March 13.
Impostors Among Us

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might he made manifest that they were not all of us.

Since these people went out from the group it means that they had been a part of the fellowship. By leaving, they denied Christ. When you deny him, you not only deny his person you also deny his power. Matthew 28:18 All power is given unto me. He takes his power and places it behind us to give us power. Acts 1:8 Ye shall have power. Also, they deserted the church. If you are going to stay with the Lord do not leave the church. I know there are those that say “I can make it without the church.” You can be saved and not be in church; that is true. But after you are saved you’ll want to be in the church. The wise person will stay in the church where lies their strength and help. When you leave the church, you lose fellowship with God.

One of the problems with our church today is that we assume that everybody who attends the church and functions are saved. Consequently, we let our guards down around church folk. Just because somebody responds to you, it does not mean they have been born again Most of our enemies came out of the church. Satan himself was a choir director who decided that he wanted his throne to supersede God’s throne. But there’s a difference between just being a church member over and against being saved.

Many church members are offensive and act in a manner unbecoming to church folk. Now remember the problems come from church folk, not saved people. There is a big difference between the two. Just because you’re in church does not mean you’re saved. Just because you sing in the choir doesn’t mean you’re saved. Because you preach does not mean you’re saved. Or just because you can pray eloquently, it does not mean you’re saved.