APR 19

1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Memorise 1 Corinthians 5:6-7
“A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump…”

HOW DID EVENTS IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, USA AFFECT US? (II)

From what happened in the Presbyterian Church, USA, the need for biblical separation was clearly seen and it became one of the hallmarks of the Bible-Presbyterian Church. Biblical separation is vital to the health and life of the church. It is God’s way of purifying and preserving the church.

In our Bible reading for today, the Apostle Paul was reminding the Corinthian believers that they should not boast as if they were eminent in purity and piety. Just as a small quantity of leaven or yeast will pervade the dough, so a single sin indulged in or allowed in the church would act like a leaven. It would corrupt the church and needs to be put away. Thus Paul exhorts the believers in Corinth to put away their sin. This separation from sin is to be a daily on-going diligence in order to be pure and clean.

Separation is both personal and ecclesiastical. Believers are to be separate from the world. For a church to be both salt and light of the world, it has to be pure and holy. Therefore we must separate ourselves from all forms of apostasy, unbelief, disobedience and compromise. The true Bible-Presbyterian Church takes a strong stand on separation from the ecumenical movement as promoted by the World Council of Churches. In 1978, when the Billy Graham Crusade with its neo-evangelical stand came to Singapore, the BP Churches did not participate. Today, it continues with its strong stand against the “Health and Wealth Gospel” as well as the “Signs and Wonders” movement of the Charismatics.

Dear teen, do you see the importance of biblical separation? Can two walk together when one is good and the other evil? Compromise is dangerous. Never fall into the trap of thinking that you are strong and invincible. That is the surest way to fall. God has told us clearly that we are to be holy. To be holy is to be separate from unbelief and error. If you are convicted of this important doctrine, you will surely grow stronger by the day. You will surely shine for Jesus.

Thought: Be not unequally yoked.
Prayer: Father in heaven, open my eyes that I may see the blessedness of separating from all that is sin.