Grace and peace to you today,
Delving into 1 Corinthians 9, we find a discourse on the means and the motivation of ministry. The memory passage is
1 Corinthians 9:14, 22-23, 26-27 (ESV)
In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
The outline theme is Correct Means and Motivation for the Gospel.
At the beginning of the chapter, Paul gives as concise but thorough apologetic for his own apostolic authority. The two main reasons he gives are seeing Jesus and having the fruit of his work, the Corinthian church, as a seal. They are the direct result of his ministry as an apostle.
Beginning in verse 4 he 'reclaims' his own personal rights and freedoms and sets up the argument for supporting those who work for the Gospel. In verse 7 he uses a soldier, a vineyard worker, and a shepherd as examples of workers who directly benefit from their work. His quotation from Deuteronomy 25:4 is applied here to people who are working in the harvest field. And again he uses examples; the plowman and the thresher. Each of these three (ox, plowman, and thresher) directly benefit from the work they do.
Verse 11 brings the point home; 'if we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?'. And while verse 12 foreshadows Paul's later stance of giving up his rights, vv 13-14 conclude this first thought. He uses an example of those who work in a temple, which the Corinthians would have been very aware of (albeit pagan temples). These workers share in the offerings given at the temple. 'In the same way' (verse 14), 'the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel'.
'But', (with Paul, a 'but' or a 'therefore' are worth noting), 'I have made no use of these rights'. Even though he, and others, have the right to be supported by the church, Paul adamantly gives up these rights. His personal conviction was to support himself and not give anyone an excuse not to take his ministry seriously. He must be obedient to preach the Gospel no matter what, and although his boast is in the Lord (1:31) he wishes to retain his standing among men that he work hard not to be a burden to the church.
Verses 19-27 speak to Paul's motivation; the Gospel at any cost. Although he is free in Christ, he gives up this freedom for the sake of winning lost souls. All of his examples are summed up in the end of verse 22; 'I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some'.
Why?
'I do it all for the sake of the Gospel'. He does seek a 'perishable wreath', he does not run aimlessly without direction, he does not train alone as one boxing the air, and he disciplines his body so that 'after preaching to others' he would not be disqualified himself. This word translated 'disqualified' also means 'unapproved'; being out of God's favor or in His discipline. Being 'sidelined' in the race will affect your running and the finish. His desire is to run hard, run straight, and never stop until he his 'crown of life' (James 1:12).
How does this affect my worship?
Psalm 4:5 calls us to 'offer right sacrifices'. The idea of being 'disqualified' or 'unapproved' in worship seems to be the idea of offering worship that is not pleasing or acceptable in His sight. Romans 12:1 commands that the worship of our selves must be 'holy and pleasing'. The prayer of Psalm 19:14 is that our words and meditations be 'acceptable' in His sight. If our walk (or run) with the Lord is filled with disqualifying behavior, we injure our witness and our walk. Paul's emphasis discipline in our bodies is so that our relationship with God remains pure, our evangelism will not be tainted, and our worship can continue to be acceptable to Him.
How does this affect my discipleship?
If one needs a (another) battle cry for discipleship, verse 23 provides it; 'I do it all for the sake of the Gospel'. I sacrifice my rights and freedoms. I train and discipline myself for the long haul. I keep my focus on the treasure in heaven, not on earth. And do all I can, 'by all means' to fulfill God's great commission. And 'woe to me' if I do not.
May you do all, today, for the sake of the Gospel,
Ethan
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
1 Corinthians 8
Grace to you, and peace in our Lord,
The next chapter in 1 Cor deals with a specific issue in the Corinthian church, but we will find many applications for our own lives.
The memory passage is:
1 Corinthians 8:1,8,12 (ESV)
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.
Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
The outline theme is Correct Liberty in Christ.
This theme is similar in title to Romans 14 (Righteous Liberty in Christ). 1 Cor 8 and Rom 14 deal with similar topics and come to very similar conclusions. Each has its own slant, but the main idea is the same, as we will see.
Verses 1-3 deal with the Cor church's perception of knowledge. In the context of the issue of food offered to idols, Paul agrees that 'all of us posses knowledge'. But knowledge alone builds up one's ego; contrasted with love which invests in true growth for one's self and for others. He continues by saying "if you think you really have it figured out, you don't. Your knowledge is woefully incomplete. But if you love God, then you will be known by God." This last phrase seems backwards at first glance; shouldn't it read 'if you love God you will know God'? But that's not what it says. Being known by God is infinitely more important than knowing anything else.
He follows in vv4-7 with an affirmation of basic doctrine; there is one true God. Because an idol has no real existence, the food offered to one is inconsequential to Christ-followers. People make up all kinds of 'gods' and 'lords'. But THE God is Creator and object of our praise, and THE Lord is our Sustainer and loving Master.
Even though we know this to be true, there are still those who have 'weak consciences' and are affected by that former association.
Firstly, what about us? Verse 8 summarizes our approach; Food is food; we are no worse or better off for eating it.
Secondly, what about the weak of conscience? Paul devotes the rest of this chapter to them. If someone who has an issues with certain foods sees us eating it, will they not be encouraged to eat, too? This could bring back issues from former idolatry or plunge them back into a lifestyle they associate with that idolatry. Verse 11 pulls no punches, "by your knowledge this weak brother in Christ is destroyed". The actions of the 'free' can directly affect the actions of the 'weak'. If we sin against them by harming their conscience, we sin against Christ Himself.
Therefore (Paul concludes), don't make food an issue. It's better us to abstain from food (meat in this case) completely rather than cause harm to a brother.
How does this affect my worship?
I love that affirmation of doctrine in verse 6; yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. What a beautiful and poetic description of God. The Father is the Creator and the One for whom we live. Jesus Christ is our Sustainer and the means by which we live. This echoes the end of Romans 11; for from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. While the simplest prayer and worship, if offered in spirit and truth, can be a sweet smelling offering to God, the more He reveals to us who He is the more fully we can worship His fullness. Psalm 7:17 says 'I will give to the Lord the praise due His righteousness'. May we daily seek to know more of Him and His righteousness.
How does this affect my discipleship?
This whole issue comes to bear when dealing with non or new believers. People have all sorts of baggage that they bring to the table. As a disciple-maker, it is essential that I am aware of any 'food issues' (alcohol, fatty foods, locations, associations) that might hinder growth or damage a conscience. And if a situation ever does come up, I need to be the one to concede my 'freedom' for the sake of the weaker brother. They may mature and grow out of their baggage, but it's not for me to yank them out. In the Lord's time.
May we walk this week in the hand of our Creator by the strength of our Sustainer,
Ethan
The next chapter in 1 Cor deals with a specific issue in the Corinthian church, but we will find many applications for our own lives.
The memory passage is:
1 Corinthians 8:1,8,12 (ESV)
Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.
Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.
Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.
The outline theme is Correct Liberty in Christ.
This theme is similar in title to Romans 14 (Righteous Liberty in Christ). 1 Cor 8 and Rom 14 deal with similar topics and come to very similar conclusions. Each has its own slant, but the main idea is the same, as we will see.
Verses 1-3 deal with the Cor church's perception of knowledge. In the context of the issue of food offered to idols, Paul agrees that 'all of us posses knowledge'. But knowledge alone builds up one's ego; contrasted with love which invests in true growth for one's self and for others. He continues by saying "if you think you really have it figured out, you don't. Your knowledge is woefully incomplete. But if you love God, then you will be known by God." This last phrase seems backwards at first glance; shouldn't it read 'if you love God you will know God'? But that's not what it says. Being known by God is infinitely more important than knowing anything else.
He follows in vv4-7 with an affirmation of basic doctrine; there is one true God. Because an idol has no real existence, the food offered to one is inconsequential to Christ-followers. People make up all kinds of 'gods' and 'lords'. But THE God is Creator and object of our praise, and THE Lord is our Sustainer and loving Master.
Even though we know this to be true, there are still those who have 'weak consciences' and are affected by that former association.
Firstly, what about us? Verse 8 summarizes our approach; Food is food; we are no worse or better off for eating it.
Secondly, what about the weak of conscience? Paul devotes the rest of this chapter to them. If someone who has an issues with certain foods sees us eating it, will they not be encouraged to eat, too? This could bring back issues from former idolatry or plunge them back into a lifestyle they associate with that idolatry. Verse 11 pulls no punches, "by your knowledge this weak brother in Christ is destroyed". The actions of the 'free' can directly affect the actions of the 'weak'. If we sin against them by harming their conscience, we sin against Christ Himself.
Therefore (Paul concludes), don't make food an issue. It's better us to abstain from food (meat in this case) completely rather than cause harm to a brother.
How does this affect my worship?
I love that affirmation of doctrine in verse 6; yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. What a beautiful and poetic description of God. The Father is the Creator and the One for whom we live. Jesus Christ is our Sustainer and the means by which we live. This echoes the end of Romans 11; for from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. While the simplest prayer and worship, if offered in spirit and truth, can be a sweet smelling offering to God, the more He reveals to us who He is the more fully we can worship His fullness. Psalm 7:17 says 'I will give to the Lord the praise due His righteousness'. May we daily seek to know more of Him and His righteousness.
How does this affect my discipleship?
This whole issue comes to bear when dealing with non or new believers. People have all sorts of baggage that they bring to the table. As a disciple-maker, it is essential that I am aware of any 'food issues' (alcohol, fatty foods, locations, associations) that might hinder growth or damage a conscience. And if a situation ever does come up, I need to be the one to concede my 'freedom' for the sake of the weaker brother. They may mature and grow out of their baggage, but it's not for me to yank them out. In the Lord's time.
May we walk this week in the hand of our Creator by the strength of our Sustainer,
Ethan
Thursday, October 12, 2006
1 Corinthians 7
Grace to you, and peace,
Today we continue in our Chapter Memory Study of 1 Corinthians with chapter 7.
The memory passage for this chapter are;
1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 10-11, 32-33 (ESV)
1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,
The outline theme for chapter 7 is Correct Marriage Relationships
The first 9 verses deal with the physical relationship of a man and woman. Paul teaches that abstinence is good, but because of the temptation to sexual immorality it is good for people to be married to have the correct context for sexual contact.
Spouses are not to withhold sexual relations from each other except for a time of prayer, and only for a limited time so that they do not open the door for temptation.
Again, in verses 6-9 he says that it is good to be single, but better to be married than full aflame with passion.
Next, Paul spends considerable time (10-24) on the marriage relationship. Neither believing spouse should seek a divorce; whether married to a believer or a non-believer. The benefits to a non-believing spouse who has a believing spouse is great. They are blessed by having someone who loves Christ, prays for the spouse and the family, and who loves the family the way the Christ does. Children also are blessed when there is at least one believing parent. If the unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage, there is no restrictions on the believing spouse to remarry if they choose (although Paul encourages 'each one to remain with God in whatever condition they are; 17, 20, 24, 26)
Verse 25 through verse 38 deal with the status of the unmarried, engaged, or virgin children. Paul starts by saying, again, that it is good to remain as you are for a time; married or unmarried. When persecution comes to us who believe, we must respond with full-hearted devotion to God. Those who are married can be divided in their devotion. When Paul says to 'live as though' you are unmarried it is not license to do whatever you wish and forsake your marital responsibility. Rather, keep your mind and your heart focused fully on pleasing God. We are to be anxious only about the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.
Verses 36-38 have caused some confusion as to who the 'anyone' is. Many believe that the 'anyone' is the father of a virgin daughter, while others believe that the 'anyone' is a bridegroom. The principles are still very clear; if you can't keep your desires under control and disciplined, marry, for it is no sin. But those who can abstain are better off.
The last two verses deal with widow-hood. Widows are free to remarry, to a believer, if they wish. But Paul still offers that they might be happier not remarrying.
How does this affect my worship?
The principle that Paul states 4 times in this chapter rings true for me in my worship. No matter in what condition I am, my heart must remain steadfastly devoted to the Lord. Whether married or single, rich or poor, sick or well, persecuted or blessed; my heart's desire should be the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I'm guessing that marriage issues will come up once or twice along my journey of discipleship. These principles give very clear guidance to people at any stage of the marriage relationship (or non-relationship if they remain single). Along with the goal of this study, to hide God's Word in my heart, is the goal of studying and remembering principles like these for when questions come up about this very topic. Discipleship may not always be neat and tidy; there may be times of digging through dirt and mud with someone in order to set them on the path of righteousness. I must be prepared.
May you remain, today, in the place God has called you,
Ethan
Today we continue in our Chapter Memory Study of 1 Corinthians with chapter 7.
The memory passage for this chapter are;
1 Corinthians 7:1-2, 10-11, 32-33 (ESV)
1 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.
10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife,
The outline theme for chapter 7 is Correct Marriage Relationships
The first 9 verses deal with the physical relationship of a man and woman. Paul teaches that abstinence is good, but because of the temptation to sexual immorality it is good for people to be married to have the correct context for sexual contact.
Spouses are not to withhold sexual relations from each other except for a time of prayer, and only for a limited time so that they do not open the door for temptation.
Again, in verses 6-9 he says that it is good to be single, but better to be married than full aflame with passion.
Next, Paul spends considerable time (10-24) on the marriage relationship. Neither believing spouse should seek a divorce; whether married to a believer or a non-believer. The benefits to a non-believing spouse who has a believing spouse is great. They are blessed by having someone who loves Christ, prays for the spouse and the family, and who loves the family the way the Christ does. Children also are blessed when there is at least one believing parent. If the unbelieving spouse leaves the marriage, there is no restrictions on the believing spouse to remarry if they choose (although Paul encourages 'each one to remain with God in whatever condition they are; 17, 20, 24, 26)
Verse 25 through verse 38 deal with the status of the unmarried, engaged, or virgin children. Paul starts by saying, again, that it is good to remain as you are for a time; married or unmarried. When persecution comes to us who believe, we must respond with full-hearted devotion to God. Those who are married can be divided in their devotion. When Paul says to 'live as though' you are unmarried it is not license to do whatever you wish and forsake your marital responsibility. Rather, keep your mind and your heart focused fully on pleasing God. We are to be anxious only about the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.
Verses 36-38 have caused some confusion as to who the 'anyone' is. Many believe that the 'anyone' is the father of a virgin daughter, while others believe that the 'anyone' is a bridegroom. The principles are still very clear; if you can't keep your desires under control and disciplined, marry, for it is no sin. But those who can abstain are better off.
The last two verses deal with widow-hood. Widows are free to remarry, to a believer, if they wish. But Paul still offers that they might be happier not remarrying.
How does this affect my worship?
The principle that Paul states 4 times in this chapter rings true for me in my worship. No matter in what condition I am, my heart must remain steadfastly devoted to the Lord. Whether married or single, rich or poor, sick or well, persecuted or blessed; my heart's desire should be the things of the Lord and how to please the Lord.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I'm guessing that marriage issues will come up once or twice along my journey of discipleship. These principles give very clear guidance to people at any stage of the marriage relationship (or non-relationship if they remain single). Along with the goal of this study, to hide God's Word in my heart, is the goal of studying and remembering principles like these for when questions come up about this very topic. Discipleship may not always be neat and tidy; there may be times of digging through dirt and mud with someone in order to set them on the path of righteousness. I must be prepared.
May you remain, today, in the place God has called you,
Ethan
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
1 Corinthians 6
Grace to you, and peace in our Lord,
1 Corinthians 6 deals with two particular issues; how believers should resolve conflict and how believers should remain pure. The memory passage for chapter 6 is;
1 Corinthians 6:1, 9-10, 18-20 (ESV)
1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
The outline theme is Correct Conflict Resolution and Purity.
The first main theme of 1 Cor 6 is the correct way to handle grievances between believers. Paul lays out a string of questions to challenge the approach that the Cor church was employing. It appears that believers were taking their matters of grievance to the secular courts instead of before the leaders of the church. Paul's challenge is based on the fact that the secular courts have no standing in the church, and that believers are better qualified to give guidance on issues between other believers. "...is no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between brothers..." is an indictment against the church's immaturity related to conflict resolution. Paul writes that if it escalates to the point of requiring the secular court to step in, both sides have already lost.
Paul is not condemning the secular courts altogether (Rom 13), but reminding the church of the correct roles it has to play in the conflict resolution of believers.
This section ends with a contrast of the unrighteous and the righteous. This 'list of sins' is followed by a powerful statement reinforcing the standing of the believer before God as one washed, sanctified and justified.
The second main theme in 1 Cor 6 is the purity of the believer. More specifically the sexual purity of the believer. Paul sharply contradicts the idea that our liberty in Christ and freedom from the eternal punishment of sin somehow condones sexually immoral behavior. "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (13b). And because our bodies are 'members of Christ' we should never 'become one flesh' with a prostitute, or any other sexual partner outside of marriage. (15) This is directly contradictory to the institution and relationship God created for men and women. We become one with Christ in Spirit, and become one with a mate in flesh.
Vv 18-20 speak more to our status as believers. We have the Holy Spirit living in us, and are thus His temple. Sexual sins are sins against our own body, which is not even our own anymore since we were bought with the blood of Christ. What do we do? Flee from sexual immorality and glorify God in our bodies.
How does this affect my Worship?
As a worshiper of God, my goal is to give Him all glory and honor and praise. This can not be with just my words or my thoughts; it must be with my body and my actions. James seems to have a few things to say about a faith that does not show fruit. It's the same with worship that does not show fruit. If the 'fruit of my lips' is small, hollow, rotten, or diseased, how can I offer it to God as a sacrifice. A sacrifice must cost something. Costless worship is not our calling as spirit-and-truth worshipers. I am not my own, I was bought with a price, I must glorify God with all that I am.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I have been recently challenged with situations concerning grievances between brothers; and let me say that I don't think I handled them well. If there are two believers who have submitted to Christ in their lives and to the body of Christ in the local church then their disputes, if there would be any, should be addressed by the body of Christ in the local church. If there are Elders or spiritual leaders who have standing in the church, they should be the ones who address these grievances. In a properly functioning body that is committed to intentional disciplemaking and is seeking the unity of the body, 'family matters' should be dealt with in the family. This is a loose association with discipleship in some ways, but a direct result of my own discipleship journey as I encounter situations like this.
May you walk not as your own, but as His,
Ethan
1 Corinthians 6 deals with two particular issues; how believers should resolve conflict and how believers should remain pure. The memory passage for chapter 6 is;
1 Corinthians 6:1, 9-10, 18-20 (ESV)
1 When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints?
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
The outline theme is Correct Conflict Resolution and Purity.
The first main theme of 1 Cor 6 is the correct way to handle grievances between believers. Paul lays out a string of questions to challenge the approach that the Cor church was employing. It appears that believers were taking their matters of grievance to the secular courts instead of before the leaders of the church. Paul's challenge is based on the fact that the secular courts have no standing in the church, and that believers are better qualified to give guidance on issues between other believers. "...is no one among you wise enough to settle disputes between brothers..." is an indictment against the church's immaturity related to conflict resolution. Paul writes that if it escalates to the point of requiring the secular court to step in, both sides have already lost.
Paul is not condemning the secular courts altogether (Rom 13), but reminding the church of the correct roles it has to play in the conflict resolution of believers.
This section ends with a contrast of the unrighteous and the righteous. This 'list of sins' is followed by a powerful statement reinforcing the standing of the believer before God as one washed, sanctified and justified.
The second main theme in 1 Cor 6 is the purity of the believer. More specifically the sexual purity of the believer. Paul sharply contradicts the idea that our liberty in Christ and freedom from the eternal punishment of sin somehow condones sexually immoral behavior. "The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body" (13b). And because our bodies are 'members of Christ' we should never 'become one flesh' with a prostitute, or any other sexual partner outside of marriage. (15) This is directly contradictory to the institution and relationship God created for men and women. We become one with Christ in Spirit, and become one with a mate in flesh.
Vv 18-20 speak more to our status as believers. We have the Holy Spirit living in us, and are thus His temple. Sexual sins are sins against our own body, which is not even our own anymore since we were bought with the blood of Christ. What do we do? Flee from sexual immorality and glorify God in our bodies.
How does this affect my Worship?
As a worshiper of God, my goal is to give Him all glory and honor and praise. This can not be with just my words or my thoughts; it must be with my body and my actions. James seems to have a few things to say about a faith that does not show fruit. It's the same with worship that does not show fruit. If the 'fruit of my lips' is small, hollow, rotten, or diseased, how can I offer it to God as a sacrifice. A sacrifice must cost something. Costless worship is not our calling as spirit-and-truth worshipers. I am not my own, I was bought with a price, I must glorify God with all that I am.
How does this affect my discipleship?
I have been recently challenged with situations concerning grievances between brothers; and let me say that I don't think I handled them well. If there are two believers who have submitted to Christ in their lives and to the body of Christ in the local church then their disputes, if there would be any, should be addressed by the body of Christ in the local church. If there are Elders or spiritual leaders who have standing in the church, they should be the ones who address these grievances. In a properly functioning body that is committed to intentional disciplemaking and is seeking the unity of the body, 'family matters' should be dealt with in the family. This is a loose association with discipleship in some ways, but a direct result of my own discipleship journey as I encounter situations like this.
May you walk not as your own, but as His,
Ethan
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