frequent mingling with the professing
church. By Stephen Ting 2 Timothy 3,
verses 4-5 Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having
a form of godliness, but denying its power, have nothing to do
with them. The professing church is characterized
by a worldly, covetous, and frivolous spirit. which is manifested by
distressing acts of inconsistency and folly. Far too often, when
the true Christian associates with those within the professed
communion of the followers of Christ, he is met with a low
standard of personal piety. Frequent mingling with the professing
church very rarely promotes, and far more frequently hinders,
the growth of grace in the true Christian's heart. Much experience
of this impediment to holiness compels him to retreat, as often
as possible, from the professing church, to seek for strength
and refreshment at home, in secret with his Lord. They profess to
know God, but in works they deny Him. Titus 1.16