Women’s Role in Christianity & Biblical Modesty

We have a 2 part audio study which is foundational and so very important for the Christian women (and men) today! The 1st audio is immediately below and the scripture references follow. Part 2 is below the scripture notes. 

Part one of the audio study here GMFC Bible Study – Biblical Modesty & The Womans Role in Christianity 6-3-2017 PART 1.mp3

SCRIPTURE NOTES FOR PART 1 ABOVE:

For MEN & WOMEN (this includes the clothing we wear)

Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may PROVE what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly(cautious, sober, etc), not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Everythign we do must be righteous towards Jesus, including our clothing:
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

WOMENS ROLES & IMPORTANCE:

Women were the 1st to see Jesus after His resurrection!

Christianity was liberating to women in a biblical way:

Php 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Php 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
Php 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Phebe most likely delivered this letter to the Romans!

Rom 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Rom 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer(help, aid, overall valuable caretaker, etc) of many, and of myself also.
Rom 16:3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
Rom 16:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Rom 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Rom 16:6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Rom 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

God ordained man head of woman:

Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Gen 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Gen 2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
Gen 2:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.
Gen 2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
Gen 2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1Ti 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

Women are not inferior in God’s eyes, but they are helpers to men (ordained by God).

3Jn 1:1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
3Jn 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3Jn 1:3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
3Jn 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
3Jn 1:5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
3Jn 1:6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
3Jn 1:7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
3Jn 1:8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
3Jn 1:9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
3Jn 1:10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
3Jn 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
3Jn 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
3Jn 1:13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
3Jn 1:14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Mar 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.

God recognises and gives great value to helpers, aids…

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
Heb 6:11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Heb 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

A great chapter about Godliness and being under the true grace of God:

Tit 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Tit 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Tit 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
Tit 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Read 2nd Timothy Chapter 1 (a woman’s incredible influence over her children)

1Pe 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation(overall lifestyle/habit, etc) of the wives;
1Pe 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1Pe 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
1Pe 3:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
1Pe 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
1Pe 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
1Pe 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing(insult for insult): but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
1Pe 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1Pe 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1Pe 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1Pe 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.


Part one of the audio study here GMFC Bible Study – Biblical Modesty & The Womans Role in Christianity 6-10-2017 PART 2.mp3

SCRIPTURE NOTES FOR PART 2 AUDIO:

Paul gives this letter to Timothy as a member of Christ’s church being a leader. Modesty is for men also but the bible specifically addresses women to women as men are naturally more attracted to the outward appearance of women. Church leaders have the responsibility to discern what is modest, or not! Immodest women do NOT sit in Godly churches/fellowships.

1Ti 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1Ti 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1Ti 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
1Ti 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (jewlery that trys to communicate the pride of life, superiority, beauty in a vain way, etc)
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Harlots dress like:

Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
Rev 17:5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

How much worse is a woman showing her nakedness?

What parts should be covered?

“LLL”…. Loose, Layers, Lots!

Cleavage, yoga/tight pants, form fitting clothes, etc …NO!! If you can see a woman’s curves, it’s immodest.

JEZEBEL!!! The opposite of shamefaced & modest.

2Ki 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.

She is not content to be at home, a woman’s primary ministry.

1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies(gossiping), speaking things which they ought not.

Houses & cars that are too big and fancy are immodest! Pride of life.

The bible specifically condemns anything that is not excellent before God.

Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Php 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Php 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Women’s role in Church:

1Ti 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1Ti 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1Ti 2:13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (Ref Genesis Chapter 2)
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
1Ti 2:15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

Any church that has women in leadership needs to repent lest they end up in apostasy!

Women’s doctrinal studies should not be to divide and administer but to edify each other, and, they are to be under the authority of a man(pastor/husband).

1st Timothy Chapter 3 absolutely commands men to be elders in a church. A woman can’t be an elder. Women can’t expound on scripture in church, online, etc. A woman can testify/witness but never teach nor be an elder. The feminists can argue with themselves and God but the truth will set you free.

1Ti 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Ti 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
1Ti 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1Ti 3:4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
1Ti 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1Ti 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
1Ti 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
1Ti 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1Ti 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
1Ti 3:11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
1Ti 3:12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
1Ti 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
1Ti 3:14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1Co 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
1Co 14:35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Women can prophesy but not in the church or to the church as a whole or as an authority over men.

Act 21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
Act 21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Act 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Act 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

HEADCOVERING… Is it commanded for women to wear in the bible? An entire study on this very important subject, click here.

1Co 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
1Co 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1Co 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
1Co 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1Co 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
1Co 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
1Co 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
1Co 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
1Co 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
1Co 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
1Co 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1Co 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1Co 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
1Co 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

ALL SCRIPTURE…

2Ti 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.


Women evangelists?

“I believe that women who are shame-faced, modest, submissive, etc will not step out of their God-ordained role to evangelize; but if speaking to a man will be very chaste, discreet, modest, humble and shame-faced- not bold and rebuking like a man could be.  If they are speaking to women or children, they may be a bit more forceful and authoritative; unless they are speaking to one older than they, then it needs to be in the manner of an appeal.  I believe in the body of Christ and in the home, women should indeed teach the younger women and children.  When a woman is acting within her rank and understands the demeanor of a godly woman, then she will usually be proper in her deportment.

We all must reprove, rebuke, and exhort within the boundaries of our rank and in light of the fact that our Master is looking on.’ -Mark Bullen

The following are excerpts from:

Living Faith Christian Fellowship’s Doctrinal Study Guide To: Apostolic Faith & Biblical Christian Living

BEING IN YOUR PROPER PLACE UNDER AUTHORITY
Ladies, you need to take heed here. You have not been given the position of studying, preaching, and leading the
Church of Jesus Christ doctrinally. Ladies are more easily deceived, and tend to build their beliefs on emotional
feeling, not logical evidence. God put women under men in this respect, and calls only men to lead the Church
doctrinally. Let us look at the Word of God on this topic.

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to
be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home:
for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” I Cor. 14:34-35

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the
man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam as not deceived, but the woman
being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” I Tim. 2: 11-15

Many heretical movements today stem from a dominant woman, or group of women. Dominant wives cause the
home to derail in doctrine. Dominant wives produce sons with false doctrine. Many times when I meet families that
are doctrinally in error, I also find a wife with a strong opinion. In fact, I can’t think of one family that is doctrinally
off, which has a submissive wife in her place. She is either fighting for her fashion, which keeps her husband away
from Godly influences; fighting for her opinion, which tells her husband there will be strife if he begins to entertain
possible other ideas; or she is wanting to take the lead, which causes him to hold opinions based on the desire to be
independent and “the head”, rather than holding opinions because he has been free to think it through without
fighting for his position.

When seeking the truth, there will be times of great uncertainty — shifting from one position to the next until all
evidence has been tested and thoroughly examined. If a man doesn’t have a patient and quiet wife, who will wait on
him to thoroughly check it all out; then he will be forced to just settle for a position to end the uncertainty, and get
his wife off his back. He may even take the “it doesn’t matter” or “who cares” attitude to avoid his wife saying, “Why
are you so wishy washy, I think such and such”.

Generally, a woman will not seek out all the evidence, but will jump to quick conclusions, which bring security and
are based on her emotional needs. This may be hard to hear, but it is true nonetheless. Granted, a humble sincere
woman will understand spiritual matters better than a proud, insincere man; but this is not what we are comparing.
We are talking about which one God has designed to lead, and which one God has designed to follow. What a
shame that sometimes the follower must suffer because of a foolish leader. I’ve seen many wives wanting to follow
truth, but hindered by a proud rebellious husband. MEN, God has given you responsibility and ability by His Grace
to lead your home to heaven – Don’t let your wife and children down! If you lead them to hell, you are leading
yourself to hell!

Women need to be in their God ordained place, or they are sure to be deceived, and cause deception in their
family. A woman in her place, with a godly meek and quiet spirit, willingness to be modest, and willing to follow her
husband in the Lord, will actually encourage her husband greatly to seek the truth and patiently find it; knowing
that she will be there when he gets done with the journey, and will appreciate and love his efforts, not fight against
him. Nothing is more blessed than a godly submissive wife. Of course, this will only work with a godly, humble
husband. Christian wives with unbelieving or apostate husbands will sometimes have to “let the unbeliever depart”
(I Cor. 7) in order to follow Christ. In this case, the church presbytery is to act as her guide and authority.

With that said, Men, YOU must be under proper authority to be right with God also. You cannot be a Lone Ranger
who can never submit to a church body or brotherhood; yet hope to find truth and please God. God’s program is
the CHURCH program. If you wish to be in God’s program, you must be a part of a local Biblical body where there
is ACCOUNTABILITY. This is God’s way to save your soul. You need it, and you need to LOVE all God’s ways to be
saved. Your wife will usually be glad to follow you when she sees you humbly following God’s program and willing
to be under accountability yourself. She feels safe submitting to a man who is submitting to God’s order.

Much of understanding doctrine is a “heart” matter, and has much to do with you “knowing God”. However, there
are many sincere people who seek God for years, and yet are ignorant on some important points because they have
never been confronted by someone who is right on the subject. I know, I’ve been there. You can learn much in a
short time by seeking conversation with other believers who are obedient to Scripture, and may be farther than you
— This is the way God planned it. The Holy Spirit could have done the Apostle’s job in Acts, but He works through
human agency. Don’t think you can bypass this avenue, and find “all truth” by just staying home and praying. When
someone brings something new to your attention, you need to search the Scriptures like a good “Berean” to see if
“these things are so”. You need the body of Christ to perfect you. Jesus set up human church government by His
wisdom and love for us. We need to honor Christ’s design of human church government – provided it is being done
according to the Word of God.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the
perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in
the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-13

VISITING A FIRST CENTURY CHURCH
It is the first day of the week, which is Sunday. To the believers, this is the “Lord’s Day”. It is the day Jesus rose from
the dead; the day He repeatedly met with them when He appeared to them at different times before His ascension;
the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost; and the day the disciples met to break bread, and take up
the collection. Sunday is the day they assembled together to break bread in remembrance of the Lord’s death until
He returned.

Paul had gone to the Jewish Synagogue and preached to the Jews as was his custom when visiting any Gentile city
where there was a Jewish Synagogue. Those who believed were eventually separated into a body of believers that
included Jew and Gentile. These believers met on the first day of the week, rather than the Jewish Sabbath, which
was Saturday. This wasn’t easy, as normal business went on, and many may have been expected to work, or maybe
needed to work; but this day was special, and was given to the Lord.

This day they were to meet at a brother’s house. In the beginning they did not have meeting houses, nor would they
have been allowed to have them. As we see them gathering to this brother’s house, we see the women dressed plain
and simple: no jewelry, costly array, makeup, or fashionable attire. We see their heads veiled with hanging scarfs:
no cut, permed, fixed hair. This was not so unusual, as no self respecting women in those days were ever caught
without their heads veiled in public–only the loose women did that. These Christian women covered their heads for
a spiritual, not just a cultural reason. All the churches of God held the custom that women cover their heads as a
part of feminine modesty, which symbolized being in their God given place under authority. It would be a shame for
a Christian woman to do spiritual business immodestly without the proper symbol of her place under authority.

The Christian women were not coming to church to show off their new dress, talk about their career, or learn the
latest gossip. Instead, they dressed simple, modest, and plain. They were keepers at home, where they worked hard
to teach and train their children — not send them to heathen schools. They kept silent in the church assembly
(except for singing), and if they had a question, they asked their husbands at home — for he was a spiritual leader,
who studied and knew the Bible, not a couch potato watching the TV; or workaholic who had no time for God.

As we enter the house we don’t see “Home Interiors” from wall to wall, but simple, practical furnishings. We see
Christian brothers greet one another with a holy kiss of charity, and extend the right hand of fellowship to one
another. The sisters likewise greet one another in the Lord. They have not come together to be entertained by
music or a funny speaker; for they would have been appalled at the thought of “Christian entertainment” in or out of
God’s assembly. There is no room in a holy God fearing life for the vanities of this world.

Singing (the fruit of our lips) was a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to God; and also for admonishing one
another; but never for the glory of the flesh, or the entertainment of men. They didn’t come to get an emotional
massage; for vain mirth was also unknown to their meetings. This was a special and sacred time to remember Christ
as he had asked them to; and exhort one another to continue in the faith, and endure to the end with the glorious
expectation of inheriting Christ’s Kingdom.

They have come together on the first day of the week to break bread (the Lord’s supper), as they did every week.
During this sacred and glorious time, they would worship the Lord in psalm, hymn, and spiritual song. All the
brothers would be welcome to take part, according to their spiritual gift, in giving a word of doctrine, sharing an
exhortation, or suggesting a hymn. All things were done decently and in order, but not in dead formalism with one
man running the whole show.

If any spake another language, they were to keep silent unless there was someone who could speak both their
language and that of the assembly, and thus interpret. In this case the visitor of another language could share a
word also.

The bishop was to oversee and exhort the people. It was his responsibility to see that things were in line with the
Word of God, and that the sheep were fed. If you were there, you would rejoice to behold their order and
steadfastness in the faith of Christ. You would never hear someone talk about the “preacher’s kid” being the brat of
the church; for a man couldn’t be a bishop, without having his wife and children in order first. A bishop and deacon
had to meet all the requirements of Scripture, not just have a degree from some college or give a smooth,
entertaining, sermon.

This Sunday there was a special joy in the meeting. No, there was no visiting quartet or special singer. This would
have been thought abominable to these believers. You would never see a woman up in front of the church dressed
up and fixed up showing off her voice, and distracting from the pure worship of Jesus Christ — it was only the work
of antichrists to set themselves up in God’s house to be worshipped instead of worshipping God.
No, this week there was no carnival type campaign to draw carnal men by means of the lust of the flesh. Only false
prophets allured through wantonness and the lust of the flesh — so Peter had told them.

No, this was not super-bowl Sunday, where everyone wondered if their team would win. The games in the stadiums
were for heathen idolaters, not followers of Jesus Christ.

This week, the beloved Brother Paul was passing through town, and would preach to them today. He would not
have any funny stories, fancy illustrations, or great swelling words of man’s wisdom. He had purposed to preach
nothing but Christ crucified. For he knew the preaching of the cross is the only thing that really matters. Now, the
preaching of the cross, wasn’t just the one Jesus died on; but the one we all must die on, if we are to follow Jesus.
We must be crucified with Christ; crucified to the world, flesh, and Devil; and given wholly over to God. Paul’s
speech was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

Paul preached and warned us all with tears that we should not cast off our confidence in Christ Jesus, which hath
great recompense of reward; that we should guard against those who wish to change the whole counsel of God,
which he had presented; and that we should exhort one another to continue in God’s grace. He pressed us earnestly
that through trial, and problems with false teachers we must endure in our love for Christ (lest it wax cold), and in
our love for each other (lest we be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin). He warned us of the Gnostic heretics
who deny Jesus having come in the flesh, and were turning the grace of God into lasciviousness – in teaching our
physical performance didn’t affect our spiritual condition. These Gnostics taught unconditional eternal security,
man’s unconditional fate (predestination), and that Jesus’ Father wasn’t the God of Abraham. They taught that man
was so depraved, they couldn’t repent; but Paul affirmed that what God had commanded, we were able to do by his
grace. It was our choice, and we would be held accountable for it.

Finally, he stressed the exhortation that we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, we
would receive the promise of eternal life in Christ’s Heavenly Kingdom. He affirmed the words of Peter that the way
to be secure was not to believe in unconditional eternal security; but to commit the keeping of our souls to God in
well doing — to abide faithful in Christ.

After this they prayed in one accord. The men praying in all earnest uplifting holy hands, and all rejoicing for the
word of exhortation. Then they talked a great while, and finally had to part to their own homes after breaking bread
together.

If Paul hadn’t been there, one or more of the other brothers would have preached to the people, as the Spirit led.
At the departing, it was obvious the love these people had one to another. You could tell they were grieved to part
one from another. Each gave the other a final exhortation of many different sorts: One told his brother to “be not
forgetful to entertain strangers, because thereby some had entertained angels unawares”. Another told his brother
to remember to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, for without this man’s religion was not pure and
undefiled before God. Another asked his brother to pray for him that a door of utterance would be opened unto
him so he could preach Christ to those around him. Another confessed some faults to the brothers to pray with him
to be healed. This went on until they had all parted and gone home with hearts rejoicing and yet serious with the
great responsibility to be sober and diligent to seek the Lord and be ready for Jesus to come. They also knew that
before Jesus would come, there was going to be a great apostasy from the faith, and an antichrist system set up –
which happened in the Roman Catholic system. The believers carried a heavy responsibility to defend the true faith
against all the heretics of the day.

God forbid that Jesus should come and find them asleep, and then they would forfeit their opportunity to enter in
with him to the wedding; or that they should recant in time of persecution and torture — for all this they needed to
be sober and ready.

One brother, during the meeting, had shared some persecution he had been receiving; and was lovingly reminded
he must return good for evil, and love his enemies. To this he admitted he needed prayer to stay faithful.
In this meeting there was no music, but the fruit of the lips of God’s people. The early church followed the format of
the meetings of the synagogue, where there was singing, no instrumental music, and much reading and study.
There was no regard for any credentials of man from any Bible College; for there were none. The reliance was on a
man’s spiritual walk and gifts, not his supposed head knowledge. The only knowledge that was honored, was the
true knowledge which produces the fruit of righteousness and holiness in the life of the believer.

I mentioned before that the women kept silent in the service. However, outside the church meeting, the mature
Christian ladies taught the younger to love their husbands, and love their children. This was not done in word only,
but also in deed as they daily set this example before them. You would never find a woman teaching in the
assembly, serving as elder, leading singing, singing specials, or asking questions during the meeting. She could ask
her husband, who could later ask the brethren. None of the brethren held “degrees” or were elevated above
another in being called “doctor”, “master”, “rabbi”, or the like. They were all brothers filling their proper roles in the
body, and Jesus was the only “head” and “Master”. When everyone is content to fill their role, and all know how to
keep rank, then there is harmony and productivity in the body.

During the meeting, every brother gave forth the offering he had laid by him in store that week as the Lord had
prospered him. This was used to take care of the widows within the church which had no younger family to do it; to
support missionary work; to help the poor brethren at home or in other churches; and to help support the bishop, so
he could give himself continually to ministry work and prayer, like the apostles. Many bishops followed Paul’s
example, and helped support themselves, because their church was small, or the people were struggling just to
make it themselves. There was not a “clergy”- “laity” distinction, as all the brethren were “disciples”; but there was a
Bishop (what we would call a pastor) and deacons (what some might call associate pastors) who were godly elders
that oversaw the proceedings. They did this more from the power of influence, than of the authority of position –
though they did have authority when standing on a biblical principle to make decisions for the body.

Yes, this is a simple picture of the order of the early church. On the Lord’s Day, you would not find them at the
market buying or trading, plowing their fields, or doing business. No, they didn’t observe it as a Jewish Sabbath; but
as the Lord’s Day, doing his work. You surely wouldn’t find the Pastor and “special speaker” going to the local steak
house after church. This would have been a disgrace and a shame. The people had crucified their affections and
lusts, and were not fashioning themselves according to the former lusts in their ignorance. It is wrong to support a
business that keeps people from being able to observe the Lord’s Day in order to feed you. Their money was Jesus’
money, and they didn’t spend it frivolously — too many brothers and sisters were in need; and too much of God’s
work needed to be done to spend their money vainly and frivolously in feasting like the heathen. Often some
would even fast so they could afford to help a brother in need.

They were holy, separated people, but not “stuck up”. They welcomed the poor man in his rags. They preached to
the publican and harlots, as Jesus and the Apostles had taught them, and were always ready to help the repentant.
James had told them to never treat a rich man who came to their meeting better than a poor man in rags. Nor did
they come to church to show off their riches and fashion. They lived simple and plain in protest to the worldly
minded fashion and money hungry society around them.

They labored under adverse conditions, and history shows their success and heroic existence. They were truly hated
of all nations, because they testified, like Jesus, that men’s deeds were evil, and must be repented of. Many of them
died and sealed their preaching with their own blood, just as the Apostles who taught them, and Jesus, their Lord.
Their holy lives were a continual prick to consciences around them. This provoked persecution and mocking. They
were calling men to reconcile with God on God’s terms; and this often ignites hatred and resistance from the
rebellious.

END VS. MEANS
Repentance is a change of the ultimate preference of the mind or will of man. It is a change in the “END”, and not
merely the “MEANS” in the ultimate preference of the will. A selfish person may adopt religion as a means of
securing social status or pursuing the same “end” as he pursued before conversion — self security, acceptance,
praise of man, etc. Usually it is not hard to see this in a person if you are around them much, or speak with them
about the Lord and their sins. There is a definite difference between the person who has surrendered his will to
God’s, and is seeking God and serving God for God’s glory; and those who see God as a rabbit’s foot — a means to
secure their own pleasure, prosperity, or security. This is where the Pharisees were, and many “Christians” today are.
They have yet to experience true conversion. They are still seeking their own pleasure, and haven’t forsaken their
wicked ways. You can discover this by asking the question: Do they adjust their lifestyle to fulfill God’s pleasure and
will? Are they denying self and bearing the cross of obedience to Christ? Or, are they doing what they do because it
satisfies the flesh? Does a woman dress fashionable, immodest, and worldly for God’s pleasure? Does a man smoke,
drink, chew, watch TV, look at ungodly books, or listen to worldly music for God’s glory? What is the ultimate
preference of the will? Yet their churches are full of these people who have been told they are not only saved, but
secure for Heaven!

The churches are full of people who do as they please all week laying up treasure on earth or spending it without
any regard to God’s will, pleasure or Word. Many times they live just good enough to be accepted in their social
arena, and receive the praise of men; but it never takes them to the realms outside the gate bearing the reproach of
Christ — doing God’s will that brings the scorn of men.

“Beware when all men speak well of you”.

These people live in the experience of Romans 7:14-25 or even worse in 6:1 — “living in sin that Grace might
abound;” but have never experienced Romans 8. They are in bondage to the flesh, and fulfill the desires of the flesh,
though they are convicted by the law, and claim to be full of desire to do better. You do what you want to do. You
may say you desire to do better, but what you do is what your ultimate preference is at the moment. The Gospel
promises victory to those who really want it. That is what the new birth is all about. I understand that Christians
have struggles; but it is because they have repented, not because they know they need to! It is struggling to obey,
not struggling to justify their own way! It is struggling upward to victory, not wallowing in the mire!

BUT BE YE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOUR OWN SELVES. JAMES 1:22

This self deceit is where the people in Matthew 7:21-27 come in, as well as Judas, and the disciples in John 6:64-66.
This is why when great multitudes were following Jesus, he would turn and say, as in Luke 14:25-35, and to the rich
young ruler; that they must die to self before they could become one of his followers. There must be a death to “self
fulfillment”, before there can be the birth of “Thy will be done” in our lives. The false repentance doctrine is the tail
on the “easy believe”, dead faith dog.

WE ARE NOT OUR OWN
When accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord, we must understand we become stewards of our lives and possessions for
God’s purposes, not owners.

What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are
not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are
God’s. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man
defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. I Cor.
6:19 & 3:16,17

It seems obvious from the context that these Corinthians were young in the faith, but still should have already
known this — They were told this at conversion. Jesus came preaching repentance to a world of men who had taken
personal ownership of their lives contrary to God’s will, and were living as “gods” for their own glory and pleasure;
just as Satan told Eve in the garden.

ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW

This is the very reason the Bible can say, “If any man be is Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold all things are become new. And all things are of God” (2 Cor. 5:17). Right from the start!! We are the ones
who yield our members to do right or wrong: and which ever we do, determines our destination.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin
unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

This was written to believers, as sinners are already dead in sin. Notice how Romans 6:17,18 paint a perfect picture
of repentance at conversion.

…ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

What form of doctrine was this? Not “Easy Believism”, Antinomianism, Calvinism, or this false repentance heresy!

KATASTOLE
If one, out of desire to live by Bible principles and to be a faithful leader, digs a little deeper; they will realize that
we are not to use “our point of reference” to determine what is modest. They will then ask the question: “What was
considered modest apparel in the first century? What principles can we find to apply to our century? Would we be
considered modest if we were suddenly placed in the Antioch church in 50 AD? They will then find that the term
used by Paul in I Timothy, seems to have a “historical setting” in a “style” of dress according the Adam Clarke. Paul
said to dress in modest apparel — KOSMIOS KATASTOLE. The word Katastole evidently refers to parts of the Roman
and Grecian dress. If this be Paul’s meaning or not, we still can learn through this a style of dress worn in those days
and considered modest. What can we learn from it?

The Katastole seems to have been a “vest” type cover over the Stola or dress. The sincere, God fearing people of the
day knew what was considered modest. Here is the testimony of Adam Clarke, in his commentary:
“The apostle seems to refer here to different parts of the Grecian and Roman dress. The stola seems to have been
originally very simple. It was a long piece of cloth, doubled in the middle, and sewed up on both sides, leaving room
only for the arms; at the top, a piece was cut out, or a slit was made, through which the head passed. It hung down
to the feet, both before and behind, and was girded with the zona round the body, just under the breasts. It was
sometimes made with, sometimes without, sleeves; and, that it might sit the better, it was gathered on each
shoulder with a band or buckle.

The katastole seems to have been the same as the pallium or mantle, which, being made nearly in the form of the
stola, hung down to the waist, both in back and front, was gathered on the shoulder with a band or buckle, had a
hole or slit at top for the head to pass through, and hung loosely over the stola, without being confined by the zona
or girdle. Representations of these dresses may be seen in Len’s Costume des Peuples de l’Antiquit’e, fig. 11,12,13,
and 16. A more modest and becoming dress than the Grecian was never invented; it was, in a great measure,
revived in England about the year 1805, and in it, simplicity, decency, and elegance were united; but it soon gave
place to another mode, in which frippery and nonsense once more prevailed. It was too rational to last long; and
too much like religious simplicity to be suffered in a land of shadows, and a world of painted outsides.”
So, if we really want to understand what the apostles had in mind and what they probably considered modest, we
can look at the “historical setting” of this command; or, if we don’t, we can also follow the “frippery and nonsense”
of our age like most.

The Anabaptist peoples, and many other godly groups have followed the “Katastole principle” in their dress for the
ladies by using a “cape-dress”, “dress and vest”, or some other way of producing the simple, modest, “double
covering” of the Katastole. The advantages of this dress are obvious: A loose, long, full dress, with a second cover to
the waist that wasn’t drawn in at the waist. This avoids the “drawn in waist” that immodestly accentuates other
parts of the body. Such practicality and modesty, why wouldn’t every Christian woman want to follow this godly
example? Why?

So, is it right for a bishop, in “teaching them to observe”, to lead his church to dress in a modest, Katastole-type
dress without jewelry, lace, bright colors, fancy prints, and such? Of course it is. Where is the backing for NOT
leading your church to do so? Are you teaching your people to “observe all things”? Are you striving for excellence
or convenience? It is also right for the bishop to counsel in “home decor”, types of vehicles, etc. to “teach people to
observe” modesty and simplicity for the testimony of the church and to avoid the snare of the Devil.
I Cor. 6:19,20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of
God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your
spirit, which are God’s.

2 Cor. 6:16-7:1 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing;
and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the
flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

TESTIMONY OF GODLY MEN
Charles Finney, One of America’s greatest evangelists (1792-1875).
The question now regards fashion, in dress, equipage, and so on. And here I will confess that I was formerly myself
in error. I believed, and taught, that the best way for Christians to pursue, was to dress so as not to be noticed, to
follow the fashions and changes so as not to appear singular, and that nobody would be led to think of their being
different from others in these particulars. But I have seen my error, and now wonder greatly at my former blindness.
It is your duty to dress so plain as to show to the world, that you place no sort of reliance in the things of fashion, and
set no value at all on them, but despise and neglect them altogether. But unless you are singular, unless you
separate yourselves from the fashions of the world, you show that you do value them. There is no way in which you
can bear proper testimony by your lives against the fashions of the world, but by dressing plain. “Lectures to
Professing Christians,” Pg. 146

John Wesley, Founder of the Methodist Church (1703-1791)
I am distressed. I know not what to do. I see what I might have done once. I might have said peremptorily and
expressly, “Here I am; I and my Bible. I will not, I dare not vary from this Book either in great things or small. I have
no power to dispense with one jot or tittle of what is contained therein. I am determined to be a Bible Christian, not
almost, but altogether. Who will meet me on this ground? Join me on this, or not at all.” With regard to dress in
particular, I might have been as firm (and I now see it would have been better), as either the people called Quakers,
or the Moravian brethren. I might have said, “This is our manner of dress which we know is both Scriptural and
rational. If you join with us, you are to dress as we do; but you need not join us unless you please.” But, alas. The
time is now past; and what I can do now, I cannot tell. Wesley’s Sermons Vol. II, Pg. 439. Dublin, July 2, 1789.

“Shall I be more particular still? Then, I ‘exhort all those who desire me to watch over their souls,’ Wear no gold….no
pearls, or precious stones; use no curling of the hair, or costly apparel, how grave soever… Buy no velvets, no silks,
no fine linen, no superfluities, no mere ornaments, though ever so much in fashion. Wear nothing, though you have
it already,…which is in any kind gay, glittering, or showy; nothing made in the very height of the fashion, nothing apt
to attract the eyes of the by-standers. I do not advise women to wear rings, ear-rings, necklaces, lace (of whatever
kind or colour), or ruffles…. It is true, these are little, very little things, which are not worth defending; therefore,
give them up, let them drop, throw them away without another word; else, a little needle may cause much pain in
your flesh, a little self-indulgence much hurt to your soul.”

The Words of John Wesley, Vol. XI London: Weslayan-Methodist Book-room.
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) America’s first foreign missionary: to Burma:
In a letter to the Christian women of America, he illustrates how he dealt with a new convert from among the
heathen:

After the usual examination, I inquired whether she would give up her ornaments for Christ. It was an unexpected
blow. I explained the spirit of the Gospel. I appealed to her consciousness of vanity. I read to her the apostle’s
prohibition. She looked again and again at her handsome necklace — she wore but one — and then with an air of
modest decision… she quietly took it off, saying, ‘I love my Christ more than this’. The news began to spread. The
Christian women made but little hesitation.

Judson now makes an appeal to American women:
Let me appeal to your conscience, and inquire, What is the real motive for wearing ornamental and costly apparel?
Is it not the desire of setting off one’s person to the best advantage, and of exciting the admiration of others? Is not
such dress calculated to gratify self-love, and cherished sentiments of vanity and pride?…Do such motives and
sentiments compare with the meek, humble, and self-denying religion of Jesus Christ? I would…suggest, that these
questions will not be answered so faithfully, in the midst of company, as when quite alone, kneeling before God.
Surely you can hold out no longer. You cannot rise from your knees in your present attire. Thanks be to God, I see
you taking off your necklaces and ear-rings, tearing away your ribbons, and ruffles, and superfluities of headdress…”
Herald of Truth, Elkhart, In, V. 10 (October, 1868), 146-148, quoted in J,C. Wenger, op. cit., pp. 145-151.
Menno Simons, Anabaptist leader (1496-1561): (writing about the state church)

Dear reader, take notice that all the proud, haughty, avaricious, carnal, and adulterous persons who call themselves
Christians, but are not such (for they testify by their disposition, heart, mind, and life that they hate Christ),….They
say that they believe, and yet, alas, there are no limits nor bounds to their accursed haughtiness, foolish pride and
pomp; they parade in silks, velvets, costly clothes, gold rings, chains, silver belts, pins, and buttons, curiously
adorned shirts, shawls, collars, veils, aprons, velvet shoes, slippers, and such like foolish finery. They never regard
that the exalted apostles Peter and Paul have in plain and express words forbidden this all to Christian women. And
if forbidden to women, how much more to men who are the leaders and heads of their wives. Notwithstanding all
this they still want to be called the Christian Church. The Complete Writings of Menno Simons, pg. 377

Well, I think we know the difference between the slick tongued preachers of today, and the God fearing men of
yesterday.. Believe me I could add many quotes from church writings of the first 3 centuries.
Today, if you try to build a church that observes “all things whatsoever” Jesus commanded, you are a freak and a
cultist. The problem is ignorant and rebellious people who run from the light, because they love their darkness.
Compare the lives of these men I have quoted with the life of your smooth talking, compromising preacher.

DEFRAUDING — FORNICATION
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you
should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as
the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because
that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called
us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.” I Thess. 4:3-7

Notice how the apostle equates “going beyond” the bounds of modesty and “defrauding” his brother (or sister); with
“fornication”. If you dress for sex appeal, or ignorantly dress in a way that tempts others to think unlawful thoughts,
then you are guilty of defrauding. The form-fitting dress; the materials that lay against the form; shear materials;
gaping between buttons; low necklines; slit skirts; short skirts; sleeveless; patterns that accentuate body shape; tight
fitting clothes; and any other slick trick of Satan to draw people into sin. This goes for men also. Tight form fitting
jeans, unbuttoned shirts, tank tops, shorts, T-shirts, thin or shear shirts, etc. are defrauding to the sisters.
You can defraud brothers and sisters by looks, winks, flirting, flattery, lack of sobriety, and not conducting yourself
with holiness.

“Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; the elder women as mothers;
the younger as sisters, with all purity.” I Tim. 5:1

Living in holiness with God’s people is a challenge for all of us; but the problem is not the difficulty of the way; it is
those who would rather come to church to be worshipped than to worship. The problem is secret desires that stem
from our wicked fleshly nature. We should strive to build up the church, not tear it down by seeking self-glory and
carnal preferences. There must be modesty in the home, work, and church — everywhere we are and go, we should
properly represent Christ. Immodesty in the home among family members is still ungodly and dangerous. Having
immodest pictures, magazines, art, photos, or such like in our home is defrauding to those who find it or see it. God
has called us to holiness, and holiness is modest. IT IS RIGHT FOR CHURCH LEADERS TO SET GODLY STANDARDS
OF MODESTY FOR THEIR PEOPLE IN ORDER TO “TEACH THEM TO OBSERVE” MODESTY.

I have made this section a major portion of this tract – why? Why, when so many others make this of very little value,
and allow people to dress as they please? I grew up in a church where people dressed as they pleased, and have
witnessed the fruits of such ways. I have compared what I saw with what the Bible says. I have seen how mankind’s
major judgments stemmed from apostasy due to immodesty and sensuality. Look at the flood of Noah: What
caused it? Look at Sodom and Gomorrah: What caused it? Why did 23,000 people die in Israel (I Cor. 10:8)? What
caused David to fall? Sampson? What was one of the main things David warned Solomon of as we see in Proverbs?
What made Solomon fall? Must I go on? You can have right doctrine, good form, nice buildings, and a great
heritage, but immodesty in dress and life can still draw your people into Hell right under your nose.

Many times it is wiser to set some simple standards, rather than put the pastor in a bad position of having to police
the dress. Printed materials are hard to regulate, and it is unwise for a pastor to have to approach a lady or her
husband to let them know their print is too wild after the woman has already made the dress. So, to set a standard
which allows only plain solids or just certain types of prints is wise. Give your leaders some slack, and don’t buck and
rare over the standards set. If you want to do as you please, there are many apostate churches who will let you. If
you want to do as you please, just don’t complain when everyone else does too.

Teaching Them To Observe… HEAD COVERING
If you are just turning to this chapter, without reading all the teaching in the doctrinal series, to try and criticize and
justify your disobedience to Scripture; “Do you really want truth?” Our Web-page “The truth about the head
covering” goes into more depth than this article does.

You need to understand that we are to be practicing the same faith as the first century apostolic churches had. This
is vital. All the commentaries that I have read, which deal with the historical setting of I Corinthians 11, all admit
that the practice of the first century churches was that of the women wearing a head veil. So, before we begin to
discuss the subject, let me ask you: Do you believe that we are to contend for the “faith once delivered to the
saints”? Do you believe that what “all the churches of God” did in the first century, we are to be doing in the 20th
century and the 21st?

There are many good books and studies on this subject, and my purpose is not to exhaust the resources, as there are
many. “Let Her Be Veiled” (Tom Shank); “Demons In The Church” (Skolfield); Symbols of Divine Order in the Church
(Shelter & Shank); The Head Covering (Timothy Nelson); “The Veiling Of The Virgins” (Tertullian); and many others
are available if you want to study the subject further.
I’ve never met a humble seeker of truth who tried to refute or avoid this issue.

HISTORICAL SETTING
In the first century, for women to be seen in public without a head veil was considered immodest. A Jewish man was
allowed to divorce a woman who went abroad without a veil. The veil was not just a “prayer veil” or “symbol of
authority”, etc.; but it was proper feminine modest apparel. The apostle Paul sets forth, not just the cultural
practice, but also the Christian practice in I Cor. 11:1-16. Each church Paul established in the Roman empire had its
core members as Jewish converts from the local synagogue or Jewish community. We know what the Jews believed
about head covering, and it seems Paul’s inspired writing is in agreement.
The Pulpit Commentary says for a woman to be in a public assembly with her head unveiled was “against the
national custom of all ancient communities, and might lead to the gravest misconceptions. As a rule modest
women covered their heads with the peplum or with a veil when they worshipped or were in public.”
Historians all agree with the following quote from Adam Clarke, “It was a custom, both among Greeks and Romans,
and among the Jews an express law, that no woman should be seen abroad without a veil. This was, and is, a
common custom through all the east, and none but public prostitutes go without veils.”

Verse by Verse Through 1Cor. 11

VS. 1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Does this apply to us? It sure does. Are you willing to follow a Holy Spirit inspired apostle?
VS. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to
you.

Are you remembering Paul in all things? The context is speaking of church ordinances. What is an ordinance?
What is a city ordinance? It is law. This is part of the Law of Christ. It is part of the traditions spoken of in II
Thess. 2:15 and 3:6 — The Greek word translated ordinance in I Cor. 11:2 is the same Greek word translated
traditions in II Thess. 2:15 & 3:6. You don’t have liberty to disobey God’s Word. Christian liberty is not liberty
to disobey the Word of God.

John said that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about what Jesus said and did —
now, since God hand picked what we have in our small New Testament; you can be sure it is all important.
Every tradition of the apostles that God wanted us to know about is in the Word. If God saw fit to put it in the
New Testament, then it is important enough for us to obey. In the first century, you ladies would be wearing
head veils in submission to the teachings of the apostles, or you would be excommunicated — and lose your
hope of Heaven.

VSS. 3,4 But I would have you to know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man;
and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.

Preachers who disregard the head veil ordinance for the women in their church always take their hat off to
pray, and would never wear one in the pulpit — but never ask themselves why.

VS. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head:

EVERY WOMAN is what it says. That is pretty clear to understand, if you want to obey Jesus.

Prayeth or prophesieth is a simple summation of “spiritual business”. We are either talking to God, or talking
to men for God. This in no way implies women leading in the church. Do we accuse Paul of senility? Or worse
yet, the Holy Spirit?

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are
commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their
husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” I Cor. 14:34,35 — see context in vss.
26-33.

“Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp the
authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not
deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” I Tim. 2:11-14

The prohibition is not against women singing, with the men, songs chosen for the church by the men; but
against “leading” in prayer, teaching, singing in front of the church — which is ministering in song (she doesn’t
qualify for a minister); or even asking questions in the assembly, because that can be used to argue, or lead
the discussion. God said it, and you ladies will be best off to follow. Is your pastor “teaching you to observe
this”?

VS. 5b ..for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

Do men take off their hair when they pray? No. Is short, or cut hair “even all one as if she were shaven?”
No. Paul says for a woman to pray with an “uncovered” head is even all one as if she were shaven. This
cannot be said if the “uncovered head” was just the absence of “long hair”; because short or cut hair is not
“even all one as if she were shaven” It simply is not so.

This cannot be said if the “uncovered head” was an actual shaven head, because it would also not be “even
all one as if” she were shaven–she would be shaven. This cannot be said of just having long hair up in a
“bun” and then letting it down — that is definitely not “even all one as if she were shaven”. This can only be
said if she took off her veil; and the shame of taking off her material veil (all at once) was equal to the
shame of losing her natural veil (long hair) all at once. In this situation only can it be rightly said, “But every
woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for THAT is even all
one AS IF she were shaven”.

Men took of their hat or turban, etc. and women were not to remove their veil. Paul is making a parallel
between the natural covering (hair) and the material covering (veil). To remove the material covering (all at
once); is compared to removing the natural covering all at once — shaven. He is about to show that the
common knowledge of shame associated with the shaven woman, is to be also for the uncovered woman as
well. It is the same shame.

VS. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven,
let her be covered.

“For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn:” Now, pay attention: If the covering is nothing but
long hair, then Paul would not say, “let her also be shorn” — for she would already be shorn. What he is
saying is this: “If the woman is going to be unveiled, let her also be shorn” — there, that makes sense, doesn’t
it? Paul says that if you are going to be so immodest and bold as to take off the material veil, then you might
as well cut off your hair also, like one of the pagan temple prostitutes at Corinth. Both, the cutting of the
hair short, and the removing of the veil is usurping the man’s position – feminists have now done both!

This speaks of wearing the head covering all the time, not just in church. The women of the east who are
not even Christians still wear the veil in public, if they are decent women. It is a shame to shear off your
hair, and you should feel the same way about being without your material head covering. This is a covering
with spiritual significance, that covers the hair (the woman’s glory) for modesty, and humility, in the
presence of God, the angels, and man. See. Is. 47:1-3 to understand the Old Testament shame of
uncovering the locks of the head. The long hair was to be covered.

VS. 7-12 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the
woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man
created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head
because of the angels. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in
the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

Where is the argument for following local custom? It is not here. Paul’s reasons for this CHURCH
ORDINANCE are all SPIRITUAL. 1. Man’s relation to woman. 2. Order of creation. 3. Man and woman’s
relation to God. 4. Women’s relation to the angels.

Jewish tradition has it that Angels are present at worship services and will flee from an unveiled woman,
because she is promoting rebellion. A woman ought to be covered whenever she is in public, especially
when being a light to the world, teaching her children, praying with the neighbor, witnessing at the market,
etc. It is rebellious to do spiritual business when you are rejecting God’s spiritual order and design. Does
this attract evil angels to you, and drive good ones away? It may. Paul seems to agree with the Jewish
tradition.

The idea here is that, as man is the glory and image of God, created for God’s pleasure; so woman is the
glory of man, created for man — for this cause the woman should have a symbol of authority (submission to
this order) on her head, because not to do so reveals rebellion to God’s order. This spiritual neon sign tells
the spirit world (angels) whose side you are on. When you are under your canopy of authority, you are
protected in ways you may never know. There is no hint of Paul just telling them to follow local custom.
VS. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?

Remember Paul is asking people who lived in the east about 2000 years ago, not an American. In that day
and age the obvious answer of anyone, other than some grievous wolf, was NO. It wasn’t even comely to be
seen in public with your head bare showing off your locks of hair to men other than your husband. When a
woman “lets her hair down” (letting it be seen down and flowing), she is understood to be laying aside her
modest discretion.

Adam Clarke says this: “…it was a custom, both among the Greeks and Romans, and among the Jews an
express law, that no woman should be seen abroad without a veil. This was, and is, a common custom
through all the east, and none but public prostitutes go without veils.”

If it was so uncomely to be seen in public without a veil; was it comely to be in public praying, prophesying,
and thus representing Christ without a veil? If you can’t think your theology back to the first century, then
you will never find truth.

VSS. 14-15 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a
woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.

What is the lesson of nature? Does it back up Paul’s teaching about the veil? Since he used it as a parallel
for his argument in verses 5 & 6, lets look at it. Yes, men cut off their natural veil, and don’t wear a material
veil. Yes, women wear the natural veil, and also should wear the material veil — Doth not even nature teach
you?

I find it shamefully humorous that so many argue that the hair is the covering, and then go around with
bobbed, chopped, and permed hair. They are just rebelling.

The Greek word for the spiritual veil is katakalupto: kata — down, kalupto — hide or cover. Something
hanging down the head, which hides and covers the head.

The Greek word for the hair being a covering in vs. 15 is peribolaion: peri — around, ballo — cast, throw,
thrust. The hair was usually worn “around” the head — thrust around; and is compared to putting a coat on
the body. The hair was a coat for the head — usually wrapped up around the head. This is the Greek word
used in Heb. 1:12 for “vesture”. So, even though some translations give “covering” for both words, yet even
the Greek testifies that the veil and the hair are two different coverings: One which hangs down, and one
which is wrapped around.

VS. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
“In spite of all I’ve taken my time to explain, if someone wants to argue about it, then forget all I’ve said
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, forget the angels, nature, order of creation, pleasing God, and the
authority of the church, and just forget it” — IS THIS WHAT PAUL IS SAYING? NO. GOD FORBID. Yet, some
false prophets actually teach this.

Here is what Paul is saying: If someone wants to argue, and say women don’t have to cover their heads as I
have just explained, then he must stand alone; because we apostles and all the churches of God have no such
custom of women going without their heads veiled.

Notice that Paul says all the churches of God had the same practice — how foolish it is, in light of this, to say, “it was
just a local custom”, or “it was just long hair”. We know what the churches practiced in the first century, and these
churches were scattered over the Roman Empire. You could find what any one of them practiced, and thereby know
what they all practiced. Are you one that “seems to be contentious”? There were some in Corinth, and let me share
what else Paul said about them:

I Cor. 14:37,38, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things
that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”

Is this how you want the Holy Spirit to think of you, because you are over impressed with your argumentive opinion?
YOU CAN’T ARGUE WITH HISTORY. Paul said that all the churches had the same custom about women wearing
head coverings –SO WHAT DID ALL THE CHURCHES OF GOD DO IN THE FIRST CENTURIES OF CHRISTIANITY?
NAY, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR THE LAST 2000 YEARS, EXCEPT THE APOSTATE DENOMINATIONS. The
burden of proof rests on the contentious person to prove that “all the churches of God” did not have their women
wear veils — I wouldn’t want that job. History is unanimously in agreement with this pamphlet.

Tertullian (c.160-230) “So, too, did the Corinthians themselves understand him. In fact, at this day, the Corinthians
do veil their virgins. What the apostles taught, their disciples approve.”

Tertullian was not in a controversy concerning whether or not women should veil, but how young. Some were not
veiling their young unmarried daughters in some local, and Tertullian is pointing them to Corinth as the example of
what Paul intended.

Did all the churches of God just wear the veil in church? No. Some will argue that since men can wear hats in public,
women can also take off their veil. The spiritual significance has to do with women while praying, prophesying, etc.;
but it must be also remembered that it isn’t immodest for a man to wear a hat in public — it is immodest for a
woman to be uncovered. It doesn’t affect the “angels” for a man to wear a hat in the cold, etc.; but it does for the
woman to be uncovered. Don’t argue that, “men can’t ever wear hats, if women should not be out without their
covering”. You are ignoring the historical usage and practice of those who knew exactly what the apostle meant.
Is this for us today? If you want to be the bride of Jesus, “teaching them to observe all things”, and following Jesus
through Paul with “all the churches of God” — it is.

“The region of the veil is co-extensive with the space covered by the hair when unbound…. Arabia’s pagan females
will be your judges. For they cover not only the head, but the face also.” Tertullian (Written about 207 A.D.)
Tertullian complains in his day that some of the veils were getting smaller. There was also a question as to how
young a girl should be veiled. He would have choked on some of this modern twisting of Scripture to allow women
to be unveiled altogether. Go ask Tertullian if Paul was just speaking about the hair. He lived 100 years removed
from the first century, and lived in the same part of the world, around the Mediterranean.

The early churches understood the value of the “traditions or ordinances” of the apostles. All who make Bible story
books draw the women with head veils. The real argument is whether or not we have the liberty to discard what the
faithful churches from the first century until now have died for. On which side will you stand? Is Jesus worth it to
you?

HOLY MEN
If the men in the church were holy, a compromising preacher could not get in. Spiritual men do not want a
compromiser leading their family to Hell. Spiritual men are jealous for Jesus and his church. Notice that Titus 2 is
speaking of the aged men, and young men, not just preachers. Holy men will be “in church”, “involved”, leading
their homes, standing by the authority (when it is Biblical), backing up the church discipline, supporting evangelism
through the church, helping support the preacher — without his asking (I Cor. 9). Holy men will help and encourage
the bishop to raise the church to its potential, not tear it down.

They don’t make their wives feel they are compared to other women. They want their wives to be plain and modest,
not hunting for other’s adoration. Their wives don’t have to worry about being plain, and losing their husband to
some painted harlot. They train and teach their family in the Lord, and set the example of “Jesus First”.

HOLY WOMEN
Holy women will want to be silent (when appropriate), covered, modest, grave, temperate, obedient, and teach the
younger to do the same (Titus 2). A holy woman will raise up holy children, and help her husband reach his potential
for Christ. She will not compare him to other men foolishly, like the women who caused Saul to hate David — They
should have been quiet. She won’t criticize her husband publicly or to the children; but build him up. In I Peter 3,
Peter reminds the women of Sarah, who called Abraham “lord”. She won’t embarrass her husband by being foolish
or flirting or talking too much. She will be reserved, wise, humble, holy, honorable, a keeper AT home, and
hospitable. She will make the home a ministry station to reach lost souls and encourage the saints. I Tim. 5:10

THE HOLY KISS
The holy kiss is a command of the apostles. It is part of “teaching them to observe all things”, or it would not have
been commanded 5 times by two apostles. Who dropped it? Was that right? Who decided to forget it? A
GRIEVOUS WOLF. Who are you following? Are you a doer of the Word? Men greet men, and women greet women
— this is a sign of Christian love, and is very pure, when practiced in a pure church. God has a purpose for this. I can
see how it can keep proud, selfish, carnal men out of the church.

I didn’t like the idea when I first heard it; but I had a choice: Was I going to Mark-ize my Bible? Or, Bible-ize Mark?
Who was going to give in to who? Was I going to lay down “my way”? Or, “interpret” the Bible to fit me? It is part of
“following Paul” (I Cor. 11:1); “holding the traditions” (2 Thess 2:15); and “observing all things” (Matt. 28:20).
“Having ended prayers, we salute one another with a kiss.” Justin Martyr 160 AD
“Then let the men give the men, and the women give the women, the Lord’s kiss, But let no one do it with deceit, as
Judas betrayed the Lord with a kiss.” Apostolic Constitutions (compiled 390 AD).

HOLY CHILDREN
I once heard a friend say, “The colder the church gets, the more ice cream you have to feed them”. I’ve seen this
over and over. It all starts in the “children’s church”. That’s right. We start making church a circus for the children,
and then, in order to keep them when they are older, we have to “update” the circus. These tactics for evangelism
are devastating. Children need to learn the TRUTH, not be entertained. Do you wonder why churches almost
always lose the second & third generation?

We are commanded by the Scriptures to teach the youth to be soberminded, grave, discreet, chaste, and showing
themselves a pattern of good works. Why then are the “youth groups” bent on frivolity, vanity, fun, mirth, sports,
self-glory, and much of the pursuits of the ungodly youth? If you want to know where a church is spiritually, look at
the teenage boys and girls who are accepted members. I don’t care how good a man sounds in a book, or on the
radio, etc. — go see how his teens dress and live. Is he teaching them to observe? The teens are the primary
indicators of the homes of the church. They are the product.

HOLY CHURCH
Pastors and elders setting standards of dress, worship, and conduct in many other areas, is lawful and right when it is
done to teach people to observe Bible commands and principles. Some liberal preachers cry legalism when I make
a rule of dress; but if they were honest, they would admit all churches have rules. Will you allow people to worship
in underwear? Will you allow homosexuals to be members? Well, then I can also cry “legalist”. The only difference
is that you base your standards on “social norms” and the “opinion of the tithers”, and I base mine on the example of
the New Testament church, the teachings of the apostles, and Bible principles. The early churches were humble
enough to seek advice and counsel from those churches who had closer contact with the apostles — We should be
humble enough to do the same.

“The apostles, then, in like manner founded churches in every city, from which all the other churches-one after
another-borrowed the tradition of faith and the seeds of doctrine. And they are every day borrowing them,
that they may become churches. Indeed, it is only on this account that they will be able to deem themselves
apostolic–as being the offspring of apostolic churches. Every sort of thing must revert to its original mold for
its classification.” Tertullian 197 AD

The apostles set up churches, and ordained bishops/elders/presbyters/pastors (synonymous) to be leaders.
Deacons were ordained as associate ministers to help the bishop. In the Bible we find a head bishop with a body of
elders leading the church and perfecting the saints –Acts 21. The leaders were then responsible for ordaining other
leaders.

BROTHERS
Men are to strive to be spiritually minded; seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; not effeminate;
men of prayer; faithful contenders for the faith; loving their wives; bringing up their children in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord; displaying the fruit of the Spirit; not speaking evil of others; submitting to government;
paying taxes and tithes; honestly providing for their own household; submitting to godly church leadership and
brethren; supporting the church; helping the poor; etc. Is there any end? No, it is a lifetime of studying and
applying Scripture.

Men are to dress in simple, plain clothes that fit loosely, and cover the body. Short sleeves, where the sleeve comes
nearly to the elbow is acceptable for work, but long sleeves are preferred for church meetings. Form fitting jeans,
shorts, sweats, un-tucked shirts, t-shirts, and knit shirts are not modest. Men should avoid bright showy colors, fancy
sunglasses, unbuttoned shirts (more than one button), and a “macho” image. Men should be careful not to defraud
others by their dress or behavior. Hair should not be styled in a worldly manner. Clothes that associate with worldly
trends, sports, fashions, etc. should be avoided. Men should seek to control their tongues, emotions, and attitudes
by bringing every thought to the obedience of Christ. They should avoid excessive “teasing” and joking among
brothers, and should avoid it altogether with the sisters. No jewelry or costly array of any kind is to be worn
(including costly, showy watches). Beards are seen as God’s will for manly sex distinction.

We are to lay up treasure in Heaven, and not on earth. Our possessions (house, car, tools, etc) should be purchased
with godly stewardship and are to be tools to build God’s Kingdom, not toys to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Houses
and cars should be kept simple, without vain decor, and the show of pride or vanity. We are to strive to display
humility, showing that we are pilgrims seeking for a better country. We suggest the homes to have Scripture verses
displayed on the walls in various ways, rather than vain and costly decor. We should avoid the show of pride in
displaying self-glorifying photos of ourselves on our walls, buying costly furnishings, extravagant architecture and
landscape, etc.

Fathers should lead their homes spiritually with Bible devotions and prayer. Men should strive to set the example of
loving enemies, turning the other cheek, going the second mile, and doing unto others what we would have done to
us. We believe God calls men and gifts men to build the church according to their spiritual gifts. We encourage the
brothers to aspire to spiritual maturity and to fulfill their callings under the counsel of the brotherhood and
ordination of the elders. We believe it is Scriptural for all God called and qualified men, who have first been
proved, to be ordained to preach in evangelistic efforts, Bible studies, and in the local assembly according to the
leading of the Holy Spirit.

SISTERS
Wives are to be holy women, submissive to their own husbands; willing to serve their families in love; standing with
the husband in child discipline; not speaking evil of their husband or others; happy to be keepers at home; good
stewards of time and money; showing forth the fruit of the Spirit; seeking to help the poor, widows, and other
sisters; faithful to witness for Christ; hospitable; chaste; soberminded; and loving the Lord Jesus with all their heart.
Our goal is to be “at least” as modest as what Paul expected in his day. Paul considered a woman modest, who wore
a plain dress (like the stola of the day without ornaments), with a katastole (like a vest), with a humble-shy spirit
(shamefaced), without sensual appeal (chaste), with a veil (modesty), and a serious walk with God (sobriety).
We are striving to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works and perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Life in a
true church is not understood by the carnal. Ladies in our society have much to change to get in line with apostolic
Christianity, and may be tempted to stop short of victory by comparing themselves with modern standards, or
following their feelings. Ladies, please beware having a grumbling, murmuring spirit if your husband leads your
family this way – this is very grievous to God’s Spirit (I Cor. 10:10). Diligently resist this “missing the leeks and
garlics of Egypt” attitude – it is poison to the youth especially. Discontent wives are poison to their husband’s
spiritual fervor. People who come out of our affluent society to a plain, humble walk of life, are not having to be as
radical as the Jews who became Christians, Romans who became Christians, Catholics who became non-conformists,
Communists or Islamics turned Christians in the past or today. God forbid that we should murmur about our lessor
crucifixion of the earthly affections and lusts. We are teaching nothing new – such standards are common
throughout the history of God’s people.

Primarily we ask the fathers and husbands to police the particulars of dress in their home, and determine what is
most practical and useful within the bounds of what the elders deem modest and godly. We ministers will
approach the fathers and husbands if we see a problem. We hope that you will determine in your heart to be
humble and cooperative should this arise – Ultimately God will hold the bishops responsible for the church and
expects them to keep it in order. This is God’s way, not man’s. We would only be concerned if we saw something
we considered “leaven” and dangerous to the whole body if continued. PLEASE COMMUNICATE IF THERE IS A
PROBLEM – DON’T ASSUME WE WILL BE UNCOOPERATIVE.

The following is what the bishop believes to be a safe and wise course, and what he teaches his family. In a close
working fellowship, extra carefulness is in order, especially to protect the purity of our youth. We encourage our
fathers to seek God for the leadership of their own homes in cooperation and support of the church leadership.
We desire the sister’s dress to follow the pattern of the “modest Katastole” (book 7), with a long (within a couple
inches of the ankle), full (loose), plain dress (or skirt/blouse) and a loose vest, topper, or smock, which provides the

“double covering” over the bodice and avoids the “drawn in” waistline. This keeps the clothes from being tight on
the parts of the body which need to be concealed, not accentuated. This type of dress is described in “Teaching
Them to Observe” – book 7. Modest “jumpers” are good for little girls, but usually are not modest enough on
mature ladies.

We desire that the sleeves should be at least to the elbow and loose fitting; but drawn in at the cuff to avoid
immodesty. No lace, ruffles, ribbons, or fancy collars. Dresses must avoid too large neck openings; but must be
closed enough to cover the collar bone and shoulder muscles completely. As already stated in book #7, we
encourage our ladies to make their clothes when possible, rather than buy them. It will be rare that clothes
purchased will be a safe pattern or meet the criteria herein. Snug clothes are not modest.
No jewelry or costly array of any type is to be worn. Plain, solid, opaque fabric is a safe choice for the dresses. Prints
should be used with great caution. Simple, subdued, humble, modest, and not too “busy” printed fabric can be
practical to hide stains; but others can become a form of ornamentation – it should be chosen with mortified earthly
affections. The mother who desires to “dress up” herself or vainly dresses up her little girl for show is not following
Jesus with a single motive and pure heart.

Fabric should not cling to the form, but have some “stiffness” or “body” of its own. Slips should be worn under
dresses to protect when standing by a glass door or with light behind you. Bright and contrasting colors are not
modest (humble and shamefaced), nor are rich colors of royalty, such as purple or red. We encourage simple colors
that won’t stand out in a crowd. Shoes should be simple and plain; and should always be worn to church services
and activities. No make-up or strong perfumes should be used, nor any other device for drawing attention to one’s
self. God’s idea of beauty requires sobriety, humility, shamefacedness, a meek and quiet spirit, and chastity. This
spirit of modesty should prevail throughout the mature sister’s activities, thus prohibiting their participation in
sports, entertainment, jesting, flirting, etc. Modesty primarily comes from within, and though dressed modest, you
must also be careful in how you sit, stand, walk, speak, and conduct yourself in public to be truly modest in spirit and
attire.

The head should be veiled with a hanging veil of plain solid material (no prints); that covers the hair (even if you
choose to wear your hair down) and the back of the neck (if you wear it up in a “bun”), according to the practice of
the early church and the Greek word for covering, Katakalupto. Typically we ask that the ladies veils hang down to
their shoulders and come forward so that no more than 3 inches of hair be showing in the front.

YOUTH
The youth should be striving to attain to adulthood and flee youthful lusts which war against their soul. They are to
obey and honor their parents and church leaders for the Lord’s glory and testimony. The Bible says the youth are to
be sober, grave, temperate, and an example of the believer in word, conduct, charity, spirit, faith, and purity. They
should not be led to pursue vanities like the world does, such as: sporty cars, fancy crafts, performing with musical
instruments, hunting trophies, sports, etc. (Parents should set the example). Youth should seek to learn trades and
skills to produce successful homes, godly churches, and build the kingdom of God by winning the lost. Youth should
not have activities without adult supervision.

Young ladies should learn chastity, sobriety, and shamefacedness from the elder sisters. This means they won’t be
playing sports with the men, etc. Children should reflect the modest standards and life of their parents. Young girls
should wear pantaloons or bloomers under their dresses for modesty while playing.

CONCLUSION
This standard is simply a summary of Bible standards with applications. It is not exhaustive, nor does it take the
place of Scripture, thus not relieving anyone from principles of the Word of God not mentioned here or in the
previous books. These practical applications and spiritual goals are set before us to be helps in honoring God with
our lives and church body. This is not a merit system to earn heaven, but all should be found striving to glorify Christ
by obeying and fulfilling these New Testament goals which show our faith and submission. We invite new members
to strive together with us in the narrow way. Nobody can perfectly fulfill this standard in the “spiritual goals”; but all
should be humbly striving — that is the key. If someone has a better idea or improvement for the standard, please
feel free to present it to the pastor and brethren at men’s prayer meeting. PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS – YOU MAY
HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD US. As the verse says below, you only need to be willing – that is what God asks. You can
do this. You have the ability to be willing to learn and grow.

“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not
according to that he hath not.” 2 Cor. 8:12