“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 10).

The Epistle of 2 John is only one chapter long. Though the Book is brief, a careful study finds the message to be rich in practical and powerful principles. One such principle is the encountering of those who come door-to-door trying to hand out their heretical and wicked paperbacks. In the times of the Apostle John, fast food places and the Motel 6 didn’t exist. Travelers were invited to come in and join the family for supper and overnight. It seems strange to us, but hosts would commonly welcome those who came to their door and help them along their way. Blessings would be pronounced as the guest would leave as the host family wished them a successful journey.

John warns believers not to do so with cultists and those who were propagating wrong doctrine. Evangelism must take place at the doorstep and then no blessings were to be pronounced such as “God bless you” as the cultist leaves. The same certainly is true for us as well. The warmer weather is here, and no doubt your doorbell will be rung at least once this summer by those who are propagating false religion. Remember how John says to handle them. Evangelize and witness at the door. Do not bless them along the way.

For today: I am all for evangelism. But I don’t want to give them the impression that I appreciate what they are doing.