Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

I never mention standards...

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

you're sick...you're just sick! :ursofunny

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

so wise sis alvear.

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

Me either, even when I followed them. I always saw and still see them as a personal thing. It is like the bedroom for a married couple, IMO. What happens there should not be talked about, but you can tell what goes on. A healthy relationship is easy to notice just like an unhappy one is easy to notice. Standards are noticable, but I deem them something private that if some one asks me then I say it is a consecration between God and I. That is how I treat the standards I do follow. I do not feel that if I did not do them then I am a sinner, but I do what I do as as sacrifice to God. That is how I see it.

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

Really ?!?!?...where have you been hiding...

let me guess ,, you been hiding with alot others on here....

jk


Yes there is a shift......

here is what I don't get, a whole group split off and started their own org. because UPC was getting too liberal, and at the same time others are asking " is the UPC changing"....................:hmmm

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

like i heard bro tenney preach one time that standards were like guard rails on a highway. they didn't get us to our destination, they just help us from falling off at times.

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

I have never heard that but I made on once that they are like gutter guards in bowling they keep you from the gutter and keep you going straight. I agree I do not think they are really salvational, but I think that they can serve a purpose. I am sure that those that do not follow the standards will also say that they can make a difference in some people.

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

While reading your question, my mind was filled with the faces of those that were "run away' when it came to their perceived expectations of adhering to the standards of the church. It really was very upsetting to see ladies that I had witnessed to, gave bible studies to, saw baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost leave because some sister had pulled them aside to discuss their attire and/or make-up.

It never ceased to amaze me the lack of decorum that some folks had while dealing with new converts.

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

I have that message on CD! Love it and Agree with it! Our church NEVER mentions standards. We are mods for the most part and the GOOD thing is that no one looks alike! We have long hair, short hair (on women) long hair, short hair (on men) pants, make-up, jewelry, beards, clean faces, no jewelry, long sleeves, short sleeves, and in the summer, sometimes..NO sleeves! YIKES! LOL .....know what I think? It lets me know that we are GROWING! A young girl last week told our Pastor's wife "The people of this church love me and they don't even KNOW me....but, I FEEL their love" I was sooo proud of our congregation at that moment!

Beth

Re: Should standards be an issue when witnessing?
 

oh i know! :tantrum this makes me soooo mad! in fact if someone had done that with me i don't think i would have lasted.