Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

So I read. It seems Bro. Graham's made a lot of people question if the UPC preaches holiness because we believe it or because if we don't people will talk. What do you think about that?

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

I think whether it is preached or not one should still practice it.... Hence I believe in holiness standards.... Preacher/Pastors/etc should not EVER preach something they don't believe.

The idea of preaching something one doesn't believe is beyond hypocritical.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

Yeah, that's how I feel, but it still might happen.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

Since I know Scott Graham, I can assure you that he believes it.
Let me also say that some "standards" are not heaven or hell issues.
I have friends and family members who have moved away from "standards" and tried to hold on to the basic doctrine.
Most of them have been able to do so.
However, their children have not.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

Which standards really matter?

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

Which standards matter is mostly based on opinion. Some will say they all matter. Some would say only those that are explicitly stated by the bible. Others say those that are implicitly and explicitly. Still others whatever your pastor says are important.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

Isn't that sort of a postmodernist view? Absolutes exist. I want to know the absolutes. I'm not talking about platform standards. I mean, "Do girls have to wear skirts?" and "Can I cut my hair?"

Do those standards matter? Is that holiness?

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

If you are asking for my opinion... or the opinions of others that's all I can give you. I personally believe women SHOULD wear skirts and have uncut hair... I am no one's spiritual authority. Is there scriptural precedence for it? Yes.

Have to implies a Salvific component. That I cannot comment on. I like to think there are rewards and protections for those that follow God's word and it's intention.

But again, not anyone's spiritual authority and/or judge. Not my place to tell anyone what they HAVE to do. I can say what I think a man or woman SHOULD do or wear.

Also what you wear and your appearance is NOT all holiness is about. It's about relationship. You can have all the right appearance and still be a whited sepulchre.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

My thoughts exactly.

Re: When was the first North American Youth Congre
 

I almost think I should change my username to thread de-railer LOL

Also in answer to your question "Does it matter?"

Yes, it matters. I hate to admit it but your appearance matters. Wearing skirts sets women apart. Wearing pants sets men apart. Having long uncut hair sets women apart.

My own personal preferences as far as attractiveness etc aside, how you bring the TRUTH to this broken corrupt world matters. I wish it didn't, but it does.

"For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." Mathew 5:20

This world is watching...