"But you have come...to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word..." Heb. 12:22-24
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
An Application Question...
I was reading John's letters today and wondered the following: How do we apply the following command in our current context?
2 John 1~
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
First to know how to respond to it, I think we have to be clear of what he is talking about. I don't believe he is referring to all unbelievers as some may think. But referring to those aggressively apposing the Gospel and trying to lead the sheep astray as well as those living in unrepentant sin. The head of the house and the leadership of the church must protect their family from these wolfs.
And though we may accept unbelievers into our homes, it is not a time of fellowship, rather a time to witness through the word and or your life.
i think that 3 John 10 as well as the Didache helps bring a little more clarity to this. (Didache doesn't bring any authority, just context.)
this isn't a call to not let your mormon aunt eat at your table for thanksgiving...but seems that the greeting and lodging would be an endorsement of their ministry.
"Greeting" seems to suggest words of affirmation/encouragement or even suggesting that you bless their ministry. "Lodging" seems to speak to financially/physically enabling/supporting their ministry.
First to know how to respond to it, I think we have to be clear of what he is talking about. I don't believe he is referring to all unbelievers as some may think. But referring to those aggressively apposing the Gospel and trying to lead the sheep astray as well as those living in unrepentant sin.
ReplyDeleteThe head of the house and the leadership of the church must protect their family from these wolfs.
And though we may accept unbelievers into our homes, it is not a time of fellowship, rather a time to witness through the word and or your life.
i think that 3 John 10 as well as the Didache helps bring a little more clarity to this. (Didache doesn't bring any authority, just context.)
ReplyDeletethis isn't a call to not let your mormon aunt eat at your table for thanksgiving...but seems that the greeting and lodging would be an endorsement of their ministry.
"Greeting" seems to suggest words of affirmation/encouragement or even suggesting that you bless their ministry. "Lodging" seems to speak to financially/physically enabling/supporting their ministry.