Separation From Worldliness
We believe that in Christ the believer has been given perfect and complete liberty (Gal. 4:1-7
; 5:1). We therefore believe that no man or group of men have the right to make rules and practices that are contrary to the freedom that the believer has been given in Christ, the clear teachings of the Scriptures, and the authority that God has established through individuals in the home, church, and state. At the same time, we are fully aware that God’s Word informs us that certain pursuits in this world will lead to a decline in spirituality on the part of the Christian. In view of this fact, we must caution God’s people against improper relationships (II Cor. 6:14) and the pursuit and excessive indulgence in innocent amusements which so often become the barrier to spiritual vitality and the cause of spiritual decline (Jas. 1:5; Mark 4:19). We encourage our membership to be discreet in the watching of movies, whether these be in the home via television or videos, or attendance at the theater. We further oppose all indecent literature, modern worldly dancing, and such games that are frequently associated with gambling. All of these are antagonistic to spiritual vitality and further promote worldliness and the breakdown of ethics and morality. We further encourage our members to be careful about that which they choose to eat or drink, believing that a poor diet and gluttony are harmful to the body (I Cor. 6:12-20; Prov. 23:21; Matt. 6:25-34; Phil. 3:19; Titus 1:12-13); that the excessive use of strong drink is foolish and forbidden in the Scriptures (Prov. 20:1; 23:29-35; I Cor. 6:9-10); and that the use of tobacco is unbecoming of a Christian and inconsistent with our Christian profession (I Cor. 3:16-17; 6:12). We are fully aware that when God first saves an individual, it might take a lengthy period of time to be set free from these and other vices. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the potential for complete freedom from any sinful habit is possible for the Christian and progress should consistently be realized through the process of daily sanctification.