Looking forward to your explanation as to why that is even relevant.
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Reverence in God's house
- Thread starter abcgrad94
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Looking forward to your explanation as to why that is even relevant.
Steven2006
New Member
This is always a hard subject. I like that I have a relationship with my God where I don't have to "worry" about what I am wearing to worship Him. I like that if I am running late or coming from somewhere, I can still run to church how I am, and not feel it is "wrong".
That said I often like to dress a little nicer for church service. There are many situations in life that I have dressed appropriately out of respect for the person or place I was, why wouldn't I do at least the same going to church? I know at this point someone is going to tell me do you where a tux like in your wedding :laugh:. No, and I think everyone should be able to understand the difference of getting a little more dressed up in normal attire out of respect an a monkey suit. Do I always? No, many times I where nice slacks, and a sports coat. Sometimes I feel like adding a tie, and even less often I where a suit and tie. But I often just where slacks and a dress shirt, I don't really have rules, but again I see nothing wrong with dressing nicer for church.
I have two young children, I think it is wise as a father for them to see we have respect and care about our appearance and our behaviour at church. Sure we are always in God's presence, but I think it wise for me to convey to them we take this seriously.
What I don't like is when people dress for "show", or look down on someone that doesn't dress to their standards. But I equally don't like when it seems the reverse happens. Some people seems to make it a point to "show" just how casual they can be. They almost have their own "uniform" but instead of the black suit and tie, it is the same type of Hawaiian shirt, or the moccasins without socks. I have witnessed some who wear their dress downess (is that even a word?) with equally snobbishness to others attire. Only they look down at you if you choose to dress up a little. It really cuts both ways.
That said I often like to dress a little nicer for church service. There are many situations in life that I have dressed appropriately out of respect for the person or place I was, why wouldn't I do at least the same going to church? I know at this point someone is going to tell me do you where a tux like in your wedding :laugh:. No, and I think everyone should be able to understand the difference of getting a little more dressed up in normal attire out of respect an a monkey suit. Do I always? No, many times I where nice slacks, and a sports coat. Sometimes I feel like adding a tie, and even less often I where a suit and tie. But I often just where slacks and a dress shirt, I don't really have rules, but again I see nothing wrong with dressing nicer for church.
I have two young children, I think it is wise as a father for them to see we have respect and care about our appearance and our behaviour at church. Sure we are always in God's presence, but I think it wise for me to convey to them we take this seriously.
What I don't like is when people dress for "show", or look down on someone that doesn't dress to their standards. But I equally don't like when it seems the reverse happens. Some people seems to make it a point to "show" just how casual they can be. They almost have their own "uniform" but instead of the black suit and tie, it is the same type of Hawaiian shirt, or the moccasins without socks. I have witnessed some who wear their dress downess (is that even a word?) with equally snobbishness to others attire. Only they look down at you if you choose to dress up a little. It really cuts both ways.
Well, in our case, since that's a rule that our pastor has put forth to the children, it IS a matter of disrespecting AND disobedience.
However, I work in the sanctuary every Friday and there are some weeks that I'm in there for 8 hours or more. I have my children with me the whole time and the sanctuary is their "play room" while I'm working. Just last week, my son had his RC helecopter flying all around the room and even the pastors came in to take a try on it! LOL But I do tell them that they should not make a mess, be quiet and not run. Those are my only rules but those rules would apply no matter where we were.
When Moses was away from the bush and say, in town, was the Spirit of God with him?
ok I am still looking for relevancy here
My point is that somewhere along the line we've gotten sucked into thinking the church building is "God's house" and is a holy place, when really wherever Jesus is present is the holy place.
The church is God's house. It's not a parking lot. It is a place of reverance. It's not Wally World. Why are you letting the world sucker you into thinking that a church is not a special place? It is, it is where we gather to worship God.
Sure, God is everywhere. But there are special places set aside to worship Him. Even "the world" believes that a church is a sacred place. Look at the outrage when churches are desecrated, among both believers and unbelievers.
The church is God's house. It's not a parking lot. It is a place of reverance. It's not Wally World. Why are you letting the world sucker you into thinking that a church is not a special place? It is, it is where we gather to worship God.
Sure, God is everywhere. But there are special places set aside to worship Him. Even "the world" believes that a church is a sacred place. Look at the outrage when churches are desecrated, among both believers and unbelievers.
Steven2006
New Member
Peggy, I was curious why you don't use the quote feature. Maybe it is me, but I sometimes find your post harder to follow because I don't always realize you are quoting someone. At first glance it often looks like the quotes are your thoughts as well.
What do you do with the verse that our bodies are the temple of God?
Where in the Bible does it say the church is God's house? Where does it say the PLACE is one of reverence? It doesn't. In fact, God's word specifically says that he does not have a house made of earthly hands. Man has built special meeting places and established social etiquette for behavioral practices within those buildings.
God is the one we revere, not a place, not a building. To revere the place or building is to put it on the same level as God, and that would be making it an idol.
God doesn't need a house. He dwells inside each believer. Sure, we have designated places and times where we meet to worship God, but God does not dwell there as he did the temple in old times. We have to stop enforcing rules and beliefs that are not found in the Bible.
I didn't know God had a house...
must be sorta weird since God is compositely simple
wait, didn't Audio Adrenaline talk about this more than a few years ago...we can play football in the front yard...
must be sorta weird since God is compositely simple
wait, didn't Audio Adrenaline talk about this more than a few years ago...we can play football in the front yard...
The doctrine of omnipresence states that God is everywhere at the same time. Baptists believe this doctrine.
Pantheism is the belief that God is in the objects all around us. It is not a Baptist doctrine.
The early Christians held services in the catacombs, which were basically underground grave yards.
Actually there's a group of 15 from our church who will be holding church in a garbage dump in 2 weeks. What's the problem?
God is everywhere, He is not confined to a building, we can worship Him anywhere, if the 'church' meets in a garbage dump, whats the problem, it's worship. Or prehaps we can only worship in the right building. It's the heart turned to God in worship, not the building. What happens if the buiding is destroyed, fire, earthquake, hurricane, we've seen all these, then what, does the church no longer exist? can they no longer meet to worship because the building is gone? I've been to several worship services outside the building, like when we had a fire and met outside till we could figure out what we were doing, or the park for picnic, outdoor auditorium for camping ministry.
No, it's got nothing to do with the building.
No, it's got nothing to do with the building.
The proper evangelical definition for omnipresence is that God has causal access to all places at all times.
I know this is directed at what I said, because I stated that I believe FOR ME it is important to dress up for church, since a specific worship time is set aside for reverence and respect for an Almighty God.
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
I expect my kids to act properly in a church building because...
- It was paid for by the tithes and offerings of others. To damage it would be a terrible waste of God's money (which, by the way, is all of what we have).
- Completely reckless behavior (e.g., running around in the crowded sanctuary) can be hazardous to older folks, or young kids, etc.
- I expect my kids to behave with a certain amount of decorum in any public place.
- During worship, it's a no-brainer: They are not to be a distraction to others, or to themselves, from what God is saying and doing.
- However...when it's just us, or on a Tuesday afternoon, etc....have fun. Run around. Play hide and seek. Get up on stage and sing like crazy. Knock yourselves out. (not literally)
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