FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

sees denied that it was from God, saying, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons” (Matthew 12:24). The second result of degenerate love is learning without truth, or what I like to call worldly information without divine inspiration. Countless Christians have sat through thousands of lessons and sermons, yet still don’t know what they believe and show no evidence of it.They are like theYoshino cherry trees that beautified my front yard for years – bearing wonderful leaves and blooms, but no fruit. People are packing arenas and consuming all forms of media to hear a message that “tickles their ears” – one center- ing on self-fulfillment rather than self-denial. One dare not preach the offense of the Cross and the reality of Hell, other- wise folks might not come back next week. Unfortunately, there’s no stopping this train. We can’t reverse the flow of the stream, yet we can plug the holes in the dike. Let’s close the chapter detailing the following ways to combat degenerate love: Avoid those who malign the faith— the ones who havea warped view of love and exhibit such characteristics as slander, conceit, rashness, treacherousness, brutality, etc. (2 Tim-othy 3:2-4). Paul very frankly warns, “Avoid such men as these” (2 Timothy 3:5). Certainly, we should try to build bridges with the lost and backslidden in an attempt to draw them into the fold. We must be careful, however, not to engage in their follies. In fact, God promises to honor those who separate themselves from evil doers and cling to what is right. As the Psalmist says, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” (Psalm 1:1).

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