Thought it was about time that the dominate "H" word in line with the site, vs. whats being posted should have a current thread!

However much I think it is overemphasized, the Holdeman dress and behaviors are very much their stronghold. Most Christians blend in to the point you can't tell if they ARE Christian in a crowd. There is no way to tell by looking at us that we are citizens of the Kingdom. Our language and our behavior should make that known to them. In other words, they should recognize us by our distinct culture. Our culture should give us away as being not from here. In the world not of it. Some might not know what they are all about but they do recognize it as different and the thought does cross their mind, God's people. Very good H. Now carry it to all other parts of your "life" with God.

Has it ever occurred to you that the only testimony that no one can discredit is your personal experiences? No one can deny what you say Christ does for you, or how He helps you through the day. They can contradict most scriptures with another, they can argue religion with you, but not a personal relationship.
If individuals dress as " a people" it seems to be "we believe" "our church" and somehow it takes the personal relationship, and an individual's example and eliminates it from the equation making the most effective witness less effective. When I see the garb I often wonder about the individual's personal relationship with God.
I have seen how when the "we" becomes a "you", the poor dear soul has no one to support them, they fail to understand how Jesus relates to the individual, somehow unable to reach Him on their own without the community of "we".
I think that mentality is a stronghold that often needs a miracle to overcome.
Have you found this true in your lives? And how did you overcome?

Grace, so many levels in just one post. Good thoughts. I may not fully understand, but here is what it brought to mind.

1. forgiveness, that is what I have learned.
2. John 3:30 is how I attempt to apply.
3. As for testimony, I could leave many in tears...
4. Only one vs. many dishonors my Lord...
5. I give only what he already owns anyway...
6. Willingness to be an offence...



Edited for spelling, still my thorn to keep me humble.

The following is taken from the website: Church of God in Christ, Mennonite(CGC)-Gameo


Beliefs and accepted practices have been carefully defined with little room left for doubt as to what is "right" or "wrong." These begin with an emphasis on being redeemed from sinfulness, which results in an emulation of Christlikeness, focused both on attitudes and outward expressions in appearance, family and community relationships, vocation, and possessions. The decisions reached on these matters at conferences are binding. Unheeded infractions usually result in discipline, particularly during the yearly revival meetings. This has forced a fairly standard outward conformity: men wear relatively plain dress and beards; they avoid wearing ties. Women also dress simply and wear black head coverings (either a small cap or a kerchief tied under the chin. These symbols continue to serve as powerful reminders of religious obligations of being a faithful Holdeman Mennonite. Deviations in appearance signal tendencies toward defection and are dealt with by peer pressures of fellow church members, family, ministers, deacons, and the visiting ministers during their revival meetings. Observers have noted that they have managed to retain one of the most carefully disciplined groups in this respect in North America.

I think the above article pretty well explains where the "we believe", "a people", "our church" comes in.

by grace,
If individuals dress as " a people" it seems to be "we believe" "our church" and somehow it takes the personal relationship, and an individual's example and eliminates it from the equation making the most effective witness less effective. When I see the garb I often wonder about the individual's personal relationship with God.
I have seen how when the "we" becomes a "you", the poor dear soul has no one to support them, they fail to understand how Jesus relates to the individual, somehow unable to reach Him on their own without the community of "we".


My question is, can a person be coerced into serving God? Where does the living by the Holy Spirit play in here? I have never seen the word 'forced' used in the Bible to win someone to a life in Christ.


http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/C487ME.html

Mmm,GM,the way they word that (black kerchief tied under the chin) sounds sooo sexy! LOL

Actually, the kerchief tied under the chin is symbolic of the stranglehold a man has over a woman.

Notice the similarity to the Muslim burgha. The purpose behind this shapeless, totally engulfing garb is to prevent the woman from tempting a man to sin. For if a man is tempted to sin by seeing any part of a woman's body, the woman is at fault, not the man.

Hey, come to think of it, that's very convenient. Lust is not my fault.

>the woman is at fault, not the man.<

Just following protocol, or tradition, as in, Adam blamed Eve.

> Beliefs and accepted practices have been carefully defined with little room left for doubt as to what is "right" or "wrong." <

...just what was the fruit hanging from the wrong tree? KNOWLEDGE OF RIGHT AND WRONG.

Common missperception in the religious world. We didn' "fall" to drugs, sex, rock and roll. We "fell" to walking by doctrine, knowledge, etc.

2Co 10:4* (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)




The complete strong hold the H has over it's victims (the members) is held in the fact the the people refuse to allow God to be king, but instead elect the guy that God intended to be a servant, to be the king.

they reject the authority God gave them as individuals and through election by the grant that authority over to the "minister-wolves"


All lies and oppressions that occur in that hell hole flow from that rebellion instigated by the people.

1Sa 10:19* And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.