Re: Goths
 

Whoo hoo! :ursofunny Come on, don't be that way. You know, that deep down inside that I'm right. Come on, admit it. ;)

That would only be right. Why would I just sit back and watch this great nation crumble into the sea while ex-holiness Pentecostals run wild with abandon with a Goth under each arm. Far be it from me to remain silent while this happens.


Just trying to present the questions that need to be asked, while the liberal Pentecostals dance on the coffee table with the lampshades on their heads.


Thank you.

What I'm saying is that when you are overrun with a certain group who is identified by their attire, then you slowly but surely take on their spirit and attire, even their language. It's like the frog in the kettle, the frog doesn't get thrown in while the water is boiling. The frog is allowed to sit in the water until it goes from warm to boiling hot. It's all gradual, and when it's gradual the effect is not detected right away. Hey, maybe you would look good with a ring in your nose?

Weren't you in the UPCI? You were probably secure with who you were back then. Now you are secure with who you are now, and when you have the black eye shadow, nose ring and black fingernail polish you will say that you are secure with who you are then.

Bad examples? Please spare me, people are people, and if you sit in the devil's house and constantly wear his pajamas he is going to make you pay.

Don't think you can dance with the demons in hell and swing from the rafters in heaven. It just doesn't work.

Bad examples? I spent part of my life from the seat of a Harley Davidson, and watched your buddies in action.

Bad examples? It seemed to me that these guys wanted to LOOK like Satan's Choice, but didn't want to risk the price it took to go major league.

Hey, you want to preach the Holy Ghost, then show me the Holy Ghost.

Jesus Christ will never come looking like the Rock Machine, or the Mongols.

Jesus looks like what I expected Him to look like, righteousness, and cleanness, not leather jacketed meanness.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

ManOfWord I'll make a long story short...;) About 14 years ago hard times hit us, church members told us to trust in God, they tossed in will pray for you.

A few days later we had a couple of Harley bikers, man&woman with piercing, tattoos, long hair standing outside the front door with bags. I was kinda freaked out, my hubby slowly open the door, these two bikers just stood there smiling. They said they had heard times was tough for us wanted to help, they brought food to help out, even junk food for the kids.
I could not beleive it, in fact they were the only two who help us during that time. We invited them in, they lived three houses down, they were both very nice, respectful towards us. I was moved by their kindness towards us as strangers, we all became good friends over the years, they became part of our family as well as theirs!

What I learned was not to judge someone on the outward that day, these folks were straight and clean, even knew bible pretty well....Yes they might have looked tough and rough on the outside, but they had hearts of gold within. We still stay in touch even tho we have moved, my kids call them auntie/ uncle.

Re: Goths
 

If Jesus looked so different from others, why did He have to be identified with a kiss?

Re: Goths
 

Who is saying he looked different?

Re: Goths
 

Good point....:aaa



Hey I hear incoming helicopter:ursofunny

Re: Goths
 

I know if I backed over your friend's scooter with my Lincoln you would see something that would match his earrings and leather.

You see HT, people expect something different from Christians, they expect the Christian to bring the cookies and milk not the biker. They expect the Christian to look like a Christian not the biker. They expect the Christian not to chase after their wife, but sadly enough it's the Christian who ends up in the motel in Baton Rouge, and the Christian who ends up with the homosexual boyfriend. Not the biker. Sounds kind of backwards don't you think?

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

Other what? He was with His own group, not out and about the town.

Re: Goths
 

I think that's the question asked to those who thought Jesus had blonde hair and blue eyes.

Re: Goths
 

What I find from christain is a lot lip action when it comes to putting their faith forward, instead of putting it into action , like providing the needs !

Re: Goths
 

Those who proport that holiness is outward as in what we wear as well as inward. Of course, men are exempt....LOL!

Re: Goths
 

You're right about that Sista, but then they aren't Christians they are posers.
That's why Jesus said that we were to make sure the inside of the cup was to be cleaned and then the outside will be clean also.

I knew a lot of bikers who were good at lip action, but when it was time to throw down, they were no where around. Jesus said you will KNOW THEM by their fruit.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

And you think the disciples looked different than other men? Is that how some identified Peter as being 'one of them'? No, I believe they said his speech betrayed him, not what he was wearing.

Re: Goths
 

In the context of this thread, it would be the gentleman in MOW's pic that would be "different".

I am not so sure ANY of us deny Christ's work on the inside of us shows through on the outside. It does absolutely - in word and deed.

Re: Goths
 

Men are not exempt.

Re: Goths
 

Sister, they were Jews, law keeping Jews, not Americans living in the 21st century. There wouldn't of been a problem or issue of difference.

Sister, did they all have prayer shawls?

Re: Goths
 

I agree in what you say above, I just disagree that the work shows up more when we (speaking of women since men don't have specific items to wear that show their holiness) have a laundry list of things that show off the holiness we have.

Dressing modestly, absolutely. But the outward adorning isn't what catches the attention of those that look at us, but rather, it's the hidden man of the heart, and all manner of conversation.

Re: Goths
 

In the pic of you I see, you aren't dressed any differently than men I see everyday who are unchurched...as far as Apostolics go anyway.

Re: Goths
 

And they also expected Jesus to be completely different from what he was. That is why they missed their Messiah. People expect Christian people to act like Jesus not look like Him. It's not in the looks, it's in the life.

You can keep your looks. I'll take the real life...and I think Jesus will as well. D:

Re: Goths
 

Which is exactly why this guy's life is completely different from what it used to be. I'd put his Christianity next to anyone else's. He's got the real deal. :D

Re: Goths
 

Have you ever watched the reactions from the non-apostolics when they look at Apostolic children and the husbands and wives. Where I live in Fort Lauderdale they all notice the men as well as the women, I wonder why they are noticing that the men look different? Would you have any idea why H.O.?

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

I'm not sure if you are purposely missing my point or if you are just tired, but to say that it was taught by the Bible that we should look differently, then say the above as if it were exception makes no sense.

The disciples as well as Jesus had something that the other Jews, law abiding or not, didn't have, yet their manner of dress didn't reflect that. They were simply dressed like everyone else. I'm not sure what prayer shawls have to do with the subject.

Let's not go to extremes and think that I'm referring to people on the beach or those in a strip club.

Re: Goths
 

This is an excellent point, MOW. I never thought about it that way.

Re: Goths
 

Where do you live? I was up visiting Elder Thomas Burk in Manitowoc and everyone up there weren't wearing three piece suits. Matter of fact, no one was wearing three piece suits at the airport in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, no three piece suits. No one wearing three piece suits down here in Miami or Fort Lauderdale.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

I've never lived there, so I have no idea, but I'm sure it has something to do with you not wearing shorts while other men are, or something to that effect.

Come to Illinois or Wisconsin. You won't be noticed, I promise you.

In Shawano, WI, however, your wife will be looked at as a cult member. The local cult group there has women who wear their long, uncut hair up and they wear long sleeved shirts with skirts. In Illinois, the Apostolic women are asked 'smoking or non' when entering a restaurant (this was before the non-smoking law was passed). Apparently, nobody noticed how holy those women looked in their dresses!

I do have to ask you, and believe you will be honest in answering...when you are without your wife and children, do people still notice how different you look, assuming you aren't on the beach in your suit or other such similar area? I mean, have you ever been to a nice restaurant with other men from your church and people just know you are church men instead of lawyers or doctors or businessmen in general?

Of those who you notice looking at you and your family, have you ever asked them why? Have you ever asked them in what way you look different enough that they notice it, and what is it that they see in you?

In addition, have you ever had anyone attend your church because of how you were dressed?

Re: Goths
 

That's because you were in Packer country. If you ain't wearing green and gold, you are dressed funny no matter what else you are wearing!!

All kidding aside, when I see a man in a three piece suit, I don't assume he's Apostolic, I assume he's a businessman, even though I'm Apostolic and perhaps should assume such.

Do you only wear three piece suits everywhere you go?

Re: Goths
 

BAM!!!! BINGO!!! SLAM!!! You tell it sista!!


Really, that's why I got saved. I wanted to look just like them folks with their buns on their heads. No disrespect meant to the "buns" but it wasn't the bun that won this son! :D

Re: Goths
 

I have yet to find anyone who was drawn into church based on what someone was wearing. I have yet to find someone testify that they were brought into the truth because of the attire that someone wore. And I've been in the church for the better part of almost 35 years!!

Re: Goths
 

Are you implying that these folks are not new creatures?
Are you implying that Jesus Christ does not live in their hearts as the Holy Spirit?
Are you saying that these folks cannot be saved because of their appearance?
Are you saying that they should not go to these concerts and witness?

Re: Goths
 

Been to Waukegan, Zion, Aurora, sorry no three piece suits, Milwaukee, Manitowoc, and Appleton are in Wisconsin, and no three piece suits pushing lawn mowers, shopping in the supermarket, crossing the street, or waiting for the bus. No three piece suits.


No, she looks better than they do.


What's your point?


Maybe your own personal experience?

Maybe it's because everyone is naked in Fort Lauderdale, but they notice that I dress different from them.

Those who have come over to ask me, they ask what church or religion are we. With me they notice that I always wear long sleeves in an area were the men wear shorts sleeves and short pants with flip flops, or sneakers. For the most part the population down here are soaking up the sun and are looking to roast their hide.

A matter of a fact yes. They loved the way we looked and the kids looked.
I guess it pays to have beautiful boys and girls attending the church.
Then they came to church and Bible study and got the Holy Ghost and were baptized in Jesus name.


Hope that helps

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

Perhaps this is why you are stared at, not because they think you are dressing holy?

I agree.

Many Apostolic women dress the same way, and in Shawano, the Apostolic women are mistaken as cult group members.

No. It's happened to several of my Apostolic friends who follow standards to the letter.

The world is much larger than Fort Lauderdale. However, maybe it's because they think you are a distinguished attorney who doesn't do beaches.

Are we talking about people who see you all the time, or people who see you for the first time?

For real? You have people who have been saved merely because of their attraction to how you were dressed? Is that what they said?

I can't imagine that the clothes you are wearing have a larger impact on someone than the Jesus you wear. I'm thinking they were attracted to your Jesus, not your clothes.

Re: Goths
 

They like it, never had any disdain, sneer, or grimace.


Thank you H.O. :heart


Then I guess the cult members should take it as a complement


Since I don't have those chaps available for comment, and that your scenario has NEVER happened to my wife and I, or church fellowship I cannot really give you an answer. Any way it's no smoking across the board where ever we travel.


I've been all over the United States, to almost every major city, and I have never bumped into any three piece suited men. In Manhattan, during the week, Washington D.C. but still those gentlemen don't look apostolic.
Down in here in Fort Lauderdale, people are ultra casual, and those who are business men or business casual. Lawyers down here are pretty frumpy looking.


We are talking about both, people who see us all the time, and those who are visitors to our city. :)


Why would that seem odd? In Pentecost they have dramas to attract people to church, dinner on the grounds to attract people to church, also other activities for the same purpose. Did you ever hear of someone getting converted because they like someone who was attending the church, and visited, and when they did they received the Holy Ghost? It happens.
So, I don't think it's strange when people sit down with us and ask us questions based on attire and then what a card for church services.

Sister, I think it's both and that is why Jesus had a problem with the Pharisees hypocrisy in Matthew 23. They look beautiful and righteous on the outside, whitewashed brilliance, but inside they were serpents ready to strike their unsuspecting prey.

If we wear what we wear, we better look the same way on the inside.

Lord bless you Sister H.O. and your family.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com

Re: Goths
 

While I don't see many men in three piece suits much, when I do see them, I don't assume they are Apostolic. Perhaps they are attending a wedding, funeral, or are on business. I certainly don't see a reason to ask them what church they attend because of how they are dressed.

I thought I asked this before but didn't see the answer. You wear three piece suits everywhere you go and for all occasions?

You too, my friend.

Re: Goths
 

Sadly, it isn't the cult members that are complimented, but it's the Apostolics who are avoided.

I worked at a nursing facility and a girl from an agency worked one evening. I recognized her as being Apostolic and found out that she attended a church in the next town.

The next evening, I overheard some of the workers referring to her being there, and was shocked that one of the cult members from the local cult group would be working there, since they are known to only work in the leader's businesses.

Of course, I spoke right up and told them she was NOT from the cult, but was Apostolic. They just looked at me wondering how I knew that, I'm sure. I told them of my background and that I'd talked to the girl. They just shrugged and walked away. They didn't see a difference in how she looked. Her attire was not complimenting the cult women.