Separation
We believe in separation from the world on two levels:
- Ecclesiastical : We refuse to lend credibility and endorsement and to cooperate or agree in joint-ventures with other organizations and men who are lost, from erring brethren, and from those who do not takes similar stands of separation. We further intend to expose error in an attempt to contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3) We see these cooperations as steps to ecumenism and the one world church. (Matt. 12:34; 18:15-17; 23:23-27; John 2:13-16; Acts 2:42; Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 5:1-2, 6-7,11; 2 Cor. 6:11-18; 7:1; Gal. 2:11-14; Eph. 4:14; 5:11; 2 Th. 3:6, 14-15;1 Tim 1:18-20; 2:15-18; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 4:10, 14-18; Titus 1:13; 1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:1, 7-11; 3 John 1:9; Rev. 2:2, 14-15) Groups that we would avoid cooperating with would be the liberals, neo-orthodox, new evangelicals, the World Council of churches (WCC), the NCC, the National Association of Evangelicals, Charismatic and Pentecostal groups, etc.
- Personal : We also believe that how we appear, what we listen to, what we say, what we do, where we go, and who we choose as companions is important. We believe that biblical principles of modesty and identification (as either a male or a female) are important in consideration of appearance. (Deut 22:5; 1 Tim 2:9-10) Additionally, the Bible teaches that it is a shame for a man to have long hair but it is proper for a woman to have long hair. (1 Cor 11:14-15) We also believe that all music in every church ought to be conservative and God-honoring in music, words, and presentation. No rock or contemporary Christian music is acceptable in our services. (Psa 40:3) Finally, we believe that believers ought to abstain from drinking intoxicating beverages, smoking or chewing tobacco, using illegal drugs, looking at pornography, gambling, and participating in any activity, saying any words, and going any place where we might damage the testimony of Christ or that might lead us into carnal living and thinking.