"Beards are sin!" False doctrine?

[n david]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Let's look at what James wrote:

James 2:1-9 (ESV)
1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Where does it say that these two men are "unsaved"?

Verse 2 is a good indicator. "For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,"

Let me know when you see it.

Originally Posted by Aquila

In fact James accuses those who show such preference as having made unjustified distinctions "among themselves", indicating that this is a fellowship meeting, and a wealthy brother is being given favoritism, while the poor brother is being denied such partiality.

"Among themselves" is not referring to the rich man. The rich man is not a brother, nor is the poor man a brother.

Originally Posted by Aquila

No, that's not what I'm saying. I'm saying that discrimination, guidelines, and expectations should be based on principles as found in the Scriptures. Not the arbitrary whims of a pastor, board, or denomination.

Of course that's not what you're saying. You're just complaining about beards and want something in scripture to point to so you can make your point that you're mad as you-know-where and you're not going to take it anymore.

Originally Posted by Aquila

Where the Bible specifically draws the line, or where biblical principles found in Scripture draw the line.

But you believe James said you're not to discriminate against anyone. (Not really, but we're pretending to make you feel better about the beard)

You like "what ifs" and fantasy stuff:

So here comes a Trinitarian minister into your church. He's not immoral. He prays five times a day, fasts three days a week and talks in tongues like a chinese laundromat. He wants to attend and preach.

Or what if Simple Sally comes in. She's by secular accounts a good and moral lady. She's never been saved, but wants to sing in the choir.

Let's imagine more...

Sam comes in. He's laid back. Doesn't wish to "conform" to "institutional" church dress. He's saved, sanctified and filled with the HG. But he doesn't want to spend money on dress clothes. He believes you should be able to "come as you are." After all, there's no Bible chapter and verse telling him he's required to wear dress slacks or shirt, much less a suit and tie to be a minister and preach. So he typically wears jeans or shorts and a graphic t-shirt to church. Poor Sam. He's got anointing, too. He loves to testify, because it's the only time they let him speak. He knows the scripture and always blesses the congregation. But alas, he sits on the pew in his t-shirt and shorts. One day, he thinks, I have a dream one day I'll be able to wear my shorts and t-shirt on the platform to preach a message.