Prayer Walk.’ Those with the desire and passion for our neighbors will gather each week to walk and pray together. A simple walk through the streets of the neighborhood consisting of residential properties, a nearby elementary school, a major university, and a few commercial buildings. The desire and compassion for each individual throughout the neighborhood is for their well-being and safety, but most of all for them to come to know the Lord Jesus as their savior. This is beginning as a small grass roots movement with a very big job to do. Jesus told His disciples,  “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Mt.9:37-38 esv)

No matter where you live, there is opportunity for you to start your own prayer walk for your neighborhood. You can start with yourself as you do your daily walks, adding a close friend or two with the same passion. Small groups within your church can be a source to expand walks in different communities in your area. Small grass roots movement start small, but don’t stay small for very long as the passion swells, especially for the lost. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful so let’s get to work. We can start with a prayer walk.