Separation From The World
 

We keep hearing about separation from the world.

So...what exactly are people separating themselves from? What is considered to be "worldly" things?

Re: Separation From The World
 

For me it is about a separation from things that would make God unhappy.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are of the world".
I do not believe it means to move and start a commune somewhere.
We are in the world, but not of the world.

Re: Separation From The World
 

I am separated UNTO the Lord...

Re: Separation From The World
 

So what does that mean?

Re: Separation From The World
 

So...what are some of the things people do that separate themselves from the world?

Re: Separation From The World
 

Well, the women wear jean skirts and where their long uncut hair in might poofs.

Us guys are royally screwed.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Not trying to pick on you aegsm, but since you were the first to mention this, what are the things of the world?

I mean I pretty much see many pentecostals do some of the same things in the world as "worldly people".

Re: Separation From The World
 

They do. They just change the terminology.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Barb, all due respect to you, that is a non answer.

Re: Separation From The World
 

I would say it is a nonsensical answer.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Can you expound on that?

Re: Separation From The World
 

I will when I get a better keyboard (tomorrow). This is a MAJOR pain to type on.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Ok. I just wonder how many pentecostals will give specific answers. I truly want to know their point of view.

Re: Separation From The World
 

By abiding in Jesus and keeping his word one becomes seperated TO HIM.:highfive

Re: Separation From The World
 

Well...

1) If you're not at church when the doors are opened
2) If you don't tuck your shirt in and/or wear a belt (for the brothers)
3) If you aren't wearing slacks, an ironed shirt, or a suit and tie (for the brothers)
4) If you aren't wearing a skirt to the knees (for the sisters), sleeves to the elbows or just above them (both genders)
5) If your hair isn't "done" a certain way (both genders)
6) If you aren't filtering your entertainment (audio/video) a certain way

You might not be "separated from the world."

While some of the above I can understand, others I do not since they have no affect on me. But, that's not to say some, if not all, won't have a different affect on others, which may be why these things are preached on they way they are/have been...

Honestly, I think principles would render far-better and longer-lasting results as opposed to specifics/absolutes. But, again, no two people are alike. So, for what it's worth...

Re: Separation From The World
 

I know I'll get ripped to shreds for this....

To be really honest, I'd be Amish in a heart beat if their doctrine was in Truth... seriously. I've known some Amish, and watched a number of the documentaries on them, and would love to see an Apostolic version of that with correct doctrine....

Now let the ripping begin....

Re: Separation From The World
 

Some people, well, need to be as separated as possible, knowwhatimean?

Re: Separation From The World
 

Bro. Robbins,

How can I rip you when I have had similar thoughts myself....wow I thought I was the only one with that fleeting thought.

The simplicity of their life is alluring, especially given all the external pressures of this life. Besides the fact that they are very much works based in their thinking, they do put great emphasis on family which to me is missing, not only in the "world", but unfortunately in the church as well.

I do appreciate the simple church concept they have however, no elaborite bulidings that cost a fortune and no "paid staff". they could care less about "entertainment" type ministries as well as programs and the dreaded "FUNdraisers". It makes me wonder how close we really are to the "world" when many churches both in and out of Apostolica format everything to the attracting of the lost.

I remember an old preacher proclaim that the harvest tool used in the bible was the Word of God, not a program and not entertainment.

SOOOO if you get ripped, we will get ripped together..

Re: Separation From The World
 

LOL... well, always welcome company... LOL.

When I read the Word, and see the admonishons to be separated, to be Sanctified... the life like the Amish to me seems to be so much more in line with what I think God would have us be than the modern day Apostolic church. The simplicity... the values... the respect... the genuine life of worship and service... just seems to be so much more what God would have us be.

I frankly think everything about us should make us stick out like sore thumbs in this world... not just outward appearance... but the way we love, the way we cherish family... the way we worship... the way we work... the integrity we have... our character.... our morals... our entire lives... to me that is Separated from the world... I do believe what we wear, how we look is so very important... but that's just part of it.

Re: Separation From The World
 

If you look like the world
Go everywhere the world goes
Do everything the world does
theen you are not separated.:thumbsup
Glad I could help.

Re: Separation From The World
 

"Father, I have a confession to make..."

Let me be another one who's had those thoughts. It's crossed my mind a time or two here and there on wondering what it would be like to be Amish or live their lifestyle. I, myself, love their simplicity, hands down. That and their family structure leaves some to be envious of.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Well, Epley, since your pic is of you wearing a certain style hat, why haven't you joined some 1920s or 1930s mafia?

I'm sure your choice of appearance isn't stated as a requirement in a manual somewhere, is it?

Re: Separation From The World
 

See............................................... ..It ain't the 20's ..................So I am nearly 100 years behind.:thumbsup Thanks.

Re: Separation From The World
 

If looking like the Amish is admirable because of their simplicity and "back to nature" attitude, than why don't we go all the way?

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3093/2...2a1f140a_z.jpg

Re: Separation From The World
 

Sorry you think it is "nonsensical" or evasive...

I wrote what I did because I stopped a long time ago saying that I am separated from the world.

Reason? I know a folks, and at time was one, who looked separated from the world, but my heart was far from it.

But I realize that y'all want specifics, so here it is...

In my desire to separate myself unto the Lord I adhere to certain principles of hair and dress.

I am not dogmatic, in that my hair must be up at all times or that kind of thing.

I do not believe my hair has supernatural powers.

But I do not cut my hair.

There are places I choose not to go.

I do not wear makeup.

I do not wear pants.

This works for me.

Re: Separation From The World
 

You simply hold a "title," my friend. I'll just leave it at that. :icecream

Re: Separation From The World
 

Fair enough. :)

And yes, I too have known many who looked the part to a T and were backbiting, bitter, and hypocritical maroons. So many that when I see someone who looks apostolic I already have them having to play catch up to more "normal" people in proving themselves to be "Christian".

Re: Separation From The World
 

Re: Separation From The World
 

This picture proves that there is always one that will cross the line. LOL

Re: Separation From The World
 

Thank you Barb, for being more descriptive. There is nothing wrong in being separated in this way for the physical if that is what you feel it takes to be separated. Be if far from me to criticize you in your choice of clothes, hair, grooming and places to go...as long as you do not think your lifestyle is required for everybody else. I only hope that you respect those who do not feel this is what it is to lead a separated life from the world.

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Ha, that's actually only about half way...

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Amen. Her branch has pretty leaves; but anyone doing exactly like her
would not be separated...from Barb! : ) (would be a clone)

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Cloneliness is next to godliness, right?

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There are no right or wrong answers here. I am not going to "rip" Brother Robbins or Lemon for their thoughts and ideas of what it means to be separate from the world. I often thought about the Amish myself. It looks like a hard life, but I have to respect their way of living. I once went to one of their small communities wanting to buy some heirloom seeds that I thought they saved from their crops from year to year. One of the men there told me that every year they go to the feed store and buy their seed. So...I was out of luck on that one. He was risking a scolding for talking to me because mainly the men do not talk to women outside their sect. I noticed that he barely looked at me when he did give me information.

Who knows what is truly right ? I think only God knows. The reason being is that God looks on our hearts while men and women look on the outer appearance. That is Biblical.

So many different people have so many different thoughts as to what they think is being separated or what it takes to be separate from the world.

I would say that even those of Catholic faith separated themselves from the world. Many nuns have gone into the convent and their only clothes was the long gown/robe...black in color from neck to ankle and the habit covering of their head and around the chin to cover their neck.

Likewise, the priests wore their robes over their slacks and had Monasteries, of which many became "Monks" and separated themselves. I have a cousin who disappeared into the Franciscan Monk Monastery. I met him once when I was a little child. I have no idea if he is still there, alive or dead.

Then we have the Mennonites, an offshoot of the Amish who live rather simply themselves. Except that they use electricity and modern appliances as well as computers. The women dress modestly, even with short sleeves, but those sleeves are tight around their arm. Simple and plain hairdos with the little black cap pinned on top of their heads. I would consider them to be good people. They love God too.

What about the Mormons? I don't spend much, if any time studying them. Maybe I should. They talk about God, give a wholesome appearance, but do they worship God the way God wants us to worship Him? I don't know. I've never delved much into their doctrine. When I was seeking God, two mormons came to my apartment to give me a "Bible" or rather a "Book of Mormon" study. When I saw their film of Joseph Smith, I decided it was too weird and slipped away from them as graciously as I could. They are separate from the world within their own community.

Jehovah Witnesses are in the same boat. They think that they have the truth and they have their own communities.

I cannot put any of these people down because it looks to me that they all feel they are doing right by their lifestyles in living for God. I have met people from every one of these religious communities and talked/interact with them. Perhaps with the exception of Mormons, only speaking with them on a very limited scale.

Yet, I would say that all these communities face the same temptations of sin that the rest of humanity does.

We hear about the priest scandals.

Not too many years ago, our local newspaper had a 3 part story about the Mennonites and their community and the struggles of adultery and other temptations within.

Why do we humans always think we live separate lives when we face the same temptations as all other flesh and blood? I would bet that many people likewise think that the grass is greener on the other side.

Re: Separation From The World
 

It's a heart thing.

Re: Separation From The World
 

As I don't have a heaven or hell to put anyone in, why does my opinion matter?

Re: Separation From The World
 

So...I would like to delve a little deeper here on what does God mean when He wants us to be "separate" from the world?

I often think about John the Baptist. He was clothed in animal skin and ate honey and locusts. I suppose he did not shave. The bible did not say who "taught" him in the religious circles of that day. I am of the opinion that the Holy Ghost taught John and instructed him what to say and do to and for the people. He was given the Holy Ghost while still in the womb.

How else would he have known how to Baptize people? There were schools for religious learning, but I doubt John the Baptist entered their doorway.

Being separate I feel, is more of a spiritual, rather than a physical thing. A consecration to God rather than where we go, what we look like, what kind of clothes we wear etc.

I have a question for all pentecostal women here. If an Amish or Menonnite woman came into your church wearing the type of clothes that they wear, would they be accepted in your circles when the novelty of her attending a UPC church wears off? I mean they are as modest modest can be. The one Mennonite of the older order I met only wears navy dresses, hand made, sleeves down to her wrists and skirts down to her ankles, high button up neckline. That is very modest. But that is the only kind of dress she wears. No heels and hair always up in a severe bun on top of her head. I ask this knowing that Pentecostal ladies have a "fashion" all of their own. I've heard them talk about other women who did not dress "fashionable" or experiment with their hair into different configurations on top of their heads. Would the Amish or Mennonite be accepted or would they have to conform to church fashion?

Likewise you men, would you accept the Amish/Mennonite men wearing beards, jeans and suspenders into your congregation knowing that perhaps they would never buy a suit and tie and conform to the dress style of acceptable Pentecostal men? Would you let the Amish leaders up in your pulpit to share a word from God?

Re: Separation From The World
 

Not with a beard. Or jeans.

Re: Separation From The World
 

Brother Epley?

Re: Separation From The World
 

Found him!

http://content6.flixster.com/photo/3...196796_ori.jpg