Beards
BuddyCCI@popalex1.linknet.net (BuddyCCI@popalex1.linknet.net)
Mon, 7 Jul 1997 17:23:13 -0500
Hi friends:
Greetings in the name of Jesus.
Thought now would be a good time to get acquainted. Couldn't help
but pick up on the 'beards' dialogue. I wasn't aware that this was
still such an issue with pentecostals. However, I do recall that my
father in law who pastored a UPC church in west Texas, being set
against facial hair of any kind. He's been with the Lord for many
years now. (He was a godly man whom I admired greatly.)
As for myself, our ministry is independent. We began in 1976 as a
School for Christian Workers. However, my background is United
Pentecostal as is my wifes'. I let my license drop in 1971 simply
over a doctrinal issue. Through the years I've always appreciated my
pentecostal heritage. My forebears instilled in me a deep love of
holiness.
As for the beards, I believe this is probably more a pentecostal
tradition than anything else. As much as some would like to make it,
to my knowledge there is no Scriptural foundation for teaching
against beards. Of course I realize this is an in-house thing for
you brothers and sisters. (Hope I'm not speaking out of turn.)
On the other hand I don't think it is wrong for groups to hold to
certain standards of their own tradition. In my opinion the way to
address something of that nature would be to simply to refer to is
as 'our tradition.' If I were still United Pentecostal you can be
sure nor wearing a beard wouldn't bother me in the least. (I don't
have a beard but both my sons do. And they both serve the Lord.)
Might mention that my oldest son, who is associate pastor in our
ministry, has had a beard for years. As a former missionary in
Mexico he helped establish 13 churches among the impoverished
Indians. Many of the missionaries that we are acquainted with have
beards. In fact in some situations you are more accepted if you have
a beard. This is especially the case if ministering to Jewish people.
(A focus of our ministry.)
Anyway, don't be offended by my sharing. I truly believe you should
work within the guidelines of the group that the Lord places you
with. Just making conversation.
It is good talking with you brothers and sisters. As a newer member
of the group I'll try not to make waves. I appreciate the brothers
accepting me fo the forum. Looking forward to following some
Scriptural teachings.
May God's peace rest upon your home. May you walk in the full benefit
of your salvation.
Shalom.
Your friend in Louisiana,
Brother Buddy
Lawrence "Buddy" Martin, Senior Pastor-Founder
Christian Challenge International
300 Pearce Road
Pineville, LA 71360
318-640-4300 fax 318-640-4302
mailto:BuddyCCI@popalex1.linknet.net
http://www.ChristianChallenge.org
"Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts, He is the king of glory. Selah." Psalm 24:9,10