Only ye shall not go very far away

[Brother Ben]

I realize we speak oft on this board about the topic of separation, but I sometimes think that people think we are too separated, too extreme, too . . . you get the idea. However, even beloved Bro. Spurgeon 100 years ago thought along these very lines. We become very sleepy in the city of Vanity Fair and neglect to see the hidden traps in her dainties. I hope you enjoy the following morning devotion from, 'Morning and Evening,' by Charles Spurgeon, and have a blessed day.

Bro. Ben

Morning
“Only ye shall not go very far away.”
- Exo_8:28
This is a crafty word from the lip of the arch-tyrant Pharaoh. If the poor bondaged Israelites must needs go out of Egypt, then he bargains with them that it shall not be very far away; not too far for them to escape the terror of his arms, and the observation of his spies. After the same fashion, the world loves not the non-conformity of nonconformity, or the dissidence of dissent; it would have us be more charitable and not carry matters with too severe a hand. Death to the world, and burial with Christ, are experiences which carnal minds treat with ridicule, and hence the ordinance which sets them forth is almost universally neglected, and even condemned. Worldly wisdom recommends the path of compromise, and talks of “moderation.” According to this carnal policy, purity is admitted to be very desirable, but we are warned against being too precise; truth is of course to be followed, but error is not to be severely denounced. “Yes,” says the world, “be spiritually minded by all means, but do not deny yourself a little gay society, an occasional ball, and a Christmas visit to a theatre. What’s the good of crying down a thing when it is so fashionable, and everybody does it?” Multitudes of professors yield to this cunning advice, to their own eternal ruin. If we would follow the Lord wholly, we must go right away into the wilderness of separation, and leave the Egypt of the carnal world behind us. We must leave its maxims, its pleasures, and its religion too, and go far away to the place where the Lord calls his sanctified ones. When the town is on fire, our house cannot be too far from the flames. When the plague is abroad, a man cannot be too far from its haunts. The further from a viper the better, and the further from worldly conformity the better. To all true believers let the trumpet-call be sounded, “Come ye out from among them, be ye separate.”

[George]

I realize we speak oft on this board about the topic of separation, but I sometimes think that people think we are too separated, too extreme, too . . . you get the idea.

I just had a conversation about this very thing with a man last night. He takes the position that our being seperate amounts to being secretive. I found that fascinating in that the things we try to practice in our Church and among the members are openly espoused in the Bible.

He also spoke of the way we look at others. That was also interesting. I look at others who are not seperated with love, compassion and caring. Sometimes I can be quite gruff in this area. I do not believe there is room for things of the world in life. I know where they lead. Not where they can lead, but where they lead. There is little anyone can do that I have not done in the area of sin.

I am blunt, forward and unmoving in the area of people's need to change. Just this morning in my Bible reading there was this:

(Proverbs 27:19) As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

There is a lot said in that short little verse.

In Christ,
George

[nightingale]

I have a question...If we separate ourselves too far from the world, how are we to be lights for Jesus and share the gospel...Did not Christ himself walk and eat among the sinners? I also had a question brought up to me just the other day, in fact I have been asked then several different times..."If we are to dress not as culture dictates, just how far back are we to go to obtain the right ideal of dress code, the 1800's, dark ages, bible times?" Please don't take this question as a flip-pet remark, the person asking was very sincere...I just don't know how to answer...I told her to dress feminine and modest...love ya all...Sis Debbie

[Brother Ben]

Just some thoughts on separation. Separation is based on a drawing nearer and nearer to Christ and therefore, farther and farther from the world. As we draw nigh unto God, we see the filthiness of the flesh and we make changes to bring the flesh into submission.

The issue of dress is not how far back, i.e., "the 1800's," but how much do we need to cover up. The Bible is clear what immodesty is and therefore the "style" should be sufficient to do the job. If it happens to look like styles of the 1800's, then it is probably because in the old days people were more consciencious of immodesty and proper dress even in the secular community.

A difference must be made between separation and isolation. Isolationism is to move 50 miles back into the woods and never see anyone, however separation is to continue to work, shop, and interface with society without being defiled by it. You might live 50 miles back in the woods to protect your family, but you go to the world on a regular basis for work, shopping, etc., and bring the Gospel with you as you go. This is were you go amongst publicans and sinners like Christ.

The logic of the Bible is sufficient to see through this issue.

2Cr 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2Cr 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2Cr 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Cr 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

2Cr 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

[George]

A difference must be made between separation and isolation.

You are certainly most correct in that statement brother Ben. I have had people who do not understand the doctrine of separation ask me silly questions such as, "Do you have to stay out of the grocery store because there are unsaved people there and they sell things that are contrary to the Bible?" That is only one example of the questions I get from people who are not willing to give up their love of the world and the things of the world.

the question was asked about being able to witness to the lost if we stay separate. The Bible addresses that quite often. Of course we are to witness. The only gift of the Holy Spirit given to each of us alike is the gift of witnessing. It must be used. However there is a point that we must withdraw.

(1 Timothy 6:5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

(Matthew 7:6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Please take note that in the verse from Matthew the pearls referred to is the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Good News. Swine are those who have heard the Gospel and reject it. That which is holy is the Word of God and the dogs are those who will devour it and chew it up. “Dogs” signify people who spurn, oppose, and abuse that doctrine; people of special sourness and malignity of temper, who meet it like growling and quarrelsome curs, Phi_3:2; 2Pe_2:22; Rev_22:15. “Swine” denote those who would trample the precepts underfoot; people of impurity of life; those who are corrupt, polluted, profane, obscene, and sensual; those who would not know the value of the gospel, and who would tread it down as swine would pearls.

There comes a time when we must withdraw from such and pray for them. To continue in disputations with the lost will only serve to drag us down.

In Christ,
George

[dragonfly]

I have been moved by God to become more modest. In todays society I am looked upon as different, set apart because of the covering I wear. Praise God. My children go to the store with me, and we are set apart, because of our clothing. Praise God. I agree, it's not an outfit from the 1800's we need to wear, we need to be modest. Each person's idea of modest is different. When I was newly saved, modesty meant showing my shoulders, (bare) and a skirt just below the knees. Modest now means a much more conservative view. Colors are more calm, sleaves are on each and every Item I wear, my skirts are just about to my ankle now, and my colar bones showing makes me feel a bit uncovered. That said, to the person who is asking you questions just be patient and pray. The Lord will show her what modesty is to her, at her walk at this presant time. Don't judge her, love her and show her humbly and kindly.

[benshelpmeet]

Dearest Debbie,

If we separate ourselves too far from the world, how are we to be lights for Jesus and share the gospel...Did not Christ himself walk and eat among the sinners?

We as christian's are to separate ourselves from worldly practices, the things we partake in, the places we go, ( Carnivals, Rodeo's, Concerts, hanging out at the mall, Certain Restaurants that seem trashy like Toots, or Hooters,Logan's Road House, Davey Crockett's, or Restaurants with loud music ( a christian has no business in a place like this), We are to separate ourselves from improper things, also we are to separate ourselves from worldly things that come into our home, books, toys, TV, movies, music, immodesty, crude talk, etc... The christian is to separate himself from this world and it's fleshly lusts that war against the soul.

We are to be a witness and a light for Jesus, and a sweet taste in the lives of sinners and the lost, a breath of fresh air, a blessing to others, when we go out in public, when we go to town to do our shopping, or to buy gas, pay a bill, etc.

We are different, we do not do the things the world does, we do not go all the places they go, we are to live a separated life unto the Lord, but that does not mean we do not have contact with the world, it does not mean we do not go among them and reach out with the gospel, and a christian witness.

Our lives are different so our paths cross in neutral places, that is good though, what kind of christian would we be if we were just like the world no conviction, no changed life, of what effect could we have on the lost? Christ changes your life, your desires, your walk. We are made new creatures, given a new life, new desires, a new walk. The lost would see no need to be saved. People desire change, power over sin, if being a christian has no obvious change, why would they desire to be saved. What good would it do in their life? Christ not only saves our eternal soul but He also changes our earthly life, walk, desires,our path changes.

Alot of people say separation is isolation, There are some similarities, but a few difference.

The interesting thing to note here is it is a command of God for us to be separate from the world.

sep·a·rate (sµp“…-r³t”) v. sep·a·rat·ed, sep·a·rat·ing, sep·a·rates. --tr. 1.a. To set or keep apart; disunite. b. To space apart; scatter. c. To sort. 2. To differentiate or discriminate between; distinguish. 3. To remove from a mixture or combination; isolate. interesting.


i·so·late (º“s…-l³t”) tr.v. i·so·lat·ed, i·so·lat·ing, i·so·lates. 1. To set apart or cut off from others. 2. To place in quarantine. 3. Chemistry. To separate (a substance) out of a combined mixture. 4. To render free of external influence; insulate. 5. Microbiology. To separate (a pure strain) from a mixed bacterial or fungal culture. very interesting!

2 Co 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Co 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

2 Co 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2 Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

2 Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

1 Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.




..."If we are to dress not as culture dictates, just how far back are we to go to obtain the right ideal of dress code, the 1800's, dark ages, bible times?"


As the Lord does the work of santification in the believers life, the believer goes through many stages, many changes in the corse of his lifetime, drawing ever nearer to the Lord and His plan for his life. If a christian is yeilding to the Holy Spirits promptings, and not just doing what the flesh feels comfortable with... thus quinching the Holy Spirit, then over the corse of life the believer will take on many differant convictions, stronger and stronger until he finds Gods balance for his life.

We live in a lustful, lude, carnal, no fear of God culture. What is the christian to do? How is the christian to dress? Well first the christian is to draw close to the Lord ( most christians never learn to do this or even make much of an effort to, they are inconsistant with their walk with the Lord and their desire and devotion to Him...It's sad to say, but very true.) When we draw close to the Lord He draws close to us, thus reveiling His will for us. We know Him so we are better to discern His will, and what we can, and cannot do as a christian, we dare not try to compromise what He has led us to do, their are no doubts, and if there are we can, and do go to the Lord for answers and we beseache Him until we have the answer. Longing after the Lord and the things of God, thats the christians heart, his utmost desire.(Or at least it should be).

What to wear? The Holy Spirit leads the christian unto truth, obedients leads us unto reightiousness.

The bible teaches modesty....

1 Tim 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1Tim 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works

1Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.




We as christians need to dress in a humble, modest, clean and pressed, but not in a way that would make people take notice of our outward beauty, but our inward person. We are to focus on our inward person, subduing our outward so we can be the shamefaced, modest godly woman who is busy doing good works and deeds instead of thinking about her hair, fingernails, out fit, shoes, perfume, make up, jewelry, etc...Take the focus off your outward appearance and put all your attention on the inward person that is a true picture of christianity.

Find a modest , non reveling dress and have some made, or go to the thrift stores and pray for the Lord to help you find modest clothing that honors Him and the christian testimony, keep them clean and pressed and wear them. They are just clothes to cover our bodies and to keep us modest. We are not to worry too much about our outward clothing, just that we are neat, clean, and present ourselves in a christian manner.

True modesty is freedom! Freedom from what the world and our culture thinks that women must do to fit in to be excepted. If you are truly different from the world they will except you, they will even admire you, because they will know that you are a christian, they expect christians to be different that the rest of cultural society. Christians are just having too much Fun fitting in with cultural society, thats why they are almost a mirror image, they somehow ''justify'' in their minds blending the Holy with the unholy. A christian should be distinctly different!.

Your face should be washed ( no make up needed, sunshine and fresh air does wonders, mild soap and water and a mild lotion helps too, be yourself, My daughter was noticing that she really cant tell what anyone truly looks like because everyone dolls up their faces with make up, we live in a fake, plastic world, everyone is not happy with who they are or how they look) your hair cleaned and brushed ( no need for perms, coloring, or hair do's) be yourself , your covering should be clean, and wrinkle free. Your nails trimmed and clean ( no polish is needed), use deodorant, no extra heavy perfume cent needed.You should smell fresh and clean, not heavily scented with attractive perfumes.

I find that christians get the most offended by modesty. They do not like to think they will or should give up life's earthly pleasures like attractive clothing, outward adorning, TV, movies, other entertainments that waste their time they could be spending with their family or spending more wisely. Christians want salvation a home in heaven, they are full aware that God is Holy, but they do not want to sacrifice pleasurable things for the Lord to have a clean, clear christian testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ.


1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Some of us may be considered looking like the 1800,or Little House on the Prairie, that is ok because for the most part they were modest, clearly modest. One has to first walk with God, Draw nigh to God, then pray and ask the Lord what is truly modest and pleasing to Him. He will guide your path He promises to. It is a pathway a growing experience. Ever learning, ever growing, ever giving up the desires of our flesh.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Mat 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

God is faithful who has called us....1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

May the Lord guide your path, solidify your convictions, and give you peace, and bless you and your sweet family!

I hope my post made clear sense and answered your questions.

Love your sister and friend, ~ Darlene ~

Have a great day Debbie!

[nightingale]

Thank you Sister Darlene...You are a sweet sister...I love you...Have a wonderful day, and I hope you are feeling better...Love sis Debbie

[Andrea]

Thank you for this thread.. my computer time is just about up for now, so I'm going to print it off and take some time later to read it thoroughly!

Did you know that you can get the morning and evening devotions in your email? I get them every day. If you want the link, let me know.. ;D