QUOTE(pehkay @ Apr 6 2012, 03:21 PM)
I guess I was trying to veer from this point that it is not a matter of how to deal with this brother, in which, I did predicted you will bring it upĀ

. Nobody was saying that we don't talk to that person. Only by the principle of Matthew, we just have to treat him as if he is an unbeliever, that's all, from the fellowship of the church. As much, that brother, in eternity, is already saved and is our brother in God's life and nature. And yes, we are all saved sinners. But it is more for the testimony of the golden lampstand.
After all, he was recovered in 2 Corinthians ... so some believers stayed in contact with him and recovered Him. He probably "woke up" after being excommunicated ... who's knows ... you cannot say that God has used this way.
Why do I get the feeling that your sentences on the church .. as if it is a physical building

Anyway, these are not central thing/focus ... we are too distracted by these outward things ....
LoL, the irony is on me. I thought you meant the physical Church. Okay My Bad.
And yes God can make use of any situation to touch people's life.
But never the less, I thought you echoed the sentiment that Church should only be for Godly people and perpetual sinners who refuse to give up sin are not allowed in. This is a self righteous pride akin to the Pharisee which IMO is wrong.
When Paul said to expel the immoral brother, He meant to cast out and totally reject the sinner idea of sinful lifestyle. We don't associate with him/her in that matter. That is all.
And the idea of not to eat together or be seen together is taken in the sense of being seen in public one to one person basis. Because by that, some people may mistakenly though the other brother is heavily influence in the same manner as he.
But if he wants to eat or mingle with the a group of people, I see nothing wrong with that. Because the moment he/she tries to outspokenly talk about his sinful lifestyle, I'm sure somebody in the group will rebuke and bring him around.
There is strength in numbers of believers.
This post has been edited by unknown warrior: Apr 7 2012, 10:48 AM