[ZNPaaneah]

“People continually refer to Matthew 18:20 as their ground for meeting. But this is wrong. To judge a church according to the presence of the Lord is never conclusive. Even the Catholic Church can testify that they have the presence of the Lord today. If you inquire of them, they will steadfastly maintain that they have the Lord's presence. But does that vindicate and justify them?” (Witness Lee, The Practical Expression of the Church, Chapter 9, Section 2).

I agree that “Claiming that you have the Lord’s presence” does not make it so just as claiming that you are "the church in NY" makes it so.

Matt 7:21 “Not every one who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in the heavens.”

That is what Matthew 18 is focused on “doing the will of My Father who is in heaven”.

For example: v.14 “it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.” This chapter discusses seeking the lost sheep.

v. 21“Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.”

The Lord’s will is forgiveness. If you try to overlook this he makes it very clear in the conclusion: 35So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

In conclusion I agree that every Christian gathering will claim to be meeting in the name of Jesus, but the evidence will be easy to see. Mercy, forgiveness, seeking the lost sheep, and cutting off those that stumble others.