Witnesses

     The Old Testament is significant. Mosaic Laws were NEVER bad but are still useful for healthy, civil, fair, and loving relationships. on the other hand, DOING those Laws were not saving, but still the will of God: Let us examine a couple:

15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. 16 If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; 17 Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days; 18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition. (Deut 19:15-18)

     Does that not sound familiar? Well, look no further!

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church. (Mat 18:15-17)

    It should be brought to the reader's attention that "THE WORD" inspired  Moses to write the first passage, and that Jesus Christ parlayed the second passage. Of course, THE WORD is Jesus (John 3), and His Law still stands. It was not the Law of Moses but The Law of God. It is not a commandment, but a prudent and fair means for a just outcome. If anyone who has a grievance with another, this is a fair way of handling it. Fairness is immutable, and that "law" still stands.
     Years ago, I had a disagreement with a person whose version and my version of events were much different. To resolve the issue that we could not, I asked to take it to the church, and thus be in accordance with the will of God. The person became angry and refused, my guess is so that the person knew that version to be false. To this day there has been no reconciliation. My conscious is clear; not that I was exonerated, but because the person was self-condemning. That person self-incriminated by failing to use God's directions. If the person had been entirely truthful as claimed, there should have been no problem sharing it with the church!

    Tomorrow will be another example.