Gaining Thy Brother or Sister (conclusion)

Beloved, I feel led to conclude this series of letters on the subject, “Gaining thy Brother or Sister”, by stating the following: Paul wrote to Timothy, saying “(you must hold) faith and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning their faith have made shipwreck: of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (I Timothy 1:19-20). In other words, Beloved, Paul is saying that when he came to know the personality (the “conscience”) of God, he felt convicted to dismiss himself from individuals who caused confusion in (or “made shipwreck” of) the faith (the doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus Christ). Furthermore, Paul named the two individuals who were responsible for this (Hymenaeus and Alexander). He felt, in his “good conscience”, that this was the correct thing to do!

Precious Ones, I want you to notice that this was not vindictiveness on Paul’s part, but rather, his desire was to give Hymenaeus and Alexander a final opportunity to learn the truth and therefore repent, “that they (would) learn not to blaspheme (speak false doctrines)”. Beloved, had this been an unalterable separation, there would have been no benefit to their “learning”. Paul stopped praying for their success in the ministry (delivered them “unto Satan”) for only one purpose - to re -“gain his brothers” in the Gospel. I’m sure Paul hoped that if these men were abandoned for a while, they would eventually “learn”, through their suffering, not to digress from preaching the truth of the doctrine of Christ.

Chosen Ones, we must therefore see that when it is finally necessary to dis-fellowship anyone (which we have never had to do at Anointed Harvest, thank God!), it is for his “learning”, that he may become ashamed and remorseful, and straighten out his life. Through this process, we all may again enjoy the spiritual fellowship that Jesus loves so much. The church should always be in the business of “gaining our brothers and sisters” in Christ - not losing them.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,


Pastor William L. McCoy

Gaining Thy Brother or Sister (continued)

Beloved, I desire to continue our series of letters from the subject “Gaining thy Brother or Sister”. If a problem with our brother or sister in Christ reaches an impasse (it cannot be resolved), there is no alternative but to take the next step, however much we may regret the necessity of such action. Beloved, this next step is set forth in the scriptures - “if (they) shall neglect to hear them (the witnesses), tell it (your disagreement) unto the church” (Matthew 18:17). Remember, Beloved, we are still trying to “gain our brother or sister”. Later in this scripture, we will explore more fully this concept, but, for now, we will continue to the next statement.

Precious Ones, the next statement in that verse says that “if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man (an idol worshiper) and a publican (a low-down, sneaky tax collector)” (Matthew 18:17). Again, we will come back to this later, but, for now, let us realize that this severance of fellowship should serve only as a last resort! Furthermore, this is but another step to “gain” the wayward brother or sister back into the fold! Paul taught the church at Thessalonica that “if any man obey not our word by this epistle (the letter I wrote for your instruction), note (or mentally remind yourself of) that man, and have no company with him (no spiritual fellowship), that he may be ashamed (have the time to consider the shame of his disobedience). Yet, count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (II Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Chosen Ones, it’s therefore plainly seen that we should never typecast any “brother or sister” as one who worships idol gods or any god other than Jesus, unless we have made every attempt to restore a relationship with him or her. Our brothers and sisters are not heathens, publicans, or people who can’t be trusted, unless they choose not to obey the procedures of the Word of God concerning the settling of grievances.

Children of God, the theme is simple. Love should prevail in every situation. When love is shown, it is only in rare occasions that it becomes necessary to implement further steps in order to bring reconciliation. Love will gain a brother or sister every time.

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...

I love you all SO very much
In His Love


Pastor William L. McCoy

Gaining Thy Brother or Sister (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme, “Gaining thy Brother or Sister” - what if, perchance, your brother or sister in Christ decides not to hear you? Are you then free from your responsibility to him or her? Again, the answer is no! The scripture gives us our next necessary step toward reconciliation - “if he (she) will NOT hear (will not respond to what you said to them about correcting the offense), then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established (confirmed or upheld by your witnesses’ testimony)” (Matthew 18:16). Notice that we cannot give up on our brothers and sisters. On the contrary, we must make further efforts to communicate with them. By involving 2 or 3 witnesses, you are not motivated by tail bearing or gossip, but rather asking assistance in prayer for them as well. You’ll find that Jesus advocates this, saying, “if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done...For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:19-20). Another good reason to bring in witnesses is because oftentimes others may, through prayer, be able to mediate between aggrieved persons when they cannot reach a settlement themselves. Sometimes, you brother or sister may not hear you, but can be brought around by someone else. Do you see what’s happening here? By following the instructions of Jesus concerning the settling of conflicts, we are hoping to “gain our offending brother or sister” in Christ.

Precious Ones, since “gaining my brother or sister” is my reason for trying to communicate with them, I will bring witnesses who are impartial and not easily swayed by opinions and emotions - witnesses who will not automatically side with me just because they are “my witnesses”. I want to select persons who desire, as I do, that “the Lord (would be) in the midst of (us)”. This would lend credence to my sincerity, and would help to ease the tension that may have been created between me and my brother. By doing this, not only will we gain a brother or sister, but our witnesses will as well!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this...


I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy

Gaining Thy Brother or Sister (Part 1)

Beloved, I feel inspired to write to you from a new subject entitled “Gaining thy Brother”. When we become as little children (children of God), we have the assurance that “it is not the will of (our) Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish” (Matthew 18:14). Beloved, because we are all human, in all probability we are going to commit offences against God and against one another. Because if this, Jesus made it plain that we should make every effort to obtain forgiveness for the offender. Jesus said, “Moreover (meaning, obey what I’m about to say even more), if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him (his or her) fault between thee and (him or her) alone: if (he or she) shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matthew 18:15). According to Jesus, what is the purpose in going to him or her? Is it vengeance? Is it retaliation? Oh no, God forbid!! It is to “gain” your brother or sister. Jesus taught us that there is no other legitimate reason for approaching one who has trespassed against another. Our Lord says that we must be certain to first go alone to the offender.

Precious Ones, the great apostle Paul, in his many letters, states that it is important to “gain” or win the confidence of our brothers and sisters in Christ! Paul said that we should walk “charitably” among our brethren. Peter enlarged on this theme on this wise - “Above all things, have fervent (sincere) charity (love) among yourselves (your church family): for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).

Chosen Ones, we must therefore strive, not to destroy our brothers or sisters or to determine their faith by their offences, but to restore them by “gaining” their confidence that we have their best interests in mind! Can you imagine the kind of power we would feel in the Anointed Harvest Church if each of us felt that everyone had our best interests in mind? That’s something to think about!

I will write more on this subject next week.

I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,


Pastor William L. McCoy