New Bible Perspective, Part 1

Jesus' presence in Matthew 18:20 endorses the structured practice of church discipline within established, regulated church communities rather than in informal or ad hoc gatherings. This passage, in conjunction with Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians, emphasizes the importance of accountability, leadership acknowledgment, and communal restoration in the context of organized church membership.

Shawn discusses the problem of applying New Testament practices literally in today's religious context, emphasizing that some authorities in the church, like those held by the original apostles for governing the early church, are no longer valid or biblically authorized today. He argues that attempts to enforce such practices result in hypocrisy and misinterpretation, highlighting that the essence of faith should now be personally internalized rather than institutionally imposed, and announces a new series, "New Biblical Perspectives," to explore modern understandings of scripture, starting with the Pastoral Epistles.

Shawn discusses the differing interpretations of the New Testament's applicability for modern Christians, arguing that if Jesus has not yet returned, then the New Testament should be seen as a direct manual for living according to apostolic authority. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to scriptural directions, such as those given by Paul in 1 Timothy, which include rebuking sin publicly to maintain church purity, questioning why many contemporary churches neglect this practice.

To genuinely follow the teachings of the New Testament, believers must either practice what is depicted in scripture or provide solid, text-supported reasons for not doing so, challenging the commitment of those who claim to uphold biblical authority without adhering to its mandates. Shawn suggests that the practice of publicly rebuking sin, as stated in 1 Timothy 5:20, is obsolete if Jesus has already come back, rendering such practices unnecessary and highlighting the need for authenticity in Christian faith.