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Statement of Beliefs:
Keep Unspotted From Evil

December 14, 2013

We have started a discussion regarding a Statement of Beliefs for those who identify as First-Century Apostolic Christians, those of us who believe our practices are closely aligned to the practices of the first-century church. We began to look at how we believe that Christian faith includes a life of faith with works and that to live a live with one without the other is dead. Last week, we examined our belief that there is a need to live at peace with all. Today we will study the following belief:

We believe in the need to keep oneself unspotted from the evils of the world.

Consider these verses:

James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Part of pure religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. The other part of pure religion is to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Those who keep themselves unspotted from the world, the pure in heart, are blessed and will see God.

1 Timothy 5:22
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.

Keeping pure, or unspotted from the evils of the world is done by living non-violently and away from the sins of others.

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

If we are keeping ourselves unspotted from evil, we will follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace as replacement behaviors for youthful lusts.

Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Evil is in a constant battle with good. We must overcome evil by doing good.

Living a life of faith and works as a Christian requires us to keep ourselves unspotted from evil. There is much more to explore regarding this topic. A Statement of Beliefs is not intended to fully represent all of our beliefs, and is intended to provide a reasonable summary so that others can succinctly understand what we believe. It can also provide us with a reflective consideration of our own religious faith. The more we understand who we are and what we believe, the more we can help others understand who we are and what we believe, the more we will be able to celebrate what is good, embrace what is good, and do what is good.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.