2 John 1:9 - 11 "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10.) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11.) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
In today's religion, it seems that the right thing to do is to swallow you values to get along. The thinking is that we are all wrong at some point in our belief so therefore we do not really know who is right or wrong; therefore, we ought to get along. Nevertheless, the scripture conclude different. While it is true, we will all differ on some doctrinal belief it is essential that we do not associate with those who truly are different doctrinally. The Lord said here that those who differ doctrinally are "transgressors" and are not abiding in the doctrine of Christ. If one refuses to believe and teach the truth of the bible then what do we truly have in common. What area of fellowship are there? God never told the Christian, the Pastor, or the Church to fellowship with those who oppose the doctrines of Christ. The Lord just told us through John not to bid them "God speed" which means neither greet them nor wish them well. God never told us to get along with those who differ scripturally with us. God said in verse 10 that if they come to your church and believe different to tell them to keep moving. Now this is not everyone but it is the teachers of religion. As Christians and believers in Christ's doctrine, what do we have in common with those who oppose the truth? I know it sometimes seems rude on our part, but we must understand that even as believers in truth we are all subject weakness. We are to protect the truth and not to associate with those who preach another doctrine. Paul told us in Ephesians 5:11 "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Now let us understand that the "unfruitful works of darkness" are those who teach unfruitful doctrine and not the fruits of Christ but of darkness. We were also told in 1 Timothy 5:22 "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure." Now this is not just the "lost" but also those who claim to be Christian who do not teach truth. I get invitations every year to join one religious group or another, to join the local pastors for this event or another, to have the Gideon's to come to speak at our church, and I refuse them all. I know some of these groups are wonderful causes like the Gideon's but why would I allow someone who I know nothing about speak at our church at all. If they want a donation that is one thing but we are not going to fellowship with a bunch of preachers or laymen who think our doctrine is of the devil or who themselves teach doctrine opposite of that, that Christ taught. It is not rudeness it is obeying the scriptures. As Christians, we are not to just support anything that claims to be Christian, but rather those things of like faith. We are also not to bid them God-speed or pray for their success. God is very bold in this area and we are to obey. Do not allow words to direct your decisions, walk in the way of the Lord. Satan has many devices and he will use them all to harm your belief and faith.
