[TK Burk]

Originally Posted by RevDWW

Yes, but judgment comes into play to determine who's in and who's out......:sshhh

Yes, judgment is a serious and important task for the Church. It is impossible to be a "peace MAKER" without using justice. This is why Jesus said:

Matthew 18:14-20
(14) Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
(15) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
(16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
(17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
(18) Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
(19) Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
(20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The "two or three" is talking about Jesus aligning Himself with the agreement of elders in the Church in matters requiring judgment. If these elders judge without hypocrisy or prejudice, then those wronged will experience proper and godly justice. Such judgment thereby insures peace.

Remember, Jesus is called the “PRINCE of peace.” This title shows He acts as the government bringing justice against those who have hurt or wronged an innocent soul. Such action thus insures Jesus’ kingdom will be ruled in peace.