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Practical Commitments
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SPIRITUAL EXAMPLE
We will demonstrate         our commitment to Christ through our practice of the spiritual         disciplines; we will demonstrate our commitment to the body of Christ         through our loyalty to God and commitment to His church; and we will         demonstrate our commitment to the work of Christ through our being good         stewards.
Practice of       Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines       involve such practices as prayer, praise, worship, confession, fasting,       meditation, and study. Through prayer we express our trust in Jehovah God,       the giver of all good things, and acknowledge our dependence on Him for       our needs and for the needs of others (Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11: 1- 13;       James 5:13-18). Through both private and public worship we bless God, have       communion with Him, and are provided daily with spiritual enrichment and       growth in grace. Through periods of fasting we draw close to God, meditate       on the passion of Christ, and discipline ourselves to submit to the       control of the Holy Spirit in all areas of our life (Matthew 6:16-18;       9:14-17; Acts 14:23). Through confession of our sins to God we are assured       of divine forgiveness (I John 1:9-2:2).The sharing of our confession with       other believers provides the opportunity to request prayer and to bear one       another's burdens (Galatians 6:2; James 5:16). Through meditation on and       study of the Word of God we enhance our own spiritual growth and prepare       ourselves to help guide and instruct others in scriptural truths (Joshua       1:8; Psalm 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:15, 23-26).
Loyalty to God and       Commitment to the Church
The life of Christian       discipleship calls for the fulfillment of our duties to the body of       Christ. We are to unite regularly with other members of the church for the       purpose of magnifying and praising God and hearing His Word (Matthew       18:20; John 4:23; Acts 2:42, 46, 47; 12:24; Hebrews 10:25). Sunday is the       Christian day of worship. As the Lord's Day, it commemorates the       resurrection of Christ from the dead (Matthew 28:1) and should be employed       for worship, fellowship, Christian service, teaching, evangelism, and       proclamation (Acts 20:7; Romans 14:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Colossians       2:16, 17). We are to provide for the financial needs of the church by the       giving of tithes (Malachi 3: 10; Matthew 23:23) and offerings (1       Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24; 9:1-15). It is our duty to respect       and to submit to those whom the Lord Jesus has placed over us in the       church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 13:7, 17). Our exercise of       authority must be as a spiritual example rather than as a lord over God's       flock (Matthew 20:25-28; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Furthermore, our submission must       be a manifestation of the spiritual grace of humility (Ephesians 5:21; 1       Peter 5:5, 6). Finally, we are to avoid affiliation with oath-bound       societies. Such societies may appear to have spiritual character, but by       being oath-bound and secretive, they contradict Christian spirituality       (John 18:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Christians must not belong to any       body or society that requires or practices an allegiance that supersedes       or excludes their fellowship in Christ (Matthew 12:47-49; John 17:21-23).
Being Good       Stewards
In the Scriptures,       the virtues of thrift and simplicity are honored, but the vices of waste       and ostentation are solemnly prohibited (Isaiah 55:2; Matthew 6:19-23).       The living of a godly and sober life requires the wise and frugal use of       our temporal blessings, including time, talent and money. As good stewards       we are to make the most of our time, whether for recreation or for work       (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5). The idle use of leisure time degrades (2       Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Timothy 5:13), but the edifying use of it brings       inner renewal. All our work and play should honor the name of God (I       Corinthians 10:31). As good stewards we must use fully our spiritual gifts       (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Peter       4:9-11) and natural talents (Matthew 25:14-30) for the glory of God. As       good stewards we must recognize that the wise use of money is an essential       part of the Christian's economy of life. God has committed temporal       blessings to our trust (Matthew 7:11; James 1:17).
MORAL PURITY
We will engage in       those activities which glorify God in our body and which avoid the       fulfillment of the lust of the flesh. We will read, watch and listen to       those things which are of positive benefit to our spiritual well-being.
Glorifying God in       Our Body
Our body is the       temple of the Holy Ghost, and we are to glorify God in our body (Romans       12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20; 10:31). We are to walk in the Spirit and       not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Examples of fleshly       behavior which do not glorify God are noted in several passages of       Scripture (Romans 1:24; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 5:19-21;       Revelation 21:8). Sinful practices which are made prominent and condemned       in these scriptures include homosexuality, adultery, worldly attitudes       (such as hatred, envy, jealousy), corrupt communication (such as gossip,       angry outbursts, filthy words), stealing, murder, drunkenness and       witchcraft. Witchcraft has to do with the practices of the occult, which       are forbidden by God and lead to the worship of Satan.
Reading, Watching       and Listening
The literature we       read, the programs we watch and the music we listen to profoundly affect       the way we feel, think and behave. It is imperative, then, that the       Christian read, watch and listen to those things which inspire, instruct       and challenge to a higher plane of living. Therefore, literature, programs       and music which are worldly in content or pornographic in nature must be       avoided. A Christian is not to attend (or watch on television) movies or       theatrical performances of a demoralizing nature (Romans 13:14;       Philippians 4:8).
Benefiting       Spiritual Well-Being
The use of leisure       time in the life of a Christian should be characterized by those       activities which edify both the individual and the body of Christ (Romans       6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:31,32). We are to avoid places and practices which       are of this world. Consequently, a Christian must not be a part of any       other types of entertainment which appeal to the fleshly nature and/or       bring discredit to the Christian testimony (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1       Thessalonians 5:21, 22; 1 John 2:15-17).
PERSONAL INTEGRITY
We will live in a       manner that inspires trust and confidence, bearing the fruit of the Spirit       and seeking to manifest the character of Christ in all our behavior.
Trust and       Confidence
A Christian should be       trustworthy, dependable and a person of his word (Matthew 5:37; 1 Peter       2:11, 12). Therefore, the swearing of oaths is contrary to a Christian's       trustworthiness and should be avoided (Matthew 5:34-37; James 5:12).       Christ, by precept and example, taught that we love our enemy and prefer       our brother (Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:3, 1 John 3:16).       We should behave in a way that will point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16;       1 Corinthians 11:1).
Fruit of the       Spirit
If we live in the       Spirit, we will manifest the fruit (attitudes and actions) of the Spirit       and will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16, 22-25; 1 John       1:7). Trustful relationships with others are a natural outgrowth of our       positive relationship with the Lord (Psalm 1:1-3; Matthew 22:37-40). A       lack of fruit-bearing in our lives will be judged (Matthew 7:16-20; Luke       13:6-9; John 15:1-8).
Character of       Christ
Love for others is       the hallmark of the Christ-life (John 13:34, 35; 15:9-13; 1 John 4:7-11).       In His relationship with His Father, Jesus displayed submission (Luke       22:42; John 4:34; 5:30). In His relationship with others, He demonstrated       acceptance (John 8:11), compassion (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) and       forgiveness (Matthew 9:2; Luke 5:20). We cannot bear the fruit of the       Spirit and manifest the character of Christ without being spiritually       joined to Christ (John 15:4, 5) and without having the seed of the Word       planted in our heart (John 15:3, 1 Peter 1:22, 23).
FAMILY       RESPONSIBILITY
We will give       priority to fulfilling family responsibilities, to preserving the sanctity       of marriage and to maintaining divine order in the home.
Priority of the       Family
The family is the       basic unit of human relationship and as such is foundational to both       society and the church (Genesis 2:18-24). The divine origin of the family,       along with its foundational character, makes it imperative that we give       priority to ministry to the family, both from a personal and corporate       standpoint. The practice of Christian disciplines and virtues should begin       in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). Therefore, our families should establish       some pattern for family devotions and should endeavor to provide a       Christian environment in the home (I Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).
Sanctity of       Marriage
Marriage is ordained       of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by       God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). Because of the       divine character of marriage it is a lifelong commitment with the only       clear biblical allowance for divorce being fornication (Matthew 5:32;       19:9). Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other       than the marriage partner, is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus       20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-18). Understanding the sanctity of marriage,       partners should strive to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy       relationship. Should divorce occur, the church should be quick to provide       love, understanding and counsel to those involved. The remarriage of       divorced persons should be undertaken only after a thorough understanding       of and submission to the scriptural instructions concerning this issue       (Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians       7:2, 10, 11). Should a Christian desire to remain single, this decision       should be respected and should be seen as a viable scriptural alternative       (1 Corinthians 7:8, 32-34).
Divine Order in       the Home
When God created man,       He created them male and female (Genesis 1:27). He gave them distinctly       different characteristics (I Corinthians 11: 14, 15; 1 Peter 3:7) as well       as different responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). In God's       order, the husband is head of the home (Ephesians 5:22-31; Colossians       3:18, 19), parents are to nurture and admonish their children (Ephesians       6:4, Colossians 3:21), and children are to obey and honor their parents       (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). In order for harmony to       exist in the home, God's order of responsibility must be observed.
BEHAVIORAL       TEMPERANCE
We will practice       temperance in behavior and will abstain .from activities and attitudes       which are offensive to our fellowman or which lead to addiction or       enslavement.
Temperance
One of the cardinal       Christian virtues is temperance or self-control (I Corinthians 9:25; Titus       1:8, 2:2). It is listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are       admonished to practice moderation and balance in our behavior (Philippians       4:5). The Scripture indicates that it is within our prerogative to control       our thinking (Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians 4:26) and our       communication (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8). To exercise       self-discipline reflects the power of God in our life (1 Corinthians 9:27;       2 Peter 1:5-11).
Offensive Behavior
The Bible speaks       clearly that we are to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others as       a demonstration of our love for them (Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21,       13:10; Philippians 2:3-5). At times it is necessary for us to control our       behavior so as not to bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1       Corinthians 8:9-13). As we know Christ after the Spirit, we are also to       know others in the same manner so we will not judge them after their       outward behavior alone (2 Corinthians 5:16). A respect and tolerance for       differences in others should characterize our relationships (Romans 14:2,       3; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).
Addiction and       Enslavement
One of the primary       benefits of our liberty in Christ is freedom from the domination of       negative forces (John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are counseled not to       put ourselves again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). Therefore, a Christian       must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other habit-forming       and mood-altering chemical substances and refrain from the use of tobacco       in any form, marijuana and all other addictive substances, and further,       must refrain from any activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which       defiles the body as the temple of God or which dominates and enslaves the       spirit that has been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20: 1; 23:20-35; Isaiah       28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 5:11; 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).
MODEST APPEARANCE
We will       demonstrate the scriptural principle of modesty by appearing and dressing       in a manner that will enhance our Christian testimony and will avoid       pride, elaborateness or sensuality.
Modesty
According to the       biblical idea, modesty is an inner spiritual grace that recoils from       anything unseemly and impure, is chaste in thought and conduct, and is       free of crudeness and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians 4:25, 29,       31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Therefore, modesty includes our appearance,       dress, speech and conduct and can be applied to all situations. The       essential issue is, does our style of life please or displease God?
Appearance and       Dress
Our life, character       and self-image are reflected by our apparel and mode of dress. The       admonition of Scripture, "Be not conformed to this world,"       reminds us that our manner of dress must be modest and decent (Romans       12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23). It is not displeasing to God for us to       dress well and be well groomed. However, above all we must seek spiritual       beauty, which does not come from outward adornment with jewelry, expensive       clothes or cosmetics, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a meek       and quiet spirit (Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5).
Pride,       Elaborateness, Sensuality
As godly people we       are to abstain from all lusts of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner       that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes and lifestyles (Galatians       5:13-21; 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend on       elaborate, showy dress; extravagant, costly attire; or on the use of       jewelry or cosmetics but on our relationship with Christ. External       adornment, whether clothing or jewelry, as an outward display of personal       worth, is contrary to a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4).
SOCIAL OBLIGATION
It should be our       objective to fulfill our obligations to society by being good citizens, by       correcting social injustices, and by protecting the sanctity of life.
Being Good       Citizens
As Christians we are       members of the kingdom of God as well as a social order of this world.       Obedience to God requires us to act in a responsible manner as citizens of       our country (Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Therefore, we       should support civil law and order; hold our leaders in respect and pray       for them; participate in school, community and governmental activities;       exercise our voting rights; and speak out on clear-cut moral issues. God's       law is supreme, but we are to obey the laws of our country insofar as they       are not in conflict with obedience to God (Acts 5:29). When it becomes       necessary to disagree with practices and requirements of government, we       should do so out of a concern for the promotion of righteousness and not       out of delight in discord and controversy.
Correcting Social       Injustices
Love for others and       the recognition of the equal worth of all men in the sight of God (Acts       10:34; 17:26) should compel us to take steps to improve the situation of       those who are underprivileged, neglected, hungry, homeless and victimized       by prejudice, persecution and oppression (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-10; 1       John 3:17). In all of our dealings, we must be sensitive to human needs       (Luke 10:30-37; James 1:17) and guard against racial and economic       discrimination. Every person should have freedom to worship and       participate in the life of the church regardless of race, color, sex,       social class or nationality.
Protecting the       Sanctity of Life
God alone confers       life (Genesis 1:1-31); therefore, we are responsible to God to care for       our physical life and that of others. If the circumstances require, we       must be prepared to risk our life in the service of our neighbor (John       15:13); but the general rule is that we must respect our physical life and       employ every worthy means to maintain it. Since God alone confers life,       God alone must decide when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14, 15). Because a       human fetus is sacred and blessed of God, we believe that we have the       responsibility to protect the life of the unborn (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke       1:41). It is our firm conviction that abortion and euthanasia of aged,       mentally incompetent, terminally ill and otherwise handicapped, for       reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment or economic advantage,       are morally wrong.
Furthermore, we       believe it is our Christian responsibility to care for the earth and its       resources. In the beginning God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis       1:26-30). This does not, however, give us license to pollute our natural       environment or to waste the resources of the earth.
From its inception       in 1886, the Church of God has been a holiness church. The following       resolution passed in 1960, which was a reaffirmation of our commitment to       the principles of biblical holiness, remains the standard of the church       today.
RESOLUTION       RELATIVE TO PRINCIPLES OF HOLINESS OF CHURCH OF GOD
The foundation of the       Church of God is laid upon the principles of biblical holiness. Even       before the church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, its roots       were set in the holiness revival of the past century. It was, and is, a       holiness church-holiness in fact and holiness in name.
The passing of time       has not diminished our holiness position or convictions. The years have,       instead, strengthened our knowledge that without holiness it is impossible       to please God.
We hereby remind       ourselves that the Scriptures enjoin us at all times to examine our own       hearts. The continuing and consistent life of holiness requires this.       Conditions of our day desperately require it. The subtle encroachment of       worldliness is a very real and unrelenting threat to the church. We must,       therefore, beware lest we become conformed to the world or lest a love for       the world take root in our hearts and manifest itself as lust of the       flesh, lust of the eye, or the pride of life.
For these reasons, we       present the following:
WHEREAS, The Church       of God is historically a holiness church, and
WHEREAS, we are       enjoined by the Scriptures to be so, and WHEREAS, a tide of worldliness       threatens the spirituality of the church,
BE IT RESOLVED THAT       WE, the Church of God, reaffirm our standard of holiness, in stated       doctrine, in principles of conduct, and as a living reality in our hearts.
BE IT FURTHER       RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers, maintain this standard in our own lives,       in our homes, and in our pulpits.
BE IT FURTHER       RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers and members, rededicate ourselves to this       purpose and guard our lives against conformity to the world in appearance,       in selfish ambition, in carnal attitudes, and in evil associations.
BE IT FURTHER       RESOLVED THAT WE, as ministers and members, seek to conform to the       positive virtues of love, mercy, and forgiveness as taught by Jesus       Christ.
We       Believe
Doctrinal     Commitments

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