The Language of Ashdod Nehemiah 13:23-24 I. Introduction. A. Language is important. 1. Means of communication. 2. It is a taught or learned behavior. 3. Identifies an individual. a. Occupation. b. Lifestyle. c. Attitude. d. Geographic location. e. Christian; Athiest; denominationalist. B. Mixing language can be confusing and/or detrimental. 1. "Sin" in English versus "sin" in Spanish. 2. To mix the language of truth with falsehood is destructive spiritually. 3. Produces an "unholy alliance." C. An example: Nehemiah 13:23-24. 1. Jews violated laws of God in marrying foreign women. 2. Mixed language of Jews with Ashdod: result--confusion. 3. Corruption of language indicated corruption of principles. D. To speak the language of a Christian--must be based on the teachings of the New Testament: I Peter 4:11. 1. Even under the Law, there was a speech that belonged to God's people: Psalm 35:28; 37:30. 2. Speech is indicative of one's thinking. II. Body. A. The language of a disciple is based on the oracles of God: Hebrews 5:12. 1. These had failed, perhaps lost, even the "first principles" and needed to be retaught. a. It is possible to lose what one has been trained(reared) in... (1 Through other influences, circumstances. (2 Through lack of contact with specific speech, habits, etc. b. To remain knowledgeable in a specific habit/speech, one must constantly focus on that habit/speech (consciously or unconsciously). c. The more contact one has with specific habits/speech, the more proficient one becomes. 2. "Speaking as the oracles of God" separates disciples from those who do not follow God's way. a. Even among those who claim to be Christians--but promote liberalism(example: papers). b. Slogan: "Speak where the Bible speaks; be silent where it is silent." c. We need to call Bible items, principles and teachings by Bible names. d. Note: Matthew 26:73. B. The speech of Christians does not mix well with the languages of the world: 1. Like mixing oil & water; sweet & bitter; holy & defiled. 2. Note: Proverbs 10:31-32. 3. When a child picks up street language, the question: "Where did you learn that?" 4. For Christians: A "mongrel dialect." C. The language of Ashdod is the result of mixing Bible language with: 1. The ungodly speech of the wicked. a. Heard everywhere--under the guise of "freedom of speech." (What about the right to hear good speech?" b. Creeps into conversation of disciple: confusing--sends a double message. c. Gutter talk, filthy speech, taking the Lord's name in , etc, are ashodic! d. Can be learned in social contacts: (1 "Good time" affairs. (2 Media: Movies, TV, books, etc. (3 Family: difficult and embarrassing! e. Note: Ephesians 4:29. 2. Denominational ideas, words, and teaching. a. Denominations exist because someone corrupted the teaching of the word of God. b. When changed teachings: changed language. c. Most will not even honor God enough to use his name or Christ's name in their labels. d. Disciples speak ashdodic when using denominational terms and ideas in their speech. e. Done in two ways: (1 Using Bible terms in a sectarian manner: pastor for preacher; church for the building; saint for "certain" ones, etc. (2 Using sectarian terms to describe God's order, work, or worship; parson for preacher; "our" or "my" church for Christ's church; "laity" for Christians; "my" preacher for God's evangelist; "Sunday School" for Bible study, etc. 3. "Backsliding" brethren take on a new language. a. Pulpit preacher; youth minister; fellowship hall; missionary; medical mission, care group, sponsoring church, etc. b. "Christian" as a label(for colleges, schools, homes,etc.). c. "I am a church of Christ" instead of "I am a Christian." III. Conclusion. A. The language of Ashdod was a result of mixing the right way with a foreign way. B. Avoid it by speaking the language of God's book. -James L. Yopp