IAUA End Time Ministry
Preparing for the End of Time
The Lord is Coming! Are you ready?
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in IAUA (ee-ah-oo-ah) our Father,
Greetings on this day of preparation for the weekly Sabbath. I pray this newsletter finds you in good health and happy in the service of IAUA. This is the 14th day of the 6th month of God's Sacred Calendar in the estimated year 6013 Anno Mundi. It is 2 weeks and one day until the Fall Sabbaths begin with Trumpets Sabbath on the evening of the 1st day of the 7th month (Sunday, September 20 on the 2009 Gregorian calendar, beginning sunset on Saturday, September 19). This year, those who follow the Millerite Calendar determination agree with my understanding of the Gregorian Calendar dates for God's Sacred Calendar. The dates on the apostate Jewish Calendar are two days earlier in the spring and one day early in the fall. _____ There have been several newsletters and emails I have received lately dealing with the general issue of appearance and specifically the issue of beards on men. I have not been outspoken on this issue preferring to witness by example and concentrate on other issues of obedience which must be addressed before getting into the details. Unfortunately, I must admit I am not pleased with the tone of some of these messages. I prefer sticking specifically with the facts of God's requirements and understanding the principles behind them. I understand the tone because I also struggle with being judgmental, and unnecessarily critical. Some of the examples and teachings take a plain and simple truth and stretch it to unnecessary lengths to make their points. Nevertheless, their points are true. I share the following articles with a little reluctance. One of these men I know personally. Though the tone of the articles is sometimes a little shrill and harsh, there is really a gentle spirit behind it. Sometimes what I say may sound harsh but I pray you may sense a spirit which is learning to be gentle under the molding of the Holy Spirit. http://totalrestitution.com/articles/bearded-criminals.html http://totalrestitution.com/articles/enemies-of-god.html http://truthdepot.net/content/CircumcisedToTheBeast.pdf http://truthdepot.net/content/DoWeReallyBelieveInCreation.pdf In this newsletter I will focus on appearance issues for men and women in general and not just the beard. First, let us examine some of the specific statutes in question.
Leviticus 19:27-28
Leviticus 21:5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. Deuteronomy 14:1 Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead. Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. In all the presentations of the statutes I have heard it is interesting I have never heard mention of the beard as well as the tassels. It seems some will follow God enough to accept the private practice of the yearly Sabbaths but to change our daily appearance is asking too much. There are specific mentions of judgment on those who shave (clip off) their beards. I encourage you to research these "statutes and judgments" verses and their various translations.
Jeremiah 9:25-26 (Amplified Bible)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+9:25-26&version=AMP http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+25:15-23&version=AMP http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+49:32&version=AMP We need to look beyond just obedience to God's guidance in His Law. We need to consider the principles in His guidance. A principle behind these statutes is the defiling of the image of God as created in man and women. An excessive altering of the appearance for purposes of adornment or display is a denial of the natural beauty as created by God. Excessive concern with our outward appearance becomes a god of our idolatry. Those who believe in evolution see no problem with this because they deny God, the perfection of His plan, or His specific purposes in His creation. Each person must seek God's guidance in their own heart and in their own lives on this subject. This my personal witness to my own understanding of applying the principles of God to my appearance. I am not telling you what you should do. I do encourage you to study all the guidance God has provided for us in His word and seek His guidance on what He expects from you. It is appropriate to trim, comb, and arrange the hair for neatness and attractiveness. Excessively long hair on men or excessively short on women is against the natural distinction of the sexes as created by God. Paul gave some difficult teachings in this chapter but here is a statement to consider.
I Corinthians 11:14-15
Shaving, plucking, or coloring the hair is telling God you do not approve of how He made you and you know better. These practices are also at the basis of applying makeup and chemicals on the skin to alter appearance as well as the extreme of cosmetic surgery. It is true, sin has marred our bodies but our true need is a pure heart not pretty skin. I Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Simple and modest dress in gender specific and appropriate clothing is to be desired rather than elaborate and costly dress to attract attention to the appearance. Have you ever pondered why women are criticized for wearing a necklace but men will adorn themselves with ties? Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. I have never understood the purpose of putting a thin showy jacket over a shirt when it isn't even cold. Is this adornment or utility? When I was a child I followed the customs I was taught but I always wondered about this. When I became mature and thought carefully about these practices I put away childish things. I do not wear showy or expensive silver or gold watches. I don't usually wear a watch at all, but if I did, it would be a simple leather or plastic strap. Even better I would just put it in my pocket. Why does it need to be displayed at all? Does your appearance testify of your belief in God as the Creator and your simple acceptance of the way He made you? I pray we may all continue to seek love, peace, and unity in truth preparing for the soon coming of IAUShUO (ee-ah-oo-shoo-oh) Messiah, the Son of God.
Frank T. Clark
Next: 2009-09-11 Appearance Responses |
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Revised 2009-09-11 |