Day 358, or December 24th. Stand on firm ground.
Our thoughts today come from 2 John, verse 10.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this
teaching, do not take them into your house or
welcome them. And also 3 John, verse 8. We ought
therefore to show hospitality to such people,
so that we may work together for the truth. And
also Jude verse 21. Keep yourselves in God's
love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ to bring you to eternal life. And now
the big picture of these three short letters.
In this trilogy we have two very brief letters
from John mainly about visiting preachers and
how to deal with the good ones and the bad ones.
Jude's letter is the only one we have from him.
He describes himself as brother of James and
is thought by many to be a brother of Jesus and
brother of James who was leader of the church
in Jerusalem as well as having a letter in the
New Testament. Apart from a few possible references
in Acts, and 1 Corinthians, we know nothing about
this man, whose letter has inspired millions
over the years, even though Martin Luther didn't
approve of it at all. And now, our action step
for today. Both John and Jude are very much aware
of false teachers who are infiltrating the early
church. John warns fellowships not to let such
people preach, But if a sound, approved preacher
turns up, then welcome him with open arms. Jude
summarizes many of these warnings and advice
by imploring believers to keep themselves in
God's love and safe in a soundly taught fellowship.
These words are so true for each of us today.
There are times when we think we are strong enough
to stand against the tide in a fellowship that's
slipping into heresy, but sometimes we need to
leave and seek security amongst God's people
in another fellowship. It's hard, but sometimes
necessary. It's the same when your gifting is
not in tune with your fellowship. Listen to God
carefully. It may be time to move on.