WE OFTEN FACE TERRIBLE CONFLICTS WITHIN OUR SOULS BECAUSE WE DO NOT KNOW & FOLLOW THE WORD OF GOD

1. In an age of open assault against morality, we are told to be courteous-give in-to devil
2. God's word is twisted into a double standard-"Love your enemies"-& fight the faithful
3. We need wisdom in applying God's Word in resisting the Devil

In our open-door policy we need to know that some are not welcome here! We must use good sense & grace

I.- WE MUST LOVE IN TRUTH, & FIGHT UNTRUTH!

If we love in truth, then it naturally follows we do not want to love untruth, nor sin!

A.- WE ARE TO LOVE EACH OTHER FOR TRUTH'S SAKE, AND THIS COMMANDMENT IS FROM THE LORD!

1. The reason we are to have a special love for the brethren is because of Christ's special love.
2. If He dwells within us, we should have a very special love for each other - examine your heart
3. But this love is for truth's sake; and it does not love the sin that a Christian might do.

B.- THERE ARE DECEIVERS WHO HAVE CREPT INTO THE CHURCH, AND THESE MUST BE HANDLED CAREFULLY - 9

1. Are there any religious people today who are not of God, not of the truth, not of Christ?
2. Though even the Hindus claim Christ- in America they have to! Many today have not Christ!
3. We must not be guilty of over-reacting, nor of being unkind to brethren- but look out! v.8

C.- THESE DECEIVERS COME INTO THE CHURCH, NOT TO JOIN CHRIST, BUT TO KIDNAP YOUNG CHRISTIANS!

1. There are many pseudo-Christian groups that syphon off the strength of the church-non church!
2. Some are just after the strength and $$ of Christians- Some are after your very souls! cults!
3. If you show good hospitality to the modern hitch-hikers, or burglars- you may lose much-

Remember your local Church family- it is vital in God's plan- be loyal to it! -

II. THERE ARE DECEIVERS IN THE WORLD TODAY * BEWARE!

John faced his church problems-, and we face ours! There are wolves who would prey on flock!

A. SOME ARE RELIGIOUS DECEIVERS, MAYBE PRETTY GOOD, BUT THEY HAVE NOT CHRIST

1. I remember a Mormon girl attending a revival service here- & debating the Evangelist afterwards
2. I remember a man-joined & became adult teacher-but was Pentecostal-healing, tongues! Problems
3. Now what of the Black Muslims-if they came here with their demands-in Church with guns--- !

B.- SOME ARE MORAL DECEIVERS, PREYING ON THAT WHICH IS GOOD, CLEAN, AND GODLY, FOR THEIR OWN LUSTS!

1. We had an attractive young man moved into Youth group-but father of 2 kids, deserted wife!
2. We have moved some from youth to married group- & removed membership from some for immorality
3. But what will we do when the Demoral Shock team tries open sex on church lawn- or in church?

C. SOME ARE JUST TROUBLEMAKERS, TRYING TO SHOVE THEIR WILL AND WAY INTO THE CHURCH-

1. Once a man wanted a Smoker-where our men could have fellowship with a beer or two-& get acquainted
2. At other times we have had social climbers- get big by tearing others down! sharp tongues
3. Or they might just misbehave in church enough to keep anyone from being touched by the Lord.

We have to use good sense in how we deal with these who are not contributing to the church-

III.- RECEIVE HIM ΝΟΤ, NOR BID HIM GOD SPEED! v.10

If you want to walk with the Lord, you have to listen to His words, and obey them! so listen!

A. IT IS PLAIN FROM GOD'S WORD THAT WE ARE TO BE GIVEN TO KINDNESS AND HOSPITALITY, WITH WISDOM

1. The Pastors and Deacons are to be given to hospitality- I Tim 3:2- greet strangers, visitors
2. Many have entertained Angels unawares- Heb 13:2- Caution- don't give children's bread to beggars
3. But we must not be foolish- Jude 4 -some have crept in unawares- to do damage -so beware!

B.- IF WE ENTERTAIN THE WRONG ONES, WE DO EVIL: EVEN TO WISH THEM GOD SPEED IS NOT RIGHT! v.10,11

1. Paul was plain- I Cor 5:9-11- Even if the person is a brother (saved, but living in sin)
2. II Thess 3:14 for busybodies; Rom 16:17 troublemakers; I Thess 5:14 -unruly; (these are brothers)
3. But what of the deliberate attack by Satan? His people? Luke 22:35-38 -Do you have a sword?

C.- BE NOT A PARTAKER WITH THEM IN THEIR EVIL DEEDS, II John 11 -IF YOU DEFEND THEM YOU PARTAKE IN SIN

1. If you are uncertain- then take Gamaliel's advise-Acts 5:38-9 -leave them alone -don't help!
2. But uncertain trumpet gives no defense I am not a pacifist- If Panthers come in-duck! I shoot!
3. But make doubly sure you don't criticize God's man to death-& embrace serpent's fangs!- been done

Use good sense in your Christian life- learn who the Shepherd is, & who the wolf is

WE ARE LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS, AND WE NEED TO CIRCLE THE WAGONS! NEED REVIVAL OF RESPONSIBLE CHRISTIANS

1. If you love the Lord Jesus-be man enough to really take a stand for Him-& say it! -
2. Don't demand perfection of other Christians-not excuse yourself for not obeying Christ.-
3. Learn the strength and glory of Christian fellowship-the church family--remember the church covenant- give it sacred preeminence over all institutions of human origin!