[ZNPaaneah]

I find it interesting that when we think of "smoking gun" we think of some sin or heresy.

But if you read Matthew 18 the Lord doesn't tell us to treat a brother or sister who sins as "a heathen and publican". As bad as PL's sin was, it isn't uncommon, just turn on the news. Nor does he say to do this if they are teaching some doctrine you disagree with.

No, the key issue with the Lord is "if he neglect to hear".

A person who is offended comes to the leadership and they neglect to hear. Perhaps they give an excuse -- he was demonstrating angst. He came at the wrong time. He didn't complain in the right way. He should have set up a meeting. Of course if they do that then they run from the meeting, hands on the ears, you shouldn't call this meeting with us. He should send an email. He should send a letter. He should send the letter registered mail. He should bring another brother. Etc., etc., etc. Until finally, hey that was 30 years ago, can't we just move on?

But I like this term "neglect".

Neglect -- to give little attention to or respect.

That is truly the way these ones who have brought their complaint have been treated. Their complaint has been neglected.

But there is more,

Neglect -- to leave undone or unattended, especially through carelessness.

That is truly how these ones have treated these sins. They have left them undone, unattended, and it was through carelessness. How disrespectful is this carelessness!

Other translations say "refuse to hear them" or "pays no attention to them" or even "ignores them".

This is what prompts the Lord to say

17 If he ignores these witnesses, tell it to the community of believers. If he also ignores the community, deal with him as you would a heathen or a tax collector.

What I find very interesting is how much LSM emphasizes the importance of the church. But in Matt 18 What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

All of these promises are after verse 17. If you neglect to hear the complaints of those you have offended you are not qualified. You are not a testimony of the Lord, you don't bind or loose anything in heaven, and the Father doesn't "do what you ask".

Perhaps this is the real smoking gun.