Code
Of Conduct
Free Gospel Bible Institute recognizes the Lordship of Jesus
Christ and therefore believes our lifestyle should be that as becometh saints
(Eph. 5:3). The Bible is His
written revelation and is the source of our authority.
Christ works both inwardly and outwardly in the believer's life. We must "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1). Realizing that we should have a life which exemplifies integrity and Christian values the following Code of Conduct is to be adopted during your attendance at Free Gospel Bible Institute both on and off campus:
Inwardly
Scripture teaches that certain attributes will evidence
themselves in the life of the believer through the Holy Ghost.
These attributes include: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal. 5:22-24).
This fruit of the Spirit is to be sought, cultivated, and, demonstrated
in our relationships.
"Let
all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away
from you with all malice (hate)" (Eph. 4:31) is just one of the scriptures
which condemns bad attitudes.
Pride (Pro. 6:16, 17), jealousy (Pro. 14:30), greed (1 Tim. 3:8), lust (1
Jn. 2:16), and discontentment (Phil. 2:14; 4:11) are a few other unacceptable
attitudes.
As Christians we should also be exemplary in our forgiveness (Eph. 4:32), teachable spirit (Ps. 25:4), honesty (Rom. 13:8), and diligence (Rom. 12:11-13). "The unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3; Phil. 1:27) should be sought. Our servant spirit is a reflection of His (Phil. 2:5-7).
Outwardly
God's
Word admonishes us that at salvation our bodies become temples of the Holy Ghost
(1 Cor. 6:19, 20). Therefore we
oppose the use, growth, sale, or handling of tobacco in any form,
intoxicating beverages (Pro. 20:1; 1 Thes. 5:6-8), hallucinogenic drugs
and substances (including marijuana), or narcotics not authorized by a physician
(Rev. 18:23 sorceries - translated drugs).
Adultery
(1 Cor. 6:9), fornication (Eph. 5:3), bestiality (Lev. 18:22-24), homosexuality
(Rom. 1:22-32), and all forms of moral behavior contrary to the Bible (Heb.
13:4) are expressly forbidden. Dating an unbeliever is an unequal yoke (2 Cor.
6:14) and should not be practiced for any reason.
Divorce and remarriage destroys the home, degrades God's picture of
Christ and the church, and disqualifies an individual for the ministry (1 Tim.
3:2; Mal. 2:13-16; Mt. 19:6-9; Mk. 10:2-12).
Any sensual form of human expression
through electronic devices, including, but not limited to television, radio,
video, computer, motion picture programs, that
feeds lust (Ps. 101:3; Matt. 5:28), pictures sin as pleasurable and acceptable
(Mk. 7:21-23) or encourages rebellion (1 Sam. 15:23), drug addiction, or
occultism is not for a believer (1 Cor. 15:33).
Worldly dancing, besides stirring up lust, brings you into evil company
and produces death to the spiritual life. ( Rom.8:5-8,13; Ephes.5:11;Matt.
14:6).
We will be judged by our words (Matt.
12:36). Therefore lying (Rev.
21:8), gossip (1 Pet. 4:15), slander (Ps. 101:5), backbiting (Rom. 1:30),
profanity (Ex. 20:7), vulgarity (including crude language) (Eph. 2:3; 1 Pet.
2:11), and sowing discord (Pro. 6:19) should not proceed from a Christian's
mouth.
Our clothing should be modest (1 Pet. 3:3, 4) and not
suggestive, seductive, or worldly. Mixed
bathing would also be an ungodly act for the same reason.
God created male and female, therefore neither sex should wear clothing
pertaining to the opposite sex even if it was made for their sex (Deut. 22:5).
Neither men nor women should use make-up or excessive jewelry (1 Tim.
2:9, 10;Jer. 4:30). Men's hair
should be cut short and women's hair should not be cut or trimmed (1 Cor.
11:4-15). (Please see pages 12-13)
Christians should not resort to various forms of
entertainment that perpetrate an unwholesome or an unsavory lifestyle (1 Jn.
2:15) or give the "appearance of evil" (1 Thes. 5:22). (Ex.
professional sports, pool halls, bowling alleys, skating rinks, video arcades,
etc:) Gambling is driven by a covetous love for money (1 Tim. 6:10) and is a
wrongful use of God-given resources (1 Pet. 4:10).
All that we possess we have received from
the Lord (1 Cor. 4:7) and is His (1 Cor. 6:20).
He requires us to return the tithe (10%) to Him (Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23)
and offerings in support of the various ministries of the Church.
The first day of the week (Sunday) is also to be set aside primarily for
worship, fellowship, ministry, and rest (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).
Occult practices, symbols, devices, literature, including horoscopes are
strictly forbidden by God's Word (Deut.18:10-12; 1 Sam. 28:7-9).
The authority God places over us as Christians is to be
obeyed (Heb. 13:17; Rom. 13:1-5) whether it be an individual or His Word.
His Word requires no special conviction for us to obey it (James 4:17).
Conformity to His code of conduct does not guarantee us a
place in heaven but if we are regenerated He will place His Word in us and a
desire to obey (Heb. 8:10; 10:16). We
realize our lives affect others (Rom 14:7) and someday we will give account of
ourselves to God (Rom. 14:12).
Any student failing to comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to dismissal from Free Gospel Bible Institute at the discretion of the Executive Committee.