Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10.11, 12

1 Clement 3

Clement of Rome (fl. ca. 90-100 AD)
“Every kind of honour and happiness was bestowed upon you, and then was fulfilled that which is written, ‘My beloved did eat and drink, and was enlarged and became fat, and kicked.’ Hence flowed emulation and envy, strife and sedition, persecution and disorder, war and captivity. So the worthless rose up against the honoured, those of no reputation against such as were renowned, the foolish against the wise, the young against those advanced in years. For this reason righteousness and peace are now far departed from you, inasmuch as everyone abandons the fear of God, and is become blind in his faith, neither walks in the ordinances of His appointment, nor acts a part becoming a Christian, but walks after his own wicked lusts, resuming the practice of an unrighteous and godly envy, by which death itself entered into the world.”

It has always been thus: Just when we think things are going so well, sin erupts to stain our fellowship, self-interest replaces the fear of God and the good of the Body, criticism and complaining arise, and, soon enough, the church is sick with envy, lust, self-will, and schism. At such times, we must ask whether we have abandoned the fear of God or turned from His appointments. We can never relax vigilance over the Body of Christ; the shepherds of the Lord must be constantly on duty to watch over the flock of God entrusted to us – beginning with our own lives (Acts 20.28; cf. Ezek. 34.1-10).

How do you and your church leaders practice vigilance over your congregation? What procedures do you follow in identifying, confronting, and dealing with sin as it appears in the Body of Christ? In your own life?

Pray for Revival
Join us each month as we gather online to pray for revival. Three opportunities are available during the third week of each month: Monday, 9 pm; Tuesday, 10 am; and Wednesday, 9 pm (Eastern). If you’re interested in joining, send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or write me if a better time works and you’d be willing to help start a new group.

Introduction to Christian Worldview
We’re pleased to offer our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, at The Ailbe Seminary. There’s no charge, and all the course materials are free. In 12 diagrams you will gain a perspective and overall grasp of the 1 worldview that can change the world. Click here to register.

Personal Discipleship Inventory
You can have a look at the state of your own Christian worldview by watching this brief video and working through the free download, Personal Discipleship Inventory (click here).

Your prayers and gifts make this ministry possible. Please seek the Lord in prayer about sharing with us at The Fellowship of Ailbe. You can use the Contribute button at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.