Amendment V
The follower on the Way of Christ will not hold human
institutions, including courts, governments, or social agencies, as sources of
salvation or aids to sanctification. Those on the Way of Christ will, however,
use all power and privilege to hold these institutions, adding the church
catholic to them, to standards of justice and equity. Those on the Way are not
in thrall to these institutions, but to the law of God- which is interpreted
through the Living Word, the written word, and the on-going work of the Holy
Spirit.
“If your brother or
sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If
they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister. But if they
won’t listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be
established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. But if they still won’t pay
attention, report it to the church. If they won’t pay attention even to the
church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17
Don’t spread false
rumors. Don’t plot with evil people to act as a lying witness. 2 Don’t
take sides with important people to do wrong. When you act as a witness, don’t
stretch the truth to favor important people. 3 But don’t privilege
unimportant people in their lawsuits either. Exodus 23:1-3
Then Jesus said to
them, “Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other. There will be
great earthquakes and wide-scale food shortages and epidemics. There will also
be terrifying sights and great signs in the sky. But before all this
occurs, they will take you into custody and harass you because of your faith.
They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought
before kings and governors because of my name. This will provide you with
an opportunity to testify. Make up your minds not to prepare your defense
in advance. I’ll give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents
will be able to counter or contradict. You will be betrayed by your
parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, and friends. They will execute some
of you. Everyone will hate you because of my name. Still, not a hair
on your heads will be lost. By holding fast, you will gain your lives.
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