The passages cited by Bauer's Lexicon and Moulton and Miligan's Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament indicate that "kome'" refers to uncut hair. A: Apostolic Pentecostals are the strictest of all the Pentecostal groups, according to Synan. When a woman begins to wear a new article of jewelry, such as a ring, often her behavior and attitude will change noticeably. Care should be taken to dress appropriately for the culture and occasion. It is as though she has shaven (cut) her hair. Having uncut hair is a sign of submission to God, and gives them "power." This concept is tied together with a whole litany of "holiness standards" that women have to meet in order to be considered saved, and members in good standing in these churches. Like women, men are not allowed to wear cosmetics or jewelry other than wedding bands and wrist watches. However, gold earrings, nose rings, necklaces, and so on can have no function other than adornment. Now I know that some of you think I am taking my liberty here with the meaning of shorn. We basically presented this point of view in In Search of Holiness. Some say out-ward appearance is irrelevant because, Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart (I Samuel 16:7). Are the illustrations of the prophets no longer relevant? * As the preceding discussion indicates, our dress is an important statement to God. The key to interpreting this chapter is to realize that Christs death abolished the ceremonial law, but not the moral law (Colossians 2:16-17); Gods moral law stands forever. To implement the purpose behind modest dress, the body should basically be covered, except for those parts which we must use openly for normal living. At first, there was some nervousness and embarrassment, covered up by hesitant humor. After all, women covering their heads during worship is an ancient practice in the Christian Church, one that has fallen into disuse, especially in the West. We can give many specific examples. The first impression, the silhouette, the view from a distance, the overall picture is still the same. Most of the listed items can be used only for ornamentation and so always come under condemnation for their association with pride and vanity. Pentecostal Christianity has more than 700 denominations. .was unnatural, and therefore an abomination in the sight of God.5 The Wycliffe Bible Commentary notes, The distinction between man and woman should not be blurred by the ones appropriating the characteristic articles of the other (Deuteronomy 22:5). If Christians follow worldly fashions, they will often identify themselves with ungodliness. Anyone who "really gets saved" is expected to shave, while growing facial hair out signifies backsliding. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? R.C. * Modern work and sports activities require women mar pants. This statement is historically false; even he pioneer women of the past were able to get their work (I one in dresses. They generally don't watch TV or movies . Here are some examples of Old Testament functional use: (1) People in ancient times used seals or signet rings to transact legal business (Genesis 41:42; Esther 8:2, 8; Haggai 2:23; Luke 15:22). The basic reason for modesty of dress is to subdue the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These questions are ones that every Apostolic woman hears over and over again throughout the years. (3) God moved on His people to dedicate to His service the jewelry they acquired (Exodus 35:22; Numbers 31:50-54). (2) Even in the Old Testament God pointed to a high standard in this area (Genesis 35:4; Exodus 33:4-6) and alluded to the dangers of jewelry (Isaiah 3:16-23; Jeremiah 4:30; Ezekiel 23:40). Men should not wear attire that is distinctively female, which for Western clothing means dresses and skirts. The Bible does mention per-fumes favorably, but it always mentions makeup unfavorably. Even so, it would prohibit the use of such things for adornment and show. Perhaps it is both. Sproul. Nature itself teaches a distinction between male and female in behavior and appearance (Romans 1:26-27; I Corinthians 11:13-15), yet society today tries to destroy that God-ordained separation. An Apostolic Pentecostal woman of African descent will learn to do her hair differently from a white, Hispanic, or Asian Apostolic Pentecostal woman. Examples are colored clothing, ribbons, ties, and scarves. * If Christians should not wear gold and jewels, why did God make them? Apostolic Pentecostals generally discourage women from wearing any form of cosmetics, especially colored makeup. Why shouldnt a woman try to look nice? How does it compare with the time and money I spend for necessities, for others, for Gods church? * Pants are made in womens styles today, so they do not violate Deuteronomy 22:5. Even if we accepted this objection, it would not permit women to wear many things that they do such as mens jeans and military fatigues. Adult Apostolic Pentecostal women often wear their hair up in a bun, but there is no requirement to do so. . Esther, however, desired and requested nothing, but used only what the kings eunuch (who had charge of her) selected (Esther 2:15). Some of them, such as the articles of clothing, can be used innocently, but in this case they too were worn with ostentation and pride. . Otherwise, if society condoned total nudity, Christians could walk around nude. However, there must be a minimum of modesty that is absolute. Despite innocent motives, if ones actions violate Gods will and create spiritual problems for self or others, then those actions are wrong. They may not cut their hair and refrain from wearing makeup and jewelry outside of wedding rings. This is an ethical regulation in the interests of morality. If He hated a certain practice in the Old Testament, He hates it now. Obviously not. Women who wear immodest clothing and adorn themselves sensually are actually placing temptation before men. ), The Pulpit Commentary clearly states the teachings of Deuteronomy 22:5 and dispels the foregoing objections: That which pertaineth to a man; literally, the apparatus of a man, (including, not dress merely, but implements, tools, weapons, and utensils). The Bible frequently associates jewelry with aproud attitude, an immoral lifestyle, or pagan worship. When heathen Queen Jezebel tried to seduce Jehu so that he would not execute her, she used makeup and ornamentation. Again, in Hosea 2:13, God likened His unfaithful people to an adulterous woman who wore jewelry: She decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.. Dont let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold (Phillips). * Godly people in the Old Testament used jewelry. To a limited extent this is true; however, we must keep in mind these points: (1) From Old Testament to New Testament God has progressively revealed more and more of His perfect will for His people. . Day 10: Apostolic Beliefs: Our Crowning Glory! My study on the subject started in late 1993 and began as a personal . Ralph Woodrow, Womens Adornment: What Does the Bible Really Say? The KJV of 1611 used the word shamefastness, meaning to be stedfast in modesty. Apostolic Pentecostals teach that women should not cut their hair. It is the neuter form of aischros which is translated filthy. In W.E. . For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. A: "Apostolic" refers to the apostles, the earliest followers of Jesus who were sent out to spread the Christian faith. You must not adopt the customs of this world (Goodspeed). What kind of witness am I to a world that is lost and dying? Which is a shame to her and as though she is praying uncovered. To some degree modesty is culturally relative. Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, making a jingling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will uncover their secret parts. Different cultures have different types of clothing. Why dont you cut your hair? Here are some questions to consider in making this evaluation: *What is my motive for wearing it? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life (Jeremiah 4:30, NKJV). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1979), p. 156. Likewise, swimming in mixed company is immodest. In any case, God meant for them to take the Egyptian gold and silver for use in His service, not for personal ornamentation. Would He wear it? The atmosphere became charged with sensuality. This argument is not valid because chapter 22 contains laws against adultery (verse 22), rape (verses 23-27), and incest (verse 30). (The name of one of Jobs daughters in Job 42:14 means horn of eye paint, but this no more endorses the wearing of makeup than the names Ruby and Jewel endorse the wearing of jewelry or the name Jade endorses the contents of a jade box.). . They often braided into their hair strands of pearls and silk cords with gold coins attached. The Bible contains a number of examples that illustrate the problems we have discussed. Submit a Prayer Request! We must never use dress to promote immodest conduct, and no degree of external modesty can cover up an immodest, lustful spirit. Thanks for watching!READ MY NEW BLOG P. unmarried, she should seek to attract those interested in true beauty rather than in false, transient trappings. : By the author, 1976), p. 27. .Prostitutes went unveiled.1 Therefore, the Christian women of Corinth were not supposed to exercise their Christian liberty to flaunt local custom and dress like prostitutes, adulterers, or un-submissive women. Visit LaBreannas personal website Here. The Christian must discipline the flesh, subdue its desires, and turn the spotlight away from it. So if I am living a life that speaks of opposing Gods standards for His people, what kind of Christian am I truly being? Pants are definitely not required for modesty, for they reveal the feminine outlines of leg, thigh, and hip. Longer culottes pants are common casual attire for many Pentecostal women. 14 of The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (1957), pp. Both toleration and caution are necessary in this area. As you most likely know because it is so obvious when you spot us in crowds, we have long hair. . After Moses interceded for them, God spared their lives but announced He would not go with them to Canaan. This included jewelry and cosmetics, which ancient royal courts used. .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of When they captured it in war, he fashioned it into a gold ephod (sacred garment) to which they offered idolatrous worship. Many women of the day arranged their hair lavishly and extravagantly. * Immodest clothing, jewelry, and makeup cater to the pride of life, the third major area of worldliness. .Paul leaves no doubt as to what he means, by adding a list of prohibitions relating to outward adornment. .The extreme view that God requires a dull appearance (often accompanied with a dull personality) is certainly not consistent with the over-all teaching of the Bible.. Those articles of clothing which are one step away from nuditysuch as bikinis, miniskirts, shorts, and halter topsmust be considered immodest. .Such tendencies to ostentatious adornment must be resisted by Christian women, and the same applies to the use of jewelry and costly clothing. .Certain men wore a ring on their right hand, or suspended by a cord or chain around the neck. It doesn't really bother me to shave once a day, but having to shave twice is too much. This statement actually insults both God and women. .but to maintain the sanctity of that distinction of the sexes which was established by the creation of man and woman. God desires for His people to display the spirit of holiness in outward appearance. Like most Pentecostals, they do not use alcohol or tobacco. I Corinthians 11: Long Hair as a Covering. (4) There is no evidence for them in the New Testament; in fact, some maintain that they are pagan in origin. I get a 5 o'clock shadow at 11. . If we are with someone who thinks we are bold, humorous, brilliant, or seductive, we tend to act in accordance with those expectations. Who says a woman is dull and drab unless she wears makeup and jewelry? The Teaching of Paul: Is Divorce Compatible with Church Office? . 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 12John Leo, The Comeback of Womanly Wiles, Time Magazine, January 30, 1984, p. 82. The demons in the maniac of Gadara caused him to tear his clothes off, but when Jesus cast the demons out the man began to wear clothes (Luke 8:26-36). For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands (I Peter 3:1-5, NKJV). Homosexuality and prostitution were associated with pagan religions of that day, but was that the only reason God condemned those practices? Many modern Christians ignore Paul's teaching on . Modesty of womans dress is associated with becoming modesty of deportment. Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shone unto him? This objection also ignores New Testament support for distinction of male and female in appearance. According to Thayers Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, aidos means a sense of shame, modesty, and reverence. Yep. Using this interpretation Romans 13:13-14 would mean, Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness only, not in chambering and wantonness only, not in strife and envying only, But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ also. I John 2:15 would mean, Love not the world only, neither the things that are in the world only. I Timothy 3:8 would mean a deacon could be double tongued, given to much wine, and greedy of filthy lucre as long as he was grave also. Facial hair is a litmus test of spirituality; a litmus test that Jesus would have failed. Perfume could possibly play a small part in seduction (and should not be Ko used), but it has only a fraction of the power that im-modest dress, makeup, and ornaments have to attract attention, accentuate sensuality, and encourage lust.
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