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, jealously), 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 context 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).

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 relationships 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).

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 (1 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 (1 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.

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      (1 Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is listed as a 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).

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).

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 people in the sight of God (Acts 10:34; 17:26) should compel us to take steps to improve the situation of those who are under-privileged, 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 1-31). 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 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 the 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.

The mission of the Church of God is to perpetuate the full gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19, 20), in the Spirit and power of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4, 6, 13-18), through specific attention to and emphasizes upon the centrality of God’s Word, world evangelization, ministerial development, Christian discipleship, lay ministry, Biblical stewardship, church growth, church planting, family enrichment, and servant leadership.

We commit ourselves to gather regularly as the local expression of the Body of Christ to participate in Pentecostal worship that exalts God, engages the heart, mind and soul, and challenges to deeper commitment and discipleship. This commitment will be demonstrated by:

• Assisting local churches in planning and preparing for meaningful, anointed worship.
• Equipping pastors and other worship leaders to lead authentically expressed, spiritually alive worship.
• Modeling varying styles and forms of worship that glorify God and encouraging outreach and service.
• Emphasizing the importance of Biblical stewardship and the centrality of God’s Word as elements of worship.

(John 4:24; Psalm 29:2; Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Isaiah 58; Matthew 25:31-46)

We commit ourselves to intentionally reaching the unconverted, baptizing them in water, and leading them to unite with the church. This commitment will be demonstrated by:

• Viewing all the nations of the world as our mission field.
• Encouraging our local churches to adopt and intercede for an unreached people group. Resource materials will be provided by the World Missions Department.
• Asking all national churches of the Church of God International to adopt and implement measurable steps to evangelize and disciple unreached people groups inside and outside of their own regions (Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 15:19-24; Revelation 5:9).
• Encouraging every local church to increase a minimum of 10% per year through conversion growth.
• Cultivating a genuine passion for the lost that will compel members to personally communicate the gospel of Jesus and demonstrate His love to those outside the faith.
• Discipling new believers and passing on our faith to the next generation.
• Practicing life-style evangelism.

(Matthew 9:37-38; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-15)

We commit ourselves to identifying, training and resourcing God-called church planters and to intentionally planting new life-giving churches. This commitment will be demonstrated by:

• Focusing designated resources of the local church, state/regional offices, and the international offices for planting new churches.
• Starting the number of church plants equal to a minimum of 3% of the total number of churches in a state/region/nation annually.
• Developing a certified training program in our Evangelism and Home Missions Department and educational institutions for church planters and home missions.
• Emphasizing the health and viability of new church plants as well as the number of churches planted.
• Affirming the different models of church planting for different situations.
• Recognizing church planting as an apostolic ministry for our day.

(Matthew 16:18; John 4:35; Acts 2:47; 14:23; Ephesians 5:25-28)

We commit ourselves to identifying and developing individuals whom God has called and given leadership gifts and challenging them to become servant-leaders. We will demonstrate our commitment by:

• Creating an environment in which men and women with ministry gifts are developed to serve as servant-leaders.
• Equipping, empowering and releasing lay leaders to serve as ministry partners both inside and outside local church.
• Providing relevant resources and training opportunities for both clergy and laity.
• Encouraging pastors to lead through vision, to communicate the vision to the congregation and to organize the body and each of its ministry groups so the vision can be realized.

(Mark 3:13-15; 2 Timothy 2:2, 2:15, 3:14-17; Ephesians 4:11-13)

We commit ourselves to the challenge of being a church that genuinely cares for one another and for those who are lost, hurting and needy. We will demonstrate our commitment by:

• Building loving, caring relationships within families, between members, and within the communities we serve.
• Obeying the Care Commission of Christ in Matthew 25.
• Cultivating compassion and showing mercy to the unloved, the undesirable and the unreached of our society.
• Establishing in each local church some type of outreach ministry that demonstrates our genuine concern and love for the disadvantaged or oppressed.

(Psalms 86:15; Matthew 25; Luke 6:36; Acts 20:28)

We commit ourselves to the principle of interdependence, acknowledging our interconnectedness and dependence on all the members of the Body of Christ. We will demonstrate our commitment by:

Reaching out to others in the Body of Christ for collaboration, resource sharing and learning opportunities.

Encouraging local churches to build relationships with like-minded and like-hearted churches in their communities to work together to reach the lost.

Involving clergy in the processes of mentoring, coaching and consulting on the local, state, regional, national and international levels to increase the level of trust and support among ministers.

Engaging in dialogue and partnership with local, national and international organizations who seek to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ.

(Colossians 2:19; 1 Corinthians 12:14-31; Galatians 6:1-6)

• More open proclamation of the joy and power of worship (Isaiah 6:1-4; Psalms 147:1; 149:1; 150:1-6; John 4:23, 24; 9:31; Revelation 11:16).
• Prayerful search for clearer understanding of spiritual gifts and their operation in the church (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; 14:1-40; Romans 12:4-8).
• Greater care in the appointment of pastors, with emphasis upon compatibility and interrelationships between congregation and leaders (Titus 1:5-9; Ephesians 5:21; Hebrews 13:17, 18; Romans 12:14-21).
• Strengthening the pastor in his role as spiritual shepherd with first responsibility for prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:15).
• More emphasis upon teaching pastors to train and involve lay men and women for effective ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 5:17; 1 Peter 4:10, 11).
• Development of a method for objective evaluation of local church ministries (2 Corinthians 3:1-3, 5; Colossians 1:9-20).

• Renewed and expanded efforts by all pastors to train, inspire, equip and release lay people for ministry in strategic areas of local church, and community service (Acts 6:1-7; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10).
• Specific steps for defining and developing the ministry of deacons and elders (Acts 6:1- 7; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Titus 1:5-9).
• Joint sessions between lay and ministerial leadership in establishing harvest goals and objectives for the Church of God.
• Continued study as to the role of laity in the International General Assembly of the Church of God.

• More emphasis upon local church confirmation, affirmation, and endorsement of ministerial applicants prior to their seeking exhorter’s license (Acts 13:1-4; 14:23).
• Establishing more specific Scriptural and practical assessment and appraisal procedures for evaluating ministers of all ranks and in all positions on a continuing basis (Romans 12:2; 13:5; 2 Timothy 4:5).
• Heightened emphasis upon continuing education for all ministers through formal institutions and special seminars, study programs, and conventions    (2 Timothy 2:15).
• Recognition of the vital role women presently give in Church of God ministry–their teaching, preaching, administrative and leadership skills–and renewed encouragement and support for their ministry, in keeping with that obvious emphasis found in the Gospels, throughout the Book of Acts, and in the Epistles (Acts 16:14, 15, 40, 18:26, 21:8, 9; Romans 16:1-7; Titus 2:3-5).

• That full honor, respect, and recognition be given to the Holy Spirit, who is Himself the true leader of the church (Acts 13:4; 15:28; 16:6, 7).
• Greater attention to personal accountability and positional responsibility on the part of all leaders, with Scriptural emphasis upon caring (pastoral) relationships (1 Corinthians 12:25; Colossians 4:17, 1 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 13:17).
• More emphasis on the Scriptural qualifications for bishop (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9) and greater care in the leadership selection and appointment process.
• More delegating of secondary matters (Acts 6:3) in order to keep the role of bishop in perspective (Acts 6:4).
• More focus by the leadership in the utilization of ministry resources and skills of retired clergy at the local, district, state, and national levels (Romans 13:7).

• Renewal of our pledge to do whatever is necessary to be God’s people on this earth (Ephesians 3:14-21).
• Periodic calls throughout the church for solemn assemblies (Joel 2:15-17) which involve confession, repentance, dedication, and obedience to the voice of God   (2 Chronicles 7:14; Romans 12:1; James 4:8-10).
• Reaffirmation of our belief and daily practice of Biblical holiness and personal integrity (1 Corinthians 7:34; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Colossians 1:21, 22; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8; 2 Timothy 1:9; Hebrews 12:14).
• That our clergy and laity seek for vision and passion, both of which are born in and maintained by prayer (Joel 2:28; Acts 26:19; Romans 9:2, 3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8).
• A renewed commitment to become more responsive to the voice of God to our society for justice, righteousness, and all other Scriptural principles rather than a mere echo of popular opinion (Luke 3:4; Acts 4:10-12; Ephesians 6:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; Micah 6:6-12; Amos 5:1-27).

In this session we have looked at the doctrinal and practical commitments of the Church of God. We have seen how our vision and mission in ministry must flow out of our commitments to the truths of God’s word.

We should end this session by carefully examining our conformity and effectiveness in living out our faith in Jesus Christ.