I will say this concerning church discipline. Any group you join has rules, whether it be a forum on the internet or a biker gang. If you join and then break the rules, there are consequences. If you join a church, ot is serious business. Maybe the second most serious decision a man will ever make. It should not be taken lightly. After joining, you are a representative of that church. If you are a drug addict, dealer, or a drunk, or a prostitute, or a thief, you are saying thats ok with the church you belong to. There is supposed to be a visible difference in the life of a christian and the world. I have been on both sides of this issue. The church withdrew fellowship from me when i was about 20yrs old. And rightfully so. The life i was living was well below that the Lord would have for me. I cant remember one time anyone from my church was rude to me or mistreated me after that. Nearly fourteen years ago, when i got right with God, i went back to church the next day and asked forgiveness and they welcomed me back and loved me and helped me. This is the reality of church discipline.
