Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5

"And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

This chapter is about a man that committed fornication with his step-mother. Paul speaks of the need for him to be removed from the church. Instead of removing him the members were puffed up, being prideful, about the condition. I realized the importance of saying they needed to mourn. This is a sorry state for the man. Instead of encouraging him in his sin they needed to assist him in the repentance process. The deliver over to Satan and the destruction of the flesh is just what happens when there is a withdrawal of their membership and the gift of the Holy Ghost removed. The person doesn't need to stay in that state. They can repent and come back. This is a process where if they want they can be saved.

“In the scriptures, the Lord has given direction concerning Church disciplinary councils. (See D&C 102.) The word council brings to mind a helpful proceeding—one of love and concern, with the salvation and blessing of the transgressor being the foremost consideration.

“Members sometimes ask why Church disciplinary councils are held. The purpose is threefold: to save the soul of the transgressor, to protect the innocent, and to safeguard the Church’s purity, integrity, and good name. …

“… The miracle of the gospel is that we all can repent. Church government calls for Church disciplinary councils. But the Lord’s system also calls for restoration following repentance. Disfellowshipment or excommunication is not the end of the story, unless the member so chooses”

(President M. Russell Ballard, “A Chance to Start Over: Church Disciplinary Councils and the Restoration of Blessings,” Ensign, Sept. 1990, 15, 18).

Day 3226

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Corinthians 5:4-5
"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such as one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."

Paul wanted the early saints to clean house. There were fornicators, extortioners, and idolaters that were part of the church. Once they were part of the fold, but through gross sins they had fallen away. Pride within the church was keeping those in that condition numbered among them. Over time it would cause others to sin and feel no need to repent. In such cases it was necessary to remove them from the church. The purpose being for the spirit to still remain with those of the church and keep them in good fellowship. To allow them to continue in sin while within the church it effected them all. I pondered on how excommunication does not need to be forever. It's a tool to help those sinning to start the repentance process. Once clean they can have all blessings restored to them. If they do not repent they are delivered unto Satan. They no longer have the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit. That is a place you do not want to be.

Day 1640

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 17:3, 5

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 17:3, 5
"And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die."

I thought about how we don't stone people any more for going after "other gods". The Savior taught a higher law, and fulfilled the law of Moses. Yet, this was still a type and shadow of something for my day. The pains people suffer for worshiping false gods is a spiritual death. So interesting that worshiping the heavenly bodies and constellations are a part of this warning. To much star gazing for signs cannot be a good thing, for we could miss the mark. The emphasis needed is to look towards Christ with the spirit as my guide, otherwise I could become lost.

I pondered on what it means to serve other gods. I think it would not only be a practice you would be guilty of, but you would bring others to these false gods too. Leading others astray can have eternal ramifications.

The other thing that can happen to a person that teaches false doctrine that leads others astray, is excommunication from the church. Then all the blessings you have received will be removed. Your baptism and temple ordinances become void. This chapter did talk about having an inquiry and witnesses before passing judgment of death. Maybe excommunication is really what this is pointing to in my day. Not only have they spiritually died. The saving ordinances are gone now too.


Day 745