Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

Folks with this mentality think you have taken the "easy route" because you don't adhere to an extreme dress code that makes you stand out from society.

i.e. It would be harder for you if you didn't fit in because you had long stringy hair, no makeup, etc, but rather you have taken the "easy route" by looking normal.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

That's an important point. The things that are truly eternal will always stand.

Those things that won't even stand still and be questioned will not last.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

Jesus said, "According to your faith so be it unto you."

I sincerely believe that we often place our faith on various things. Sometimes those are external standards. If our faith is rooted in these things due to teaching or personal conviction from self study, one can loose their anointing if their own heart begins to condemn them for what they've done...even if it's not a sin. Many who have studied the occult can tell you that witches also believe that spiritual anointing, or power, is in their hair...they often wear their hair long, straight, and uncut. In fact sometimes it's used in pagan rituals. They also wear long skirts and maintain a "natural" appearance. For example:

http://www.ahighersourcesupply.com/images/julia4.jpg

These witches often claim that their "anointing" wanes if their hair is cut or their appearance isn't all "natural". Here's a disturbing thought...what if some of our "Pentecostal traditions" are mistaken encroachments of witchcraft? We base much of our faith on them, and naturally if they are interfered with our faith is cut short...and the resulting lack of faith would bring lack of anointing.

I knew a man who sincerely believed that he shouldn't read National Geographic Magazine because of some of the pictures depicting unclothed tribal women. Well, one day he picked one up in a doctor's office and read an article about Tsunamis. Later that evening at church he was called on to lead prayer. His prayer was unsteady, broken, and un-anointed. He confessed to me that it was because he had read a National Geographic. I laughed and then he got VERY serious with me. I couldn't believe my ears...he actually believed that he had lost anointing because he read a National Geo. I looked at him thinking, "It's because your own heart is condemning you and weakening your faith." Is faith was in his performance and not in Jesus. If we put our faith in our appearance and not in Jesus...if that appearance doesn't line up...we loose faith and anointing.

Oh well...I'm sure you get the picture. I could be wrong. Just sharing some thoughts.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

I like to see new people too but this guy has an agenda. He doesn't want honest discussion on different topics but to "find out" what type of people post on this forum. He comes with a judgemental, holier than thou attitude, imo. None of us have asked him to remove his landmarks. Let him have his landmarks but don't let him impose his landmarks on others.

I suggest he read Romans 14 and then let's discuss. :)

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

I believe our behavior should cause us to stand out from society. I don't think we should wear our religion on our sleeves. I remember how my wife and I used to parade through the mall like we were the Islamic Mutawwa'în. We felt like we were "shining the light" when most people just thought we were part of a cult. Today the Lord has shown me that it's not so much in how you look (yes modesty is important) but it's primarily in how you speak to people and how you treat people. It's in the acts of compassion that are an inconvenience that people truly see Jesus in you.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

would this guy be another 'terry g' ? Hmmm

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

Sir, DO NOT TRY TO TELL ME THAT MY TESTIMONY IS UNTRUE!!!!!!!!! I knew from watching this forum that if I shared a personal testimony someone would try to say that what I experienced didn't really happen.

IF you want to state what else you wrote, fine. Leave my testimony out of it.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

Old landmarks?

Beard prohibition in the 60s and 70s.

Is that an old landmark?

Old is relative.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

I differ with this statement. The man I just answered to previously was trying to say why I shouldn't adhere to my uncut hair conviction.

Re: I refuse to remove the landmarks
 

I think the forum is a little dead, so some poor sap decided we needed something to argue about.