Topics: Adultery; Body of Christ; Church Discipline; Church Membership; Repentance; Restoration; Testimony
References: Matthew 18:15–20; Luke 17:1–4; 1 Corinthians 5:1–7; Galatians 6:1; Philippians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15; Titus 3:10
A few years ago, we had to discipline a man by removing him from membership for repeated and unrepentant adultery. We followed the guidelines of Matthew 18.
His response was, “I know what you have to do, so do what you must, because I don’t care! I plan to never darken the doors of this church again anyway. So why should I care?” He proceeded to divorce his wife in civil court.
His wife continued to attend church. At cell group meetings, we prayed for God to do whatever was necessary to open this man’s eyes and bring him back into a right relationship with God.
More than two years later, this man called me and asked if we could meet. In my office he broke down, saying the “Hound of Heaven” had been on his trail for nearly two years, and he couldn’t take much more. He wanted to confess his sin, turn from his wicked ways, and renew his marriage. Even his wife, who had said she probably could never trust him again, was amazed at the change in his life.
After his divorce, this man, who was in the U.S. Army Reserves, had been sent overseas with his unit to process the bodies of soldiers who died in Iraq. Daily he was confronted with the brevity of life and permanence of eternity. After returning home, he met with the elders at our church, confessed his sin, and asked to be forgiven for his arrogance and the impact of his sin on the church. What a joy it was to later announce to the congregation that discipline against this man was lifted and he was restored to full fellowship in the church!
When we do things God’s way, he does not always respond quickly with the results we desire, but his way is always right, best, and true. With praise, the whole church got to see God at work, restoring both the man and his marriage.
—Bob Ahlberg, Roscoe, Illinois