Amazing Love: The Church of Christ

I have come to love Matthew chapter 18 more than ever recently. It is now so much more than the chapter church discipline is found.
It is a picture, in questions, answers and parables of God's amazing love in Christ at work in and through Christ's covenant community.

The gist of Matthew is that God wants Christians to humbly trust Jesus, joyfully care for others, and mercifully forgive offenses; so that Christ's Church will grow.

As God's elect do this, God is glorified, believers are built up, and people see Jesus. The Kingdom of God grows like a weed the world can't pull up. And in its leaves is healing for the nations. Gospel truth lived out in the midst of pagan lies; overcoming every enemy and obstacle. Christ's Church prevails when Christ's people yield to Him; and the rulership of Christ spreads like a wildfire that will not be put out; goes viral and infects the world with good grace.

And all believers need to do is trust Jesus to live His life in and through them, yielded children, surrendered to His desires and plan, laying aside every encumbrance and sin and fixing their believing eyes on Jesus, the Captain of their souls and Master of their fate.