1 Timothy 5:20 English Standard Version (ESV) As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

I do not question the Word of God. I question the situation that has led to this necessity.

Is this persistent sin known to the majority present?

What steps have been taken to correct that behavior?

Does the individual that is about to rebuke another have the standing within the group to have those words accepted?

Of all these questions it may be the first that is the most important. How is it that a persistent sin would go unchecked without leadership performing counseling? That leads to the second part in awareness for the need of counseling. Not all counseling is public knowledge.

If we do not have the authority to rebuke, real damage will be done within the group. It will divide fellowship into two camps. It causes people to choose sides.

This is true also.

Galatians 6:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

As is this.

1 Corinthians 10:13 English Standard Version (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Persistent sinners have not found God’s escape hatch. Consider that and look beyond the sin where something more serious may be the problem.

What could be more serious than persistent sin?

Is that person truly saved?

Acts 13:49 English Standard Version (ESV) And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

How did the word reach the whole region? That is easy to answer in that believers witnessed to the lost. It was the one on one approach. That is still the most effective way to reach the lost.

Revelation 14:6 English Standard Version (ESV) Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

Many believe this Word is related to the translation of the gospel into bibles printed and distributed. There has been a concerted effort by earnest scholars to see that happen. The problems that have arisen in the effort have not changed since the very first translations so long ago.

Influence and financing are key in getting this job done. Even back when Gutenberg invented his marvelous printing press and released so many Latin translations, influence and financing were still top issues. Gutenberg and his financial backer had a falling out. Most financiers expect a return on their investment. What about influence?

The Wycliffe Bible was an English translation from the late 14^th Century. It however was a hand written manuscript of just the New Testament. Handwritten manuscripts were expensive and only the rich could afford them. The rich represent both the influential aspect and financial considerations.

The spreading of the gospel during the reformation had everything to do with bibles being made available to the general public. Influence and financial considerations had to be ripe for that reformation.

How does all that influence us today? Bibles are readily available, that is not the problem. Influence is still a problem. Certain church administrations see that as a political problem and seek to tear down the barriers of negative influence.

We will better fulfill the will of God if we got back to the Acts 13:49 formula and spread the gospel face to face.

Love the lost. That is what Jesus did.