How can we ensure our church remains a place of holiness today? Stationed Gatekeepers: Learning from 2 Chronicles 23:19 “He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter.” (2 Chronicles 23:19) Why the Gates Matter - Gates controlled access to the temple; purity at the threshold protected purity within. - In the New Covenant, the local church is “God’s temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). - Holiness must be guarded at the church’s figurative “gates”—our membership, leadership, worship, and teaching. Recognize What Scripture Calls Unclean - Moral impurity: “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Ephesians 5:3). - False teaching: “Their word will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17). - Unrepentant divisiveness: “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition” (Titus 3:10). - Worldly compromise: “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (James 4:4). Appointing Gatekeepers Today - Elders and pastors: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock” (Acts 20:28). - Deacons and ministry leaders: model holiness, protect ministry standards. - Every member: “You yourselves... are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Practical actions - Clear membership process that includes profession of faith, baptism, and commitment to church covenant. - Interview new teachers; confirm doctrinal agreement. - Background checks for those serving children and youth. - Regular training on biblical ethics for all leaders. Cultivating Personal Holiness in the Body “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14) Daily habits - Consistent time in the Word (Psalm 119:9). - Transparent accountability relationships (Proverbs 27:17). - Fasting and prayer for personal cleansing (James 4:8-10). Corporate habits - Expository preaching that confronts sin (2 Timothy 4:2). - Lord’s Supper observed in self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28). - Worship songs grounded in truth (John 4:24). Practicing Church Discipline “Don’t you know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6) Steps 1. Private correction (Matthew 18:15). 2. One or two witnesses (v. 16). 3. Tell it to the church (v. 17). 4. Remove from fellowship if unrepentant (1 Corinthians 5:13). Purpose - Restore the sinning believer. - Warn the body. - Uphold Christ’s reputation. Balancing Welcome and Discernment - Jesus welcomed sinners yet called them to repentance (Luke 5:32). - The church opens its doors wide for seekers, keeps covenant boundaries for members. - Hospitality teams greet; spiritual gatekeepers guard doctrine and practice. Sustaining a Culture of Reverent Worship “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3-4) Elements to watch - Scripture-centered liturgy. - Reverent atmosphere that points to God’s holiness. - Encouraging modesty and integrity from platform to pew. Regular Checkpoints for Holiness Maintenance - Annual review of bylaws and doctrinal statement. - Scheduled elder retreats to pray over congregational health. - Yearly survey of ministries for biblical alignment. - Quarterly member meetings highlighting testimonies of repentance and growth. Encouragement from Other Passages - 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy, for I am holy.” - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18: “Come out from among them and be separate.” - Revelation 3:8: “I have set before you an open door.” Christ Himself ultimately guards the gate; we serve under His authority. By stationing modern “gatekeepers,” nurturing personal purity, applying loving discipline, and keeping worship centered on God’s glory, the church can remain a place where holiness thrives and the presence of the Lord is unmistakably honored. |
    |