Sister that's the answer I'm looking for. I have seen people who get offended and see standards as just un-biblical, but when we look at the word with history backing it up we find that J
esus loved the separation of dress, but hated the hypocrisy of inward falseness.
We also find that throughout history water baptisms in many religions was required of initiation, and that Christendom for hundreds of years baptism was a must and during the 3rd to 7th centuries water baptism was administered in the name of Jesus Christ and it was also customary that the baptizer spoke the name over his convert.
In our church family we believe that we are to listen to everyone and read everything but believe absolutely nothing unless we can prove it with our own research.
The Pharisee religion that is Rabbinical Judaism survived past 70 AD, because of it's separation of lifestyle, dress, and community. If you study throughout history you will find that the holiness movements were the stronger groups because of their devotion. The difference between the Rabbinical, early holiness movements and what you have experienced, is that the teachers are to challenge you to ask questions. People are to be taught, not to be told.
When people are taught out of Sunday School Quarterlies and not compelled to ask questions and dig it out for themselves. They never get the information deep down. I'm not talking about having people memorize doctrine like Jehovah Witnesses, but having the people dig it out and then teach it back to the teachers.
Study it out Sister and we will see where you are at in 10 more years. I hope you see what I see.
Lord bless your heart.
I thank you for your kindness in this discussion.
In Jesus name
Brother Benincasa
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