Resources

Church discipline is a biblical practice that is often neglected today in the wider evangelical movement. However, the practice of church discipline, especially its most extreme form of excommunication, has been exercised throughout history. Sometimes church discipline was done right but often it was done badly and many times it resulted in unexpected and large-scale consequences not only in a local church but in entire countries or even the world. A survey of the practice of church discipline can help us see not only how out of step our culture's indifference toward discipline is, but also see how church discipline has shaped the church and the world.

In this audio message, Dan Ford discusses how the Puritans influenced our nation. There was much we can learn from their example. For instance, we see how they worked to take dominion for Christ. Many of their writings and teachings point to how Scripture is sufficient to direct church and family life. Romans 15:4 (NKJV) - "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."

In this message, Dan Ford explains the significance of the work of the Puritans in reforming the family and helps the listener to understand the beneficial impact that the Reformation continues to have on the family today. Specifically, the Puritans wrote much on the subject of the family and we can glean much wisdom from their writings. 

Church history is a fascinating and valuable field of study. The history of the use (and abuse) of church discipline is especially interesting. Beyond the mere historical interest, it is also a practical topic to study as we can again look to those who came before and learn from them. With the greater clarity of hindsight we can often see the failures and, by God's grace, avoid the ditches that past generations fell into and see the good things that were done and follow those examples to greater obedience today.

In this audio message, Dan Ford discusses critical books that defined family reformation. The Puritans wrote much in regards to the family. The idea that Scripture is all-sufficient is common theme through much of the writings during that time. Isaiah 55:11 (NKJV) - "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."