Date: 09/04/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key phrase is “Be Different”.  Second Corinthians 6:17a tells us, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, …”.

My brothers and sisters, we once were among them (world). What did it accomplish for us?

Apostle Paul is referencing the Old Testament scriptures to demonstrate how God has called His people to be separate from sin. In Isaiah 52:9-12, God rescued the Israelites and warned them not to bring the idolatrous practices of the land of their exile with them.

As believers we are to be “in the world but not of the world.”  We are to “come out from among them”  and be separated from the sins of the world. Second Corinthians 5:17 instructs us to, “ not mix the evil worldly system  (being used, abused, adultery, fornication,  drinking alcoholic drinks, clubbing  and immoralities) with our new nature in Christ. Rather, we must live as new men and women who are being transformed.  Paul  reminds us in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”. Hence putting to death our sinful ways and living instead in the ways of Jesus Christ.

In closing, clearly God’s call is not for us to avoid the world, because we are His ambassadors in the world, to spread the truth of the gospel (see Matthew 5:13-16, 28:1-20; 1 Peter 3:15-16). My brothers and sisters we cannot do His will if we avoid all contact with the world. However, God does call us to avoid participation with sin and unrighteousness. We are to be separate from that which is against God. Until next week, remember, “…with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop