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Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Chris, you sat in a trinnie house church for how many years explaining to your kids what you felt was truth.

You are an intelligent man and you already know what is preached in Apostolic Churches, so it is unlikely there are going to be doctrinal surprises for you.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524741)

So, you're saying that James is warning not to show favoritism. He used the EXAMPLE of showing favoritism over clothing that indicates wealth or poverty. But since he didn't mention beards specifically... you think James would be A-Okay if you argued that he had no right to preach or minister and that had to sit down because of his beard, while you let others without beards just preach away, sing the choir, teach Sunday school, etc.???

Sure, whatever you say. :dogpat

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanah (Post 1524742)

Chris, you sat in a trinnie house church for how many years explaining to your kids what you felt was truth.

But they allowed beards!

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524739)

Beards are low on the list... Maybe. Maybe not.

Sorry I was not more clear -- personally, for me, beards are far down the list of important things. Very, very far down.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524739)

-I have a family of four.
-I've decided that we should leave our house church network.
-We need a church, an Apostolic church.
-I'm a man with a beard.
-The only Apostolic churches around me are anti-beard.
-I see nothing in my Bible supporting such a teaching.
-Since such a teaching is unbiblical, it is a tradition of man.
-Since it is taught as binding, it is a doctrine.
-If they have this unbiblical doctrine, how many more do they have?
-I find myself just as leery about the Apostolic churches around me who are in false doctrines of legalism as I am other churches around me who are in false doctrine as it applies to other elements of Christian belief and living.

What you find to be low on the list of important things... I see as an indicator that deeper issues and false teachings exist. You're saying, "Oh, it's only one chunk of floating ice." I'm saying, "No. False teachings like these are only the tip of the iceberg."

Okay.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanah (Post 1524742)

Well, I kind of hoped the Apostolics in my area would have gravitated more towards what the Bible teaches.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david (Post 1524744)

But they allowed beards!

Actually, yes. They are more welcoming to men with beards than the Apostolic churches in my area.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Wow, over 300 posts about beards!
Amazing!

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingZword (Post 1524697)

So if I take some kind of hormones I might be able to grow a decent beard?

Wow, I think I might look into that, so that I can join Aquila and bro Michael. :D

You might not have hormones. :D

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

Taking such a stand, being vocal about it, denouncing legalisms involving both shaving and required beards isn't so much to win over or effect those who believe in these false doctrines. It is to call attention to the error publically so that fewer embrace their notions without question, and to help bring reconciliation and healing to those whose lives, ministries, dreams, and passions were crushed by some legalistic pastor with a passion for or against something as truly meaningless as a beard.

Bro, these brothers have Bible for their beard wearing, they believe it is a part of manliness. They believe the beard marks maturity, also that gray marks eldership (as old ) so no dying the hair. Beards are untrimmed, but hair on the top of the head remains short as high and tight. The rest of your above quote is a bit dramatic so get your T levels checked. Saints embrace their notions without question? Let me ask you a question? Do you read what I post? Did you read and UNDERSTAND what I posted to you. Bro, they have a Bible, the people in the Bible talk about bearded people. Jesus is described as having a beard, and it being torn out of His cheek. Aaron has an oily long beard. Also they notice that the men when they start coming of age naturally grow a beard? Bro, What are these people accepting without question? Another thing, you want to help bring reconciliation and healing to those whose lives, ministries, dreams, and passions were crushed by some legalistic pastor with a passion for or against something as truly meaningless as a beard. Again, you didn't get it, what I posted was not about religious basket cases who were unknowingly duped into the Unification Church. These people knew FULL WELL what they were getting themselves into. They were all of a sudden have the beard teaching sprung on them. They sure didn't catch a beating from a pulpit how they better start growing their beard, or else. I can't stress this stuff enough, you know, whether you like it or not, there are people in Pentecost who understand their standards of separation. You know what else? They really don't care what you think about them. They aren't legalists, because it isn't Mosaic law keeping, they do it because they understand it, and it is going to make them any more saved, but it is the fruit of their salvation. You want to debate that? Go right ahead, but they have their arguments also against what you are doing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

Ministering in the rear of the flock is often the most rewarding of ministries.

You mean a parking lot prophet? Or the disgruntled who wants to lead from the pews? Who wants to liberate the people and tell them how their elders are not only wrong about beards, but are trying to manipulate them? How the ministry doesn't love them, how the elders are really putting everyone under spiritual abuse, and that you really are the one with the golden keys to freedom? Bro, that only works with saints who are struggling, but not over standards of dress. They have personal issues, that the SJW who is trying to sow tares among the wheat, have zero clues about. You might get them out of the so called legalist church, but what then? You going to sign the papers of adoption? Start your own church? It sadly is a snowball effect, because while you thought you were bringing them sweet cane of liberty, their issues concerning standards of dress, and attire was the very least of their issues. After a while (of you adopting them) find out that wearing a beard, long sleeves,long overalls didn't bother them one bit. But now you got what you wanted, a disciple. No, Chris, the adage is still true, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." If the soil isn't made ready by JESUS you are going to be hitting nothing more than stumps and rocks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

You see the sheep that were battered and broken by circumstance, who are failing to keep up. You see those who have given up. You see those who have wondered form the flock through temptation or frustration.

You know, the above starts to sound like some mantra, which gets repeated over, and over again. Like a Mormon Bicycle Missionary repeating, "The Book of Mormon is True and Joseph Smith is a Prophet." What you posted above is the chief reason to not take people from other churches. Had a Baptist who wanted to come to our church, I told him no, stay in his church and make it right. He had a fallen out with the elders, not over doctrine, or book, chapter, and verse, but over personal reasons. I told him you don't even know what we believe. No, you need to straighten out your relationships. Because taking that brother, would of just caused problems, mainly for him and his family.
Sometimes people forget we are on a forum, and this is where we spit and whittle, but this isn't church. taking the SJW show on the road has major consequences. People get pulled out of churches and then you reject them because you don't have the time to care and feed them. They end up out in the cold, with their children.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

I know it seems so small... but I know grown men on this forum who have beards. And they would weep like babies with healing tears if they were apologized to for all the unnecessary and unbiblical rejection, slander, character assassination, and denunciations they've faced merely for wearing a beard.

Bro, I'm real sorry, I wasn't raised in church. I was raised around some hard guys. Apologies weren't handed out. My moto is don't tell me your sorry, show me your sorry. That's all, we are supposed to be men, we are supposed to be the hunter gatherers. Shedding tears, I have shed my share, but I don't need an apology from my brother, or my other. People know what they are doing. But, back to the meat of my original post. THE PEOPLE LIKE WHAT THEY ARE DOING MAN! Yo u don't like it move on, and let someone else sit in the pew. No hard feelings, these people want their men in their church to wear beards. I was clean shaven, they wished for me to be and believe as they. I had a beard ever since I hit puberty, facial hair started to grow. My dad always had a fu manchu (not the bull) but the moustache. By the time I met brother Dan , I wasn't going to grow a beard again, and I didn't see the beard as mandertory, not even a hint. They believe what they believe. Was there anyone huddled in the fetal position over this teaching? Wanting Lois to write an article on her spiritual abuse website concerning their woes? NO! They like it, they actually want it, they see it in the Bible, they feel that it is natural for the man to grow the facial hair to whatever length it wants to grow. The main thing I'm getting at, is that I was told all this from jump street. Therefore I make a decision whether or not I want to fly the united skies with them. You see, if I would of joined them with the thoughts of changing them, then that's my problem. I the big dummy. They already believe what they believe. I don't join to teach their young people over at the Sunday buffet, or grab a struggling couple to shed my rays of light upon them. If I had disagreements I took it to the elders, and without any of their people around. Because it is pretty hard trying to remove a size 12 Red Wing boot out of your rear end. Decent and in ministerial order. So, these people, LIKE, LOVE, what they are doing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

When I started wearing a beard it wasn't out of rebellion. It was because Christina thought I looked more "distinguished" instead of so "baby faced". I've always had a baby face.

Please honestly, no offense, but that's because your fat, and you have a fat face. Try a Paleo diet. You will shred, and shed your "baby fat?" :heeheehee

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

The facial hair was a nice look.

Yeah, homeless guys look so bella. :heeheehee

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

It also helped me see myself in a new light. After all the drama of family trauma, military trauma, church abuse, a divorce, financial ruin, etc. to see myself differently was kinda healing. I had weathered the storm. God carried me through. Life happened, and I survived. That old me, that old life, it's gone. New me. A new me who has fallen even more in love with Jesus than the old me.

So, can you accept someone who shaves off their beard for the same reasons?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

Think about it, since I was from an ultra-conservative background, I had looked the same for decades. After all I had been through, I needed a change.

I had a beard for as long as I could remember, so when I changed, I shaved.
Can you accept that as well as your growing your garden?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

I'm not saying everyone does. I'm saying, I did. Growing my beard out symbolically represented my letting go of so much pain.

Then you will understand fully if you remove the word "growing" to shaving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

I was no longer the abused boy who was brutally beaten as child. I was no longer the crisp, pressed, and shaved soldier I had become as a young man. I was no longer the subjugated, trapped, and spiritually bound clean shaven ultra-con legalist. I was no longer the failure of a husband. The change helped me look into the mirror and see someone new. Someone fresh. Someone older. Someone that accepted the past and closed the book on it. A man with a new life.

Hey, easy with the legalist, you know what I think is the most prevalent form of legalism. It sure has nothing to do with a shirt, shoes, and a tie. It is all about what Jesus said, it was acting the part on the outside but being a devil on the inside. I have had my share of common dress Christians who were the biggest devils to ever to walk upright. Evil doesn't need long uncut hair, and a dress, to snatch your paper boat down the sewer. Most of the time is takes the shape of a clown. In mainstream Christianity sadly that is what you have.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

Then, feeling I visited a local Apostolic church. One I hoped was more moderate based on what I had heard.

Do I really need to go into detail about what happened within 10 minutes of being there and seeing a couple people who knew me way back when? After dealing with the mind numbing teasing, whispering, and eventual harassment over my beard... I realized something. At what point do I refuse to allow them to own me?

Bro, I'm the wrong guy to tell these religious sad tales of woe. My eschatology gets brought up, out of the clear blue. So, when people start to lose a discussion with me they pull that out of left field. We could be talking about whatever, they say something about my eschatology. Listen, you got to get over all of that. Getting called a heretic by people you love, having a close brother call you when your daughter is born and tell you that God is going to kill her because of your eschatology? All I told the brother is well, let's pray. Mind numbing teasing? Seriously? Bro, no offense but check the T levels, and make sure you don't drink out of bottles made with BHT.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

Some say, "But it's just a beard." No it isn't. It's far bigger than that. I'm reminded of a story...

:runhills

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524714)

2 Samuel 23:11-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
11 And next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at Lehi, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils, and the men fled from the Philistines. 12 But he took his stand in the midst of the plot and defended it and struck down the Philistines, and the Lord worked a great victory.

Here, a man took a stand. He'd not be pushed around any more. Yes, it was only a plot of land with a pea patch. Sure, many might say, "Why risk your life Shammah? It's only a pea patch!" They were right. It was only a pea patch. But it was... his pea patch. And when something is yours and you have very little else... no matter how seemingly insignificant it might seem. It's worth fighting and dying for.

I know that it's only a beard. But... it is my beard. And I refuse to surrender to the bullying, slander, character assassination, and pressure to become subjugated to the unbiblical standard of overreaching, and spiritually abusive, human authority.

And if having something as small an issue as a beard makes me an outcast... if having a beard makes my church reject me... if having a beard makes them treat me like a second class citizen in the church... then it isn't me who has the big problem with this little ol' beard. It's... them.

Sometimes you have to take a stand and defend your pea patch.

Well, I guess you know will have a bit more charity for those who keep standards.

:)

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

There is nothing in the Bible requiring that men have beards, nor anything requiring that men have shaved faces. Both standards are extra-biblical traditions of men that are taught as doctrines.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524800)

There is nothing in the Bible requiring that men have beards, nor anything requiring that men have shaved faces. Both standards are extra-biblical traditions of men that are taught as doctrines.

Do you understand that I don't have to wear a beard right?

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524801)

Do you understand that I don't have to wear a beard right?

you are one of the elders, I imagine you could grow a beard if you wanted.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amanah (Post 1524820)

you are one of the elders, I imagine you could grow a beard if you wanted.

But I don't want to wear a beard. When I shaved mine off, I also cut my hair. My hair was long, my beard was long. When my life changed that changed also. My friend Slick use to keep his left overs in his beard, from everytime he ate. He also never cleaned out the bugs that would splatter from the ride.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524397)

Amen! And GOD created and designed the beard to be on a mans face. They are fighting against God!

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xORg3JKr7...aMacGregor.jpg

I think she might feel a preach coming on!

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524801)

Do you understand that I don't have to wear a beard right?

Yep. It's entirely up to you. And if anyone were to sanction you over shaving, they'd be out of the book. And, vice versa.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524825)

Lol.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

If you want a beard grow one, if you don't shave it off!! Don't try to force your views on the church, get behind the man of God, or find one you can get behind. If you can't get behind anyone, the problem is with you, not with them! Considering all the stuff going on in life, and the thread about is beards sin going for 40 pages is crazy. I'm literally Laughing out loud at the irony of this. I just want to put people in rememberance of 1 Samuel 15:22-23 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
It's not directed towards anyone it's just a general statement. If doesn't apply let it fly, if the shoe fits then wear it! It's not a sin to have a beard but it is witchcraft to rebel, and idolatry to be stubborn towards God rule. It all comes in the attitude all of this is done in. But this a very touchy subject and I believe it deserves some prayer and supplication. That's my last two cents on this situation though!! Just I am floored by the response of such a miniscule topic!!

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Its more clear than ever after this thread that the Apostolic Churches which hold this pitiful teaching have little concern for truth. They talk about the Trins not loving the truth being cast into the fires of Hell for billions and trillions of years. Yet when confronted over their false doctrines like preaching against beards for no reason except their personal enjoyment it brings out the fact they put MENS own thoughts and ideas above Jesus Christ. They only love PART of the truth.

Men are gods to them!

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524847)

Men are gods to them!

I just want to ask brother have you yet to receive this promise? What is this scripture saying the shepherd's given according to His heart are, in this new covenant? I embrace it; not man but God. I've received this promise, but if you haven't I could understand. Just when it is fufilled, it would be unprofitable for you to be in a place of reproach against him!!

Jeremiah 3:15-17 "I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. [16] And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the Lord , they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the Lord : neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it ; neither shall that be done any more. [17] At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart."

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524397)

Amen! And GOD created and designed the beard to be on a mans face. They are fighting against God
!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524847)

Men are gods to them!

https://media.tenor.com/images/1d7be...778b/tenor.gif

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524854)

http://payload464.cargocollective.co...te-ad_1000.jpg

Brother, I’m wondering if you are going to start posting pictures of Jesus and the apostles (with beards of course) and say that they are evil.

Maybe the Lords Supper?

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tithesmeister (Post 1524856)

Brother, I’m wondering if you are going to start posting pictures of Jesus and the apostles (with beards of course) and say that they are evil.

Maybe the Lords Supper?

No, I posted a bunch while posting with Aquila on my view. I just saw what Mike the Dee Cipe posted, and thought "Oh well, I guess I wasted my time again." So, i just thought to have some fun.

You guys sure have your hang ups, whether its tithing, beards, couldn't use dice while you were playing Monopoly as a wee child. Whatever the religious trauma, you all want to rip your chest open like Hanuman and show everyone the gushing ecclesiastical blood.

:lol

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524857)

Go on and have your fun. I was trying to insert a little reality into the situation. Since you brought up tithes though, maybe that would be a fitting subject since it dovetails so well with the false doctrine and traditions of men themes.

Just kidding. I wouldn’t want to distract from this thread and rob energy from it.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ofthechosen (Post 1524846)

1 Samuel 15:22-23 "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."
It's not directed towards anyone it's just a general statement. If doesn't apply let it fly, if the shoe fits then wear it! It's not a sin to have a beard but it is witchcraft to rebel, and idolatry to be stubborn towards God rule. It all comes in the attitude all of this is done in. But this a very touchy subject and I believe it deserves some prayer and supplication. That's my last two cents on this situation though!! Just I am floored by the response of such a miniscule topic!!

Yes to obey is better than sacrifices, but it is talking about obeying God, not about obeying some silly man made doctrines. This is an often misused verse to beat down some honest sincere believers into submitting to just about any nonsense that some preachers desires to impose upon the flock.

You say that it is such a minuscule topic, but I think it should not even be a topic at all. There is no reason whatsoever for any preacher to take it upon himself to required that believers shave or that they grow a beard. Once again I repeat it should not even be a topic, not even minuscule.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524852)

https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media...6548513450.png

That is what they really think. It proves their lack of Biblical knowledge.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524850)

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...eK5a8IV8qUCISA

And proves our point. The beards standard Pastors think you are evil if you have a beard. This is THE TRUE REASON they preach against them. Dont believe the trite about respectable "platform standards".

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524850)

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...eK5a8IV8qUCISA

Well then, that settles it! :lol

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa (Post 1524857)

"couldn't use dice while you were playing Monopoly as a wee child"??? :lol

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524894)

That is what they really think. It proves their lack of Biblical knowledge.

Lighten up, the guys are Trekkies :lol

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquila (Post 1524898)

"couldn't use dice while you were playing Monopoly as a wee child"??? :lol

:lol

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple (Post 1524895)

Get some sleep bro, :heeheehee

No Trekkies think you are evil if you have a beard (unless they are into star wars also then you are a Jedi). This is TRUE reason you need to find a new mattress, where a blinder to sleep, with earplugs to get some rest. Instead of using them to read this thread. Because you obviously didn't read anything I posted with Aquila concerning the subject. So, get off it already. If people don't want anyone wearing beards on their platform who cares, if a church group wants everyone to wear a beard who cares. What was that you posted about God creating a beard for man's face, so if you shaved it off you were fighting God? You were joking right? That's how I took it. But just like the stupid memes I posted, it was humor. Yet, you took that as an opportunity to say that we all think beards are evil? Mike, travel around the United States at least, and get off social media.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingZword (Post 1524862)

So true. In the church I was saved in, you had to let the pastor know when you were going on vacation (not just those serving, but everyone), you had to let the pastor know if you were planning on buying a car, if you planned on moving, even if it were closer to church. Those in lay ministry in any department of the church had to have BeSafe Online installed, with the Pastor and your C20 (Captain of 20) programmed to receive email updates on all your websites and internet activity. When we got married, there was a young marrieds group and they even broke down what was "appropriate" in the marriage bed with your spouse. There was even a standard against motorcycles! That's right, you were in "rebellion to this pulpit", if you owned a motorcycle. In addition:

-No shorts on men.
-No pants on women (not even pajama pants).
-No short sleeves, everything had to be at least 3/4 length.
-Blouse neckline had to be above the collar bone.
-Skirts had to be two inches above the ankle or mid-shin.
-Women were discouraged from wearing red, especially on he platform.
-No cutting or trimming the hair for women.
-Men had to have their hair off the collar and off the ears.
-Men were not permitted to have facial hair.
-Absolutely no jewelry, not even wedding bands (only backslidden charismatic churches had wedding bands).
-Sports. We originally were told, no secular sports. And so we got involved in a Christian softball league. Well, there was the traditional "confrontation" and dust kicking on the field, and the Pastor prohibited all sports, period.
-No television in the home. Monitors were originally prohibited by the Sr. Pastor also, but the his son, the Pastor, lightened up on that standard as his father grew older.
-No secular radio entertainment.
-One had to attend every time the doors were open for service. All lay ministers had to not only attend services, but also attend all prayer meetings, etc.
-No smoking.
-No alcohol.
-All medication had to be discussed with the Sr. Pastor.

And the list could go on and on.

And it was counted as "sin" if you violated a single one of these standards because to violate any of these standards was seen as "rebellion against this pulpit".

Now, I loved Sr. Pastor Shearer dearly on a personal level. His humility and weeping over souls and the need for holiness was very sensitive, inspiring, and intimate. You rarely had a dry eye. He believed that if a man couldn't weep, he wasn't broken. As time passed, I began to learn more and more of the Bible. I realized that many of these standards were indeed dictated by the pulpit, not by the Word of God. That troubled me, but I remained submitted to the Sr. Pastor. I truly loved him. When he passed things changed. Instead of a weeping Sr. Pastor pleading for us to seek holiness... there was a shrill scream, and the pounding of an iron fist, demanding obedience to the standards or else.

I realized, I can't love and obey a pastor legislating from the pulpit... and then read God's own Word and see that no such standard existed in Scripture. I was torn between two masters... a man... and Jesus. This caused considerable frustration and undermined my family's trust in spiritual leadership. I caught myself explaining, "The Bible says... but Pastor says." The rest is history.

My point is that one cannot have two masters. Eventually, one will choose either the traditions of man or the Word of God, hating the other. As a result, brethren on opposite sides of this issue will not understand one another. Because each will view the other as being in a state of spiritual rebellion and pride.

Quote:

You say that it is such a minuscule topic, but I think it should not even be a topic at all. There is no reason whatsoever for any preacher to take it upon himself to required that believers shave or that they grow a beard. Once again I repeat it should not even be a topic, not even minuscule.

I agree. It shouldn't even be a topic at all.

Re: "Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamingZword (Post 1524862)

Bro, the preacher who wants the men in his congregation to grow beards don't just tell them to do it. He has an argument. Just like you have an argument to remove the traditional wording of Matthew 28:19. So, you just can't say with a broad brush they have no reason.