Platform Standards

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Amen. The thing about people with beards looking untrustworthy does not work either. When I was a boy there were pictures of Jesus everywhere and they all save none depict him with a beard. So when I saw my first "Jesus Freaks" with long hair and beards they reminded me of him.

On another note the clean shaven, suit and tie people reminded me of politicians and businessmen who to many are very untrustworthy.

At one time it was true and even door to door salesmen were trained to be clean shaven for that reason.

When I was a kid I can remember not trusting men with long hair and beards....anyone that looked like a hippie did not gain my trust on first appearence

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Walks_in_islam

That was evident from earlier post. I am wondering however IF an organization does is this indicative that the organization itself, and thus the leadership, does not actually follow the teachings of the bible and if they do not how can they possibly be the holders of the 'way, truth, and life'?

If they are not then how many deceived over the years have followed the wrong path?

As far as the UPC goes I never hear it preached against nor mentioned that its a sin.

Even Bro Epley says it not a sin.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Charnock

Funny. As if your opinion (or the opinion of any man) supersedes Bible principle?

Huh? I didn't say it did. However if you believe there is a bible principle against facial hair please show us.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

At one time it was true and even door to door salesmen were trained to be clean shaven for that reason.

When I was a kid I can remember not trusting men with long hair and beards....anyone that looked like a hippie did not gain my trust on first appearence

Im sure some people see it that way. I think of the contrast between the pictures we saw of Christ and the apostles in Sunday School in contrast to lets say Richard Nixon or Huey Long.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

As far as the UPC goes I never hear it preached against nor mentioned that its a sin.

Even Bro Epley says it not a sin.

Yes but Eply wont allow anyone in his Church that has one if I recall. Go figure. Shutting the doors of (supposedly) the kingdom of God for no other reason than their own personal "preference". Unreal I shudder at the thought of this before the judgment seat.

That brings me back to the hypocrisy factor. They would preach a women into Hell for wearing pants based on the Old Testament. The same Old Testament that forbids the trimming of beards.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Im sure some people see it that way. I think of the contrast between the pictures we saw of Christ and the apostles in Sunday School in contrast to lets say Richard Nixon or Huey Long.

Orly? Jesus and His disciples had pics taken of them? You do realize there are no real pics of Jesus or His disciples, right? LoL

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Yes but Eply wont allow anyone in his Church that has one if I recall. Go figure. Shutting the doors of (supposedly) the kingdom of God for no other reason than their own personal "preference". Unreal I shudder at the thought of this before the judgment seat.

That brings me back to the hypocrisy factor. They would preach a women into Hell for wearing pants based on the Old Testament. The same Old Testament that forbids the trimming of beards.

True Epley won't allow it, but the fact remains he denies it is a heaven or hell issue.

I will go one further, the UPC is not a perfect alliance but for many it's called "home". They enjoy the fellowship they have. But many Pastors are against the "no beards" issue but follow it anyways to keep unity. Others, because of "old school" members in their church that have issues with it.

It's a SLOW process, change. in some cases. Sometimes it's slow just because the group's attitude towards change and sometimes it's because drastic changes can cause disunity.

[votivesoul]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

This thrills my heart to hear this. I know there are a lot of churches who have begun to use cell groups and have one service on Sunday, with cell group services throughout the week. I am wondering if this is what you are speaking of.

In fact, in a home setting, fellowship becomes more intimate, and relationships are built more easily, than a large group meeting where everyone is focused on the group on the platform, rather than each other. I truly believe home fellowship is key to becoming a vibrant, and alive body of Christ.

Our building is up for sale and we are currently considering cancelling mid-week service. Home church, as it's called, is looking more and more likely.

[Walks_in_islam]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

True Epley won't allow it, but the fact remains he denies it is a heaven or hell issue.

I will go one further, the UPC is not a perfect alliance but for many it's called "home". They enjoy the fellowship they have. But many Pastors are against the "no beards" issue but follow it anyways to keep unity. Others, because of "old school" members in their church that have issues with it.

It's a SLOW process, change. in some cases. Sometimes it's slow just because the group's attitude towards change and sometimes it's because drastic changes can cause disunity.

He is not alone and this policy is widespread. Is a church that excludes on this basis but acknowledges that it is not a heaven or hell issue indicative of a church of truth or a church that follows the teachings of Jesus or some other teachings?

[Pendragon]

At this point, the platform standard of being clean-shaven is merely a hat-tip to old-time standards that once taught a beard was a sin. Those who enforce this platform standard merely do so because it feels awkward to allow bearded men on the platform after having seen them preached against their whole life.

Beards are becoming accepted once again and it won't be long before the 'no facial hair' platform standard goes away as the older crowd retires and younger generations move up.

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Yes but Eply wont allow anyone in his Church that has one if I recall. Go figure. Shutting the doors of (supposedly) the kingdom of God for no other reason than their own personal "preference". Unreal I shudder at the thought of this before the judgment seat.

That brings me back to the hypocrisy factor. They would preach a women into Hell for wearing pants based on the Old Testament. The same Old Testament that forbids the trimming of beards.

Hear hear. Both points well taken.