Separated to Work!
From Pastor Todd

Scripture Reference: John 17:17-19, 10:36

We live in an age that is replete with ideals involving separation, the Separation of church and State. The church has purchased the totality of this lie, and has retreated into the closet of apathy while the world goes on its merry way to destruction.

Notice that in the prayer of John 17 that Jesus requests His followers be separated from the world. His intent was to separate (sanctify) His followers to work, not to hide. Jesus understood that in order for the disciples to perform as needed, they could not be entangled with the ideals, actions, or thought processes of the world. We must step away from the ways of the world, but not into the closet. We have protection from the evil one (vv. 11 and 15), so we need not worry about a counter attack from him. As a matter of fact, Jesus points out that the church is actually on offense and the enemy on defense (Matthew 16:18). In order to prevail one must take a stand against opposition in an attempt to stop its progress. Jesus states that the church is in a position that prevents the gates of hell from prevailing against it. In other words, hell will not be able to withstand the advance of the church that is built on the rock (petra) Jesus. This idea also embraces unity (John 17:11, 21-23). Matthew’s gospel points toward the idea that a united church is a church that is made up of a number of Peters (petros). Each one of us is a small rock (petros), when united become a large rock (petra), or the church. In order to become a part of the church we must be united with each other and with Christ.

In verse 17, He asks that the Father would "sanctify" us. This process calls for the individual to separate from the world and attach him/herself to Jehovah. This sanctify means the introduction, and application of holiness, a holiness that is to be used to oppose a common enemy. This sanctity was to come via God’s word and His truth.

Notice that Jesus asks that we be sent into the world, as He was sent. How was He sent? He was sent boldly into the world to do a specific job, using specific tools. He then requests sanctification for Himself so those united with Him would also be united in His sanctification.

If Jesus has requested all of these special conditions for those who would be a part of His Body, why are we running from a defeated enemy?

We have the power to oppose the obscenities of the world. We have the means to reverse the loss of prayer, the rampant lack of discipline, and the emergence of such decadence as homosexuality and unchecked profanity. Our Lord and Saviour has empowered us to address the sins of the world and make a divine difference.

Now, more than ever before, the church has to embrace its powers, separation from the world, unity with Christ, and empowerment through the Word. As we unite together and separate ourselves, our dollars, and our participation from worldly focuses we make a difference. Our separation does not mean we hide. The opposite is true. We need to show up in schools and other places where our children, members, and friends congregate and impose, that’s correct, impose the ideals of God. Because of our unity with Christ, He will direct the process and insure it is a success, but we must become proactive rather than reactive. We must abandon the habit of hesitating because of political correctness and do what is divinely correct.

It will be devastating to stand before a righteous God and discover that we had an opportunity to have a tremendous impact on the world and missed it. That will cause gnashing of teeth. When the question is asked, "Where’s the Church?" The answer ought to be, "At work changing the world!"