View Full Version : How Christians View Other Christians
Orthodoxy
10-13-2011, 11:49 AM
http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/denominations-600x600.jpg
Austin
10-13-2011, 12:08 PM
http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/denominations-600x600.jpg
That is kind of funny and some what true.
I myself have always taken the stand that people judge others by their own standards having put themselves in that same situation which they observe and then making a judgement of what they might do or think given the same opportunity
Example;
Preacher is standing on the street corner talking to a beautiful woman who has a short skirt and long legs. The same preacher is seen again at the local restaurant with this lady on another day in a booth having coffee, Then on Thursday the preacher's car is parked outside the residence of this lady's house for a hour or more.
Well!! Given that person in the same situation they would make a judgement that this man is having an affair with this woman because she is beautiful and would be something that they might do.
Then guess what? The lady shows up in church that Sunday and gives a testimony on how she has accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal savior and how much she appreciates the pastor for his patience and love and understanding in helping her find the truth in spite of all her tribulations.
houston
10-13-2011, 12:35 PM
Are we charismatic or evangelical?
Dagwood
10-13-2011, 12:43 PM
If I were to categorize myself, I'd fall in line with the charismatically reformed...
The pic is pretty interesting, though...
Orthodoxy
10-13-2011, 01:05 PM
Are we charismatic or evangelical?
Apostolics would be more charismatic/pentecostal than evangelical, I think.
RandyWayne
10-13-2011, 01:12 PM
Love it!
houston
10-13-2011, 03:03 PM
Hm. I always considered myself an angelical.
Orthodoxy
10-13-2011, 03:10 PM
Hm. I always considered myself an angelical.
:spit You are rather angelic! :thumbsup
houston
10-13-2011, 03:15 PM
:spit You are rather angelic! :thumbsup
LOL
Michael The Disciple
10-13-2011, 03:42 PM
Prefer New Testament Christian.
Pentecostal/Charismatic is ok.
Hoovie
10-13-2011, 08:03 PM
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z116/luckysweep/holy-catholic-apostolic.jpg
Orthodoxy
10-14-2011, 07:51 AM
:iagree I like that one, Hoovie!
mfblume
10-14-2011, 10:03 AM
Prefer New Testament Christian.
Pentecostal/Charismatic is ok.
I prefer Ambassador for God's Kingdom, Saint, Priest and King!
NorCal
10-14-2011, 11:22 AM
That is kind of funny and some what true.
I myself have always taken the stand that people judge others by their own standards having put themselves in that same situation which they observe and then making a judgement of what they might do or think given the same opportunity
Example;
Preacher is standing on the street corner talking to a beautiful woman who has a short skirt and long legs. The same preacher is seen again at the local restaurant with this lady on another day in a booth having coffee, Then on Thursday the preacher's car is parked outside the residence of this lady's house for a hour or more.
Well!! Given that person in the same situation they would make a judgement that this man is having an affair with this woman because she is beautiful and would be something that they might do.
Then guess what? The lady shows up in church that Sunday and gives a testimony on how she has accepted the Lord Jesus as her personal savior and how much she appreciates the pastor for his patience and love and understanding in helping her find the truth in spite of all her tribulations.
Problem with your story... any smart pastor would take his wife along for that. 1 on 1 is never very smart. Even though you may not falter, gossip always abounds (in and out of the church).
Holy Ghost HH
05-14-2015, 09:57 PM
Prefer New Testament Christian.
Pentecostal/Charismatic is ok.
I'm not the judge; but my pastor would call you a sinner with all they facial hair.
Esaias
05-14-2015, 11:21 PM
I'm not the judge; but my pastor would call you a sinner with all they facial hair.
I wonder what your pastor would have been called if he lived in Bible days in Israel.
Esaias
05-14-2015, 11:22 PM
In fact, I wonder what he would have called Jesus or any apostle ...
Servant's <3
05-14-2015, 11:57 PM
:throwrockYes, because we should all use every available opportunity to tear each other down.... good show... great example... goodness...
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 06:22 AM
I'm not the judge; but my pastor would call you a sinner with all they facial hair.
One reason Im hesitant to use "Apostolic". It identifies us with a group that largely teaches the doctrines of men:highfive
Lafon
05-15-2015, 07:03 AM
One reason Im hesitant to use "Apostolic". It identifies us with a group that largely teaches the doctrines of men:highfive
Michael, I identify myself as an Apostolic because their message of eternal salvation is consistent with that of Christ Jesus and His chosen apostles. This is not to say that all of the other things they teach as doctrine is in accord with the scriptures, for it can be easily proven they are not. The problem lies in trying to persuade the present leadership of this, for as you've stated, they have venerated many man-made traditions for so long they've become holy and untouchable.
good samaritan
05-15-2015, 09:00 AM
Beards are not wrong nor do they offend me, but because of the assumption by many in American culture that it is wrong I wonder why Christians choose to wear them. I know some baptists that frown on men wearing facial hair. I know that most of the people that are making a stink over such issues are probably not where they need to be, but for the sake of living a life above reproach I would opt out of wearing a beard. even though I hate having to shave.
good samaritan
05-15-2015, 09:08 AM
There are a lot of things that we need to start using sense about. Even if something may be scripturally permissive, we should ask how will it effect the ministry that God has called us to. I believe that Timothy was unnecessarily circumcised as an adult (ouch!) for the sake of ministry among the Jews. These cultural norms vary probably from place to place, but we should seek to be a witness in the place God has called us.
P.S. We should stop judging others on matters that go beyond the scripture.
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 02:16 PM
Beards are not wrong nor do they offend me, but because of the assumption by many in American culture that it is wrong I wonder why Christians choose to wear them. I know some baptists that frown on men wearing facial hair. I know that most of the people that are making a stink over such issues are probably not where they need to be, but for the sake of living a life above reproach I would opt out of wearing a beard. even though I hate having to shave.
Im sorry you feel this way. Not just because I wear a beard. But because it shows that men are content with their OWN doctrines.
Example. Apostolics teach if a woman wears pants she is committing sin and some if not MOST teach they will go to Gehenna fire for all eternity!
They base it on this:
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Duet 22:5
And YET when it comes to beards:
27Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
They act as if it means NOTHING.
Are they consistent? The same Old Testament which forbids woman wearing mens apparel forbids men cutting their beard.
Are they hypocrites? Apparently so. NOTHING in the commandments of YHWH speaks of men cutting their beards but THE OPPOSITE!
Now lets go deeper. They use the excuse "many" in the culture think beards are wrong by associating them lets say with "hippies".
OK with that in mind how about the wearing of suits? Do not politicians wear suits? Do not CIA wear suits? Do not Mafiosa wear suits? Do not Wall street tycoons wear suits? Do not corrupt buisnessmen wear suits?
Where is the outcry therefore among "Apostolics" about their members wearing suits! Nay but rather they frown upon them for NOT wearing them!
Are they not also "costly array"? Something we are warned about?
Are you getting the point? To me it is pathetic when I hear "Apostolics" preaching about how the Trins follow "traditions". They themselves walk in their own and force others to do the same.
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 02:35 PM
Beards are not wrong nor do they offend me, but because of the assumption by many in American culture that it is wrong I wonder why Christians choose to wear them. I know some baptists that frown on men wearing facial hair. I know that most of the people that are making a stink over such issues are probably not where they need to be, but for the sake of living a life above reproach I would opt out of wearing a beard. even though I hate having to shave.
Something that you KNOW? Men who want to wear a beard are not where they SHOULD BE? Does the Bible say that? Were the Apostles NOT where they should have been? What about Jesus himself?
Can you give an example of someone who claims to be spirit filled and has a beard who isnt where he SHOULD BE?
If you can I would not be shocked in this last and evil day. But then I would be able to show you a HUNDRED who are clean shaven who are not where THEY SHOULD BE!
Where is it we SHOULD BE?
Should we according to the OT teach women are sinning for putting on mens clothes? If so why should we NOT teach its wrong for men to cut their beards?
Isnt where we SHOULD BE keeping the commandments of Jesus out of a pure heart?
How would NOT wearing a beard make one without reproach? That in itself is saying it is a reproach for men to do something YHWH commands them TO DO.
Doesnt this kind of show where "Apostolics" are?
Esaias
05-15-2015, 04:02 PM
Nobody thinks "beards = hippies" except certain varieties of older Christians and the people in their churches. The "world" does not associate beards with hippies. I have yet to meet anyone outside of a church setting who thoughts beards were WRONG.
Many businesses require male employees to be clean shaven, for a variety of reasons. None of which have anything to do with hippies, drugs, commies, radicals, anarchists, bomb-throwers, anti-americanism, or any such things.
There is no worldliness in having a beard. It's religious people who have a problem with beards, only. Only religious people ASSUME a man with a beard is backslidden or unspiritual. Is this not unrighteous judgment?
If Christ and the prophets had beards, how is it possible that GOD DOESN'T LIKE BEARDS?
And if God approves but man does not, too bad for man.
There is NO BIBLE for men being clean shaven except as a mark of shame and effeminacy. That's a FACT. That's BIBLE.
Now, having said all that, we ALL better figure out how to walk in love, preferring one another above ourselves, or we'll certainly burn.
good samaritan
05-15-2015, 04:13 PM
Men who want to wear a beard are not where they SHOULD BE?
I am sorry for not communicating well enough. I meant that people who make beards an issue are probably not where they should be. I still would rather not wear one than to offend some of the elders in are local assembly.
good samaritan
05-15-2015, 04:21 PM
Im sorry you feel this way. Not just because I wear a beard. But because it shows that men are content with their OWN doctrines.
Example. Apostolics teach if a woman wears pants she is committing sin and some if not MOST teach they will go to Gehenna fire for all eternity!
They base it on this:
The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Duet 22:5
And YET when it comes to beards:
27Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
They act as if it means NOTHING.
Are they consistent? The same Old Testament which forbids woman wearing mens apparel forbids men cutting their beard.
Are they hypocrites? Apparently so. NOTHING in the commandments of YHWH speaks of men cutting their beards but THE OPPOSITE!
Now lets go deeper. They use the excuse "many" in the culture think beards are wrong by associating them lets say with "hippies".
OK with that in mind how about the wearing of suits? Do not politicians wear suits? Do not CIA wear suits? Do not Mafiosa wear suits? Do not Wall street tycoons wear suits? Do not corrupt buisnessmen wear suits?
Where is the outcry therefore among "Apostolics" about their members wearing suits! Nay but rather they frown upon them for NOT wearing them!
Are they not also "costly array"? Something we are warned about?
Are you getting the point? To me it is pathetic when I hear "Apostolics" preaching about how the Trins follow "traditions". They themselves walk in their own and force others to do the same.
The fact is that one is mentioned to be an abomination and the other isn't. I really don't believe that ladies wearing pants of itself is a sin. There are other elements of modesty and things that are non negotiable for me though. I think gender distinction goes much deeper than pants and skirts.
P.S. I agree with your logic
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 05:15 PM
I am sorry for not communicating well enough. I meant that people who make beards an issue are probably not where they should be. I still would rather not wear one than to offend some of the elders in are local assembly.
Hey bro this is not personal toward you ok? Nonetheless why would it be wrong to make an issue out of something that we both see is hypocrisy among us? Why assume that the person who is trying to open the eyes of the misguided flock has something wrong in their life?
I might look at it like those who teach and believe traditions of men over Gods word are not where they should be?
Best I can tell there is one standard for a Christian and one only.
Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Matt 5:48
All of us should be giving ourselves unto this end.
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 05:19 PM
The fact is that one is mentioned to be an abomination and the other isn't. I really don't believe that ladies wearing pants of itself is a sin. There are other elements of modesty and things that are non negotiable for me though. I think gender distinction goes much deeper than pants and skirts.
P.S. I agree with your logic
So if something is not called an abomination does that make it ok? If God commanded something in the OT but did not say it was an abomination if you did not obey is it ok NOT to obey?
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 05:25 PM
Nobody thinks "beards = hippies" except certain varieties of older Christians and the people in their churches. The "world" does not associate beards with hippies. I have yet to meet anyone outside of a church setting who thoughts beards were WRONG.
Many businesses require male employees to be clean shaven, for a variety of reasons. None of which have anything to do with hippies, drugs, commies, radicals, anarchists, bomb-throwers, anti-americanism, or any such things.
There is no worldliness in having a beard. It's religious people who have a problem with beards, only. Only religious people ASSUME a man with a beard is backslidden or unspiritual. Is this not unrighteous judgment?
If Christ and the prophets had beards, how is it possible that GOD DOESN'T LIKE BEARDS?
And if God approves but man does not, too bad for man.
There is NO BIBLE for men being clean shaven except as a mark of shame and effeminacy. That's a FACT. That's BIBLE.
Now, having said all that, we ALL better figure out how to walk in love, preferring one another above ourselves, or we'll certainly burn.
Clear and concise!:highfive
good samaritan
05-15-2015, 09:32 PM
So if something is not called an abomination does that make it ok?
The command to not to cut the corners of your beard was OT law which we are no longer bound to. The law was for a dispensation leading up to Jesus. The commandment for a woman not to wear anything pertaining to a man is an abomination to God which means it isn't a dispensational thing.
If God commanded something in the OT but did not say it was an abomination if you did not obey is it ok NOT to obey?
Depends on what? circumcision is no longer necessary, foods clean and unclean is no longer necessary, etc....
Again I personally don't condemn beards, but I know many who do and they are not just apostates. Tradition is hard for people to overcome and I know that everyone has hang ups. I don't want to cast a stumbling block in front of anyone. I am sorry if I have come off offensively to you, Mike.
Michael The Disciple
05-15-2015, 11:46 PM
The command to not to cut the corners of your beard was OT law which we are no longer bound to. The law was for a dispensation leading up to Jesus. The commandment for a woman not to wear anything pertaining to a man is an abomination to God which means it isn't a dispensational thing.
Depends on what? circumcision is no longer necessary, foods clean and unclean is no longer necessary, etc....
Again I personally don't condemn beards, but I know many who do and they are not just apostates. Tradition is hard for people to overcome and I know that everyone has hang ups. I don't want to cast a stumbling block in front of anyone. I am sorry if I have come off offensively to you, Mike.
No Bro you have not offended me. I am just trying to use the discussion as a teaching moment. You understand.
mfblume
05-16-2015, 09:19 AM
Arrghhhh! That word "DISPENSATION" used out of biblical context!
mfblume
05-16-2015, 09:20 AM
I am sorry for not communicating well enough. I meant that people who make beards an issue are probably not where they should be. I still would rather not wear one than to offend some of the elders in are local assembly.
I think it's not offense that goes on due to beards, but people upset we did not agree with their rules. Big difference.
good samaritan
05-16-2015, 10:13 AM
21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith:for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
It is in the same context as Paul uses it. There are several things that most church people have been brought up and taught that it's wrong and if someone comes in an says it isn't wrong then it becomes a stumbling block or an offence to them and it always has been since Paul's day. We must let the Holy Ghost guide us on how to lead people out of certain man made traditions because sometimes the strife that is caused trying to change someone isn't worth it. I really don't think beards even matter and church culture is shifting on things like this anyways.
good samaritan
05-16-2015, 10:22 AM
In Christianity, one meaning of the term dispensation is as a distinctive arrangement or period in history that forms the framework through which God relates to mankind.
Wikipedia
I wasn't trying to use it in some Biblical context, but only to convey the thought that are way to God is in much deeper fulfillment then when the OT was written. The law of Moses doesn't bind us as it did OT Israel, but it is fulfilled in us. The Spirit of the letter.
ApostolicKitty
05-19-2015, 12:40 PM
Beards are not wrong nor do they offend me, but because of the assumption by many in American culture that it is wrong I wonder why Christians choose to wear them. I know some baptists that frown on men wearing facial hair. I know that most of the people that are making a stink over such issues are probably not where they need to be, but for the sake of living a life above reproach I would opt out of wearing a beard. even though I hate having to shave.
I don't know anyone outside of the apostolic churches that thinks beards are wrong.
mfblume
05-19-2015, 08:59 PM
I don't know anyone outside of the apostolic churches that thinks beards are wrong.
Right. American culture DOES NOT think it's wrong.
ApostolicKitty
05-20-2015, 09:49 AM
Right. American culture DOES NOT think it's wrong.
Says the Canadian. LOL But you are right. In fact, some women love men with beards.
good samaritan
05-20-2015, 10:29 AM
I don't know anyone outside of the apostolic churches that thinks beards are wrong
I know some baptists brethern that do. I don't think they would make a stink over it, though.
Right. American culture DOES NOT think it's wrong.
I am not meaning secular culture just some church cultures. secular culture in years past in this country didn't think it was good and that probably is why churches forbid it.
In another thread you said it was a reproach for preachers to be fat. I said that it is not fat that is the sin but gluttony. To me beards would kind of fall into this category. I think that image sometimes does matter when it comes to acceptance. If you saw a fat preacher it seems that your mind would wonder about his walk with God. I know old timers who were taught that beards where unacceptable. I don't have a problem with beards, but I think you should consider your target audience. If you are starting a apostolic church in a old community where people are very traditional you may want to reconsider a beard. It is not a matter of right or wrong, but of edification.
Of coarse it is not wrong for a man to have a beard. It is a no brainer to me personally.
Michael The Disciple
05-20-2015, 03:35 PM
I know old timers who were taught that beards where unacceptable. I don't have a problem with beards, but I think you should consider your target audience. If you are starting a apostolic church in a old community where people are very traditional you may want to reconsider a beard.
Does this apply to wearing suits? Should we identify ourselves with Hollywood? Note how when they all get to together for Oscars, Grammys, whatevers they are wearing what?
SUITS!
Should we dress like the world? Why does it work for beards but not for suits? What if our audience is former hippies? Who like beards but look with disdain on suits? Would it then be ok to preach against suits?
I know you are saying you are not against beards but you are allowing for Church culture to be above the word of God.
Example in our day and culture. Now "Apostolics" say we should not wear beards EVEN THO it is favored in the Bible. They say it reminds them of those worldly hippies! We dont want our Church to SEEM like hippies!
And yet the Pastors of course all wear suits! And most of them want all men to wear them.
But check this out. Is Hollywood of THE WORLD? Do we want our Churches associated with worldliness as in Hollywood? Want proof?
This was from the Oscars 2015!
http://oscar.go.com/photos/oscars-2015-the-winners/media/birdman-cast_oscars-2015
Need I say more?
A
FlamingZword
05-23-2015, 08:14 PM
Many are wearing bow ties,
if Hollywood men are wearing bow ties, then bow ties are of the devil.
any one wearing a bow tie will go straight to hell will not pass go, will not collect 200 pesos.
Esaias
05-23-2015, 10:30 PM
Neck jewelry for men?
mfblume
05-25-2015, 12:48 PM
I know some baptists brethern that do. I don't think they would make a stink over it, though.
I am not meaning secular culture just some church cultures. secular culture in years past in this country didn't think it was good and that probably is why churches forbid it.
In another thread you said it was a reproach for preachers to be fat. I said that it is not fat that is the sin but gluttony. To me beards would kind of fall into this category. I think that image sometimes does matter when it comes to acceptance. If you saw a fat preacher it seems that your mind would wonder about his walk with God. I know old timers who were taught that beards where unacceptable. I don't have a problem with beards, but I think you should consider your target audience. If you are starting a apostolic church in a old community where people are very traditional you may want to reconsider a beard. It is not a matter of right or wrong, but of edification.
Of coarse it is not wrong for a man to have a beard. It is a no brainer to me personally.
We all know that cultures in religious circles do make sins out of things that aren't sins. And we do have to keep that in mind when trying to reach them. But for I thought you were talking about our society in general, not just churches. Churches that think beards are wrong are in the vast vast minority.
mfblume
05-25-2015, 12:49 PM
Says the Canadian. LOL But you are right. In fact, some women love men with beards.
I've been in the USA enough and are very familiar with the culture. Canada is almost identical. My wife would far sooner see me with a beard. So, it's coming back. :D
good samaritan
05-25-2015, 03:17 PM
We all know that cultures in religious circles do make sins out of things that aren't sins. And we do have to keep that in mind when trying to reach them. But for I thought you were talking about our society in general, not just churches. Churches that think beards are wrong are in the vast vast minority.
I agree with that. I was not meaning that beards where wrong (they aren't) and in most places they would not be a problem. I am in a church now where the previous pastor taught against beards. Many churches in our area, Pentecostal and other denom. view beards negatively. MTD, being from KY. probably has seen it in his area as well being in the Bible belt. There is no sin in wearing a beard, but if it causes opposition to unity in the body and winning the lost then each will answer to God. I like to ask myself a question does it edify and not just is it wrong? May not matter, but is just my opinion..
Jito463
05-25-2015, 07:20 PM
Says the Canadian. LOL But you are right. In fact, some women love men with beards.
And strangely enough, some men love women with beards. :heeheehee
mfblume
05-25-2015, 08:39 PM
I agree with that. I was not meaning that beards where wrong (they aren't) and in most places they would not be a problem. I am in a church now where the previous pastor taught against beards. Many churches in our area, Pentecostal and other denom. view beards negatively. MTD, being from KY. probably has seen it in his area as well being in the Bible belt. There is no sin in wearing a beard, but if it causes opposition to unity in the body and winning the lost then each will answer to God. I like to ask myself a question does it edify and not just is it wrong? May not matter, but is just my opinion..
It matters if the church folks you work with think it's wrong. I am among folks who don't. So it's no issue. But Paul spoke of innocent meat eating, and said he'd never do it if it offended someone whom he knew INCORRECTLY felt it was wrong.
good samaritan
05-25-2015, 11:43 PM
It matters if the church folks you work with think it's wrong. I am among folks who don't. So it's no issue. But Paul spoke of innocent meat eating, and said he'd never do it if it offended someone whom he knew INCORRECTLY felt it was wrong.
This is my point in even replying about the facial hair issue. MTD doesn't offend me any about his beard, I was just stating a view that still exists among especially traditional southern churches. We need to seek to build up the kingdom of God, and I know there will be times we need to make a stand for change. But is should be God led and not self motivated. The old saying choose your battles, should be let God choose your battles.
Michael The Disciple
05-26-2015, 01:32 AM
I started on this battle decades ago. Back then many including me where coming out from being hippies into the Jesus movement. Being serious with God I searched to know his will.
Nothing ever turned up against beards only for them Biblically. I found of course Paul speaking against long hair on men. I resisted that for a while being perhaps a bit deceived by all the pictures of Christ with hair that looked just like ours. One night a Baptist Preacher railed about long hair on men. I was offended for about a day, then got a haircut. Just wanted to do Gods will.
When I became "Apostolic" I noticed all the clean shaved faces. When I asked about it they implied it was sinful and should not be done. No scripture just do what your told.
When I joined my first Apostolic Church later I was told its just the standard of the Church. I shaved took off my watch and wedding ring for the standard of the Church.
During that time the Elders brother in law visited the Church one night with a beard. They treated him terrible and basically caused him to run out the door. It was pathetic. All that over something that if anything is FAVORED in scripture.
It bothered me as time went on because I was on fire for Oneness doctrine and Acts 2:38. Yet to me the Apostolics seemed like they were shutting out thousands of men from the truth because they wore a beard!
They would rather have them on the street or in Trinity Churches than in their group and THEN condemn them to Hell because they did not attend their Church.
How could I in good conscience tell men to shave their beards just because MEN required it? Jesus had a beard as did the Apostles as did the Prophets. And yet APOSTOLICS thought they knew more about holiness than them it seemed.
How could I invite people to a Church that condemned the Trins to Hell because they said they follow mens traditions instead of truth and then THEY condemned men to Hell for something God favored? Were they not ALSO following the traditions of men? Are not most of them still doing it today?
How many thousands or ten thousands opted to stay in Trinity Churches because of such foolishness? If indeed they go to Hell for it the Apostolic leaders will share the blame as far as I'm concerned.
Perhaps the Apostolic leaders QUENCHED a revival God tried to give them?
When I left that Apostolic Church as a young Elder it was because of this. I came into that Church preaching Bible perfection obedience in all things. One Saturday night the Elder preached and said what is being perfect?
I kid you not he said its for men to cut off beards, take off rings and watches and wear long sleeves! For Women it was to not cut their hair and never wear pants!
I felt so destroyed. After hearing the word I taught for a year among them THATS what they thought was Biblical perfection.
So sad. So grievous. It seems little progress has been made in the battle. Just compromise. Just roll over.
Exactly what Trins teach those in their groups about TRINITY. Dont ask questions. Dont rock the boat. Yet if any of them get free from Trinity they would not be welcome in many Oneness Churches.
good samaritan
05-26-2015, 11:28 AM
MTD, I know exactly what you are talking about. We are making progress in this area among OP's. The problem is that it seems that so many are leaving one extreme to go to another. It seems that anytime a person would call anything a sin anymore there is someone with an explanation it being o.k. I have heard it said we should only teach Biblical principles. I disagree, we need to stand firmly against sin, (alongside Biblical principles) but we must know why we believe what we believe.
As for beards being favored in the Bible, it was the cultural norm of their day. I don't see anywhere it had any spiritual significance. To be Biblically correct a man shouldn't trim it. Doesn't it say not to round the edges of your beard? If we are to change mindsets with things the such, it is necessary for us to do it with a right and loving Spirit. People can tell if someone is sincere or if they are trying to just be a rebel.
PS MTD from the posts I have read of yours on this thread you are someone who loves the Lord and is sincere.
ApostolicKitty
05-26-2015, 01:49 PM
I agree with that. I was not meaning that beards where wrong (they aren't) and in most places they would not be a problem. I am in a church now where the previous pastor taught against beards. Many churches in our area, Pentecostal and other denom. view beards negatively. MTD, being from KY. probably has seen it in his area as well being in the Bible belt. There is no sin in wearing a beard, but if it causes opposition to unity in the body and winning the lost then each will answer to God. I like to ask myself a question does it edify and not just is it wrong? May not matter, but is just my opinion..
I don't think the men wearing the beards are the ones that cause the problems. I think it's those that would discriminate against them that create the problems, even if they are pastors. If God has no problems with beards, then I don't think any pastor or other member has a right to... and they need to repent of it.
I used to have a pastor who was anti-beard. I loved the man and, though he may have passed several years ago, I still hold him in high regard. However, I was extremely disappointed in him when he told an apostolic man who was visiting with his family that he could attend, but he would not be used as long as he kept his beard.
ApostolicKitty
05-26-2015, 01:50 PM
And strangely enough, some men love women with beards. :heeheehee
:smack
Jito463
05-26-2015, 09:34 PM
And strangely enough, some men love women with beards. :heeheehee:smack
OW! :(
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