Mark 2:1-12 | A Call To Repentance / Jesus’ Authority To Forgive

7-5-2020 Page 1 of 2 Gossip/Slander Before I start today’s lesson, I need to address the gossip and slander that continues to destroy this Church. I’ve taught and preached on gossip and slander many times over the past year and half— especially as we went through the book of 1 Corinthians. And I saw a lot of heads going up and down agreeing with the Scripture regarding gossip, and yet… Gossip continues about the leadership of this Church and now slander against Amy and I. Last month, I sent out a video dealing with gossip/slander, and history of this sin at this Church, and how I was not going to put up with it. Scripture says that when you gossip that Your tongue is a flame of fire…set on fire by hell itself. Why are you setting the Church on fire? How is it possible that one minute, blessings come from your mouth, and the very next minute, you’re gossiping and slandering? You want to know what it’s like to pastor a Church right now—through COVID? It reminds me of when I was a little boy, and I almost drowned…. — And if that wasn’t enough, we’re still dealing with the sin of gossip and slander. It’s one thing to attack, gossip and slander me as the pastor of River Bible Church, It’s quite another to form a mob mentality and attack Amy. 7-5-2020 Page 2 of 2 Scripture says that God is jealous for His bride. I want you to know that I’m jealous for mine. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. 11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them. (Titus 3:10-11) Unfortunately, unbelievably, I have to give you a second warning. We’ve been here for 20 months. Are you trying to get rid of us? Do you want us to quit? O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often, I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks, but you wouldn’t let me. As the pastor, I’m calling you to repentance— confess your sins and make things right, and don’t do it again. If you refuse to do repent, then this is not the place for you—and that is not my choice. …have nothing more to do with them. These are not my words. This is not my opinion. These are God’s Words. God doesn’t put up with such blatant sin among His saints, and neither will RBC. I’m calling you to repentance. Please repent! If you choose not to repent, that’s fine—do what you want, but please know you’re also choosing to leave. Your choice. I want to give you a moment to do some business with the Lord.