Having a separatist view in Christianity
From the Pastor’s heart
Having a separatist view in Christianity
Having a separatist view on Christianity brings us to a place that causes us to choose. This is the fundamental discipline associated with Christianity. Christianity operates on the basis of a choice and belief between two things at most times. Once that choice has been made, one must adhere to that choice by constantly choosing to walk in that choice and what it brings with that decision. The more choices you make to walk in the Spirit, the more separation will take place. Yet, God gives us a choice. Sometimes, having a separatist view can cause rebellion in a person’s heart because they think they are right and everyone else is wrong. Lucifer chose to go against God in spite of his lofty position in heaven and all the knowledge he had of God. It cost him everything for eternity as in the case of Judas.
Many people do not make the choice to follow Christ because they have a separatist view to start with. This comes from having a world view and not a God point of view. However, as time goes by they often think of God and then they become double minded. They try to live in both worlds. Yet, God only allows us the ability to choose between Him and the world.
Christians who have chosen Jesus are often faced with further choices as they go along in their Christian walk. Today, the whole gay/lesbian issue is causing separatists in the Church worldwide. You too have to choose as to which side you will be on. Maintaining a Christian walk that is blatantly opposed to the word of God and still calling yourself a righteous Christian will not suffice in Christianity. You must choose wisely and when you do, you will find yourself isolated or separated.
God has some verses for us in the Bible that talks about being separate. Let us look at some examples of separation.
1. A separation by the choosing of God as in the case of a Nazarite Num_6:2Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD:
2. A destiny call that separates a person, like Joseph Gen_49:26The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.
3. There is a separation by God’s choice into the priesthood Num_8:14Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine. Heb_7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
4. There is a separation for ministry Act_13:2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
5. God also speaks about coming out from among them. This too is a form of separation. 2Co 6:17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. This is a condition to spiritual identity. There can be no compromise.
My friends, in the last days, we will be pushed to be separate and to remain unlike others. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were publicly separated from the Mosaic Law and the Temple by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It signified a separation that would never be reversed. There was no going back to anything that was even remotely connected to the Law like what the Jewish people had lived under for thousands of years. The Holy Spirit had ushered in a new era in the faith that broke with all tradition and the law of man. I am afraid that we are going to experience a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit that is going to divide and separate those who have become religious and stoic (stubborn) within the Church about their Christian faith. There have been several moves of the Spirit in Christianity that have already done that in the past. God is now going to bring a move that will break every barrier that man has formed with his denominational ideas of Christianity. I do not believe many are ready for this. Come Lord Jesus, come. It is time for those of us who are seeking God to separate ourselves further into the word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is the only sustaining power on earth to keep us from falling, becoming confused, discouraged and stubborn about our ways in Christianity or for that matter end up missing the move of God.
The American Republican Party and America at large never anticipated Donald Trump. He has such a separatist view that is defying the odds that most people are shocked at what is happening to American politics. If this is happening to human reasoning based on human endeavour, guess what is coming to the Church. Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: Mat 25:33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Mat 25:34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Mat 25:41Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
In the move of God that is to come, the Church that is following Christ is going to become so identifiable by persecution that you will soon realise that separation is going to be by persecution. This will be the most significant sign of the times that will identify the true church in the last days. This will be so because they will hold on to the gospel of truth from a separatist view point that will be so radical and uninvolved with the world that they will attract this kind of persecution. Rev 11:1And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. Rev 11:2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. Consider what the word of God is saying here. This applies to the Church which has already been given over to persecution from its inception.
Do not be deceived, only those who truly have the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish the true church as other signs such as miracles, signs and wonders will not suffice because even the devil will be doing them to confuse the people as to who the real church is. 2Th 2:7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2Th 2:9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2Th 2:10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Consider what the word of the Lord is saying. Now, God Himself will send a strong delusion to separate the Church from these false believers. 2Th 2:11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2Th 2:12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Then, those who hold onto their faith will walk in faith because they are sanctified or separated. 2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2Th 2:14Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Th 2:15Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
My encouragement to you is; do not be easily moved by what is going on among us today in the Church and in the world. Stay focussed on the path of Christ that He Himself took when He walked this earth. He kept His eyes on the will of the Father and separated Himself from all evil and kept a walk that was pleasing to God. He is our example and assurance that we too can walk in the same manner without concern for ourselves in any way.
The whole point of Christianity is to be separate from the world while living in it. This is God’s wisdom for us and He has given us the power to do so. The choices we make will determine the level of joy, peace, and provision of blessing we will enjoy.
My hope for this time is for a greater outpouring of God to disprove the world and its lies and to break every satanic stronghold that exists in the Church. Separation is coming and many will not like it but it is a must of God that will keep happening as we keep seeking for more of the Holy Spirit and His presence. God is separate from all things and those that He has sanctified will also be separated unto Himself. Enter into His rest
Lots of love
Pastor Noble