Doesn't your Bible admonish you to "hear the Church" (St. Matthew 18?)
Yes, in the matter of one person offending another, FIRST the offended party is to go directly to the alleged offender and state his case and seek reconciliation. The matter is settled there, and a brother is "gained," if the two are reconciled. That is preferred to taking the matter to the church.
If the alleged offender can't see that he is in the wrong, then the offended party is to take one or two others with him. This is also preferred to taking it to the church. Reconciliation is attempted.
The last resort is to take the matter before the church. It does not say "Roman Catholic Church." It does not say "Baptist Church." It does not say "Presbyterian Church," It does not say "Reformed Church." It says simply "the church." In fact, there is no designation before the word "church" in any such passage of Scripture.
Of course not. Because there is only one Holy Mother Church. One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. No need to "designate" what is obvious to all and known to all.
Yes, in the matter of one person offending another, FIRST the offended party is to go directly to the alleged offender and state his case and seek reconciliation. The matter is settled there, and a brother is "gained," if the two are reconciled. That is preferred to taking the matter to the church. If the alleged offender can't see that he is in the wrong, then the offended party is to take one or two others with him. This is also preferred to taking it to the church. Reconciliation is attempted. The last resort is to take the matter before the church.
You've offended me with your gross mischaracterization of the motives and actions of my fellow believers in Christ. To which Church do we go to solve our dispute?
Or is this Biblical charge only make the Church a referee for petty personal disputes but completely powerless to explain and teach the meaning of God's Revelation to us?
SD