The Tightrope of Separation: False Starts

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False starts

There are several false starts that we can make in the matter of separation. There is no doubt that God has called us to a position of separation. The question is how and in what way? There are several false responses that have been devised by man.

The first response is asceticism.

There are those who have said that Christians are not of this world and so they must get away from the world completely. Those who advocated this are called ascetics and they became hermits, went to monasteries, caves, deserts, and the wilderness. They said they had to get away from man and pleasures in order to be separate unto God. That however was a complete distortion of Scripture because we are commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Scripture has told us to witness to, live before, and seek to reach men for Christ. After ascetics arrived out in the deserts and caves they discovered they brought the world with them because the sinful impulses exhibited in the world were also in them. Satan appealed to their pride, self, and false motives even when they were alone, and the world manifested itself in them. Wherever we go we take the sinful impulses exhibited in the world with us. Asceticism is not the answer.

Discussion

Three Biblical Marks of Healthy Financial Cooperation

Body

“The means and methods of financial cooperation between churches are not the purview of accountants and finance committees only. Rather, how financial support is given and received within the kingdom of God on earth is a theological and pastoral question.” - 9 Marks

Discussion

How to Lead a Baptist Network

Body

“Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to lead and shepherd the GARBC from the men who know it best. This interview features David Strope, GARBC interim national representative, and Clare Jewell, current GARBC national representative.” - GARBC

Discussion

No Lone Ranger Christians

Body

“Paul actually turned his back on a God-given opportunity to minister. Why? Because, he says, ‘I did not find my brother Titus there.’” - Randy Alcorn

Discussion

Why I Joined the IFCA

I recently made the decision to join the IFCA International as an individual, vocational member. It was not a commitment that I entered into lightly. And, quite frankly, I was not really looking for an organization to join! Yet I became convinced over time that this was simply the right and wisest thing to do.

Discussion

On Church, Part 5: How You Doin’?

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We’ve looked at the need for you be an active part of your local assembly. We’ve toyed with some ideas, based on your gifts and abilities. Now we could use some help in thinking of things we haven’t thought of yet, and in evaluating the thoroughness of what we’re doing.

Discussion

How to Care for a Big Church

Body

“The beauty of the parish model is the combination of two powerful forces which facilitate ‘one another’ care: relationships and proximity… We believe deepening relational connections between leaders and members who live near each other builds a culture of care in the church.” - 9 Marks

Discussion

Does Your Church Have a Narthex Mentality?

Body

“Before these conversations, I’d never considered the spiritual significance of the lobby as I came and went from worship. Merely having this pointed out to me has—in no time—created a more grace-filled heart posture as I approach this preworship and postworship pass-through.” - TGC

Discussion

Triage in the Trenches: When do Second-Tier Issues Divide?

Body

“The Gospel Coalition and Together For the Gospel…. In both cases, baptismal differences are not regarded as barriers to participation, whereas differences over manhood and womanhood are. What might account for this difference (and others like it)?” - Christ Over All

Discussion