Use Your House (home) To Evangelize?

[Wesley Briggman]

[2Jo 1:9-11 KJV] 9 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.

Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Why? Has satan successfully deceived professing christians?

Do these prohibitions to the church (body of Christ) as well? I think so.

Are churches so needy that they welcome non-believers (with their wallets) with open doors and wish them God's blessings on departing?

[Eph 4:11-12 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

 

[Ascetic X]

[2Jo 1:9-11 KJV] 9 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.

Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Why? Has satan successfully deceived professing christians?

Do these prohibitions to the church (body of Christ) as well? I think so.

Are churches so needy that they welcome non-believers (with their wallets) with open doors and wish them God's blessings on departing?

[Eph 4:11-12 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

So you think churches should only let saved believers enter them?

Unsaved people must not be allowed to go to church?

How do you determine if a person is saved?

Do you stand at the door and interrogate them? Make them fill out a questionnaire?

Put a sign on the door that says “Non-believers Not Welcome”…?

 

[JonC]

I think the caution is that believers not be deceived. It is a warning against false teachers.

Those John speaks of have "gone too far and do not remain in the teachings of Christ".

The "gone too far and do not remain" indicates that they were, at one time, considered Christian but they have traded the "faith once delievered" (God's words) for what men say is really taught by Scripture when properly understood. They have gone too far - it is no longer mere disagreement about how God's words are interpreted or applied.

In the passage they went too far about false teachings regarding the Incarnation.


A sister passage is 1 John 4:1: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."


We are to test doctrine to know the spirit behind what is being taught (not necessarily the intent of the teacher). We test this against God's words. If a professing Christian teaches a doctrine that "goes too far" (that is not in "what is written", the "faith once delivered") then that person is "accursed" and are to be avoided.

I do not see this as unbelievers per se, but those who claim and probably believe they are Christian.

And it makes sence. If a Christian entertains an unbeliever then they are following Christ's example. If a Christian refuses to entertain a professing Christian who goes too far and dismisses God's words in favor of his own theories then that Chrisian is also following Christ.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

So you think churches should only let saved believers enter them?

Unsaved people must not be allowed to go to church?

How do you determine if a person is saved?

Do you stand at the door and interrogate them? Make them fill out a questionnaire?

Put a sign on the door that says “Non-believers Not Welcome”…?

2Jo 1:9-11 KJV] 9 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.

How would you apply these scriptures?

Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Have you heard a sermon based on this passage?

 

[Ascetic X]

2Jo 1:9-11 KJV] 9 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.

How would you apply these scriptures?

Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Have you heard a sermon based on this passage?

Instead of answering my question, you merely repeated your post.

So, to clarify your meaning…

Should we put a sign on the door of our church that says “Non-believers Not Welcome”…?



Berean Study Bible:

If anyone comes to you
This phrase indicates the presence of itinerant teachers or missionaries in the early Christian community. The early church often relied on traveling preachers to spread the Gospel, as seen in Acts 15:36-41. The phrase suggests vigilance in discerning the teachings of those who come to the community.

but does not bring this teaching
"This teaching" refers to the core doctrines of Christianity, particularly the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, as emphasized in 2 John 1:7. The early church faced challenges from false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which denied the incarnation of Christ. This phrase underscores the importance of doctrinal purity.

do not receive him into your home
In the first-century context, hospitality was a significant cultural value, and homes often served as meeting places for the church (Romans 16:5). However, this instruction highlights the need to protect the community from false teachings by not offering support or endorsement to those who spread them.

or even greet him
The greeting in ancient times was more than a simple hello; it often implied fellowship and acceptance. By instructing believers not to greet false teachers, the text emphasizes the seriousness of maintaining doctrinal integrity and avoiding any appearance of endorsing heretical views. This aligns with Paul's warnings in Galatians 1:8-9 about the dangers of false gospels.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

Instead of answering my question, you merely repeated your post.

Likewise, you did not answer my questions:
Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Why? Has satan successfully deceived professing christians?

Do these prohibitions apply to the church (body of Christ) as well? I think so. (edited to add: apply)

Are churches so needy that they welcome non-believers (with their wallets) with open doors and wish them God's blessings on departing?

Additional verses to consider:
2Cr 6:14 KJV - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Cr 6:15 KJV - And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Cr 6:16 KJV - And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Cr 6:17 KJV - Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Do you think this command is applicable in the Church age?

[Mat 10:14 KJV] 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

 

[Armchair Apologist]

[2Jo 1:9-11 KJV] 9 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.

Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

Why? Has satan successfully deceived professing christians?

Do these prohibitions to the church (body of Christ) as well? I think so.

Are churches so needy that they welcome non-believers (with their wallets) with open doors and wish them God's blessings on departing?

[Eph 4:11-12 KJV] 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

I believe that the "Receive him into your house" is in reference to accepting someone as being a fellow "brother (or sister) in Christ" and having fellowship with them as such. I do not believe this means not inviting a "Jehovah FALSE Witness" into your house, offering him a cup of coffee, and EARNESTLY CONTENDING with them regarding their false gospel and possibly helping them to understand the gospel which is actually able to save their soul!

I work from home and often have JWs knocking at my door during the day. I can usually chase them rather quickly but this one gentleman wanted to keep talking about Jesus being the "Firstborn of all creation" and wanted to come back the following week to discuss it further and I told him that would be fine. He was also Filipino which made me somewhat more compassionate than usual so I had my "Guns loaded" and was ready for him but he never showed. His elder likely advised him against it. I wouldn't doubt if I eventually make it on their "Do Not Knock" list!

We use our house in the Philippines for weekly Bible Studies and kids clubs and God has been blessing beyond measure!

Yes, by all means USE YOUR HOUSE to reach people for the gospel! I believe there is a definite scriptural mandate to do so!

 

[Armchair Apologist]

Likewise, you did not answer my questions:
Having attended Baptist churches for fifty-five years or more, I not only have NEVER heard a sermon based on these verses, but have been taught the opposite!

I have heard this passage mainly being taught about engaging Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, and other false teachers who come knocking at your door. I have only been a Baptist for about 45 years so I am still somewhat of a "Whippersnapper" here!

Why? Has satan successfully deceived professing christians?

How exactly is Satan deceiving professing Christians? Help me out here. Are you talking about being deceived by such false teachers?

Anyone who is yet a novice and not yet established in their faith probably should not engage a heretic and just send them on their way but is this what you are saying here?

Do these prohibitions apply to the church (body of Christ) as well? I think so. (edited to add: apply)

John's epistle is a general epistle but this means it was generally written to all churches so I am not sure how this verse would NOT apply to the church!

Are churches so needy that they welcome non-believers (with their wallets) with open doors and wish them God's blessings on departing?

We shouldn't welcome them because of ther "wallets" nor should we bend over backwards to make them feel comfortable in our midst. I am against the "seeker sensitive" movement that resorts to pragmatic measures or waters down their message in order to attract people from the "world." When an unbeliever darkens our doorstep, what we should do is our dead-level best to communicate the gospel message to them!

But are you talking of those who bring doubtful disputations, divisive, or erroneous doctrines into the Church? You most certainly will have such people creeping in and the pastors, elders, and deacons should be ever vigilent to squash such things and send them packing if they refuse to shut their yap!

And yes, I have heard such things preached in Baptist Churches I have attended. I preach such things on a regular basis if you came into my church with the intent of promulgating false teaching, you might just meet my acquaintence rather quickly!

Additional verses to consider:
2Cr 6:14 KJV - Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Cr 6:15 KJV - And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Cr 6:16 KJV - And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Cr 6:17 KJV - Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Do you think this command is applicable in the Church age?

These verses are absolutely essential to the Church age or any other age for that matter. But do explain the context in which you are citing this passage. How would you apply these scriptures to the matter at hand of which you have concern?

[Mat 10:14 KJV] 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Are you still on the same subject here? The context of this passage is in regards to people who are on the receiving end and are rejecting YOUR teaching/outreach efforts (you brush it off and move on). 2 Jn 1:9-11 is speaking of you being on the receiving end of THEIR teaching efforts (you brush them off and send them on their way).

Context is king.