FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

see if it can be resolved. Most things can be resolved at these stages, but in those cases where issues are not resolved, then the matter should be taken to the entire Church body so everyone is aware. I have been told of situations where fraud was brought upon Church members by another member, and when this was known it was taken to the accused party, who refused to repent and simply went to another Church. The Church members at the first Church were warned by the leadership so no one would be ignorant of the scheme. The pastor of the second Church where the guilty individual went was likewise warned so he would be aware. His response was that they did not want to judge anyone. After a few months he found that many innocent folks in his congregation had been defrauded just as a few had been in the first congregation. This could have been avoided simply by following Jesus’ teaching and using sound judgment. There is a reason that there is a stricter judgment for those in leadership (James 3:1) because they have a responsibility to God to watch over our souls, and when they do not execute this duty faithfully and righteously, the consequences can be devastating. Hebrews 13:17 “ Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. ” When it comes to dealing with issues that are not of a personal nature, or involving leadership issues, then there is a different order, with the issue being brought before multiple witnesses in the initial declaration of a problem. 1 Timothy 5:19 “ Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. ” There is a reason why when an issue involves leadership that it should initially be brought before witnesses. This is to protect the flock from the possibility of a cover-up of sin by a guilty leader, and also to protect an innocent leader from unnecessary or harassing accusations. There is a high standard for those in leadership and with more authority comes more responsibility and a stricter judgment. James 3:1 “ My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment .”

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