Encouraging Story on Many Levels

There was a front page story last week in our state Baptist newspaper, Baptist & Reflector, that was encouraging on many levels. Of course, there's nothing encouraging about embezzlement by a minister, but what happened as a result of that sad situation was encouraging.

• The church followed the Bible's teachings regarding church discipline.
• The discipline exercised was loving, redemptive, and restorative.
• The church lovingly cared for, encouraged, and financially provided for the disciplined minister's family.
• Ongoing and consistent accountability was provided for the disciplined minister after he was released from prison.
• The disciplined minister was, as a result of church discipline, awakened to his lost state and converted!
• The church restored the disciplined minister back to fellowship and membership after his repentance.
• God was honored, the church was strengthened, and a sinner was saved.

Read the story here.