Practical Christian Living

© 2011 Steve Urick. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 11/23/2011

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8296-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8297-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011912992

Printed in the United States of America

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

All Scripture quotes are taken from the King James Bible.

PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING

First Edition

Copyright © 2002 by Steve Urick

This book is an edited and expanded compilation of ten

Soul Seeker Tracts, written between 1992-1997. Other

paperbacks, eBooks, and booklets by the author include:

Acts One Dispensationalism

The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith

Christian Discipleship and the Local Church

Evangelism and Christian Apologetics

(Crash Course Training in One-on-One Evangelism)

Major Cults and False World Religions

False Teachings and Divisive Movements

Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ

and the End of the World

The Church in the Coming Great Tribulation

Nowmillennial Dispensationalism

The Truth about Roman Catholicism

The Truth about Islam

The Person and Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Copies and information can be obtained by contacting:

Gospel Press

P.O. Box 100092, Cudahy, WI 53110 U.S.A.

www.gospelpress.org

or check:

www.authorhouse.com

www.amazon.com

This book is dedicated to Denise Urick.

Your humility and practical wisdom

inspires and encourages me.

(Proverbs 27:17)

Contents

Preface

1 Biblical Separation

2 Bible Truths for Teenagers

3 What God Says About Sex

4 What the Bible Says About Drugs and Alcohol

5 The New Birth and Assurance of Salvation

6 True Spirituality vs. False Spirituality

7 Salvation and Discipleship

8 Marriage and the Family

9 Christians and Civil Government

10 The Christian and the Local Church

Appendix I: The Christian and Sound Mental Health

Appendix II: How to Know God’s Will

Appendix III: How to Study the Bible

Appendix IV: The Truth about Separation between Church and State

Appendix V: 6 Key Beliefs that can Make or Break America

Appendix VI: A Short History of Liberty

Appendix VII: The Communist Agenda to Take Over America

Appendix VIII: The Danger of Sharia Law in America

Appendix IX: The Death Penalty: A Biblical Perspective

Appendix X: Trojan Horses in the Modern Evangelical Church

"For the word of God is quick [alive],

and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged

sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder

of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and

marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts

and intents [motives] of the heart."

Hebrews 4:12

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,

for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, th[o]roughly

furnished [equipped] unto all good works."

2 Timothy 3:17

"Study to show thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

It’s not how long you live,

but how you live that counts.

"Whether, therefore ye eat, or drink, or

whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

God does not want to take the

Christian out of the world, but

the world out of the Christian.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are

in the world. If any man love the world,

the love of the Father is not in him."

1 John 2:15

Preface

Living a victorious Christian life is not always easy, but it is possible as one submits to God by learning sound Bible doctrine and walking in the Spirit, by faith, moment by moment. It has been said that some Christians are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good. They neglect important responsibilities of life as they focus on spiritual matters. On the other hand, some are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good. They are caught up with the cares of this world (job, money, health, success, family, pleasure, etc.) and fail to grow up spiritually and bear much good fruit for God. In reality, a truly spiritually minded Christian will be more earthly good because he walks in truth and wisdom.

Man was created as a tri-part being—body, soul (mind), and spirit. Keeping a balance in life with right priorities is a very practical thing that results in many blessings. In order to obtain this balance there are several things one must realize:

1. God’s Word is sufficient to provide all things necessary for wisdom and godly thinking (Phil. 1:6; Col. 1:9-28; 2:10; 2 Tim. 1:7).

The intake of sound Bible doctrine is crucial for the spiritual growth of the believer. It transforms our thinking by replacing human viewpoint with divine viewpoint, resulting in true knowledge, discernment, and godly wisdom from above, which is superior (Rom. 12:1-2; Prov. 2:1-22). No other book can do that. Why? Because God’s Word is alive and powerful. It literally transforms lives from the inside-out.

Christians do not need to run to psychologists or read self-help books to figure out how to think and act. God, who created us and knows us intimately, has revealed in His infallible Word, the Bible, everything we need to know to live victoriously for Him.

[Note: Christians, more than ever, need to have a solid biblical worldview. Deception is everywhere as more and more people adopt pagan spirituality based on Darwinian evolution, Hindu pantheism, New Age mysticism, occultism, secular humanism, and universalism. All this is leading toward a one-world religion, one-world government (under UN-control), and one-world economic system, which will give rise to the Antichrist in the last days. For more information, read the author’s book: Signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the End of the World.]

2. We are completely forgiven and forever accepted by God when we trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Rom. 8:31-39).

Jesus said, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (Jn. 5:24).

We do not earn God’s acceptance, nor do we need to learn to love ourselves more and improve our self-esteem. Jesus is our all. He is what really matters in life. Pleasing our Master by doing God’s will brings fulfillment by accomplishing the purpose which God has planned for us.

3. God is not so much concerned about my happiness as He is about my holiness (read Romans 6).

When we walk obediently in the ways of God, by faith, we will begin to experience joy and peace of mind, as God intended for us (Phil. 4:6-9).

4. God uses suffering, trials, and temptations to perfect (mature) us in Christ and conform us into His image (Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 5:10).

Trials and temptations test our faith, develop moral character, and show us where we are still lacking and need to grow spiritually. Expect trials to come in life. The key thing is to respond appropriately when they do, not react impulsively or freak out.

5. Placing God as #1 in our lives, by surrendering our will to God and dedicating ourselves to Him in all things (holy living and service), is crucial if we are going to live the victorious Christian life.

We must not be double-minded, nor love the world (its allurements) and the things that are in it (1 Jn. 2:15). This does not mean we can’t enjoy things in life, but nothing should be above our Lord in affection and devotion.

Modern Christianity in America speaks much of success and joy, resulting in a feel good mind-set that has infected the body of Christ. But the Christian life is a practical life of discipline and duty. Like soldiers, Christians are obligated to do the work God has prepared and called them to do (2 Tim. 2:3-4). Many Christians are AWOL in this regard as they seek the approval of man, not God, or are engaged in the affairs (or caught up with the cares) of this world. Christians need to understand God’s protocol plan and obey it.

Coming under the authority of a qualified pastor-teacher in the local church (Eph. 4:11-13) and discovering one’s spiritual gift/s will also help believers to stay on course. The ultimate goal is spiritual maturity and fruit-bearing via right (biblical) thinking and doing the work of the ministry that one is called by God to do.

6. Servanthood is a key element of practical Christian living.

Christ did not come to earth to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28). We are to follow His example and humbly exercise our God-given talents and gifts in the service of helping others, all to the glory of God. Only then will we experience healing of the soul, joy, fulfillment, contentment, and a satisfied mind.

[Note: Every Christian has a spiritual gift/s (see 1 Cor. 12; Rom. 12:4-11). It is a supernatural ability and motivation to serve God in a particular way. It is up to believers to step out in faith and use their gift/s to bear fruit for God and the benefit of people. For more information about spiritual gifts, read the author’s book: Christian Discipleship and the Local Church.]

7. We must forget the past and not dwell on former failings (other than learn from and not repeat them), nor should we become self-satisfied with our former victories.

We must press onward for God to the higher calling He has for us, in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14). If we don‘t, we will become bored, depressed, complacent, lazy, apathetic, spiritually lukewarm, and drift. That is why we should always be ministering to others, all the days of our lives.

8. We must always remember that the just shall live by faith.

As Christians, we are under grace, not the law (read Galatians). This does not give us a license to sin or live ungodly (Rom. 6:1-18; Tit. 2:11-12); rather, we must depend totally upon the Holy Spirit to live in and through us, empowering us to accomplish His will, not by our flesh (human wisdom, wrong motives, schemes, etc.), nor by our own strength.

Only when we learn to trust God in all things, and walk in the light of biblical truth, we will begin to experience the Christian life as God meant it to be.

1

Biblical Separation

When a sinner accepts Jesus Christ as Savior by faith, that person enters into a brand new relationship with a holy God. Once he was separated from God—now he is declared holy (via imputed righteousness) and is in permanent union with Christ, who is God (Rom. 4:3-6; 5:6-11; 9:5; Eph. 1:4, 10). Once he was an enemy of God—now he is forgiven, cleansed of all sin, and has become a child of God (Rom. 3:24-26; Eph. 2:1-22; Col. 1:21; Jas. 2:23). Once he lived for and thought like the world—now his heart and mind and life are unshackled.

He is being transformed into the image of Christ by the renewing of his mind through the intake of sound Bible doctrine and the powerful work of the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:1-16). In short, by God’s grace, he has been miraculously born of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:6) and is now a "NEW CREATURE [creation in Christ]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).

One of the first divine principles that God wants His children to understand and obey is the matter of separation from sin and evil. Since man’s heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9), and often slow to discern truth from error (Heb. 5:11-14), it is not always apparent what things exactly a person should, or should not, partake of after they become a Christian. Some Christians become extremely legalistic,¹ while others have a tendency to disregard biblical commands to reject worldly thinking and carnal (sinful) behavior. Some even claim that grace gives them a license to sin, in contradiction to Romans 6.

Since personal separation from sin is bound to true spirituality, it is absolutely imperative that we examine the Bible to see what God expects of His children if they are going to experience everything He intends for their lives (i.e., spiritual growth, victory, usefulness, purpose, direction, fullness and blessings, peace and sound mind, etc.).

[¹Legalism: Man’s attempt to merit salvation and/or spirituality through a man-made system of pseudo-spiritual rules and regulations that are not commanded by God in the Bible (Gal. 3:1-4; 4:9-11; Col. 2:16-23).]

Confusing Good with Evil

Most people would agree that certain thoughts, words, and deeds are sinful and wrong; such as hatred, obscenity, lying, slander, murder, rape, robbery, theft, extortion, drug dealing, adultery, child molestation, spousal and child abuse, and so on. No true child of God should have anything to do with such practices (Gal. 5:16-21; 1 Pet. 4:14)! But what most people do not realize is there are some things which seem to be wonderful and good (e.g., promoting tolerance and world peace, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, providing aid to the suffering, etc.) but can actually be evil.

It is precisely at this point that Satan ensnares unbelievers and believers alike in his complex web of evil and deception. How does he do it? Mainly through the ignorance of sincere people who want to do good in this world, but do not understand Satan’s method of operation because they lack divine viewpoint (found in God’s Word).

The late Lewis Sperry Chafer (the first president of Dallas Theological Seminary) wrote this about evil: "The cosmos [Gr.: kosmos] is a vast order or system that Satan has promoted and that conforms to his ideals, aims, and methods. The cosmos embraces the world’s godless governments, conflicts, armaments, intelligence, education, culture, and its false religions of morality and pride. The world can be considered a satanic system."

Dr. Chafer adds: "The root evil in the cosmos [world] is that its all-comprehensive order or system has been organized on the basis of complete independence of God. As such it is Satan’s supreme effort to perpetuate the lie that he is good. The world as Satan has structured it includes many humanitarian ideals, morals, and aspects of culture designed to appeal to the natural man."

[Note: Some examples of evil are secular ethics (relieving suffering by killing the sick, eugenics, human embryo experimentation); Planned Parenthood (helps troubled mothers kill their babies); AA (helps drunks get sober but promotes a false higher power deity); helping the poor while promoting false religion (e.g., Mother Teresa espouses universalism, which says all religions are true); false religious ecumenicalism in the name of love, peace, and unity; all false religions, church-state unions, modernism (liberal theology), evolution, UN Globalism (plans to unite all nations under a one-world government); nature worship (save the planet, eco-idolatry), secular humanism (says man is good and God is obsolete); Communism (claims to free the masses but enslaves them and is atheistic), Nazism, racism, anti-Semitism, the ACLU (radical Leftist organization that feigns freedom, attacks Christianity, and defends and promotes sexual perversion); socialism (forced redistribution of wealth); federal welfare system (rewards sloth and immorality); modern psychiatry, gay marriage/rights, anti-death penalty and anti-military defense movements.]

4 Categories of Separation

1. SEPARATION FROM FALSE RELIGION, FALSE TEACHERS AND HYPOCRITES

1 Timothy 6:3, 5: "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to GODLINESS… from such WITHDRAW THYSELF."

2 John 9a, 10-11: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ [that Jesus came in the flesh], hath not God… If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, RECEIVE HIM NOT INTO YOUR HOUSE, NEITHER BID HIM GOD SPEED: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."

Do not hang out with or encourage those who promote heresy.

Romans 16:17-18: "Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM which cause DIVISIONS AND OFFENSES contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID THEM. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

2 Timothy 3:1-5: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such TURN AWAY.

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth."

Revelation 2:13a, 14-16: "I [Jesus] know thy works… But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam who taught… the children of Israel to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication [sexual immorality].

So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I HATE. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."

[Note: The Nicolaitans were an obscure heretical sect in early church history whose hierarchy ruled and held control over the souls of the laity (laitans). Similar forms of totalitarian authority can be seen in the unbiblical papal-priest rule over the laity in Roman Catholicism and in Islam, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower Society, the Unification Church (Moonies), and other cults. For more information, read my book: Major Cults and False World Religions.]

Revelation 18:4: "COME OUT OF HER my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues."

2. SEPARATION FROM UNGODLY ALLIANCES AND ASSOCIATIONS

2 Chronicles 19:2: "And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer [prophet] went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore is wrath upon thee from before the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:33-34: Be not deceived: evil communications [bad company] corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness and sin not.

God is holy and wants His children to live holy lives.

Psalm 1:1: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Avoiding bad company is one key to gaining victory over sin.

James 4:4: …friendship of the world is enmity with God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 7:1: "BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS. For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord [agreement] hath Christ with Belial [Satan]? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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.

Wherefore COME OUT from among them, and be ye SEPARATE, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

[Note: Some examples of unequal yoking would be a Christian joining himself to an ungodly business partnership, dating or marrying an unbeliever, ecumenical unity in worship services, crusade evangelism, and social/political activism with people and churches that promote a different (unbiblical) gospel and other false doctrines. Remember, Christians have to live in the world, but are not to be of the world.]

3. SEPARATION FROM SINFUL PRACTICES

1 Corinthians 6:15, 18: "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid… FLEE FORNICATION [sexual immorality]. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."

2 Timothy 2:19: "Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal: The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ DEPART FROM INIQUITY."

Ephesians 5:11: "And have NO FELLOWSHIP with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather REPROVE [reprimand, rebuke, scold] THEM."

[Note: Other sinful practices include viewing pornography, lewd dress, filthy speech, swearing, lying, cheating on taxes, shop-lifting, stealing from employers, gambling, drunkenness, verbal and physical abuse, angry outbursts, busy-body activity (nosiness, gossiping, backbiting, slander, etc.), and disobeying parents.]

Our Spiritual Warfare

The Apostle Paul said Christians are in a spiritual battle against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness in heavenly places. He instructs believers to put on the whole armor of God so we can stand against the wiles (tricks) of devil (read Ephesians 6:10-17). The flesh (carnal sin nature in man) is often tempted by the allurements of the world and demonic forces that may suggest immoral thoughts, criminal thoughts, and heretical thoughts. But as we saturate our minds with the powerful truths of the God’s Word, pray, and walk by faith, we can overcome anything the devil fires at us.

4. SEPARATION FROM SINNING CHRISTIANS

1 Corinthians 5:11, 13b: "But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator [sexually immoral], or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer [reviler, scoffer, verbal abuser], or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat…

Therefore, PUT AWAY [excommunicate, kick out of the church] from among yourselves that wicked person."

2 Thessalonians 3:6: "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye WITHDRAW YOURSELVES from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us."

[Note: Separation from unsaved people is not commanded in Scripture unless they are false teachers, dangerous, or are causing a Christian to stumble and fall into sin. Christians have an obligation to reach out to non-Christians so they might hear the gospel message and be saved (1 Cor. 5:9-10; 15:1-4). This means we do NOT have to separate from unsaved co-workers at lunchtime and go sit by ourselves in a corner or refuse to attend a social function because it happens to not be Christian in nature (e.g., a school graduation party or sports event). Nor should we stop talking or associating with unsaved family members because they might disagree with us (how else are they going to hear the gospel?). After a person is saved, he or she comes under the righteous standards and requirements of God to live a holy (pure) life. If a believer is living in sin, especially gross immorality, and refuses to repent, then church discipline and/or separation is to be carefully exercised according to Scripture (Matt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:4-13). The erring brother or sister is to receive discipline for their own spiritual well-being, so they might be ashamed and brought to repentance, thereby keeping the body of Christ pure and free from rampant sin in the local church. The repentant Christian can then be forgiven and restored back into fellowship (2 Cor. 2:6-10).]

Questions and Answers

1. What about Christians dating unbelievers?

Missionary dating is not what God wants them to do.

2. What about Christians that are already married to an unbeliever? Should they leave them?

No! The Apostle Paul instructs those who have unbelieving spouses to remain married to them (as long as the unbeliever wants to stay) and try to lead them to Christ by living a gentle and godly life (1 Cor. 7:12-15; 1 Pet. 3:1).

3. Should I, as a Christian, get rid of my TV, stereo, and DVD player?

That depends. Can you control what is watched or listened to?

4. What about contemporary Christian music?

That depends. What is the lifestyle of the band and does the message and musical content and delivery glorify God?

5. What if I, as a Christian, have an ungodly occupation?

Get out of it as soon as possible, if not immediately.

6. How should I approach a sinning Christian?

In humility, go to him in private and show him his error. If he repents, you have won him back (Matt. 18:15). If he refuses, take one or two witnesses to establish the facts and to try to win him back (Matt. 18:16). If he still refuses to repent tell it publicly to the church (Matt. 18:17). That person should be considered as a heathen and disfellowshipped until he repents (1 Cor. 5:9-13; 2 Cor. 2:6-8).

7. Can I fellowship with a professing Christian who is a member of a cult or attends a liberal church?

That depends on how much knowledge he has and his attitude about eventually getting out of the cult or modernist church. If he is grieved about the situation, or is seeking to learn the truth and inform his church of its anti-biblical views, then it is proper and good to help him to see the light (via sound Bible teaching) for a while.

If he does not care about what is being promoted and won’t leave a church that is teaching heresy (false doctrine), or is promoting immorality, that reveals a disobedient mindset. Eventually, separation should follow after every attempt to reach him (excluding spouses) fails. But remember, gentleness and patience (2 Tim. 2:24-26), mixed with prayer and caution, should be used when dealing with such people. The reason is sometimes a Christian who is trying to rescue someone that is caught in error can be seduced (especially by the opposite sex) by becoming emotionally ensnared and/or influenced and led astray by false teachings or immorality, and shipwreck his faith and testimony (see Jude 22-23).

[Note: One example of an apostate religious organization that every Christian should beware of is the ecumenical World Council of Churches, which has almost 350 Protestant and Eastern Orthodox member denominations today, representing over 550 million people worldwide. The liberal WCC often denies or at least downplays the necessity to believe in the fundamentals of the Christian faith (e.g., the inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth and deity of Christ, salvation by grace via the shed blood of Christ, His bodily resurrection, the need to be born again and biblically separated from sin/error, and the belief in a literal Hell).

False gospels (baptismal regeneration, sacramental salvation, legalism, and universalism), promotion of bad/sloppy Bible translations, political radicalism (socialism, communism, revolution, disarmament propaganda, etc.), replacement theology (anti-Semitic, anti-Israel ideology), homosexual rights (same-sex marriages, sodomy, gay pastors, etc.), feminism (abortion rights, ordination of women pastors, lesbian lifestyles, etc.), evolution, and ecumenical dialogue, worship, and prayer with false world religions (Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, New Ageism, etc.) instead of true evangelism is the agenda of the WCC. This is also happening in the contemporary Emergent Church movement which has abandoned sound Bible doctrine and the true gospel of Christ, for a false social gospel, liberation (neo-Marxist) theology, universalism, Eastern mysticism, and other damnable heresies. For more information about these apostate groups, read my book: False Teachings and Divisive Movements.]

8. What about attending baby baptisms or confirmation ceremonies?

The Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant churches (e.g., Lutherans) baptize infants, with the idea that the holy sacrament cleanses original sin and spiritually regenerates the child, even though the baby does not know who Jesus is yet. This is a false gospel. They also later confirm the child into the faith, usually as a teenager.

As a Christian, I would not attend such events (it only encourages them to continue in the false traditions of men). Instead, I would take the opportunity to gently explain to religiously lost family members why you disagree with what their church is doing and why you cannot partake or celebrate it with them. I would even suggest writing them a short letter and include a simple tract that explains and compares the true gospel vs. infant baptism heresy. For more information about water baptism and the false gospel of baptismal regeneration of infants, read two of the author’s books: False Teachings and Divisive Movements and Acts One Dispensationalism.

9. But is it right to judge? Didn’t Jesus say, Judge not that ye be not judged (Matt. 7:1)?

Taken out of context, Matthew 7:1 is one of the most well-known and misapplied verses in the Bible. When one studies the context, we find that Jesus was not teaching a prohibition against honest judgment. Rather, He was warning against hypocritical judgment (Matt. 7:1-5). In fact, Jesus said, "Judge righteous judgment" (Jn. 7:24). Paul also commanded mature Christians to judge matters in the church, pertaining to immorality and legal disputes (1 Cor. 5:4-13; 6:1-5).

10. Does holiness or sanctification and living a separated (not isolated) life mean a person will be sinless or just sin less?

When a person becomes a Christian, they are positionally in Christ who is sinless. This means their legal standing before God is perfect. They have been redeemed and sanctified (set apart unto God). This then begins a life-long process of transformation into the perfect image of Christ, i.e., conforming to God’s holy standards of thinking and conduct. As long as we are in this body of flesh, there will be a daily battle between our old sin nature and our new spiritual nature within.

Since we are given the power to overcome any sin through the indwelling Holy Spirit, there is no excuse to keep on sinning so that grace can abound even more. We can stop sinning, i.e., being a slave to lust and sinful habits, as we mortify (put to death by reckoning ourselves to be dead to sin) and put off the flesh and its sinful desires (not make provisions to sin by feeding on it). This is called practical holiness. However, it is unlikely that any Christian will ever completely stop all sinning this side of glory (read Romans 6-8). As long as we live in our present mortal bodies, there will always be the potential to sin in word, thought, or deed. For more information about the sanctification of the believer, read the author’s book: The Fundamentals of the Christian Faith.

11. What is wrong with becoming like the world in order to win the lost to Christ?

Right motive, wrong method. The end does not justify the means. God wants His people to be holy and separate from the moral looseness of the world. People do not respect those whom they see as untrue to their beliefs. Before there can be conversion to Christ, there must be conviction of sin.

[BEWARE: There are some unbelievers who will try to tempt you to sin, or at least get you to compromise your convictions (or even your liberty in Christ), so they can then turn around and accuse you of being a hypocrite. Avoid people like that, since they are not sincere in their motives, but only want to justify themselves and tear you down before others.]

12. What about grey areas in matters of doctrine or practice.

Drinking of alcohol (not over indulgence), dress, hairstyles, entertainment, less essential doctrinal matters, etc., should be left to liberty of conscience, common sense, modesty, etc. (see Romans 14). Two good rules of thumb: If it offends a weaker brother—don’t, and If in doubt—don’t.

[Note: Christians should not walk around on eggshells worrying about every detail in life to the point that they lose their joy and they turn off everyone around them. Legalism is deadly and will ultimately back-fire on them in one way or another and negatively affect their testimony and witness for Christ. Avoid it and do not come into bondage by it (in thinking and conduct), nor submit to legalists who would steal your joy and liberty in Christ (read chapter 6). On the other hand, carnality also wrong. Christians must keep a balance in their spiritual walk with the Lord by rejecting man-made religious rules and avoiding sinful lifestyles.]

How to Overcome Worry and Anxiety

As we sanctify (set apart) our lives unto the Lord by praying and seeking God’s will daily, and learning and obeying His Word,