Article 16. DISCIPLESHIP AND NONCONFORMITY

ARTICLE 16 DISCIPLESHIP AND NONCONFORMITY

    We believe that there are two opposing kingdoms to which men give their spiritual allegiance, that of Christ and that of Satan. Those who belong to Satan’s kingdom live for sin and self, and refuse the obedience of faith. The kingdom of Christ is composed of those who have been born again and who have entered into a faith union with the Lord Jesus Christ. In them the fruit of the Spirit is in evidence. They recognize the lordship of Christ, and perform all manner of good works. They seek for holiness of heart, life, and speech, and refuse any unequal yoke with unbelievers. They manifest only love toward those of other races, cultures, and economic levels. They regard their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and crucify their flesh with its affections and lusts. They therefore avoid such things as harmful drugs, beverage alcohol, and tobacco. We believe that their adornment should be a beauty of spirit, expressed in attire that is modest, economical, simple, and becoming to those professing Christian faith. They should seek to be Christian in their stewardship of money and possessions. Their recreational life should be consistent with the Christian walk. Through the Spirit they should put off the old man and put on the new.

Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 9:23-26; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18;Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 4:20-32; Colossians 1:13; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:3-4.

Lord’s Day Observance

    We believe the Bible teaches that the early church observed the first day of the week by gathering together for fellowship and worship. We believe that the principle of resting from secular work one day out of seven is intended for all time. We believe that the Lord’s Day should be kept as a day of devotion and worship, and that everyone should regularly attend church services and Sunday School whenever possible. We believe that the Christian should not be involved in commercial recreation or organized sports on the Lord’s Day. Purchasing and labor are to be avoided as much as possible.

Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Isaiah 58:13-14; Deuteronomy 5:12-15.

Attire

    We believe in the distinction of the sexes in dress. Our sisters shall wear dresses which are of simple design and of modest length and cut. The brethren shall wear full length trousers. We believe shorts are inappropriate for both sexes. We encourage the wearing of the caped dress for sisters and the plain coat for the brethren. Because of immodest exposure of the body we believe it is inappropriate for members to engage in mixed public bathing.

Deuteronomy 22:5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10.

TV

    We believe that Christians should not own or use the TV because of its evil influence in promoting disrespect for human life, sanctity of marriage, Christian morality, and the principles of non-resistance. Therefore, we are asking our members not to own or use the TV.

VCR

    We believe that the entertainment film industry is one of the tools Satan uses to accomplish his purposes. Because of this danger we ask that members of this fellowship limit the use of the VCR for educational purposes, specific study courses, business training, and home produced videos. Even for these uses extreme caution should be used in evaluating these materials. Therefore, the VCR shall not be a regular fixture in our homes.

Computer and Internet

    We believe that with the introduction of the personal computer into our homes comes a host of accompanying temptations. Computer games are often violent and addictive, and generally are an unwise use of time. The head of the household should evaluate all games and software installed on a home computer to insure that it is not going to be an evil influence or teach things that are not wholesome to our family members. The ministry advises you to delete such games Irom your computers.

    The Internet is a door to a world of information, entertainment, education, and unfortunately, pornography and a world of evil which needs to be avoided. There are other more safe and wholesome ways to obtain needed information than through the Internet.

Deuteronomy 7:26; Job 31:1: Psalms 101:3: Romans 13:11-14; Ephesians 5:15-16.