~ Prologue ~

Prologue ~

In Matthew 18:16, Christ commanded His disciples to take two or three witnesses to confront an offending brother. 2 Corinthians 13:1 says, “…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” 1 Timothy 5:19 instructs the church not to receive an accusation against an elder unless supported by two or three witnesses. Please observe in verse twenty that once guilt is established, the elder was to be openly rebuked. Hebrews 10:28 teaches that two witnesses were all that were required to condemn a person to death. 

With this understanding, let it be known that the events, laid out in this document submitted by Sherri, were the experience of several other families. These families arrived at the same conclusion although independently. These families did not confer with one another until we, each one, arrived at the decision about what to do. We saw the same problems, had much the same response, received the same reaction from the pastor when he was confronted, dealt with many of the same doubts and fears; and after much study, prayer, and counsel made the same decision and are very thankful that we did! We also have the same desire - that the church of Jesus Christ may be pure in purpose and practice so that it will have God’s power, and that sinners will fear and respect the gospel and be truly converted by it.

The church seems to know what 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, but seems to have problems applying this verse. Perhaps we really do not believe it. We serve, serve, serve in choir, in the Sunday School, in the nursery, on the bus, but we do it with dirty hearts and hands. Psalm 51 tells us God does not want “service” by wrong motives, worldly methods, or with unconfessed sin. God demands obedience first, before service. He does not want to drink out of a dirty cup. God has a method and a motive that churches are ignoring. We all need to honestly let God search us, know us, and see if there be any wicked way in us. May you be challenged and encouraged by what you read here. 

Sincerely, 

The John Hollands Family