Remaining Seperate

[Apostolic Unity Outreach]

As apostolic youth we often fall prey to the world's eye candy which causes us to become hypocrites and our mandate from god to "come out from among them and be ye separate". Therefore, my question is, what is the best way for us to live in the world but maintain our spiritual identity as apostolics? How have you been able to resist the magnetic pull of the world and its unending destructive devices?

[Victor]

The authority of the church is foremost which is followed by self-examination on the part of every man or woman to judge what the boundaries between good and evil, right and wrong, godly and ungoldy are as pertains to the world. We are called to be separate, but unlike the Israelites we do not live physically separated from the nations around us having our own language, culture, and history, etc. We are Gentiles. We live on the same land, speak the same language, attend the same schools, watch the same etertainment as anyone in the world. We are in the world, but not of the world. So then how do we judge what's adequately separate? There's no one right answer. The church and pastors impose standards of holiness that we should obey where possible, and these can vary from church to church. Otherwise, each man must examine for himself what he can and cannot do. To give some examples to prove my case, let's take the 10 commandments. First off, in some cases even the world is at agreement with us, do not kill, steal, or commit adultery. Secondly, remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy is universally accepted as irrelevant in today's church. We work on Sundays (Saturdays for others) as we deem necessary, and don't think twice. Thirdly, I'll point out an example Mother Langham gave me. In her church growing up, it was said that if you leave the church for college you're going to hell. That's how they were, but of course nowadays we accept college as wholesome and beneficial. Fourth, even today a small minority of Apostolic churches are against TV. Lastly, we lack modern day parallels with some biblical notions such as idolatry, clean/unclean beasts and foods. This leaves us with the authority of the church and the right to examine ourselves with respect to the principals taught in the Bible, in both cases following the Spirit of God for proper application. Inevitably, there will be disagreement and we'll need Christ's peace and wisdom to deal with that. To summarize, the line between holy and unholy, acceptable and not acceptable, okay and not okay is blurred for us in many cases. Where possible, we follow the authority of the church leaders, in others we examine and judge for ourselves. In this I believe God is pleased. --Victor

[Ian J.T. Garland]

I agree that there is no right answer but I find it to be a problem that has turned into an epidemic amogst young apostolics. For much of my life being raised in the church was an unfortunate circumstance because it conflicted with my own desires. I knew the truth so I could not claim ignorance like the rest of my friends. I hated to be different than the other kids but I had no choice. I finally embraced the fact that God had called me to be seperate in the 10th grade and although i have been far from perfect I have developed boldness that has allowed me to speak about my convictions without feeling outcast. I look at having the holy ghost as being a member of the "elite", the group the rest of the world should strive to be in. So i dont feel outcast any more because I have made my decision and it has become so much a part of me that I dont feel pressure to be like or do things like the rest of the world. Sure I have tempations and things that may cause me to fall but it is not because I feel some sort of pressure from the world. So my answer is that the best way to maintain ur identity as an apostolic is to embrace it and appreciate it. That way you will want to fight to maintain and protect that identity. Now one is immune to the wiles of the world but embracing your faith may make it easier to fight the devil because it is your desire to stay pure. But eventually it all comes down to your desire to fight sin or give in sometimes (myself included) we embrace sin because it is appealing but at least we know we have the tools to fight.

[Tahari Austin]

Really insightful questions!

I would have to say that the scripture that has inspired me the most to live right comes from Hebrews 11:25... "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;"
I use to quote this scripture in HS all the time, walking to the bus stop! I knew somebody was going to have something to say about my sanctified gym-class SKIRT or I would have to answer questions about not being like other “church” folk. I wanted to be ready for anything. I loved being ready. Being Holy was fun!

To me, being pulled in by "the magnetic" allure of the world is simply not worth it. The world really doesn’t have anything to offer me so why bow? Youth today need to understand that God mandates that we walk, talk and look different because in doing so it makes living for Jesus EASIER!

Being different isn’t hard! Being saved isn’t hard! Not if it is something we want to do.

I think that many youth get swayed because they simply aren’t convinced enough that living for Christ has more value than being like the world. The appeal of secular living is immediate! You can have what you want when you want it! No delay; verses God's way which can take time and is consistently in opposition to the humanistic “I want it now” mentality. I think God did this deliberately too. When we patiently decide to be live for Christ, be different and not care about the foolishness of non apostolic living, it is easier to be saved.

Trust me, there is nothing more beautiful than an apostolic sister who takes a stand! My question is, why do African American Apostolic Churches seem to have a harder time with dressing standards than our white (traditionally UPC) counterparts?

[Cassandra Shepard]

I agree with a lot of what is being said, many valid points have been made. As Apostolic people it is very important to pursue a life of practical holiness. Living a holy life is demanded by all those who are professing salvation. What has helped me along this Christian journey is the remembrance of a message “Life is too short and hell is too hot to fool around w/ your eternal future.” The message inspired me to continue to live in such a way that was consistent with the will of God. It’s very much possible to live holy in this 21st century (Titus 2:12). Unfortunately, many are attracted by the world’s goods because it’s appealing to the eye. However, to combat that attack we are to set our affections on things above… (Colossians 3:2). It’s possible to live holy because God commands his people to live holy (1 Peter 1:16). Furthermore, if God commands holiness then it is possible. Holiness or hell!

[Ian J.T. Garland]

AMEN....

[Tashianna]

One of the best way for us to lived saved in this world, is to realize that we have two natures, a old nature and a new nature. The old nature is sin something that we was born with. The new nature which is when we are born again. Sometimes we want to go back to that old nature, but thats sin...You dont want to go back to "that" again. When we have two nature we come against a lot of situations, but we have to have in our mind do we really want JESUS .. and also think of all the things that he has done for you...and think "i must live saved" ...and think of how good GOD been to you...why cant you be good to him in return. Another good thing to remember is that we are more than conquerors though him that loved us... Romans 8:37....we can do this ...we can be young and lived saved...we are winners...

I have been in situations where i just had to call on that name...JESUS...SOMETHING ABOUT THAT WONDERFUL NAME.. and sometimes i had to rebuke that old devil so he could surely flee ...
but through everything TRUST JESUS...believe that he will help you and have faith in God...