It is still the wrong focus. Men think ordering the outward appearance makes one more acceptable to the Lord.
By doing so, many that would come do not come.
Yet many non-Apostolic churches still have dress code requirements like tie, collared shirt, business casual, etc.
I agree there is a fine line ... and if one is not careful you can send the message of two classes in the church "ministerial" and "laity" ... Levites and the publicans.
There are many org churches who have adopted this "platform" rules approach for women mainly ... I think mainly to stave off criticisms from their district peers.
I know of one independent church that has struggled greatly with this ... the former UPCI pastor wanted to keep a lot of the old school vestiges for dress for his ministry and their wives but did not hold that standard for the rest of the church - pew, choir, etc.
What is too often misunderstood is, "Who's house is it?" It should be the Father's House and it is He that should be making the rules. Church leaders that don't understand this are simply lording it over the children of God.
There is a way for a Pastor to have his standards and to apply them so as to not lord them over those he mentors.
Obedience and submission are two concepts in Christianity that aren't exactly popular.
There is nothing wrong with establishing order for the house that God has given you charge over.
And God gives free will-- that's why there are more than a few churches to choose from.
We should seek to find a place where we can serve in the body with the right heart.
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
Yet many non-Apostolic churches still have dress code requirements like tie, collared shirt, business casual, etc.
I agree there is a fine line ... and if one is not careful you can send the message of two classes in the church "ministerial" and "laity" ... Levites and the publicans.
There are many org churches who have adopted this "platform" rules approach for women mainly ... I think mainly to stave off criticisms from their district peers.
I know of one independent church that has struggled greatly with this ... the former UPCI pastor wanted to keep a lot of the old school vestiges for dress for his ministry and their wives but did not hold that standard for the rest of the church - pew, choir, etc.
It creates some confusion ... and has there.
It's the RESPONSIBILITY of the Levites to present themselves as servants.
There aren't 2 classes, but there are different standards and different levels of personal discipline to be expected.
__________________
"The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character."
I vote for every hour...there should be NO facial hair, and stubble (which qualifies as facial hair in its infantile stage) should be removed as often and regularly as possible.
Better yet, Laser Hair removal could be suggested, rendering his face permanently hair free, insuring a man's entrance through the pearly gates with a face as smooth as a baby's bottom. Or a woman's face.
I agree, however, doesn't nature itself teach us that a man is to have a beard?
It is so amazing to me that practically ALL members of AFF understand there is no sin in men with beards, yet most still attend Churches that discourage them. Is this a true observation?
I agree, however, doesn't nature itself teach us that a man is to have a beard?
Nature should not be tolerated.
__________________
"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
It is so amazing to me that practically ALL members of AFF understand there is no sin in men with beards, yet most still attend Churches that discourage them. Is this a true observation?
Are you suggesting that it would be a good idea to leave a church simply because they discourage men from having beards?
I think that's a small point to quibble over.
__________________
"God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours."
--David Livingstone
"To see no being, not God’s or any, but you also go thither,
To see no possession but you may possess it—enjoying all without labor or purchase—
abstracting the feast, yet not abstracting one particle of it;…."
--Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Song of the Open Road
It is so amazing to me that practically ALL members of AFF understand there is no sin in men with beards, yet most still attend Churches that discourage them. Is this a true observation?
Our pastor says straight out that the Bible doesn't prohibit beards, quite the opposite.... but our current church standard is not to have one, so as not to give offense to our brethren. (the eat-no-meat thing)
I wouldn't be surprised to see the whole issue fall away within the next 10 or 15 years.
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