The ELCA Pastor long after we left his church 3 weeks ago is now
trying to use Matt. 18, because we gave our reasons publicly why we left his church. The Pastor and his wife have made several posts and comments on
the Pastor’s Blog, distorting our position and decision and falsely accusing us of slander and "sinfully" Judging him from our blog Posted here on Stand Firm in the Faith
on May 2, 2010.
http://sherrydubois2007.blogspot.com/2010/05/guarding-what-has-been-entrusted-to-us.html Just for the record; we were never members of his church. We were in the process of regular attendance and serving and attended 2 of 3 membership classes, but we were NOT members. When we learned of the 2009 "Bound Conscience" statement on sexuality resolution that was adopted by the ELCA denomination we firmly could not agree with it!, because it does not align with the clear teachings and warnings in the Bible. We exited this church on Sunday May 2, 2010 quitely and respectfully after the service after telling the Pastor that we were going to find another church. He asked if we could talk later, but he never came to us, never called us, only blogged about us publicly. Since that time the Pastor and his wife (SheJaster) has used his blog to publicly shame our decision to leave.
He is now claiming that he has taken us before the church by using his blog. At no time has this Pastor come to us as instructed in Matt. 18. But now because he has gotten word that we attended another church in town, so he is attempting to convince everyone that we should be banished from our Community . He is now reaching beyond his own church to legalistically impose strict judgment against us in an evil manner. Check it out !
We are blocked from being able to comment on the Pastor’s post on his Blog. We are quoting him from Tues. May 18, 2010 “Communicate in a Biblical Way!
Pastormartyn.blogspot.com
Titled: Communicate in a Biblical Way!
“You know what I don't understand about people who call themselves biblical Christians? I don't like the way they judge others and I don't like the way people do not follow Matthew 18 which says:
Matthew 18:15-20
15 ‘If another member of the church* sins against you,* go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.* 16 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. 17 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. 18 Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. 19 Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’
Sometimes, many times, pastors come across so called biblical Christians who don't abide by this basic instruction of Christ. If you are upset with something somebody did to you or if it's something you "think" another person did to you and you don't go to that person, how can it be resolved? This un-biblical process of not communicating face to face just causes dissent, disorder, hurt feelings, factions, division, everything that is antithetical to what being a Christian is all about, and contrary to what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 18.
Christ's instructions couldn't be clearer. When a brother or sister in Christ sins against you, go to them and talk to them about it. If they won't listen, bring a witness with you. If they still won't listen tell it to the church. If they won't listen to the church then let them no longer be a part of your community. It's clear. It's succinct. It's important. They are the instructions of the One whom we serve.
If you are in this kind of situation, please please please follow Christ's instructions and communicate. Usually the "sin" against you or the other is just a simple mis-communication. Rise above your own pride and fear and truly know what it means to be a "biblical Christian" who is centered on Christ Jesus and His message of Grace, Mercy and Love. And remember the words of our Lord, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."
Posted by Joel Martyn at 10:48 AM
(Bolding added for emphasis)
