1. Their Children Spoke the Language of Ashdod Nehemiah 13:23-27

2. Israel and the World Separation was made, Neh. 9:2; 10:28-32Separation was made, Neh. 9:2; 10:28-32 Carelessness increased, Neh. 5:14; 13:6Carelessness increased, Neh. 5:14; 13:6 The influence of evil was pronounced:The influence of evil was pronounced: –Temple forsaken (13:10-11; 10:32, 37-39) –Sabbath profaned (13:15-18; 10:31) –Married pagan women (13:23-27; 10:30) Children could not speak their language! – Heb. 13:23-24Children could not speak their language! – Heb. 13:23-24 Nehemiah cleansed Israel, Neh. 13:30Nehemiah cleansed Israel, Neh. 13:30 2

3. Fellowship with Error Silences Truth A heart given to unity in doctrinal / moral diversity will not speak the whole counsel of God – Matt. 12:34 (Acts 20:27)A heart given to unity in doctrinal / moral diversity will not speak the whole counsel of God – Matt. 12:34 (Acts 20:27) –Influence of error silences truth, Gal. 2:5, 13 –Ultimately it causes a denial of Christ! Matt. 26:69-70 3

4. Modern Language of Ashdod “Men’s Retreats, Women’s Seminars, Youth Rallies” (Acts 2:42-46)“Men’s Retreats, Women’s Seminars, Youth Rallies” (Acts 2:42-46) –Congregational worship, Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25; 1 Cor. 11:17-20; 14:23, 26 –Bible classes, Acts 11:26 (18:26; 20:20) If worship, why charge money? (Isa. 55:1; Matt. 10:8)If worship, why charge money? (Isa. 55:1; Matt. 10:8) If recreation, why church involvement? (1 Cor. 11:22, 34)If recreation, why church involvement? (1 Cor. 11:22, 34) 4

5. Modern Language of Ashdod “Fellowship Meal”“Fellowship Meal” 1.Some say meal in a fellowship hall (Acts 2:46; 20:7-12; 1 Cor. 11:20-22) 2.Some say this is the Lord’s Supper when properly eaten 3.Lord’s supper is: Communion with Christ, 1 Cor. 10:16-17Communion with Christ, 1 Cor. 10:16-17 Memorial of His death, 1 Cor. 11:24-25Memorial of His death, 1 Cor. 11:24-25 Proclamation of His death, 1 Cor. 11:26Proclamation of His death, 1 Cor. 11:26 5

6. Modern Language of Ashdod “Fellowship Halls”“Fellowship Halls” –This is the social gospel, borrowed from the churches of men & human wisdom –In NT, “fellowship” never applied to social events (meals) or places (halls) –Now, this practice is commonplace! (Galatians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:11) 6

7. Modern Language of Ashdod “Things have changed since Bible times!”“Things have changed since Bible times!” –Truth? (1 Peter 1:23) –Sin? (Romans 3:23; 6:23) –Need for a Savior? (Jeremiah 10:23) –Moral standards? (Philippians 4:8) –Temptation? (1 John 2:15-16) –God? (Malachi 3:6) –Satan? (1 Peter 5:8) –Man? (Genesis 1:27; Ecclesiastes 1:9) 7

8. Modern Language of Ashdod “Things have changed since Bible times!”“Things have changed since Bible times!” –Nothing of spiritual significance has changed! –We allow the world to change us instead of us changing the world! – Matt. 5:13-16 Salt of the earthSalt of the earth Light of the worldLight of the world 8

9. Examine & Conform to Word of God – Neh. 13:1-2 (Col. 3:16-17)Examine & Conform to Word of God – Neh. 13:1-2 (Col. 3:16-17) –God-given pattern, Heb. 8:5 It saves (Rom. 6:17-18)It saves (Rom. 6:17-18) It is in Christ (2 Tim. 1:13)It is in Christ (2 Tim. 1:13) It is to be followed (Phil. 3:17)It is to be followed (Phil. 3:17) It is to be carefully followed (1 Tim. 4:6)It is to be carefully followed (1 Tim. 4:6) Remedy? Stop Speaking the Language! 9

10. Repent & Separate – Neh. 13:3 (9:2; 10:28; 13:27; Ezra 10:10-11)Repent & Separate – Neh. 13:3 (9:2; 10:28; 13:27; Ezra 10:10-11) –Separate from sin, 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 –Cleanse the impurities, Neh. 13:30 Unscriptural marriages (Mt. 19:9; Rom. 7:3)Unscriptural marriages (Mt. 19:9; Rom. 7:3) –No fellowship, Eph. 5:11; 2 Jno. 10-11 –Grace does not overlook error, Rom.6:1-2 10

11. Some say have more fellowship with those in error to have an opportunity to teach & influence themSome say have more fellowship with those in error to have an opportunity to teach & influence them Reality: The influence of error corrupts good doctrine! (Neh. 13:23-24; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:13)Reality: The influence of error corrupts good doctrine! (Neh. 13:23-24; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:13) Do not allow the world & those in error to set the agenda for what is right…Do not allow the world & those in error to set the agenda for what is right… BE SEPARATE! Their Children Spoke the Language of Ashdod 11