Hi Harry... Historical Christianity stands against this tradition of the UPCI. Shocker... In Unbroken Christianity - it is perfectly normal and acceptable for some men to have unkempt hair and beards. They do this in submission to God - not in rebellion... and they aren't wearing a 'man bun' to be hipster and trendy. Research historical Christianity... it's there, well documented.... but remember, it is asserted that 'those folks' weren't Oneness... therefore 'they aren't of God'... (which comes from a lack of understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity).
God created the beard... man created the razor... God does not make mistakes and does nothing without purpose... He planted the seeds of facial in a man's face, when in the womb, to spring forth in due season when he matures into a man. God has a reason for the beard and a purpose. If a certain group of Christians or a specific church perfers for the members to be smooth shaved, then it is their choice... be careful leaders ... to not confuse the customs of men for the will of God...
very well stated, I would add that when I was first baptized in JN by a UPCI pastor, I did have a beard and it was indicated to me I may not be "Saved" if I did not shave it off. Against my conviction, I did shave it off, and My 4 year old daughter said "Daddy, You look like a Woman!". Nuff said. I grew the beard back a year later, and have had it ever since. I don't care if men have a beard or not, but that verse in Romans 14 can go either way, Pastors can be driving people away and creating the stumbling block, by blabbering on about facial hair, instead of embracing them with the Love of Christ.
Amen, brother! So sad that good men of God cannot preach the pulpit with facial hair. They hinder the church by stopping men with gifts for man made standards.
Please don't take this as being contentious but holiness isn't defined by what is on the outside, it's an inward thing. What good does it do to have a shaven face but yet harbor lost, anger or hatred in your heart? I believe the Word of God is our ultimate guide. It's not about legalism. If I do all these outward things yet my heart is sinful I'm no better off.
Rev 22:18-19 is the scripture that comes to mind after years of being ostracized about my beard. The old guard is slowly giving up on this silly notion about facial hair. Some have retreated to saying “it’s ok for the congregation but not for the platform” which is its own effort of futility. There are many men, younger than myself, who are dear friends and are now moving into roles as pastors. They do see this man made tradition coming to an end however organizations have to save face (pun intended) and will let this go slowly, hoping people will forget. This will get corrected. On a side note (or not) I think it’s very interesting how closely these policies and treatment of people resemble that of the JW.
@@badlandskid well the JW, LDS, SDA, ALL PENTECOSTALS, Weslyian Holiness, Etc. Were all started by freemasons (anti christ false light of lucifer) and they all idolize their "founding fathers". They are all the same: Man made organizations with human doctrines /traditions mixed into scripture that they hold as ultimate truth. The UPCI, JW, LDS, etc.. are their own religions separate from "The faith once preached".
I have a full beard & do not feel unholy. I worship in a UPCI church. I agree with the hippies era back in the 60’s & 70’s. In today’s era (2022) with feminism. I feel like the beard helps distinguish masculinity. I have been condemned by others in my church for wearing a beard. Instead of getting angry, I just tell them, Jesus had a beard & I want to be more like HIM.
@@imafriend1336 How you know that the beard hairs that were plucked didn’t grow back? Did it make Him rebellious prior to them being plucked? You are ABSOLUTELY UNEQUIVOCALLY adding to the scriptures, smh. Only mere men defend “man” made doctrines…not angels. Are you this adamant about THE HOLY SCRIPTURE that says it is a SHAME for a woman to speak in the church (same “shame” word that’s used for a man with long hair) as you are about this admittedly “western Caucasian-American cultural” (not scriptural) man made doctrine? If not…why not? How about it being adultery to remarry a divorced person while their spouse is living? That’s part of the bearded Apostle’s Doctrine also. Do you go to the highways, byways & compel them to come…not JUST to a church building…but to Christ. Do you call Acts 2:38 the gospel? Or do you call the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the gospel? In case you’re wondering I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on July 31st, 2005 and was baptized after that same service just an hour or 2 later. I was soooooo blown away by that biblical experience (I was raised 7th Day Adventist from since age 8.) That was the day that God delivered me from a lifestyle of drugs, clubs & thugs to put it mildly…He delivered me from sin…so I have a before & after. An Old Testament & a New Testament to my life. A B.C. and an A.D….I have infallible proof that I’ve been born again both of water & of Spirit by the grace of God through faith. Jesus (Yeshua) saved me. He is my Savior, my Rock, my Redeemer & the Lord and Master of my life. He is my God. He taught me because He loved me & because I admitted that I was ignorant & needed teaching. I was empty & hungry for more & for change & for souls to be saved & rescued like I was. Up until age 27 I was immersed in iniquity but now I’m immersed in His blood & His name. Jesus is God. Jesus is not only “the” Everlasting Father…He is “my” Everlasting Father & I believe He is yours EQUALLY also. So let’s NOT add to Our Father’s words. Let God be true and EVERY man a liar! Nobody is older, bolder than the HOLY Bible! There’s no authority higher on Earth than His Holy Scriptures…period. Don’t 2nd guess that. We are not in a cult.
Thank you Brother Bernard for good, Godly teaching. Personally I choose to shave and that is fine. If another man chooses not to, that is fine as well. It's amazing to me that there is a world that's lost, dying and going to Hell and we're still having controversy about facial hair.
My wife’s previous pastor unfortunately wrote me off immediately when we started dating. He never tried to get to know me before doing so. The only difference between me and anyone else was my facial hair. We are now event directors for our youth group at a different apostolic church, active hosts for our college/career age group, and my pastor has never pulled me aside and told me to shave. He’s a great man that has never added to the word! Thank God.
Sometimes, it’s about attitude and obedience to the man of God. For example; if my Pastor told me to wear a blue shirt, if I wanted to be used on the platform, then I would have a choice to make. If my Pastor said, “the Bible says wear a blue shirt,” then i would have a problem with that. Having said that, almost EVERY employer has a dress code and a lot of places require a person to be clean shaven and cover tattoos etc. We don’t seem to have a problem with that. Personally, I have a neck tattoo and I play music on the platform at Church. If my Pastor said, “Bryan wear a blue shirt whilst on the Platform,” I would do it because I’m under subjection to the man of God. Again, if he said “the Bible says wear a blue shirt, then I would have a problem with that. Just my opinion, you don’t have to agree.
I feel this applies to all “Holiness” standards. The Bible teaches modesty and a clear distinction of the sexes. That’s it. I feel we add to the Word when we make rules around personal convictions. Not wrong to apply to ourselves but to require others to abide by our convictions doest make sense. The only authority we have as it pertains to holiness is the Bible. We can’t always rely on our feelings, traditions or other leaders. My experience is that we can’t challenge our traditions because you’re viewed as rebellious. I don’t have a problem with any personal convictions. But let’s not require them for everyone. Let’s teach what the word says and allow the very capable and powerful Holy Spirit lead and convict.
Great input. Dr. Bernard needs to read this post and not make pastors part of the triangle of authority he created: Bible, Pastor, Personal Conviction.
@@France2107 I agree with this scripture. But I would add that if any person wether teacher, pastor, evangelist, apostle or any other leader is teaching anything outside of the word then we can’t follow. Paul said it best “let them be accursed”. We can’t add or subtract from Gods word. I firmly believe it’s with good intentions that these rules are made but that’s not good enough. Adding to the Word was and is always a bad idea.
@@jlar1984 a pastor who tells you that you need to shave or wear this don't wear that using pastorale authority is not adding to the Word, unless he says the Bible says. Pastors have the right to set standards in the local church.
@@douglasarnold5310 I respectfully disagree. There’s one standard, the Word. The standard doesn’t change otherwise it’s not a standard by definition. Within a 20 mile radius we have three UPC churches. Each have different expectations or standards. Why? If we have one set of scriptures?
I'm sure Jesus our Lord and saviour did not have an issue with facial hair it's about denomination doctrine.The open brethren church beliefs that woman should have their head covered and that's scriptural don't see upc ladies wearing head covering I go to a oneness church still love the brothers and sisters though. I believe if or when we're go to heaven that there will be no denominations there just the body of Christ
The next illogical step with this is what culture means to the UPC. The UPC have become their own culture, loophole in effect pastors can demand anything and all must put aside Bible and comply
When will the UPCI CEO's (oops I mean superintendent) apologize on behalf of their ordained ministers who spiritually abused people for decades by imposing BONDAGE on to the Children of God, by twisting scripture and creating their own vain customs and traditions of men? Will it ever happen? If not, the only thing Bernard is doing is gaslighting the victims of spiritual abuse.
Who would a man who is born again be rebelling against by growing facial hair if growing facial hair doesn't signal rebellion against God within the Word of God? Could it be possible that Pastors who are being partial on issues pertaining to others Christian liberties may be putting a stumbling block in front of new converts who are seeking consistency and truth with understanding in biblical principles and application who are genuinely there to serve and worship God?
@@isadormoti6977 oh, I was referring to TH-cam. Unfortunately we can’t put a photo up of Moses/Jesus/disciples/early Pentecostals. There’s nowhere on this as I type where I would be able to upload a photo.
I was UPC for 25 years. One guy grew a beard and was ostrized by the pastor and the church and shamed into shaving. What bothered me the most was the difference stances between churches. Some didn't care others called it a sin. What I never heard from leadership, state or national is who is right and who is wrong all the while teaching us to line up with who ever our pastor is. Logically this makes no sense.
We should line up with what scripture says. Pastors have over stepped their authority and now try to control the masses through fear and manipulation. Instead of reaching the lost they focus their time on things like beards, that has no salvific merit at all. The preaching of Christ is what saves us and redeems us back to our Father. He loves us with or without a beard. Whether a woman trims her hair or not. Whether you drink a glass of wine or not. Whether you enjoy golf or not. (And yes the church I came out of preached against golf, bowling, miniature golf, any kind of league sports like softball, and many other legalistic rules that has nothing to do with being saved). I understand the preaching against biblical sin like adultery, drunkenness, murder, stealing etc. But making up rules just to look better than other groups is pride and arrogance and actually hinders church growth.
All of this stuff about being your own conviction justifying why some do or some don’t is a lie from hell. One does what the bible commands without commentary and twisted words justifying this or that.
Pastors are accountable to the elders of the church. We are not accountable to Pastors. They are "shepards" not "dictators". Yes, they are to call out sin AS DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE and prod us in the right direction and then cut us off if we dont repent. But when D. Bernard admits that clothing requirements were abolished along with the Sabbath, and then becomes the CEO of one of the largest denominations that shame and belittle women for wearing WOMANS PANTS (clothing which pertains to a woman) and men for having beards (bible says dont shave your beards) shows that this whole organization has LIES mixed with Truths, they impose human made laws (bondage) and they place it onto the Children of God (like the pharisees which Jesus HATED) . It's easier to understand when you acknowledge that the UPCI (Like most denominations) are there OWN RELIGION separate from "the faith once preached". What the Short video on my channel to see a UPCI pastor tell people to buy a book to keep demonic powers, to get annointed and to be blessed byGod.. he even says "they will be more than just reading material" [ie: they will attach demonic energy to you].
I whole heartily believe the Acts2:38 message and support the UPCI teachings as an organization. I am not a licensed minister in the UPCI but do teach and preach in our local church. I have a beard and my pastor has asked that I shave when I am on stage. He doesn’t feel it’s wrong but explained he wanted to keep unity in the local UPCI district. I have always complied to his request when I am involved in a leadership role. With that said I definitely believe this is a subject the UPCI needs to address as a whole more. it’s clear since we believe God created male and female, HE clearly wanted the man to have a beard. There’s no way to denounce or deny that fact. It was obviously meant for a clear distinction between the opposite genders. Which Desperately needs to be taught throughout churches in 2022. Secondly as Bro Bernard stated the Bible clearly speaks positive of beards in several passages. However the scripture stating Joseph shaved is not condoning shaving by context. He shaved to be accepted into Egyptian culture. A study on the subject of beards in the Jewish custom shows that they believed any man that shaved or trimmed his beard was in the wrong. This is one of the reasons the Egyptians were not viewed favorably by Jews. It’s known they shaved. Egypt is always viewed as rebellion or sin throughout scripture. I have heard the hippie movement reasoning for shaving many times and it very well may have been valid and needed at that time but again as Bro Bernard mentioned we are far removed from that culture so no longer has merit. The beard debate has become more of a personal opinion in our churches today than a needed standard. With all that stated the beard along with numerous other personal appearance preferences can reflect positively or negatively on the church and Christianity. Modesty, humility and standards are still biblical and just as needed as they ever were. I certainly believe how we choose to represent God, the church and ourselves should not to be taken lightly. Unfortunately I also believe we as the church have had a history of pointing out certain issues and blindly ignoring others at our own choosing with Apparently little guidance from Scripture in many cases. Pretty sure I read somewhere Jesus warned of this practice. We are called to preach, teach and represent the word of God rightly divided and warned against placing stumbling blocks along the way as Christians. As humanity we have the ability to turn anything into a sin but just as easily make a issue of things that are not a issue at all.
Great answers! I appreciate your wisdom Dr. Bernard! You covered all bases and I feel that the Lord was honored in your response. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry!
@@johngreene6780 to me it's a personal choice I just can't believe people are actually doing videos about it and it's such a big thing that's like if you want a beard fine you don't want one fine who cares. So many more important things in life than this piddly thing
The hippie movement also encouraged women to grow their hair long because by that point in time, it was considered unkempt. We didn’t change biblical principles due to cultural views for that. In todays day with the major push of blending the sexes and transgenderism, one might think it best to start preaching that men should grow their beards to stand out and emphasize their masculinity.
Makeup is another one. The butch lesbian women of today all look like apostolic in the face. That plain usually overweight moon-face with no makeup. I've been seeing more and more that when a women wants to stop being womanly, she cuts her hair ultra short and stops wearing makeup. There's something feminine about longer hair and makeup on a woman. Of course moderation in all things, but makeup is womanly. Only butch lesbians and women who don't act womanly would dare be seen without makeup.
@@isadormoti6977 ,...Pentecostal? What? Where did I say anything about being a pentecostal? There is no such thing as a Christian pentecostal. An actual Christian man has a beard and has nothing to do with the manmade cult of pentecostalism.
@@tonybasoni8443a beard doesn't distinguish a worldly man and a man of God. Millions of men had beards before the hippie movement that had nothing to do with rebellion.
It should begin with, “what is the will of God”? Theology teaches that creation is the first revelation of God’s will. The almighty creator created male attributes to be expressed by the hormone testosterone. One of the first expressions of that genetic engineering is a boy begins to grow facial hair as he becomes a man. That is our first revelation of the will of our creator. The second is in the law, when he forbid every man among his people to not remove any part of the beard. The Levites (type of modern ministry) were forbidden to even trim theirs. The only time shaven is mentioned is either as a curse, judgment of God, or being like the Egyptians (the World) or Roman (again the world). The post-apostolic fathers wrote that shaving was the first sign of transvestism. Beards were changed by culture in the last 100 years, upending 6,000 years of biblical tradition. While I’m not under law to require a beard, God has not changed. He cannot change. His will is still for men to have facial hair. If facial hair is any sign of rebellion, it is those who get up everyday and tell God that he was wrong in creation, and that his will doesn’t matter. It is those who daily remove his created work revealing his will. I’m a 51 year old ex-UPC preacher, currently attending a UPC church in east Texas. My pastor is trying to get me to come back and re-get my license. But I’ve also been told that I can expect not to have any ministry as long as I have my beard, at least here in the Texas district. I have no intentions of attempting to, for my back is covered in scars by UPC brothers and sisters whom have told me for years that I’m backslidden, that I’m going to hell. I’ve had preacher friends stop talking to me and stopped having me preach for them because, “I’ve gone Charismatic”? Just for having a beard, a beard that God told me to grow and stop cutting it. When I asked God why he told me this and doesn’t seem to be telling others. His reply was that I had the audacity to actually inquire what his will actually was, and that I had the heart to actually accept his will though it seems to have cost me my ministry within the UPC. I’ll probably stay independent, although I am looking at other organizations that really want to be biblically aligned with God and his will. The UPC will eventually come around, but you will be 20 years too late, as usual. That’s sad, for you have a lot to offer.
Fact. It was prophesied over me not to focus on the UPCI because they will not accept prophetic ministry. Prophetic ministry and politicians don't mix, like oil and water. Focus on the entire Apostolic movement, not the withering stump of a dead tree. Reach who you can reach, but ignore those who refuse truth over tradition. Anything you ignore will die on the vine.
It could be said that the shaving is more sinful than having a beard, when did God say to shave? God made them male and female. Today women take testosterone because they want to be men and grow beard so if culture is what we go by then men need to start growing beards. Women need not grow beards men need to stop shaving because transgender shave off their facial hair. So again your own words say culture well then hippies are long gone and the LGBTQ are here and we need to be men with beards and women should not take hormones to grow beard. 😇
Brother I’ve been in the Hispanic UPCI and I can tell you that the UPC does not let men with facial hair preach or play an instrument or be a leader and this has been practiced for years and still now……pastors are making these rules because the district itself preaches this and won’t let leaders or preachers have facial hair …… if someone has a conviction that’s great and ok but please please brother don’t make people feel like sinners for these man-made rules…. That is what Pharisees did. Pastor Bernard please make a change in our church…. And I can say the same with many more, man-made rules in the UPCI church. Rules are good….. but don’t condemn people or make people feel like sinners when it is not practiced because that is not biblical…..
Yea they need to get away from all of this foolishness of preaching personal convictions as Bible. So many leave or never come in to the church because of this foolishness.
1 Corinthians 11:13-16 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice-nor do the churches of God.
@@Fr4nkSanchez That scripture doesn’t forbid a man having a beard. Since when does having a beard constitute having long hair??.. Ever seen a neatly trimmed beard?? They do exist, I see them everywhere.
Of all the things that I see where our churches are fighting each and every day within our Society, there are much bigger issues that have a much larger impact than if men have a beard or not . Biblically there’s simply nothing stating you should or shouldn’t have a beard. I understand why some of our older generations who where in church in the 60’s & 70’s had the viewpoints that we did. However that was 50-60 years ago and men who have beards now doesn’t reflect a rebellious attitude. Being apart of my local ministry if my pastor would require of me to shave I would. I do and have had a full beard from many years. Honestly there’s many many other issues that our churches face that I feel warrant more of a focus.
Would you ask Jesus to shave? Shaving is a tradition of men! You are correct in that it is a cultural issue, Jesus didn't follow cullture or the traditions of men!
@@traydizzil95 Exaclty, most of this becomes legalism and a liturgy part of a religion. Following Christ is not a religion or denomination. Being a Christian follows Jesus and the bible not man made doctrines
The “hippie” rebellious justification for forbidding facial hair was sort of ridiculous, in that the UPCI didn’t differentiate between the hippie and the others in society that had facial hair, the teacher, banker, lumberjack, construction worker, the psychologist, the professor etc who had a mustache, or goatee, or long sideburns, various styles of beards…. That did not express rebellion or anarchy or ungodly character. It was a harmful stumbling block , that hindered church growth. While many Christian movements were having huge success reaching the youth in the 60’s and 70’s that were disillusioned with war, materialism, etc and were hungry for more, and this became known as the Jesus movement. many of the “holiness “ churches failed to have a bountiful harvest because they were hindering the revival by burdening the hungry youth with unnecessary standards/teachings like , facial hair is ungodly. And to teach it so that even the respected men , in the community, the bankers , the professionals, etc were sinful, rebellious, and had to shave just because a pastor didn’t like some hippies , was / is so unreasonable, so illogical, so unnecessary, so unbelievable.
This hippie argument made me chuckle... this logic can be used to support any position... for example: Men who commit adultery wear pants... therefore, wearing pants makes you walk in the way of adultery. People who defraud other people breathe air. Therefore, breathing air is a 'weight' that will cause you to defraud your brother. Nonsensical. But because you and I have spoken out against this as being non biblical.. we are the rebellious ones in the bunch.
I mean if our literal lord and savior had a beard and he is the definition of holiness and the standards we should stride for I think having a beard is ok
The scripture in Genesis that Dr. Bernard uses to talk about shaving favorably did anyone else catch that it was for Pharaoh and the customs of Egypt? I’m going to take it a step further what other culture was like this? Answer Rome! So shaving is a worldly custom not a mandate for the church! No matter what any former “pillar” declared. We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets Jesus Christ being our chief cornerstone!
That is exactly what I thought. The one example of shaving he gave was for Joseph shaving to appear before a pagan King.... To me that was not a great example.
Matt 6:33 also if we do that and are full of God's Spirit He will lead and guide us. Convictions are personal interaction with your God. Fall in love with Him, not yourself, and you won't have an issue with stuff like this whether it is for it or against it. It is up to me to keep myself "saved", and your responsibility is all about keeping yourself "saved". Elder gave us wisdom without making your choice!
8:44 I feel this is where the ‘no beards’ philosophy came from. The Apostolic leaders of the 70s and 80s were very affected by the rebellion associated by the ‘hippie’ movement and allowed that affect their views on what a Godly man looks like. Suits, close shaved haircuts and clean shaven face. Almost a rebellion of the rebellion. There is NO biblical teaching to say no beards; however if you local Pastors and Bishops have guidance it is very Godly to submit to leadership. Remember if you ALWAYS agree with them your ability to submit to Godly authority isnt really challenged.
@@nicoleloves9613 it technically takes more than a year to fulfill this scripture mandate/the Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED you…” Part of the disciplining “process” is to teach them more than Acts 2:38. That’s just to make converts…not necessarily disciples. The new birth is not synonymous with discipleship…however, it’s foundational. Now, Getting back to your fair question: I’ve been disciplining 2 men this year whom I also baptized in the only saving name of Jesus Christ (26 old ex coworker & a 28 yr old unchurched cousin of mine to.) We have weekly Bible Studies plus mens group dealing with lust & counsel them over stuff..at least I attempt to lol. ONLY by the grace of God there hasn’t been a year that has gone by in the 17 years of being born of water & Spirit have God not put souls in my path to be witnessed to & baptized…not even during the pestilence. Not even the year that my ex abandoned me….God has always been faithful to let me witness those I’ve witnessed to be baptized PLUS sometimes (not always) receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost and hopefully start the process of discipleship with me & or others in the congregation/assembly. Not one single year since 07/31/05 has this not occurred. If God would work with the least (myself) then I know of a surety He would with ANYONE among us!!
Submit to the word of God. When a minister wanders outside of God's word, then that's a problem. Pastor shouldn't be trying to enforce rules that don't draw us closer to Christ. A beard is completely natural and masculine.
Very excellent and comprehensive teaching, one of the best on any topic, that I have ever heard. We are talking here, about how to please and honor God. In today's world, if a man, especially a Christian man, has a long grey beard or an unusual beard, or really any beard, at least in the United States, it is an obvious sign of rebellion, and an intense and ungodly desire, to be like the world. I will cite one example, out of many. Last month, I had been speaking with a pastor, about possibly coming to his church. When I arrived, however, I was greeted by him, who had a very long grey beard, and then after the service, he bragged to me, about him riding a Harley, including taking his wife (!) on the Harley, all around the United States, on trips. Of course, I did not say anything to him, but I could not believe it. After the service, I politely said thank you, for allowing me to attend, and of course I never had anything to do with them. But, in the 1980s and 1990s, where I live on the west coast, there was maybe 1% of men, wore beards, plus there where no types of rebellious people, so wearing a short, trim beard, in the 1980s was considered okay. Not today. As a Godly Christian man, and a full-time minister, I say that our position is not merely to talk about how to look, but rather to glorify God in everything. But to look and act like the world, especially as terrible as it is now, is exceedingly wrong, for a Christian to do and is detrimental to their family, and to society. I am not Apostolic, but I do respect most of their beliefs.
God created men to have facial hair, it is one of the things that draws a distinction between the sexes and these days that is pretty important. As a Jewish man, Jesus was commanded to not ever trim or cut his beard, it was against the law of Moses. So why on earth, if God made us this way would any preacher or denomination preach against it? It is not a sign of rebellion, it is not a sign of being worldly at all. To add rules on this subject is pure legalism.
Dont like em and see no benefit in them. Many donuts because they are lazy. Most did it in 60-70's as open rebellion. But, it ain't my face looking old and decrepit.
@@bobjames3748 The “people did it in the 60s because of rebellion,” line. Think about the fact God put it there. We are created to have facial hair. It’s designed by God. What is it about that we don’t seem to understand? The law of Moses FORBIDS trimming the beard. Jesus had a long, untrimmed beard. Are you going to go to heaven and demand he shave?
@@douglasboyd8475 well I haven't had to worry about rounding corners ,you bet be careful, since you are going to the law to defend your ways. You'll look just like the many in the secular and denominational world. I know why ministers don't like it and I know I wouldn't want a beard to look like a old man. We have 1 bearded man in our church, he plays guitar, so I guess my Pastor has.no problem with using him...for music anyway. My Son's church quite a few. My daughters church a bilingual , don't believe any have a beard or mustache.
I was reared in the UPC from 1951 until my wife and I left in 1988. We were highly criticized in a church we attened in Rex Georgia. We joined the COG and pastored 4 churches. We are happy to have joined the COG. They granted us all appointments and we earned the level of Ordained Bishop. We are retired now and live v in Valdosta.
Thank you brother Bernard for giving us some guidance. What I’m left wondering is…what about scripture mentioning that nature teaches men to have shorter hair on their head. Wouldn’t nature then also teach that men would be ok with having facial hair or at least the choice to have facial hair? Also I feel like the bible trumps anyone in authority from denying someone’s choice to grow facial hair just by the fact that Jesus had a beard and some bible prophets had facial hair. I wonder if there’s some bias due to “church culture” that interferes with discerning/ rightly dividing the word of God on this issue. I’ll await your answers 😊
When we read about the fruit of the Spirit, there’s not one of those that cannot be seen by a blind person, because they come from within, not without. Some people, if struck blind, wouldn’t be able to distinguish a worldly person from a Child of God, because they’re so used to going by the outward appearance. Anything can go too far. I met one preacher that had a “personal conviction “ to wear long sleeves, and he put it in the written church rules for all men to wear long sleeves. Too far to the right or to the left is Out of Order. Let’s try to stay middle of the road, where the Word is.
While I believe that the UPCI is the most right among the denominations out there, the beard topic was always the sour spot that I thought they had. This is because someone I know that is close to me was going to church in a different state. At the time I was attending a UPCI church in a northern state where nobody cared if you had a beard. The pastor would shave just because if he didn’t, then he would be looked down upon when meeting with other pastors (I heard this second hand). The person close to me was attending a church a few hundred miles away, and he had a beard, but after...IDK, a year or so, many people tried to get the guy I know to shave. But he wouldn't do it, because he didn't see any problem with or without having a beard. The pastor started to give him lest respect, and wouldn't listen to him on serious issues. The final straw was when he was at a service, and the pastor put in his message that if you do not follow the holiness standards, then you're not saved, going to hell, and people shouldn't try to talk to you since you won't change. Looked at the guy when saying this, but avoided saying anything about a beards, which the guy believes that it is because there were some new visitors with beards. I'll stress this point out, I was not there, but I got this story from the person close to me who was affected. The guy changed churches, and I'm glad he stayed in a UPCI church. I moved close to this person, and currently we travel about an hour to a UPCI church that is fine with beards (pastors, musicians, etc), instead of a 30 minute or less trip to the other church. He tells me that most people from the other church that know this guy (most don't remember me) won't talk to him. While I think it's just paranoia, the guy tells me that at our current church, he saw someone from the other church and was trying to avoid him. After that day, he thinks the pastor started acting differently around him, or something like that. We really don't talk about it, so the exact details are still fuzzy to me. I really think that there is a problem in this spot of the UPCI, but otherwise, I stand with it. I don't like the way things turned out. Considering on going to that church closer to me on Sunday nights that I'm not at my own church. Not to start trouble, just to show up for the same reason as everyone there, to worship God. Beard or no beard. Where I come from, and all the places I've visited, nobody cares if you have a beard. It means nothing unless you're the Robertsons from Louisiana. I don't have convictions over beards, but I have convictions in other spots.
I think it’s fair to say it is a sour spot with many, many people. Very unfortunate we have to deal with this and often I think it’s more a power tripping issue than anything else.
@@martinsanchez-it1yg That would be wrong and more damaging to the church than what it would fix. Matters like this would make UPCI as a whole look worse.
@@martinsanchez-it1yg That is not a nice thing to even mention doing. My bible says not to touch God's anointed and to do His prophets no harm. David' arm bearer came to him and said "I killed saul for you" David told him who are you to touch God's anointed, and Saul was not right with God, but he was anointed at one time.
From what I’m hearing this is a great, thoughtful, objective answer. It’s very tiring that we as powerful Apostolic’s keep tripping up over this facial hair situation. Subbed and looking forward to more content.
You know what? After watching this, I have a different perspective. I can understand why people would do this for cultural reasons, and I totally respect that. I do not think that a pastor should mandate that even on his leaders, but they can say that they prefer it And they should be willing to respect that. I think we probably just need to get over it, but I respect people where they are. I have not had a beard since I was like 19 or 20 years old, and do not want one, but I heard one particular, UPC preacher, railing against beards and quite frankly, it made me very angry because he has no right to. With all love, it is that kind of stuff that makes the UPC look really bad. Holiness is a wonderful, beautiful thing, not something you have to hit people with a billy club with, especially when the beard thing has no biblical substantiation and some of this stuff can really lead to authoritarianism
I’ll admit some apostolic people I have personally seen got it in there head that a beard on a man, identifies as unholy an doesn’t have the Holy Ghost… Bishop love your point on this…. This shouldn’t never been an issue… if YOU think it’s a sin to eat peanut butter … then don’t. Please don’t past judgement on me when you see me eating it!!!!!
I know a UPC couple whose first pastor was against facial hair. Many years later this couple, in a different state and a different pastor, tells people it is wrong and no man who is apostolic should have a beard or they are sinning. Like my husband says, what better way to differentiate between a man and a woman? My husband does not have a beard but he has no issue with those who do. I also agree with you on the things that you choose to eat. If someone feels it is wrong to eat something and you don't, then they don't need to eat whatever it is.
Praise the Lord Jesus 🙏 Awesome way to explained it with the Word of God.Its about choices personal conviction.Facial hair or No facial hair it's not an issue of salvation at all .
This has caused great division and hurt. This is why the scripture say in 1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. There was an official document that pastors had to sign in affirmation of the UPC holiness standards that included facial hair. I preached at many UPC churches and would shave but when they found out I did not always shave I never preached for them again and was shunned and treated as if I was a sinner.
Glad bishop mentioned it's NOT Bible but culture. Which you HAVE TO careful with.That founding UPCI leaders had beards.Miniorties shouldn't have to abandon their cultural to be saved if it doesn't violate scripture. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ASSIMILATE TO WHITE OR MAIN CULTURAL TO BE CONCERNED SAVED OR OBEDIENT. We're in the last days and people are fight over facial hair instead of fighting winning soul's or maintain the ones that got born again.
The UPC needs to have a national "Come To Church With a Beard Day" to demonstrate they have finally got past this. The prohibition against beards was originally for ministers because of the rebellion associated with it in the 1960s. Unfortunately they began teaching it as a holiness standard for all.
God placed facial hair on men as one of the many things that makes a difference between the sexes. Facial hair comes from our creator. And I love the apostolic community, but sadly many of them have not got past this. A friend of mine recently went back to his hometown and went to church and he has a beard. Not one that several people came up and said something against him having a beard.
I've heard it said more than once at my UPCI church that men are supposed to have short hair not touching their ears and be clean shaven. I chose to find no offense and chalked it up to tradition not doctrine and went upon my way. It's great to have what I consider to be an authoritative word on the subject.
Facial hair on men is a manly, masculine trait, just as women have their feminine traits. It is not a sin to have facial hair. I have been in UPC where if I had facial hair, I was shunned, and considered a sinner or backslider, and was treated as an outcast. This is not right
No we don’t. Allowing facial hair opens the door to a flood tide of other things coming into the church. It may not be a sin but it sure is a weight. Churches that are ok with preachers and leaders with facial hair before long are allowing skinny jeans and many other worldly influences into churches. Let’s stick with Apostolic standards as our elders did!
I could not disagree more. Joseph had to get clean shaven because that was an Egyptian custom. That is exactly the custom God is warning us again. It is not in a favorable light so he had to be clean shaven.
Would Dr Bernard say Leviticus 19:27 and 21:5 are cultural pronouncements, and that we have a choice one way or anther, or a direct commandment that leaves no room for choice?
Jesus said in his word not to even look upon the strong drink that moveth itself in the glass. Referring specifically to alcohol. If he wishes you not to even look at it , he surely doesn't want you to drink it. And no, he didn't create alcohol for human consumption. In his miracle, he created new wine, which is fresh from the vine, Not fermented.
First of all, if something isn’t a sin, no one has the authority to make it a sin. Secondly, facial hair has nothing to do with rebellion. He made the comment that drugs, sexual promiscuity, and facial hair were all part of the hippie age of rebellion. Well I don’t hear them preaching against having sex with our spouses since they were having sex in rebellion. I don’t hear them preaching against taking any type of medicinal drug since the hippies were druggies. It’s not even sound logic to preach against facial hair! In reality it is probably offensive to God that men want to look more feminine by shaving when He gave us a distinct difference from women. Also Dr Bernard mentioned Joseph shaving. He only shaved because the Egyptian culture frowned on facial hair and they were an idolatrous nation. So that should tell you something about men shaving.
Pastor of 14 years here in the Assembly of God fellowship and I have wondered greatly how the Oneness movement got to this place. I understand the position in the "hippy" era - but we are far form that time as Dr. David points out. That being said - the fact that we are still "pastoring" a man out of having facial hair with any biblical stances or personal pastoral preferences is WILD to me. Your argument is based on Jospeh shaving before going to see Pharoh? Wouldnt that be closer to conforming to cultures that are against our God? I love Jesus whole heartedly and proudly have a beard. It has ZERO bearing on my salvation, righteousness, consecration, or level of holiness etc. but that I would be made to look differently from your congregation or seen in contempt of your beliefs due to my having a beard is INSANITY to me. That being said, I love the way the Oneness Pentecostals praise the Lord!
@@JeffSmith-it4tm God even said don't even practice what the pagans do. So pagan in nature, God's law says don't do it. Great meaning behind it as plunking it was a sign of mourning.
I think in the early 20th century it was common to be clean shaven because of the times. During two World Wars it was a military requirement for so many, that it became part of civilian life as well. Along with short back and sides it was the fashion. I think there is nothing more than that to it in recent times. In ancient biblical times there was even direction on how to cut your beard. It was meant to be reasonably long as well. Even today many Orthodox Jews follow the OT directions.
I have read many of the comments and agree for the most part with them all. Being honest here, I backslid and hated every moment of it. I was in TX in a UPC church as the Assistant To The Pastor, and left there because my wife had an affair with a man in our church. My pastor, now deceased, told me not to say anything to my wife are the man because he had talked to them both and has taken care of it. In obedience to my Pastor I didn't! A man that I had the highest respect for and a true Man of God, Bro. JT Pugh taught in a class about marriage. It was on cassette tape. He said an affair is bad, but if the 2 are willing to work it out it does not have to ruin the marriage. So we moved to the KS Dist. under Bro Westberg. I went to help a preacher in eastern KS and when we got there he had had an affair with a woman in the city. The new pastor was married with 4 kids. 2 older girls and 2 younger boy and girl. Long story I was free to preach all over the state. While we are out preaching around, he had been molesting his 2 oldest daughters, they left. I went to a UPC church across the river in MO. Preached alot for that pastor and he found out that their son, who was going to College in Kansa City, was GAY!!! Him and his wife completely fell apart. They left for parts unknown and I didn't know where until I came back to TX. I know, what does this have to do with shaving and beards. The new Pastor in my home church had That I had given up weeks of vacation for, completely remodeled the new sanctuary!! It broke my heart!! Ripped out parts of me I didn't even realized I had. Have been wrestling with going back or not. I am now 72 and right after that birthday I looked in the mirror and said I am so tired of shaving, Had to while in he US Army and National Guard and every since I have been in the church, fyi. I had general lisence, but was so disgusted with my self and my situation I shredded them and sent them to Bro. Westberg before I left KS. I have prayed back through and and my life is clean, but I just quit shaving because I was tired of it plain and simple. The music today in most UPC churches is not the Pentecostal music I grew up on. I got in church at age 29. So it's been a long hard pull but Jesus is still King of my heart!! I have a white beard not because I wanted a beard but as a result on not shaving any more. Yes I knew A beard would be the result, LOL!! That's why I here looking at this topic like many of you. There are more holes in this story than Swiss cheese but it would have been much longer!!
I’ve found throughout my life in churches I’ve always found people who don’t like the way I look no matter what I’ve done to appease them. People have complained that I am fierce looking. That I intimidate people. When I had hair and wore it longer I was told to cut it. I cut it and people still found me intimidating. Now I am bald and wear a cropped beard it has been even worse. I’ve shaved and still people have complained. Now I follow my own council and listen only to the convictions of my own heart. I can’t change everything about my looks.
TM,....Why are you listen to the people of the Godless world as to how you should look? A man should have a beard period. The reason so many people dont like beards is because it is a Godly thing. People hate God and Godliness. Especially those claiming to be Christians.
@@tonybasoni8443 mostly because I’ve always been put in leadership positions in churches and then some one would find something they didn’t like so I would try to be more palatable to keep the peace. I have found that certain people are looking for something to complain about
@@troymahan ,......That is an abomination that anyone would change their Godly look to appease someone. As I said, a man of God should always have a beard and no one should ever make him change that. The problem is, the entire church is 100% apostate and there are no christians in the church, only the blind, lost, and deceived. The actual Christians are all outside of the church. The church is the gathering of the Godless unsaved people of the God hating world. Alls one has to do is look at any preacher with his shaven face and suit and tie to know the church has nothing to do with Jesus and the Christianity of the Bible. The church is in the business of the buying and selling of a 100% fake manmade christianity.
Beard on brothers, be real to yourselves and if no one likes it, oh well. A lot of judgemental Hippocrates out there who sin, such as Jimmy Swaggart and little Jim Baker who stole and lied to people and did stupid stuff!. If my beard is the worse thing I do by wearing it, I am doing pretty damn 👍. Beard on brothers, God loves you still.
You did a lot of talking but you didn't show any scriptures. You talked about your tradition. You said Joseph shaved can you give me that scripture that can back that up please. You said shaving is a sign of holiness do you have scripture for that?
Personally I don’t believe there’s nothing wrong with having a beard because the Bible permits to have them. Also society has mocked facial hair for many years but now as the years go by people are now realizing there’s nothing wrong with facial hair which in my eyes is a good thing. God gave it to men for a reason and it’s not just Jesus Moses and all the other prophets who had them, I also believe Adam had a beard because we always see paintings of him clean-shaven but I’m sure that’s not what he looks like. As a matter of fact I’m sure he had a beard when he was first created. All I can say is for people who feel that they don’t like their beards and want to shave it off it’s OK because I don’t think it’s a sin and nowhere in the Bible says if you shave your going to hell so it’s not a salvation issue.
Such a well thought out, clearly explained stance. I wish more Pastors communicated standards so clearly and easily, and were less confrontational when asked a simple question. Thank you for this podcast Pastor Bernard it’s been a tremendous blessing!
I agree. Most Christian’s spirit man is weak but they’re fighting over whether a man should have a beard or not. I don’t care if you have a beard or not & God doesn’t really care either. What he cares about is the state of your spirit man which depends on how much you pray. We all need to wake up.
A dangerous question for one who adheres to this doctrinal teaching as if it has been dogmatized - "Would the earliest of Christians have held this same belief of 'one's shaved, all must shave'. Most likely, they would NOT agree with the UPCI, and would view this 'clean shaven insistence' as unnatural, unbiblical, unorthodox, and unholy. In fact, the Church Fathers expressed in their writings that men were to wear a beard, and in some cases, to have unkempt hair -- not in the spirit of rebellion, but rather in submission to Christ God. They warned about men being shaven as effeminate and on the cusp of transvestism. There is not a single verse in Scripture that commands men to be clean shaven, unless the UPCI has added to the Bible, the book of 1st Gillete.... Referring to the Joseph shaving as a precursor before he went to the courts of Pharaoh... hmmm - I always thought the UPCI always used Egypt as a type and shadow of sin. Modern razors weren't invented yet... and to be clean shaven would have required a lot of time of a man's schedule to be vain. This is a tradition of man, not found in Scripture, nor supported in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, Church Fathers, and the Latin Fathers... and to make men feel like they must comply with this unscriptural teaching - or else they walk in rebellion - truly is a sign of the spirit of error.
would you be able to speak more on pastoral authority. i’ve always been told to submit to pastor, but what if God is telling you very strongly to do something and your pastor is saying the opposite. how do you know that the pastors word is truly from God and is what is best for you
I believe that we have the choice of whether we grow a beard or shave it , but I know in lev 19:27 where not to mar the corners of our beard , that means not to disfigure our beards , example when a man has a full beard and shaves both cheeks living a goatee that is against the word of God or any other kinds of disfiguring.
Victor Leviticus 19:27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. Is to the 12 tribes of Israel that they cannot shave the sides of here beards or round the corners of there heads [as the pagan nations around them did]. In Egypt the men shaved the sides of there faces and made themselves long goatees and they took some kind of material and wrapped it around the goatee to make it stand straight out, they also commonly shaved the sides of there heads to form a bow cut which represented the rising of the sun. In 2 Samuel 10 When Hanun captured David's servants, he shaved one side of the beard of David's servants. David instead of saying to the men to shave the other side of your beards off so you can be clean shaved and return to the people, he instead told them you must must wait in Jericho until your beard grows back and then you will be allowed to return. God gave men facial hair to distinguish the male from the female, but in our modern times men shave there beards for various reasons, either because of political correctness, forced to do so by an unbiblical religion/church, in order to look more feminine, itchiness etc.
The UPC has rejected facial hair for a long time, even though there hasn't been an official statement. I hope they turn around on this issue. Probably won't, but I can hope.
You say this is your stand but a UPCI pastor in my city grew a beard and was put out of every leadership role he had in the UPCI. Also there are several videos of UPCI preachers saying it is sin and of the devil to have a facial hair.
I don't have a hard stance either way as I personally have to be clean-shaven for the line of work I'm in, being that, if a situation ever arises that I have to don an airpack respirator for rescue, evacuation, etc (gas plant environment). But, I've also observed both sides of the argument being irrational with those promoting beards having a bad attitude towards those who are opposed and those who opposed beards having bad attitudes towards those wearing beards as well. I don't think it's really worth debating and I think personal conviction should be the main steer here. The Bible isn't going to change but culture sure will over time.
I think the very reason it’s open for debate is because it’s stated as standard rather than conviction. This is problematic as it’s not in congruence with the standards stated in the Scriptures
Thank You!....YOUR honesty is OUR best policy!... RESPECT!.... You could've chosen to ignore this minor (and reoccurring) issue, but you didn't...... To be sarcastic and a bit facetious, let me express your answer another way..... "We have an unofficial.... yet implied policy.... enforced at the local level.... that forbids facial hair cuz we're still afraid of being mistaken for the 'Jesus Freak' charismatic peace/love/dope bums and hippies of the 60s and 70s".... Yep! That's a tradition were proud of! We're gonna stick with it cuz we're embarrassed to admit our decision had nothing to do with Biblical holiness whatsoever..... we just wanted to be more easily accepted and to look good and trustworthy like the rest the world." Is facial hair really a God given distinction between male and female?......... Well, we've evolved beyond all that.... right? God understands our reasons for rejecting yet another male/female distinction. It's not like the current generation is being intentionally attacked with confusion about gender these days..... right?.... What's the harm in getting rid of one more distinction to preserve our precious (non-Biblical) tradition?....... Perhaps we should offer a shaving kit to new converts instead of a Bible!.......... Perhaps the sign out front should read: No shirt No shoes No shave, No service!!!....... The whole gospel to the whole (clean shaven) world! I look forward to being in heaven if only to see the reaction of UPCI ministers when Jesus says something like....... "SO,.... look at my face!.... Does my beard make me unholy?????? A heard a wise old orthodox Jewish rabbi once say....... "Never try to be more religious than God!"
He’s right on some things but wrong on so many others! Just like all Pentecostal preachers he has taken a God given leadership role and abused it to teach personal preferences that have nothing to do with salvation.
God gave us a beard as part of the distinction between men and women. It is a sign of honor. Men began to shave in the modern era also it has been called our " Roman period" reflected in architecture, etc. It makes us look less like men and more like women.
What about the Amish & Mennonites? Beards aren’t synonymous with rebellion. Let’s stick to the Bible. There’s no elder older than the Bible and there’s no position/person/pastor w/more authority than the Bible (especially to add or take away.) Many say they “know” that but do we “believe” that? If you want to submit to your leaders then go make disciples, go to the highways, bi ways, go lay hands on the sick in AND outside the 4 walls & cast out devils & raise the dead….don’t resist the biblical BUT submit to the unbiblical/unscriptural JUST TO FIT IN. People shouldn’t have to trip over traditions of men while running to form a relationship with Jesus Christ who can to lift burdens that men put on men’s shoulders by other men. May Our Merciful Master & Mighty Messiah have mercy on us all & lead our Leaders & bless them & grow them in all things profitable to themselves and unto us…bountifully beyond belief, in His ONLY saving name of Our Lord Jesus the Christ. (Zechariah 14:9, Acts 4:12, Colossians 3:17)
God looks at the heart and not the outside like we sinful human beings do. Perfect example is when God sent the prophet Samuel to choose the next king of Israel from among Jesse’s sons and God already chose him(David) cause of his heart even though he was a small scrawny kid. Even Samuel was impressed with one of the oldest brothers cause of his physical stature and thought surely this must be the next king but God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and neither His ways our ways.
My Apostolic pastor when I was an usher would not allow me to grow my mustache and beard that I had when I came into this religion ! Just as when I was a Deacon in an Assembly of God church , but the 2 churches before that I was also Deacons in both said nothing about my beard only the Assembly of God and this Apostolic church - so I shaved although I could not find it in the Word . And I have credentials as a chaplain although this religion does not recognize the Work Jesus Has done in me and Through me ! Thank you for following the Bible !
Is this what Jesus died for? That we would refuse men of God a place in ministry based on mens traditions and not the Word of God? I wonder how the Lord views this? I think this breaks His heart.💔 Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Why bring Jesus into this? He looked exactly like an untrustworthy hippy! He definitely wore sandals and probably had longer hair than most men do today. Plus, he used to hang out with sinners, bums, and winos. Should we really allow somebody of 'his kind' to preach in OUR churches? What would the neighbors think? It might upset someone with ultra-sensitive convictions! Nope!..... We have a better understanding about human nature through modern psychology. If you won't shave you won't preach! Our authority must be obeyed!........ So it is written....... so shall it be done!
I have a question about the Joseph shaving thing... How do we know he completely shaved his face and didn't just shave it to trim up rough edges and look nice? I have a beard but I still call it shaving when I shave off the excess to line it up
Priority is 1. God's Word, 2. The Conscience/Spirit God Gave you. 3. A Pastor or another man. Because the is one Mediator between God and Man, the man Christ Jesus.
The only issue I take with what brother Bernard says here is that a pastor's personal preferences for leadership, those on the platform, or the congregation on general should be alined with Biblical teaching. If the Bible takes a neutral position then so should the pastor. If he requires more than the word requires and something that can not be supported by scripture then it has no place in the church, regardless of what he personally perfers. Also, many people need to take a trip to Hazelwood, MO and take a walk thru the UPCI museum. There one will find pictures of early leaders and founders of the UPCI with beards. In addition, if beards, wedding bands, cologne, dress length, and yes, some pastors have preached against even deoderant in days past, were unholy or against Biblical teaching then shouldn't that be a univerasal teaching within the churches in general? But it's not. These preferences very from pastor to pastor, congregation to congregation. A pastor's personal preferences have no place in the church or on the platform. His desire's should be to conform what he desires to the word of God. Not expect people to conform to personal desires of his leadership. The bottom line is what saith the word of the LORD.
I'm completely bald, and shave my head, so I don't have to worry about the long hair part, but I do grow a trimmed beard once in a while, especially during winter and it doesn't convict my heart. I guess it just varies from person to person.
Along with this subject, is there any scripture that shows that Paul (or any other apostle) taught differing standards among the churchs he set up? Did he teach different standards for the Corinthians than he did for the Galatians or Ephesians? Scripturally it says he taught them all the same standards. So why do we let pastors make up all kinds of standards and now we have a divided body?
What I wish Dr. Bernard would reform in the UPCI Policies for Licensed Pastors: *"Due to the lack of Scriptural evidence, no pastor of the UPCI has the authority to mandate or even suggest a shaven face be required for staff ministers or saints. Pastors who choose to negate this policy will be disciplined by the district board by having their license temporarily revoked or permanently terminated - due to the unethical behavior for attempting to make unbiblical legalistic mandates upon the church of Christ"* Pastors should not even suggest that ministers should have to shave their face to represent the gospel or allow their ministerial gifts to be presented in the church. Pastors should be reprimanded if they make a shaven face mandatory in order to sit on a platform, pulpit preaching, etc. because church history has shown the horrors and crimes against humanity due to subjective mandates, namely the popes throughout the Catholic church who persecuted & murdered hundreds of thousands of innocent people over man made laws that were also not founded in scripture. It becomes cult like behavior when pastors overuse their position - making ecclesiastical laws upon the saints that are not founded in the Scripture. It brings reproach to the gospel & hinders one's potential to bless the church & reach the world. Dr. Bernard stated, "You have to respect the pastors" - however, pastors need to first respect the doctrine of scripture & not twist, add, or abuse the text for their subjective opinions upon humanity. Pastors have no authority to override scripture and support the notion "You have to have your face shaven to be a minister in my local church" - is simply being passive on the topic of pastoral abuse. *Dr. Bernard, will you please speak against pastors who mandate a shaven face for ministers?* We should shoot down wrongful legalism that would prohibit one's liberty in the gospel. Pastors should not even make this an issue, nor should this topic even be existing in any church of any denomination. All pastors need to be held accountable for going beyond their limitations as a religious leader in any generation and any geographical location. Kind regards
@@Savedandpetty510 It’s each pastors choice to mandate unbiblical laws upon humanity? That’s a heretical & unethical notion. Re read your statement & consider the dark evil crimes that happened to humanity throughout Church History. It’s not okay for religious leaders to mandate unbiblical laws in any degree. Do you agree or disagree?
@@michaelwaters6829 Biblical balance? Show me book chapter and verse where “balance” is even mentioned in the 27 books in the New Testament? The OT word “balance” is only referring to scales and measurements to calculate monetary affairs. You say he’s speaking balance - then present where the Apostles spoke of balance? Spiritual balance? Ethical balance? The Scripture doesn’t even address this topic of beards in the church. Nowhere. Your statements can’t get one foot out of bed with any argument or any attempt to support this entire topic. Please present the passage that speaks of balance in manner you presented (spiritual, ministerial, or ethical). It’s not there. Just like the church issue of men having beards in the church isn’t in the Scripture neither. This topic is silly. Just like Trinity isn’t mentioned in the Scripture. Neither is the word “balance” or beards in the church. It’s all in the world of subjectively - nothing explicitly written in entire canon of Scripture. This topic is where all false teachings stem from i.e. subjective ideas being mandated in the church without scriptural support. 🧠 💡 🙏
I have a couple of honest questions. 1. Why did God create men to grow beards if He does not want us to grow and wear a beard? 2. Why does the UPCI allow an ungodly culture to define its guidelines for men when God clearly created a man to grow a beard. 3. If forcing, shaming, encouraging a church member to shave off his beard, and there is no Biblical support in scripture, would this not be considered anti Christ or anti scripture? In all honesty I love the UPCI, I was baptized in Jesus name, I have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, but will not attend my local UPCI, because they force men to shave and shame those who do not. The UPCI has crossed the line regarding facial hair and it is unbiblical for a pastor, church, or denomination to force such a rule that is CLEARLY against God's design and blessing for men to wear a beard. The UPCI should and must change this rule to be a full gospel church. Others, they have created their own doctrine that is absolutely unbiblical and a sin against God's design. Shaving or not, shaving is a Biblical issue. If the UPCI has never taken a stance regarding beards, then they should not force its churches to preach such a belief because that is sin. Allowing a hippie or its culture to define you and not allow God's design for your facial hair, you are not following God. You are following your reaction to the culture around you.
A few points, the hippie concept is long gone, it should not even be mentioned, the second is that it won't be a stumbling block if we stopped teaching man made traditions that have no biblical support, and my last point is that Joseph did not shave his beard, the Egyptians shaved it for him, the reason being that they didn't want him looking like a child of God, because ALL children of God at the time had beards, they wanted him looking like a child of Egypt, the world, sin. I love my Pastor, and I respect him, but when we start following the word of man over the word of God we are in trouble, that is how false doctrine started. There was a church, the Pastor stood up and said I am your Pastor, I am asking you to respect and obey me, please stop eating meat on Fridays, need I say more. (Robert)
Very good comment but brother jive is correct Joseph shaved himself I believe because culturally he wanted to be presented well and respectable. Love your comment
Since Joseph had a position with authority, and since the Egyptian culture , removed hair from head and face etc , it may have been a requirement for Joseph, or he may have simply followed the culture to fit in.
I had a pastor tell me when I ask him to give me scripture about beards being wrong, very vehemently he said I'll give you scripture "Obey them that have the rule over you". How can it be a personal conviction when it is up to your pastor to say yes or no.
That’s an important rule though, God has placed that man as your pastor, as long as what he tells you to do doesn’t go against God’s word you are fighting God’s authority. That’s the issue with this, it’s more of being under the authority. The Pastor is the leader of the church, he sets the rule for the platform, there are rules that must be followed because they were set by your authority figure. So your fight is not about facial hair but being under the authority. I’d like to have facial hair, but the rule is no facial hair unless I decide to follow the 613 Mitzvots, no longer part of the platform ministry, and never cut the beard. Am I going to throw away the things God is doing in ministry because I can’t be under the authority of my Pastor? That’s my take
I am a part of the IPCI and have a question about why we allow women to to teach when these scriptures say otherwise? 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 1 Timothy 2:12 Thank you.
I believe women can and should teach, but NOT lead a church, that's man's role. Seeing these liberal churches with women pastors is just another sign we're getting close to the rapture of the church.
Its not in the bible that its a sin a man having a beard...We must stick to the word of God not people's belief..If a preacher gets out the word he needs correction..If he is preaching something false just say it and not dance around it
This was this issue that caused me to leave the UPC ministry. When I realized so many church leaders were preaching no beards as Scripture and it was a false teaching, I started looking into what else they had wrong. The the whole idea of "do what your pastor says" is just as false of a teaching. What if my pastor wants all the men in the church to shave their heads and wear orange robes? Just go with the whole cult thing because the pastor says so? No thanks. No matter how you try to dance around it Brother Bernard, you know it's an un-biblical teaching.
This is the problem with legalism. Let’s be honest this is an unwritten rule in the UPCI that has unfortunately interwoven “facial hair” as part of an outward sign of holiness. This is a form of Lording over people and truly not allowing “Grown Men” to make their own decisions with facial hair that the body naturally grows. The fact that a pastor could find a person’s wearing a beard when he ministers as offensive lets you know they have intertwined this with holiness! God made our bodies! Come on guys your ostracizing other ethic groups to fit some Anglo Saxon view from the 1960’s that has not even been prevalent throughout world history and church history!
Bro. Wes Yes, bunch of uptight religious legalists in these comments. I can't hardly believe it. I did attend a Bible College in the late 80's which forbade facial hair TV's, and secular music. These were efforts to create conformity and concentration on spiritual things. We were never taught that those outside the religious bubble were somehow less than.
Not to be mean or harsh, because these are some good insides, but why can’t pastors simply trust the Holy Ghost and their leaders, along with the word of God to make them who they ought to be according to one, Timothy, three and Titus, one, which are the standards for leadership in the New Testament? Why do you need extra stuff? That is not even biblical? Just saying.
One of many reasons why I left this type of church.. God gave us the ability to grow a beard lol... So glad that I can serve at a church and be used by God despite my beard lol
If me wearing a thinly trimmed beard causes someone to loose out on their salvation, then they didn’t have much of a salvation in the first place.
Hi Harry... Historical Christianity stands against this tradition of the UPCI. Shocker... In Unbroken Christianity - it is perfectly normal and acceptable for some men to have unkempt hair and beards. They do this in submission to God - not in rebellion... and they aren't wearing a 'man bun' to be hipster and trendy. Research historical Christianity... it's there, well documented.... but remember, it is asserted that 'those folks' weren't Oneness... therefore 'they aren't of God'... (which comes from a lack of understanding of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity).
How does your wife stand that bird-bug infested growth?
No one does wear one
@@ShyGuy_238 it was a joke, he said it was lightly trimmed.
Kinda makes one wonder what their salvation is based on🤔
God created the beard... man created the razor...
God does not make mistakes and does nothing without purpose...
He planted the seeds of facial in a man's face, when in the womb, to spring forth in due season when he matures into a man.
God has a reason for the beard and a purpose.
If a certain group of Christians or a specific church perfers for the members to be smooth shaved, then it is their choice... be careful leaders ... to not confuse the customs of men for the will of God...
very well stated, I would add that when I was first baptized in JN by a UPCI pastor, I did have a beard and it was indicated to me I may not be "Saved" if I did not shave it off. Against my conviction, I did shave it off, and My 4 year old daughter said "Daddy, You look like a Woman!". Nuff said. I grew the beard back a year later, and have had it ever since. I don't care if men have a beard or not, but that verse in Romans 14 can go either way, Pastors can be driving people away and creating the stumbling block, by blabbering on about facial hair, instead of embracing them with the Love of Christ.
Amen, brother! So sad that good men of God cannot preach the pulpit with facial hair. They hinder the church by stopping men with gifts for man made standards.
@@jaimedeleon733 I feel the same.
Please don't take this as being contentious but holiness isn't defined by what is on the outside, it's an inward thing. What good does it do to have a shaven face but yet harbor lost, anger or hatred in your heart? I believe the Word of God is our ultimate guide. It's not about legalism. If I do all these outward things yet my heart is sinful I'm no better off.
Rev 22:18-19 is the scripture that comes to mind after years of being ostracized about my beard. The old guard is slowly giving up on this silly notion about facial hair. Some have retreated to saying “it’s ok for the congregation but not for the platform” which is its own effort of futility.
There are many men, younger than myself, who are dear friends and are now moving into roles as pastors. They do see this man made tradition coming to an end however organizations have to save face (pun intended) and will let this go slowly, hoping people will forget. This will get corrected.
On a side note (or not) I think it’s very interesting how closely these policies and treatment of people resemble that of the JW.
@@badlandskid well the JW, LDS, SDA, ALL PENTECOSTALS, Weslyian Holiness, Etc. Were all started by freemasons (anti christ false light of lucifer) and they all idolize their "founding fathers". They are all the same: Man made organizations with human doctrines /traditions mixed into scripture that they hold as ultimate truth. The UPCI, JW, LDS, etc.. are their own religions separate from "The faith once preached".
I have a full beard & do not feel unholy. I worship in a UPCI church. I agree with the hippies era back in the 60’s & 70’s. In today’s era (2022) with feminism. I feel like the beard helps distinguish masculinity. I have been condemned by others in my church for wearing a beard. Instead of getting angry, I just tell them, Jesus had a beard & I want to be more like HIM.
Perfect peaceful convicting thing to say; righteous response
The resurrected Christ had no beard
@@imafriend1336 can you point to that scripture?
@@imafriend1336 How you know that the beard hairs that were plucked didn’t grow back? Did it make Him rebellious prior to them being plucked? You are ABSOLUTELY UNEQUIVOCALLY adding to the scriptures, smh. Only mere men defend “man” made doctrines…not angels. Are you this adamant about THE HOLY SCRIPTURE that says it is a SHAME for a woman to speak in the church (same “shame” word that’s used for a man with long hair) as you are about this admittedly “western Caucasian-American cultural” (not scriptural) man made doctrine? If not…why not? How about it being adultery to remarry a divorced person while their spouse is living? That’s part of the bearded Apostle’s Doctrine also. Do you go to the highways, byways & compel them to come…not JUST to a church building…but to Christ. Do you call Acts 2:38 the gospel? Or do you call the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ the gospel? In case you’re wondering I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on July 31st, 2005 and was baptized after that same service just an hour or 2 later. I was soooooo blown away by that biblical experience (I was raised 7th Day Adventist from since age 8.) That was the day that God delivered me from a lifestyle of drugs, clubs & thugs to put it mildly…He delivered me from sin…so I have a before & after. An Old Testament & a New Testament to my life. A B.C. and an A.D….I have infallible proof that I’ve been born again both of water & of Spirit by the grace of God through faith. Jesus (Yeshua) saved me. He is my Savior, my Rock, my Redeemer & the Lord and Master of my life. He is my God. He taught me because He loved me & because I admitted that I was ignorant & needed teaching. I was empty & hungry for more & for change & for souls to be saved & rescued like I was. Up until age 27 I was immersed in iniquity but now I’m immersed in His blood & His name. Jesus is God. Jesus is not only “the” Everlasting Father…He is “my” Everlasting Father & I believe He is yours EQUALLY also. So let’s NOT add to Our Father’s words. Let God be true and EVERY man a liar! Nobody is older, bolder than the HOLY Bible! There’s no authority higher on Earth than His Holy Scriptures…period. Don’t 2nd guess that. We are not in a cult.
@@imafriend1336 show me the scriptures that say that & I’ll believe.
Thank you Brother Bernard for good, Godly teaching. Personally I choose to shave and that is fine. If another man chooses not to, that is fine as well. It's amazing to me that there is a world that's lost, dying and going to Hell and we're still having controversy about facial hair.
Jesus has a beard
Amen
John, this guy dont make sense
@@martinsanchez-it1yg At least, no Biblical sense just his human reasoning sense
Nobody knows that, except if you accept the lifestyle of that particular time. Classic paintings of JC shows he has a beard.
My wife’s previous pastor unfortunately wrote me off immediately when we started dating. He never tried to get to know me before doing so. The only difference between me and anyone else was my facial hair. We are now event directors for our youth group at a different apostolic church, active hosts for our college/career age group, and my pastor has never pulled me aside and told me to shave. He’s a great man that has never added to the word! Thank God.
That’s it: he never added to the word. Sorry about your previous experience, Brother
Sorry for your experience. Believe me, I totally understand. So glad your in a better place.
Sometimes, it’s about attitude and obedience to the man of God. For example; if my Pastor told me to wear a blue shirt, if I wanted to be used on the platform, then I would have a choice to make. If my Pastor said, “the Bible says wear a blue shirt,” then i would have a problem with that. Having said that, almost EVERY employer has a dress code and a lot of places require a person to be clean shaven and cover tattoos etc. We don’t seem to have a problem with that. Personally, I have a neck tattoo and I play music on the platform at Church. If my Pastor said, “Bryan wear a blue shirt whilst on the Platform,” I would do it because I’m under subjection to the man of God. Again, if he said “the Bible says wear a blue shirt, then I would have a problem with that. Just my opinion, you don’t have to agree.
@@bryansmith1186 I see your point
@Vladimir Icorikov huh???
I feel this applies to all “Holiness” standards. The Bible teaches modesty and a clear distinction of the sexes. That’s it. I feel we add to the Word when we make rules around personal convictions. Not wrong to apply to ourselves but to require others to abide by our convictions doest make sense.
The only authority we have as it pertains to holiness is the Bible. We can’t always rely on our feelings, traditions or other leaders.
My experience is that we can’t challenge our traditions because you’re viewed as rebellious.
I don’t have a problem with any personal convictions. But let’s not require them for everyone. Let’s teach what the word says and allow the very capable and powerful Holy Spirit lead and convict.
I think women have it worse than men with the holiness standard.
Great input. Dr. Bernard needs to read this post and not make pastors part of the triangle of authority he created: Bible, Pastor, Personal Conviction.
@@France2107 I agree with this scripture. But I would add that if any person wether teacher, pastor, evangelist, apostle or any other leader is teaching anything outside of the word then we can’t follow.
Paul said it best “let them be accursed”. We can’t add or subtract from Gods word. I firmly believe it’s with good intentions that these rules are made but that’s not good enough. Adding to the Word was and is always a bad idea.
@@jlar1984 a pastor who tells you that you need to shave or wear this don't wear that using pastorale authority is not adding to the Word, unless he says the Bible says. Pastors have the right to set standards in the local church.
@@douglasarnold5310 I respectfully disagree. There’s one standard, the Word. The standard doesn’t change otherwise it’s not a standard by definition. Within a 20 mile radius we have three UPC churches. Each have different expectations or standards. Why? If we have one set of scriptures?
One of the best podcasts yet. We all need to take a hard look at Romans 14 and stop demonizing people over fickle things.
💯
Agreed. The fact that this is even a question that “needs to
be answered” shows a lot about where the UPCI is
I'm sure Jesus our Lord and saviour did not have an issue with facial hair it's about denomination doctrine.The open brethren church beliefs that woman should have their head covered and that's scriptural don't see upc ladies wearing head covering I go to a oneness church still love the brothers and sisters though. I believe if or when we're go to heaven that there will be no denominations there just the body of Christ
@@paulhira8633denominations are if the devil
So glad the brother was honest. He admitted that facial hair is not a biblical matter, but rather a cultural matter.
The next illogical step with this is what culture means to the UPC. The UPC have become their own culture, loophole in effect pastors can demand anything and all must put aside Bible and comply
When will the UPCI CEO's (oops I mean superintendent) apologize on behalf of their ordained ministers who spiritually abused people for decades by imposing BONDAGE on to the Children of God, by twisting scripture and creating their own vain customs and traditions of men? Will it ever happen? If not, the only thing Bernard is doing is gaslighting the victims of spiritual abuse.
Like he said, white, middle-class men, not black men. Jesus had a beard and he wasn't a middle-class white man.
Who would a man who is born again be rebelling against by growing facial hair if growing facial hair doesn't signal rebellion against God within the Word of God? Could it be possible that Pastors who are being partial on issues pertaining to others Christian liberties may be putting a stumbling block in front of new converts who are seeking consistency and truth with understanding in biblical principles and application who are genuinely there to serve and worship God?
Well said.
This is what I feel needs to be addressed. We have preachers, even pastors telling people that facial hair is sinful. Why isn't this being addressed.
Because they love their man made doctrines more than the Doctrine of Christ.
I really wish I could put a few pictures on here of Moses, Jesus, Paul …..and the early Pentecostal brothers!
-Ministers Wife
@@FTW171 Yes, if only they had cameras back then.
@@isadormoti6977 oh, I was referring to TH-cam. Unfortunately we can’t put a photo up of Moses/Jesus/disciples/early Pentecostals.
There’s nowhere on this as I type where I would be able to upload a photo.
All I know is that Jesus had a beard, and I'm supposed to imitate Him.
I was UPC for 25 years. One guy grew a beard and was ostrized by the pastor and the church and shamed into shaving. What bothered me the most was the difference stances between churches. Some didn't care others called it a sin. What I never heard from leadership, state or national is who is right and who is wrong all the while teaching us to line up with who ever our pastor is. Logically this makes no sense.
We should line up with what scripture says. Pastors have over stepped their authority and now try to control the masses through fear and manipulation. Instead of reaching the lost they focus their time on things like beards, that has no salvific merit at all. The preaching of Christ is what saves us and redeems us back to our Father. He loves us with or without a beard. Whether a woman trims her hair or not. Whether you drink a glass of wine or not. Whether you enjoy golf or not. (And yes the church I came out of preached against golf, bowling, miniature golf, any kind of league sports like softball, and many other legalistic rules that has nothing to do with being saved). I understand the preaching against biblical sin like adultery, drunkenness, murder, stealing etc. But making up rules just to look better than other groups is pride and arrogance and actually hinders church growth.
All of this stuff about being your own conviction justifying why some do or some don’t is a lie from hell. One does what the bible commands without commentary and twisted words justifying this or that.
Pastors are accountable to the elders of the church. We are not accountable to Pastors. They are "shepards" not "dictators". Yes, they are to call out sin AS DESCRIBED IN SCRIPTURE and prod us in the right direction and then cut us off if we dont repent. But when D. Bernard admits that clothing requirements were abolished along with the Sabbath, and then becomes the CEO of one of the largest denominations that shame and belittle women for wearing WOMANS PANTS (clothing which pertains to a woman) and men for having beards (bible says dont shave your beards) shows that this whole organization has LIES mixed with Truths, they impose human made laws (bondage) and they place it onto the Children of God (like the pharisees which Jesus HATED) . It's easier to understand when you acknowledge that the UPCI (Like most denominations) are there OWN RELIGION separate from "the faith once preached". What the Short video on my channel to see a UPCI pastor tell people to buy a book to keep demonic powers, to get annointed and to be blessed byGod.. he even says "they will be more than just reading material" [ie: they will attach demonic energy to you].
@@bus10dus10shallow
Because the Superintendent should speak up and stop leaving it to individual pastors.
It should be that it's ok to have a beard if one wants one.
I whole heartily believe the Acts2:38 message and support the UPCI teachings as an organization.
I am not a licensed minister in the UPCI but do teach and preach in our local church. I have a beard and my pastor has asked that I shave when I am on stage. He doesn’t feel it’s wrong but explained he wanted to keep unity in the local UPCI district. I have always complied to his request when I am involved in a leadership role.
With that said I definitely believe this is a subject the UPCI needs to address as a whole more. it’s clear since we believe God created male and female, HE clearly wanted the man to have a beard. There’s no way to denounce or deny that fact.
It was obviously meant for a clear distinction between the opposite genders. Which Desperately needs to be taught throughout churches in 2022.
Secondly as Bro Bernard stated the Bible clearly speaks positive of beards in several passages.
However the scripture stating Joseph shaved is not condoning shaving by context. He shaved to be accepted into Egyptian culture. A study on the subject of beards in the Jewish custom shows that they believed any man that shaved or trimmed his beard was in the wrong. This is one of the reasons the Egyptians were not viewed favorably by Jews. It’s known they shaved. Egypt is always viewed as rebellion or sin throughout scripture.
I have heard the hippie movement reasoning for shaving many times and it very well may have been valid and needed at that time but again as Bro Bernard mentioned we are far removed from that culture so no longer has merit.
The beard debate has become more of a personal opinion in our churches today than a needed standard.
With all that stated the beard along with numerous other personal appearance preferences can reflect positively or negatively on the church and Christianity.
Modesty, humility and standards are still biblical and just as needed as they ever were. I certainly believe how we choose to represent God, the church and ourselves should not to be taken lightly.
Unfortunately I also believe we as the church have had a history of pointing out certain issues and blindly ignoring others at our own choosing with Apparently little guidance from Scripture in many cases.
Pretty sure I read somewhere Jesus warned of this practice.
We are called to preach, teach and represent the word of God rightly divided and warned against placing stumbling blocks along the way as Christians.
As humanity we have the ability to turn anything into a sin but just as easily make a issue of things that are not a issue at all.
Yes! Everything you said!
Excellent Point indeed!
You need a new pastor, one that understands the bible
@@imafriend1336 why does he need a new pastor? I don’t understand
Great explanation!
Great answers! I appreciate your wisdom Dr. Bernard! You covered all bases and I feel that the Lord was honored in your response. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry!
There is NOTHING wrong with a beard
True, but at the same time if a man does not want a beard there's nothing wrong with that either right?
@@RetroreviewsPlus right
All depends on why one wants a beard. Plus we want to show Jesus to the world, not ourselves.
@@johngreene6780 to me it's a personal choice I just can't believe people are actually doing videos about it and it's such a big thing that's like if you want a beard fine you don't want one fine who cares. So many more important things in life than this piddly thing
@@RetroreviewsPlus Amen
The hippie movement also encouraged women to grow their hair long because by that point in time, it was considered unkempt. We didn’t change biblical principles due to cultural views for that. In todays day with the major push of blending the sexes and transgenderism, one might think it best to start preaching that men should grow their beards to stand out and emphasize their masculinity.
BP,....Yes, a beard separates a man from a women and the men of God from the men of the Godless world.
Makeup is another one. The butch lesbian women of today all look like apostolic in the face. That plain usually overweight moon-face with no makeup. I've been seeing more and more that when a women wants to stop being womanly, she cuts her hair ultra short and stops wearing makeup. There's something feminine about longer hair and makeup on a woman. Of course moderation in all things, but makeup is womanly. Only butch lesbians and women who don't act womanly would dare be seen without makeup.
@@tonybasoni8443 Y'all are some shallow denominal Pentecostals around here, ain't ya.
@@isadormoti6977 ,...Pentecostal? What? Where did I say anything about being a pentecostal? There is no such thing as a Christian pentecostal. An actual Christian man has a beard and has nothing to do with the manmade cult of pentecostalism.
@@tonybasoni8443a beard doesn't distinguish a worldly man and a man of God. Millions of men had beards before the hippie movement that had nothing to do with rebellion.
It should begin with, “what is the will of God”? Theology teaches that creation is the first revelation of God’s will. The almighty creator created male attributes to be expressed by the hormone testosterone. One of the first expressions of that genetic engineering is a boy begins to grow facial hair as he becomes a man. That is our first revelation of the will of our creator. The second is in the law, when he forbid every man among his people to not remove any part of the beard. The Levites (type of modern ministry) were forbidden to even trim theirs. The only time shaven is mentioned is either as a curse, judgment of God, or being like the Egyptians (the World) or Roman (again the world). The post-apostolic fathers wrote that shaving was the first sign of transvestism. Beards were changed by culture in the last 100 years, upending 6,000 years of biblical tradition. While I’m not under law to require a beard, God has not changed. He cannot change. His will is still for men to have facial hair. If facial hair is any sign of rebellion, it is those who get up everyday and tell God that he was wrong in creation, and that his will doesn’t matter. It is those who daily remove his created work revealing his will. I’m a 51 year old ex-UPC preacher, currently attending a UPC church in east Texas. My pastor is trying to get me to come back and re-get my license. But I’ve also been told that I can expect not to have any ministry as long as I have my beard, at least here in the Texas district. I have no intentions of attempting to, for my back is covered in scars by UPC brothers and sisters whom have told me for years that I’m backslidden, that I’m going to hell. I’ve had preacher friends stop talking to me and stopped having me preach for them because, “I’ve gone Charismatic”? Just for having a beard, a beard that God told me to grow and stop cutting it. When I asked God why he told me this and doesn’t seem to be telling others. His reply was that I had the audacity to actually inquire what his will actually was, and that I had the heart to actually accept his will though it seems to have cost me my ministry within the UPC. I’ll probably stay independent, although I am looking at other organizations that really want to be biblically aligned with God and his will. The UPC will eventually come around, but you will be 20 years too late, as usual. That’s sad, for you have a lot to offer.
This is a thunderous testimony. I hope its not overlooked
Fact.
It was prophesied over me not to focus on the UPCI because they will not accept prophetic ministry. Prophetic ministry and politicians don't mix, like oil and water.
Focus on the entire Apostolic movement, not the withering stump of a dead tree. Reach who you can reach, but ignore those who refuse truth over tradition. Anything you ignore will die on the vine.
It could be said that the shaving is more sinful than having a beard, when did God say to shave?
God made them male and female.
Today women take testosterone because they want to be men and grow beard so if culture is what we go by then men need to start growing beards. Women need not grow beards men need to stop shaving because transgender shave off their facial hair. So again your own words say culture well then hippies are long gone and the LGBTQ are here and we need to be men with beards and women should not take hormones to grow beard. 😇
God will bless you for your obedience to Him in the matter, and those who spoke against you will give account to Him at their judgment.
Brother I’ve been in the Hispanic UPCI and I can tell you that the UPC does not let men with facial hair preach or play an instrument or be a leader and this has been practiced for years and still now……pastors are making these rules because the district itself preaches this and won’t let leaders or preachers have facial hair …… if someone has a conviction that’s great and ok but please please brother don’t make people feel like sinners for these man-made rules…. That is what Pharisees did.
Pastor Bernard please make a change in our church…. And I can say the same with many more, man-made rules in the UPCI church. Rules are good….. but don’t condemn people or make people feel like sinners when it is not practiced because that is not biblical…..
I wonder if they are "feeling like sinners" because God is issuing a conviction to be followed by the individual who feels like sinners.
I have a beard and played onstage in a service at my UPC church.I have seen others with a beard in the regular praise band.Times are changing.
Yea they need to get away from all of this foolishness of preaching personal convictions as Bible. So many leave or never come in to the church because of this foolishness.
1 Corinthians 11:13-16
13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice-nor do the churches of God.
@@Fr4nkSanchez
That scripture doesn’t forbid a man having a beard.
Since when does having a beard constitute having long hair??..
Ever seen a neatly trimmed beard?? They do exist, I see them everywhere.
Of all the things that I see where our churches are fighting each and every day within our Society, there are much bigger issues that have a much larger impact than if men have a beard or not . Biblically there’s simply nothing stating you should or shouldn’t have a beard. I understand why some of our older generations who where in church in the 60’s & 70’s had the viewpoints that we did. However that was 50-60 years ago and men who have beards now doesn’t reflect a rebellious attitude. Being apart of my local ministry if my pastor would require of me to shave I would. I do and have had a full beard from many years. Honestly there’s many many other issues that our churches face that I feel warrant more of a focus.
Thank you!!!!!!
Would you ask Jesus to shave? Shaving is a tradition of men! You are correct in that it is a cultural issue, Jesus didn't follow cullture or the traditions of men!
Excellent point
@@armyantlocstaJesus would not be allowed to preach in most UPC churchs
@@traydizzil95 Exaclty, most of this becomes legalism and a liturgy part of a religion. Following Christ is not a religion or denomination. Being a Christian follows Jesus and the bible not man made doctrines
@@Fr4nkSanchez amen brother
The “hippie” rebellious justification for forbidding facial hair was sort of ridiculous, in that the UPCI didn’t differentiate between the hippie and the others in society that had facial hair, the teacher, banker, lumberjack, construction worker, the psychologist, the professor etc who had a mustache, or goatee, or long sideburns, various styles of beards…. That did not express rebellion or anarchy or ungodly character. It was a harmful stumbling block , that hindered church growth. While many Christian movements were having huge success reaching the youth in the 60’s and 70’s that were disillusioned with war, materialism, etc and were hungry for more, and this became known as the Jesus movement. many of the “holiness “ churches failed to have a bountiful harvest because they were hindering the revival by burdening the hungry youth with unnecessary standards/teachings like , facial hair is ungodly.
And to teach it so that even the respected men , in the community, the bankers , the professionals, etc were sinful, rebellious, and had to shave just because a pastor didn’t like some hippies , was / is so unreasonable, so illogical, so unnecessary, so unbelievable.
I think you missed the whole point here.
@@dianacastillo498 what about the Amish?
Hippies - it is why the UPCI look like they are trapped in the 1950s in their dress and hair.
@@dianacastillo498 no he didn't, he's on point.
This hippie argument made me chuckle... this logic can be used to support any position... for example: Men who commit adultery wear pants... therefore, wearing pants makes you walk in the way of adultery. People who defraud other people breathe air. Therefore, breathing air is a 'weight' that will cause you to defraud your brother. Nonsensical. But because you and I have spoken out against this as being non biblical.. we are the rebellious ones in the bunch.
I mean if our literal lord and savior had a beard and he is the definition of holiness and the standards we should stride for I think having a beard is ok
The scripture in Genesis that Dr. Bernard uses to talk about shaving favorably did anyone else catch that it was for Pharaoh and the customs of Egypt? I’m going to take it a step further what other culture was like this? Answer Rome!
So shaving is a worldly custom not a mandate for the church! No matter what any former “pillar” declared. We are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets Jesus Christ being our chief cornerstone!
That is exactly what I thought. The one example of shaving he gave was for Joseph shaving to appear before a pagan King.... To me that was not a great example.
Also, this is like saying "holiness" it could change over time.
💯👏🏾🙌🏾
Matt 6:33 also if we do that and are full of God's Spirit He will lead and guide us. Convictions are personal interaction with your God. Fall in love with Him, not yourself, and you won't have an issue with stuff like this whether it is for it or against it. It is up to me to keep myself "saved", and your responsibility is all about keeping yourself "saved". Elder gave us wisdom without making your choice!
8:44 I feel this is where the ‘no beards’ philosophy came from. The Apostolic leaders of the 70s and 80s were very affected by the rebellion associated by the ‘hippie’ movement and allowed that affect their views on what a Godly man looks like. Suits, close shaved haircuts and clean shaven face. Almost a rebellion of the rebellion. There is NO biblical teaching to say no beards; however if you local Pastors and Bishops have guidance it is very Godly to submit to leadership. Remember if you ALWAYS agree with them your ability to submit to Godly authority isnt really challenged.
What about submitting when they tell us to go make disciples? Are the beards a safer submission? One is scriptural submission & one is not. Ijs
@@armyantlocsta How many disciples have you made this year?
@@nicoleloves9613 it technically takes more than a year to fulfill this scripture mandate/the Great Commission: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED you…” Part of the disciplining “process” is to teach them more than Acts 2:38. That’s just to make converts…not necessarily disciples. The new birth is not synonymous with discipleship…however, it’s foundational. Now, Getting back to your fair question: I’ve been disciplining 2 men this year whom I also baptized in the only saving name of Jesus Christ (26 old ex coworker & a 28 yr old unchurched cousin of mine to.) We have weekly Bible Studies plus mens group dealing with lust & counsel them over stuff..at least I attempt to lol. ONLY by the grace of God there hasn’t been a year that has gone by in the 17 years of being born of water & Spirit have God not put souls in my path to be witnessed to & baptized…not even during the pestilence. Not even the year that my ex abandoned me….God has always been faithful to let me witness those I’ve witnessed to be baptized PLUS sometimes (not always) receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost and hopefully start the process of discipleship with me & or others in the congregation/assembly. Not one single year since 07/31/05 has this not occurred. If God would work with the least (myself) then I know of a surety He would with ANYONE among us!!
Submit to the word of God. When a minister wanders outside of God's word, then that's a problem. Pastor shouldn't be trying to enforce rules that don't draw us closer to Christ. A beard is completely natural and masculine.
Very excellent and comprehensive teaching, one of the best on any topic, that I have ever heard.
We are talking here, about how to please and honor God.
In today's world, if a man, especially a Christian man, has a long grey beard or an unusual beard, or really any beard, at least in the United States, it is an obvious sign of rebellion, and an intense and ungodly desire, to be like the world.
I will cite one example, out of many.
Last month, I had been speaking with a pastor, about possibly coming to his church.
When I arrived, however, I was greeted by him, who had a very long grey beard, and then after the service, he bragged to me, about him riding a Harley, including taking his wife (!) on the Harley, all around the United States, on trips.
Of course, I did not say anything to him, but I could not believe it.
After the service, I politely said thank you, for allowing me to attend, and of course I never had anything to do with them.
But, in the 1980s and 1990s, where I live on the west coast, there was maybe 1% of men, wore beards, plus there where no types of rebellious people, so wearing a short, trim beard, in the 1980s was considered okay.
Not today.
As a Godly Christian man, and a full-time minister, I say that our position is not merely to talk about how to look, but rather to glorify God in everything.
But to look and act like the world, especially as terrible as it is now, is exceedingly wrong, for a Christian to do and is detrimental to their family, and to society. I am not Apostolic, but I do respect most of their beliefs.
God created men to have facial hair, it is one of the things that draws a distinction between the sexes and these days that is pretty important.
As a Jewish man, Jesus was commanded to not ever trim or cut his beard, it was against the law of Moses.
So why on earth, if God made us this way would any preacher or denomination preach against it? It is not a sign of rebellion, it is not a sign of being worldly at all. To add rules on this subject is pure legalism.
Dont like em and see no benefit in them. Many donuts because they are lazy. Most did it in 60-70's as open rebellion. But, it ain't my face looking old and decrepit.
@@bobjames3748 The “people did it in the 60s because of rebellion,” line.
Think about the fact God put it there. We are created to have facial hair. It’s designed by God.
What is it about that we don’t seem to understand?
The law of Moses FORBIDS trimming the beard.
Jesus had a long, untrimmed beard.
Are you going to go to heaven and demand he shave?
@@douglasboyd8475 well I haven't had to worry about rounding corners ,you bet be careful, since you are going to the law to defend your ways. You'll look just like the many in the secular and denominational world. I know why ministers don't like it and I know I wouldn't want a beard to look like a old man. We have 1 bearded man in our church, he plays guitar, so I guess my Pastor has.no problem with using him...for music anyway. My Son's church quite a few. My daughters church a bilingual , don't believe any have a beard or mustache.
I was reared in the UPC from 1951 until my wife and I left in 1988. We were highly criticized in a church we attened in Rex Georgia. We joined the COG and pastored 4 churches. We are happy to have joined the COG. They granted us all appointments and we earned the level of Ordained Bishop. We are retired now and live v in Valdosta.
Why did you leave the UPCI?
Absolutely agree with your teaching. Let our focus be directed to the unchurched and the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Totally agree, I keep my short beard -- my wife likes it and I don't like shaving.
Thank you brother Bernard for giving us some guidance. What I’m left wondering is…what about scripture mentioning that nature teaches men to have shorter hair on their head. Wouldn’t nature then also teach that men would be ok with having facial hair or at least the choice to have facial hair?
Also I feel like the bible trumps anyone in authority from denying someone’s choice to grow facial hair just by the fact that Jesus had a beard and some bible prophets had facial hair.
I wonder if there’s some bias due to “church culture” that interferes with discerning/ rightly dividing the word of God on this issue.
I’ll await your answers 😊
When we read about the fruit of the Spirit, there’s not one of those that cannot be seen by a blind person, because they come from within, not without. Some people, if struck blind, wouldn’t be able to distinguish a worldly person from a Child of God, because they’re so used to going by the outward appearance. Anything can go too far. I met one preacher that had a “personal conviction “ to wear long sleeves, and he put it in the written church rules for all men to wear long sleeves. Too far to the right or to the left is Out of Order. Let’s try to stay middle of the road, where the Word is.
While I believe that the UPCI is the most right among the denominations out there, the beard topic was always the sour spot that I thought they had. This is because someone I know that is close to me was going to church in a different state.
At the time I was attending a UPCI church in a northern state where nobody cared if you had a beard. The pastor would shave just because if he didn’t, then he would be looked down upon when meeting with other pastors (I heard this second hand).
The person close to me was attending a church a few hundred miles away, and he had a beard, but after...IDK, a year or so, many people tried to get the guy I know to shave. But he wouldn't do it, because he didn't see any problem with or without having a beard. The pastor started to give him lest respect, and wouldn't listen to him on serious issues. The final straw was when he was at a service, and the pastor put in his message that if you do not follow the holiness standards, then you're not saved, going to hell, and people shouldn't try to talk to you since you won't change. Looked at the guy when saying this, but avoided saying anything about a beards, which the guy believes that it is because there were some new visitors with beards. I'll stress this point out, I was not there, but I got this story from the person close to me who was affected.
The guy changed churches, and I'm glad he stayed in a UPCI church. I moved close to this person, and currently we travel about an hour to a UPCI church that is fine with beards (pastors, musicians, etc), instead of a 30 minute or less trip to the other church. He tells me that most people from the other church that know this guy (most don't remember me) won't talk to him.
While I think it's just paranoia, the guy tells me that at our current church, he saw someone from the other church and was trying to avoid him. After that day, he thinks the pastor started acting differently around him, or something like that. We really don't talk about it, so the exact details are still fuzzy to me.
I really think that there is a problem in this spot of the UPCI, but otherwise, I stand with it. I don't like the way things turned out. Considering on going to that church closer to me on Sunday nights that I'm not at my own church. Not to start trouble, just to show up for the same reason as everyone there, to worship God. Beard or no beard.
Where I come from, and all the places I've visited, nobody cares if you have a beard. It means nothing unless you're the Robertsons from Louisiana.
I don't have convictions over beards, but I have convictions in other spots.
Thats bad
I think it’s fair to say it is a sour spot with many, many people. Very unfortunate we have to deal with this and often I think it’s more a power tripping issue than anything else.
You should blast the name of the church and its do called pastor
@@martinsanchez-it1yg That would be wrong and more damaging to the church than what it would fix. Matters like this would make UPCI as a whole look worse.
@@martinsanchez-it1yg That is not a nice thing to even mention doing. My bible says not to touch God's anointed and to do His prophets no harm. David' arm bearer came to him and said "I killed saul for you" David told him who are you to touch God's anointed, and Saul was not right with God, but he was anointed at one time.
From what I’m hearing this is a great, thoughtful, objective answer. It’s very tiring that we as powerful Apostolic’s keep tripping up over this facial hair situation. Subbed and looking forward to more content.
You know what? After watching this, I have a different perspective. I can understand why people would do this for cultural reasons, and I totally respect that. I do not think that a pastor should mandate that even on his leaders, but they can say that they prefer it And they should be willing to respect that. I think we probably just need to get over it, but I respect people where they are. I have not had a beard since I was like 19 or 20 years old, and do not want one, but I heard one particular, UPC preacher, railing against beards and quite frankly, it made me very angry because he has no right to. With all love, it is that kind of stuff that makes the UPC look really bad. Holiness is a wonderful, beautiful thing, not something you have to hit people with a billy club with, especially when the beard thing has no biblical substantiation and some of this stuff can really lead to authoritarianism
I’ll admit some apostolic people I have personally seen got it in there head that a beard on a man, identifies as unholy an doesn’t have the Holy Ghost… Bishop love your point on this…. This shouldn’t never been an issue… if YOU think it’s a sin to eat peanut butter … then don’t. Please don’t past judgement on me when you see me eating it!!!!!
I know a UPC couple whose first pastor was against facial hair. Many years later this couple, in a different state and a different pastor, tells people it is wrong and no man who is apostolic should have a beard or they are sinning. Like my husband says, what better way to differentiate between a man and a woman? My husband does not have a beard but he has no issue with those who do. I also agree with you on the things that you choose to eat. If someone feels it is wrong to eat something and you don't, then they don't need to eat whatever it is.
Praise the Lord Jesus 🙏 Awesome way to explained it with the Word of God.Its about choices personal conviction.Facial hair or No facial hair it's not an issue of salvation at all .
This has caused great division and hurt. This is why the scripture say in 1 Cor. 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. There was an official document that pastors had to sign in affirmation of the UPC holiness standards that included facial hair. I preached at many UPC churches and would shave but when they found out I did not always shave I never preached for them again and was shunned and treated as if I was a sinner.
Glad bishop mentioned it's NOT Bible but culture. Which you HAVE TO careful with.That founding UPCI leaders had beards.Miniorties shouldn't have to abandon their cultural to be saved if it doesn't violate scripture. WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ASSIMILATE TO WHITE OR MAIN CULTURAL TO BE CONCERNED SAVED OR OBEDIENT. We're in the last days and people are fight over facial hair instead of fighting winning soul's or maintain the ones that got born again.
The UPC needs to have a national "Come To Church With a Beard Day" to demonstrate they have finally got past this. The prohibition against beards was originally for ministers because of the rebellion associated with it in the 1960s. Unfortunately they began teaching it as a holiness standard for all.
God placed facial hair on men as one of the many things that makes a difference between the sexes. Facial hair comes from our creator.
And I love the apostolic community, but sadly many of them have not got past this. A friend of mine recently went back to his hometown and went to church and he has a beard. Not one that several people came up and said something against him having a beard.
I attended a UPC church that participated in "No Shave November". I was like 🧔👀?
I've heard it said more than once at my UPCI church that men are supposed to have short hair not touching their ears and be clean shaven. I chose to find no offense and chalked it up to tradition not doctrine and went upon my way. It's great to have what I consider to be an authoritative word on the subject.
Facial hair on men is a manly, masculine trait, just as women have their feminine traits. It is not a sin to have facial hair. I have been in UPC where if I had facial hair, I was shunned, and considered a sinner or backslider, and was treated as an outcast. This is not right
No we don’t. Allowing facial hair opens the door to a flood tide of other things coming into the church. It may not be a sin but it sure is a weight. Churches that are ok with preachers and leaders with facial hair before long are allowing skinny jeans and many other worldly influences into churches. Let’s stick with Apostolic standards as our elders did!
I could not disagree more. Joseph had to get clean shaven because that was an Egyptian custom. That is exactly the custom God is warning us again. It is not in a favorable light so he had to be clean shaven.
Would Dr Bernard say Leviticus 19:27 and 21:5 are cultural pronouncements, and that we have a choice one way or anther, or a direct commandment that leaves no room for choice?
You're kidding. It's 2022, and we're talking about THIS?! And I thought the fact we're still debating alcohol is nuts.
Jesus said in his word not to even look upon the strong drink that moveth itself in the glass.
Referring specifically to alcohol.
If he wishes you not to even look at it , he surely doesn't want you to drink it.
And no, he didn't create alcohol for human consumption. In his miracle, he created new wine, which is fresh from the vine, Not fermented.
@@scottchapman9931 where in the Bible does it say Jesus turned water into new wine?
@@scottchapman9931 bruh.
@@Republican_Banana if Jesus had just done a thing, wouldn't it be new?
@@saluteorsurrender A new thing doesn't equate new wine so I don't see your point.
I had hoped that dr bernard would enlighten us on the meaning of leviticus 19:27 and 21:5
First of all, if something isn’t a sin, no one has the authority to make it a sin. Secondly, facial hair has nothing to do with rebellion. He made the comment that drugs, sexual promiscuity, and facial hair were all part of the hippie age of rebellion. Well I don’t hear them preaching against having sex with our spouses since they were having sex in rebellion. I don’t hear them preaching against taking any type of medicinal drug since the hippies were druggies. It’s not even sound logic to preach against facial hair! In reality it is probably offensive to God that men want to look more feminine by shaving when He gave us a distinct difference from women. Also Dr Bernard mentioned Joseph shaving. He only shaved because the Egyptian culture frowned on facial hair and they were an idolatrous nation. So that should tell you something about men shaving.
That's good that this man said it's not scriptural anywhere that says it's wrong to have a beard
Pastor of 14 years here in the Assembly of God fellowship and I have wondered greatly how the Oneness movement got to this place. I understand the position in the "hippy" era - but we are far form that time as Dr. David points out. That being said - the fact that we are still "pastoring" a man out of having facial hair with any biblical stances or personal pastoral preferences is WILD to me. Your argument is based on Jospeh shaving before going to see Pharoh? Wouldnt that be closer to conforming to cultures that are against our God? I love Jesus whole heartedly and proudly have a beard. It has ZERO bearing on my salvation, righteousness, consecration, or level of holiness etc. but that I would be made to look differently from your congregation or seen in contempt of your beliefs due to my having a beard is INSANITY to me. That being said, I love the way the Oneness Pentecostals praise the Lord!
It didn't even start with the UPCI it was other types of denominations that started it if you research it.
Leviticus 19:27Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
In pagan practices.
@@JeffSmith-it4tm God even said don't even practice what the pagans do. So pagan in nature, God's law says don't do it. Great meaning behind it as plunking it was a sign of mourning.
@@JeffSmith-it4tm Agreed, but still I will keep my beard. It is a thing God gave me.
Matthew 15:9
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
I think in the early 20th century it was common to be clean shaven because of the times. During two World Wars it was a military requirement for so many, that it became part of civilian life as well. Along with short back and sides it was the fashion. I think there is nothing more than that to it in recent times. In ancient biblical times there was even direction on how to cut your beard. It was meant to be reasonably long as well. Even today many Orthodox Jews follow the OT directions.
I appreciate Bro Bernard’s honesty.
I have read many of the comments and agree for the most part with them all. Being honest here, I backslid and hated every moment of it. I was in TX in a UPC church as the Assistant To The Pastor, and left there because my wife had an affair with a man in our church. My pastor, now deceased, told me not to say anything to my wife are the man because he had talked to them both and has taken care of it. In obedience to my Pastor I didn't! A man that I had the highest respect for and a true Man of God, Bro. JT Pugh taught in a class about marriage. It was on cassette tape. He said an affair is bad, but if the 2 are willing to work it out it does not have to ruin the marriage. So we moved to the KS Dist. under Bro Westberg. I went to help a preacher in eastern KS and when we got there he had had an affair with a woman in the city. The new pastor was married with 4 kids. 2 older girls and 2 younger boy and girl. Long story I was free to preach all over the state. While we are out preaching around, he had been molesting his 2 oldest daughters, they left. I went to a UPC church across the river in MO. Preached alot for that pastor and he found out that their son, who was going to College in Kansa City, was GAY!!! Him and his wife completely fell apart. They left for parts unknown and I didn't know where until I came back to TX. I know, what does this have to do with shaving and beards. The new Pastor in my home church had That I had given up weeks of vacation for, completely remodeled the new sanctuary!! It broke my heart!! Ripped out parts of me I didn't even realized I had. Have been wrestling with going back or not. I am now 72 and right after that birthday I looked in the mirror and said I am so tired of shaving, Had to while in he US Army and National Guard and every since I have been in the church, fyi. I had general lisence, but was so disgusted with my self and my situation I shredded them and sent them to Bro. Westberg before I left KS. I have prayed back through and and my life is clean, but I just quit shaving because I was tired of it plain and simple. The music today in most UPC churches is not the Pentecostal music I grew up on. I got in church at age 29. So it's been a long hard pull but Jesus is still King of my heart!! I have a white beard not because I wanted a beard but as a result on not shaving any more. Yes I knew A beard would be the result, LOL!! That's why I here looking at this topic like many of you. There are more holes in this story than Swiss cheese but it would have been much longer!!
I’ve found throughout my life in churches I’ve always found people who don’t like the way I look no matter what I’ve done to appease them. People have complained that I am fierce looking. That I intimidate people. When I had hair and wore it longer I was told to cut it. I cut it and people still found me intimidating. Now I am bald and wear a cropped beard it has been even worse. I’ve shaved and still people have complained. Now I follow my own council and listen only to the convictions of my own heart. I can’t change everything about my looks.
TM,....Why are you listen to the people of the Godless world as to how you should look? A man should have a beard period. The reason so many people dont like beards is because it is a Godly thing. People hate God and Godliness. Especially those claiming to be Christians.
@@tonybasoni8443 mostly because I’ve always been put in leadership positions in churches and then some one would find something they didn’t like so I would try to be more palatable to keep the peace. I have found that certain people are looking for something to complain about
@@troymahan ,......That is an abomination that anyone would change their Godly look to appease someone. As I said, a man of God should always have a beard and no one should ever make him change that. The problem is, the entire church is 100% apostate and there are no christians in the church, only the blind, lost, and deceived. The actual Christians are all outside of the church. The church is the gathering of the Godless unsaved people of the God hating world. Alls one has to do is look at any preacher with his shaven face and suit and tie to know the church has nothing to do with Jesus and the Christianity of the Bible. The church is in the business of the buying and selling of a 100% fake manmade christianity.
Beard on brothers, be real to yourselves and if no one likes it, oh well. A lot of judgemental Hippocrates out there who sin, such as Jimmy Swaggart and little Jim Baker who stole and lied to people and did stupid stuff!. If my beard is the worse thing I do by wearing it, I am doing pretty damn 👍. Beard on brothers, God loves you still.
You did a lot of talking but you didn't show any scriptures. You talked about your tradition. You said Joseph shaved can you give me that scripture that can back that up please. You said shaving is a sign of holiness do you have scripture for that?
Personally I don’t believe there’s nothing wrong with having a beard because the Bible permits to have them. Also society has mocked facial hair for many years but now as the years go by people are now realizing there’s nothing wrong with facial hair which in my eyes is a good thing. God gave it to men for a reason and it’s not just Jesus Moses and all the other prophets who had them, I also believe Adam had a beard because we always see paintings of him clean-shaven but I’m sure that’s not what he looks like. As a matter of fact I’m sure he had a beard when he was first created. All I can say is for people who feel that they don’t like their beards and want to shave it off it’s OK because I don’t think it’s a sin and nowhere in the Bible says if you shave your going to hell so it’s not a salvation issue.
Interesting approach. I’m thankful for all of the information here.
Thank you for addressing this!!
If you say facial hair is wrong, then you're saying God is wrong in his design. Many people confuse guilt for conviction.
Such a well thought out, clearly explained stance. I wish more Pastors communicated standards so clearly and easily, and were less confrontational when asked a simple question. Thank you for this podcast Pastor Bernard it’s been a tremendous blessing!
Dear, Dr. Bernard Can you do a video explaining if believers should or should not join fraternity or sorority groups?
Good comment! That’d be interesting
We need to grow up spiritually
I agree. Most Christian’s spirit man is weak but they’re fighting over whether a man should have a beard or not. I don’t care if you have a beard or not & God doesn’t really care either. What he cares about is the state of your spirit man which depends on how much you pray. We all need to wake up.
Agreed. The tone of this message means well, but it’s probably causing people to stumble more than any beard ever did. 🤦♂️
He is not in this level of grow up he is talking about reaching out others@@ttmatt_8250
A dangerous question for one who adheres to this doctrinal teaching as if it has been dogmatized - "Would the earliest of Christians have held this same belief of 'one's shaved, all must shave'. Most likely, they would NOT agree with the UPCI, and would view this 'clean shaven insistence' as unnatural, unbiblical, unorthodox, and unholy. In fact, the Church Fathers expressed in their writings that men were to wear a beard, and in some cases, to have unkempt hair -- not in the spirit of rebellion, but rather in submission to Christ God. They warned about men being shaven as effeminate and on the cusp of transvestism. There is not a single verse in Scripture that commands men to be clean shaven, unless the UPCI has added to the Bible, the book of 1st Gillete.... Referring to the Joseph shaving as a precursor before he went to the courts of Pharaoh... hmmm - I always thought the UPCI always used Egypt as a type and shadow of sin. Modern razors weren't invented yet... and to be clean shaven would have required a lot of time of a man's schedule to be vain. This is a tradition of man, not found in Scripture, nor supported in the writings of the Apostolic Fathers, Church Fathers, and the Latin Fathers... and to make men feel like they must comply with this unscriptural teaching - or else they walk in rebellion - truly is a sign of the spirit of error.
would you be able to speak more on pastoral authority. i’ve always been told to submit to pastor, but what if God is telling you very strongly to do something and your pastor is saying the opposite. how do you know that the pastors word is truly from God and is what is best for you
I believe that we have the choice of whether we grow a beard or shave it , but I know in lev 19:27 where not to mar the corners of our beard , that means not to disfigure our beards , example when a man has a full beard and shaves both cheeks living a goatee that is against the word of God or any other kinds of disfiguring.
Victor
Leviticus 19:27 Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.
Is to the 12 tribes of Israel that they cannot shave the sides of here beards or round the corners of there heads [as the pagan nations around them did]. In Egypt the men shaved the sides of there faces and made themselves long goatees and they took some kind of material and wrapped it around the goatee to make it stand straight out, they also commonly shaved the sides of there heads to form a bow cut which represented the rising of the sun.
In 2 Samuel 10 When Hanun captured David's servants, he shaved one side of the beard of David's servants. David instead of saying to the men to shave the other side of your beards off so you can be clean shaved and return to the people, he instead told them you must must wait in Jericho until your beard grows back and then you will be allowed to return.
God gave men facial hair to distinguish the male from the female, but in our modern times men shave there beards for various reasons, either because of political correctness, forced to do so by an unbiblical religion/church, in order to look more feminine, itchiness etc.
The UPC has rejected facial hair for a long time, even though there hasn't been an official statement. I hope they turn around on this issue. Probably won't, but I can hope.
I appreciate this commentary
One big problem across the US UPCI is that many pastors Bro Bernard's age are completely out of touch with modern reality
It's not scripturally wrong to have a beard
You say this is your stand but a UPCI pastor in my city grew a beard and was put out of every leadership role he had in the UPCI. Also there are several videos of UPCI preachers saying it is sin and of the devil to have a facial hair.
I don't have a hard stance either way as I personally have to be clean-shaven for the line of work I'm in, being that, if a situation ever arises that I have to don an airpack respirator for rescue, evacuation, etc (gas plant environment).
But, I've also observed both sides of the argument being irrational with those promoting beards having a bad attitude towards those who are opposed and those who opposed beards having bad attitudes towards those wearing beards as well. I don't think it's really worth debating and I think personal conviction should be the main steer here. The Bible isn't going to change but culture sure will over time.
I think the very reason it’s open for debate is because it’s stated as standard rather than conviction.
This is problematic as it’s not in congruence with the standards stated in the Scriptures
@@rushramel 💯🎯
Thank You!....YOUR honesty is OUR best policy!... RESPECT!.... You could've chosen to ignore this minor (and reoccurring) issue, but you didn't...... To be sarcastic and a bit facetious, let me express your answer another way..... "We have an unofficial.... yet implied policy.... enforced at the local level.... that forbids facial hair cuz we're still afraid of being mistaken for the 'Jesus Freak' charismatic peace/love/dope bums and hippies of the 60s and 70s".... Yep! That's a tradition were proud of! We're gonna stick with it cuz we're embarrassed to admit our decision had nothing to do with Biblical holiness whatsoever..... we just wanted to be more easily accepted and to look good and trustworthy like the rest the world."
Is facial hair really a God given distinction between male and female?......... Well, we've evolved beyond all that.... right? God understands our reasons for rejecting yet another male/female distinction. It's not like the current generation is being intentionally attacked with confusion about gender these days..... right?.... What's the harm in getting rid of one more distinction to preserve our precious (non-Biblical) tradition?....... Perhaps we should offer a shaving kit to new converts instead of a Bible!.......... Perhaps the sign out front should read: No shirt No shoes No shave, No service!!!....... The whole gospel to the whole (clean shaven) world!
I look forward to being in heaven if only to see the reaction of UPCI ministers when Jesus says something like....... "SO,.... look at my face!.... Does my beard make me unholy??????
A heard a wise old orthodox Jewish rabbi once say....... "Never try to be more religious than God!"
Genius! Good comment thank you
That is a good statement
I am so glad to have this shared with me! Elder Barnard you truly are a man of God!
No he isnt, hes contradicting himself
He’s right on some things but wrong on so many others! Just like all Pentecostal preachers he has taken a God given leadership role and abused it to teach personal preferences that have nothing to do with salvation.
God gave us a beard as part of the distinction between men and women. It is a sign of honor. Men began to shave in the modern era also it has been called our " Roman period" reflected in architecture, etc. It makes us look less like men and more like women.
What about the Amish & Mennonites? Beards aren’t synonymous with rebellion. Let’s stick to the Bible. There’s no elder older than the Bible and there’s no position/person/pastor w/more authority than the Bible (especially to add or take away.) Many say they “know” that but do we “believe” that? If you want to submit to your leaders then go make disciples, go to the highways, bi ways, go lay hands on the sick in AND outside the 4 walls & cast out devils & raise the dead….don’t resist the biblical BUT submit to the unbiblical/unscriptural JUST TO FIT IN. People shouldn’t have to trip over traditions of men while running to form a relationship with Jesus Christ who can to lift burdens that men put on men’s shoulders by other men. May Our Merciful Master & Mighty Messiah have mercy on us all & lead our Leaders & bless them & grow them in all things profitable to themselves and unto us…bountifully beyond belief, in His ONLY saving name of Our Lord Jesus the Christ. (Zechariah 14:9, Acts 4:12, Colossians 3:17)
God looks at the heart and not the outside like we sinful human beings do. Perfect example is when God sent the prophet Samuel to choose the next king of Israel from among Jesse’s sons and God already chose him(David) cause of his heart even though he was a small scrawny kid. Even Samuel was impressed with one of the oldest brothers cause of his physical stature and thought surely this must be the next king but God’s thoughts are not our thoughts and neither His ways our ways.
For me, I wish I could grow a beard because a lot of men look nice with a beard, and I think if it is neat and clean it should not be an issue
My Apostolic pastor when I was an usher would not allow me to grow my mustache and beard that I had when I came into this religion ! Just as when I was a Deacon in an Assembly of God church , but the 2 churches before that I was also Deacons in both said nothing about my beard only the Assembly of God and this Apostolic church - so I shaved although I could not find it in the Word . And I have credentials as a chaplain although this religion does not recognize the Work Jesus Has done in me and Through me ! Thank you for following the Bible !
Is this what Jesus died for? That we would refuse men of God a place in ministry based on mens traditions and not the Word of God? I wonder how the Lord views this? I think this breaks His heart.💔 Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Why bring Jesus into this? He looked exactly like an untrustworthy hippy! He definitely wore sandals and probably had longer hair than most men do today. Plus, he used to hang out with sinners, bums, and winos. Should we really allow somebody of 'his kind' to preach in OUR churches? What would the neighbors think? It might upset someone with ultra-sensitive convictions! Nope!..... We have a better understanding about human nature through modern psychology. If you won't shave you won't preach! Our authority must be obeyed!........ So it is written....... so shall it be done!
I have a question about the Joseph shaving thing... How do we know he completely shaved his face and didn't just shave it to trim up rough edges and look nice? I have a beard but I still call it shaving when I shave off the excess to line it up
I love my beard
Me too.
Praying for the Church.
Since when does a beared miss represent the church. Beards were here long before the hippie age.
Priority is 1. God's Word, 2. The Conscience/Spirit God Gave you. 3. A Pastor or another man. Because the is one Mediator between God and Man, the man Christ Jesus.
The only issue I take with what brother Bernard says here is that a pastor's personal preferences for leadership, those on the platform, or the congregation on general should be alined with Biblical teaching. If the Bible takes a neutral position then so should the pastor. If he requires more than the word requires and something that can not be supported by scripture then it has no place in the church, regardless of what he personally perfers.
Also, many people need to take a trip to Hazelwood, MO and take a walk thru the UPCI museum. There one will find pictures of early leaders and founders of the UPCI with beards.
In addition, if beards, wedding bands, cologne, dress length, and yes, some pastors have preached against even deoderant in days past, were unholy or against Biblical teaching then shouldn't that be a univerasal teaching within the churches in general? But it's not. These preferences very from pastor to pastor, congregation to congregation. A pastor's personal preferences have no place in the church or on the platform. His desire's should be to conform what he desires to the word of God. Not expect people to conform to personal desires of his leadership. The bottom line is what saith the word of the LORD.
I respect that fact that Dr. Bernard has said that it's not biblical to restrict beards. I just wish UPCI pastors would such grace.
I'm completely bald, and shave my head, so I don't have to worry about the long hair part, but I do grow a trimmed beard once in a while, especially during winter and it doesn't convict my heart. I guess it just varies from person to person.
I agree it varies from person to person and pastor to pastor within our apostolic ranks. Good comment
Along with this subject, is there any scripture that shows that Paul (or any other apostle) taught differing standards among the churchs he set up? Did he teach different standards for the Corinthians than he did for the Galatians or Ephesians? Scripturally it says he taught them all the same standards. So why do we let pastors make up all kinds of standards and now we have a divided body?
What I wish Dr. Bernard would reform in the UPCI Policies for Licensed Pastors: *"Due to the lack of Scriptural evidence, no pastor of the UPCI has the authority to mandate or even suggest a shaven face be required for staff ministers or saints. Pastors who choose to negate this policy will be disciplined by the district board by having their license temporarily revoked or permanently terminated - due to the unethical behavior for attempting to make unbiblical legalistic mandates upon the church of Christ"*
Pastors should not even suggest that ministers should have to shave their face to represent the gospel or allow their ministerial gifts to be presented in the church. Pastors should be reprimanded if they make a shaven face mandatory in order to sit on a platform, pulpit preaching, etc. because church history has shown the horrors and crimes against humanity due to subjective mandates, namely the popes throughout the Catholic church who persecuted & murdered hundreds of thousands of innocent people over man made laws that were also not founded in scripture.
It becomes cult like behavior when pastors overuse their position - making ecclesiastical laws upon the saints that are not founded in the Scripture. It brings reproach to the gospel & hinders one's potential to bless the church & reach the world.
Dr. Bernard stated, "You have to respect the pastors" - however, pastors need to first respect the doctrine of scripture & not twist, add, or abuse the text for their subjective opinions upon humanity. Pastors have no authority to override scripture and support the notion "You have to have your face shaven to be a minister in my local church" - is simply being passive on the topic of pastoral abuse.
*Dr. Bernard, will you please speak against pastors who mandate a shaven face for ministers?* We should shoot down wrongful legalism that would prohibit one's liberty in the gospel. Pastors should not even make this an issue, nor should this topic even be existing in any church of any denomination. All pastors need to be held accountable for going beyond their limitations as a religious leader in any generation and any geographical location.
Kind regards
Why? It is each pastors choice. Some of us in the UPCI don’t want beards and don’t want to be pastored by a man with one!!
No. He clearly spoke biblical balance on the matter as he should.
@@Savedandpetty510 It’s each pastors choice to mandate unbiblical laws upon humanity? That’s a heretical & unethical notion.
Re read your statement & consider the dark evil crimes that happened to humanity throughout Church History.
It’s not okay for religious leaders to mandate unbiblical laws in any degree. Do you agree or disagree?
@@michaelwaters6829 Biblical balance? Show me book chapter and verse where “balance” is even mentioned in the 27 books in the New Testament? The OT word “balance” is only referring to scales and measurements to calculate monetary affairs.
You say he’s speaking balance - then present where the Apostles spoke of balance? Spiritual balance? Ethical balance?
The Scripture doesn’t even address this topic of beards in the church. Nowhere.
Your statements can’t get one foot out of bed with any argument or any attempt to support this entire topic.
Please present the passage that speaks of balance in manner you presented (spiritual, ministerial, or ethical). It’s not there. Just like the church issue of men having beards in the church isn’t in the Scripture neither.
This topic is silly.
Just like Trinity isn’t mentioned in the Scripture. Neither is the word “balance” or beards in the church. It’s all in the world of subjectively - nothing explicitly written in entire canon of Scripture.
This topic is where all false teachings stem from i.e. subjective ideas being mandated in the church without scriptural support.
🧠 💡 🙏
If you look in the upci manual it is no longer mention in there.
I have a couple of honest questions.
1. Why did God create men to grow beards if He does not want us to grow and wear a beard?
2. Why does the UPCI allow an ungodly culture to define its guidelines for men when God clearly created a man to grow a beard.
3. If forcing, shaming, encouraging a church member to shave off his beard, and there is no Biblical support in scripture, would this not be considered anti Christ or anti scripture?
In all honesty I love the UPCI, I was baptized in Jesus name, I have received the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, but will not attend my local UPCI, because they force men to shave and shame those who do not.
The UPCI has crossed the line regarding facial hair and it is unbiblical for a pastor, church, or denomination to force such a rule that is CLEARLY against God's design and blessing for men to wear a beard.
The UPCI should and must change this rule to be a full gospel church. Others, they have created their own doctrine that is absolutely unbiblical and a sin against God's design.
Shaving or not, shaving is a Biblical issue. If the UPCI has never taken a stance regarding beards, then they should not force its churches to preach such a belief because that is sin.
Allowing a hippie or its culture to define you and not allow God's design for your facial hair, you are not following God. You are following your reaction to the culture around you.
A few points, the hippie concept is long gone, it should not even be mentioned, the second is that it won't be a stumbling block if we stopped teaching man made traditions that have no biblical support, and my last point is that Joseph did not shave his beard, the Egyptians shaved it for him, the reason being that they didn't want him looking like a child of God, because ALL children of God at the time had beards, they wanted him looking like a child of Egypt, the world, sin. I love my Pastor, and I respect him, but when we start following the word of man over the word of God we are in trouble, that is how false doctrine started. There was a church, the Pastor stood up and said I am your Pastor, I am asking you to respect and obey me, please stop eating meat on Fridays, need I say more. (Robert)
- How do you know Joseph didn’t shave his own beard?
Gen 41:14 … Joseph, … shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh.
Very good comment but brother jive is correct Joseph shaved himself I believe because culturally he wanted to be presented well and respectable. Love your comment
@@JivTurky1986 As far as Joseph shaving himself, I stand corrected
Since Joseph had a position with authority, and since the Egyptian culture , removed hair from head and face etc , it may have been a requirement for Joseph, or he may have simply followed the culture to fit in.
i think he was only taking about the hippie movement to explain why a lot of older UPCI pastors are so against beards.
I can't believe that this is an actual topic. Salvation trumps everything, however I do respect the pastors teaching.
I had a pastor tell me when I ask him to give me scripture about beards being wrong, very vehemently he said I'll give you scripture "Obey them that have the rule over you". How can it be a personal conviction when it is up to your pastor to say yes or no.
That’s an important rule though, God has placed that man as your pastor, as long as what he tells you to do doesn’t go against God’s word you are fighting God’s authority. That’s the issue with this, it’s more of being under the authority. The Pastor is the leader of the church, he sets the rule for the platform, there are rules that must be followed because they were set by your authority figure. So your fight is not about facial hair but being under the authority. I’d like to have facial hair, but the rule is no facial hair unless I decide to follow the 613 Mitzvots, no longer part of the platform ministry, and never cut the beard. Am I going to throw away the things God is doing in ministry because I can’t be under the authority of my Pastor? That’s my take
@@Get_yotted If a Pastor tells you a beard is wrong. He is going against the word of God. These kind of Pastors wouldn't let Jesus on their platform.
@@Ken-uj5wr where’s your scripture?
Where's yours?
@@Ken-uj5wr with gladness I’ll share them, let me find my study, but you’re specifically mentioning that it’s unbiblical so I hope you have yours too
I am a part of the IPCI and have a question about why we allow women to to teach when these scriptures say otherwise? 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 1 Timothy 2:12 Thank you.
I believe women can and should teach, but NOT lead a church, that's man's role. Seeing these liberal churches with women pastors is just another sign we're getting close to the rapture of the church.
Its not in the bible that its a sin a man having a beard...We must stick to the word of God not people's belief..If a preacher gets out the word he needs correction..If he is preaching something false just say it and not dance around it
....work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Phi 2:12
AMEN!!
This was this issue that caused me to leave the UPC ministry. When I realized so many church leaders were preaching no beards as Scripture and it was a false teaching, I started looking into what else they had wrong. The the whole idea of "do what your pastor says" is just as false of a teaching. What if my pastor wants all the men in the church to shave their heads and wear orange robes? Just go with the whole cult thing because the pastor says so? No thanks. No matter how you try to dance around it Brother Bernard, you know it's an un-biblical teaching.
"Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
This is the problem with legalism. Let’s be honest this is an unwritten rule in the UPCI that has unfortunately interwoven “facial hair” as part of an outward sign of holiness. This is a form of Lording over people and truly not allowing “Grown Men” to make their own decisions with facial hair that the body naturally grows. The fact that a pastor could find a person’s wearing a beard when he ministers as offensive lets you know they have intertwined this with holiness! God made our bodies! Come on guys your ostracizing other ethic groups to fit some Anglo Saxon view from the 1960’s that has not even been prevalent throughout world history and church history!
Bro. Wes Yes, bunch of uptight religious legalists in these comments. I can't hardly believe it. I did attend a Bible College in the late 80's which forbade facial hair TV's, and secular music. These were efforts to create conformity and concentration on spiritual things. We were never taught that those outside the religious bubble were somehow less than.
Not to be mean or harsh, because these are some good insides, but why can’t pastors simply trust the Holy Ghost and their leaders, along with the word of God to make them who they ought to be according to one, Timothy, three and Titus, one, which are the standards for leadership in the New Testament? Why do you need extra stuff? That is not even biblical? Just saying.
Legalism 101
One of many reasons why I left this type of
church.. God gave us the ability to grow a beard lol... So glad that I can serve at a church and be used by God despite my beard lol