False teaching on 'house of the Lord'

[Stinker]

I have attended a church for a year now and have heard, time and again, the church building being called the 'house of the Lord' and the subtle inferences that people should be 'dressing for the occasion'.

I wonder how many Baptists are taught that the house of the Lord is the church building and that they should be dressed up real fancy for this occasion.

Are all Baptist's taught that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in the church building (like the O.T. tabernacle, temple) when everyone has gone home?

[DeaconDean]

Without stepping on those of the Catholic faith, they would have you to believe that the Pastor is the church. I was told that in one of the threads here no long ago. I swear it!

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." -Psa. 122:1

That all goes back to the scripture references of the Lord dwelling in the Temple. The temple is called the House of the Lord; 2 Chronicles 23:5,12 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=2ch+23:5,12); Jeremiah 28:5 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=jer+28:5), it is also called the House of God; 1 Chronicles 29:2 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=1ch+29:2); 2 Chronicles 23:9 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=2ch+23:9), it is also called; A dwelling place of the Lord:1 Kings 8:10,11,13 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=1ki+8:10,11,13); 9:3 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=1ki+9:3); 2 Kings 21:7 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=2ki+21:7); 1 Chronicles 29:1 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=1ch+29:1); 2 Chronicles 5:13,14 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=2ch+5:13,14); 7:1-3,16 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=2ch+7:1-3,16); Ezekiel 10:3,4 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=eze+10:3,4); Micah 1:2 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=mic+1:2).

I myself being raised Baptist, it was taught to me that I should give my best for Him because He gave His best for me. So I never was allowed to leave the house unless I was in a suit. Wednesday night prayer meetings were different, because I was allowed to wear my jeans. But now that I'm older, I don't see where it is required to wear a suit or a dress to church. At my church, even if your homeless and have been wearing the same clothes for a year, it don't matter. The thing that does matter is that you come to church. God doesn't judge us for what's on the outside, see the poor beggar Lazarus for example, God judges us for the intentions of the heart.

I believe the church should have the presence of the Holy Spirit. If I visit a church and when I open the door, if I can't feel the Lord's presence or the Holy Spirit's presence there, I won't be back.

In the Old Testament the people did not have the Spirit as a permanent indwelling. There needed to be a new covenant that would enable man to be the temple and dwelling of the Holy Spirit. This was something that God said he desired. 2 Cor.6:16: “For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (also Rom 8:9, 8:11, 1 Cor.3:16, 6:19). We become the temple by receiving Christ as savior and Lord from believing the gospel, not before.

In the New Testament He indwells the Believer permanently. He does not come and go as He did in the Old Testament. Yet He can be quenched, grieved or quieted in voice and activity by our disobedience. He is the imparter of spiritual life to the one who has faith in Jesus (2 Tim.3:5; Eph. 2:1; I Jn. 5:11-12). For: “we all were immersed in one Spirit, so as to become one body” (I Cor. 12:3). This brings us into unity with the whole body of Christ that is spread throughout the world as well as the local church body we may attend. God places us in a local body to grow and minister to others with the gifts he has given us by His Spirit. Because By the Spirit’s indwelling we enter into union with Christ and can know the Father (Rom.8:14-17). We are put in Him and He indwells us. The Holy Spirit represents Christ to us (who is not physically with us but in heaven) and conveys His nature and qualities to the believer.

This was something that the disciples did not know or experience until after Pentecost.“the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). One mention is present tense, the other was future tense.

Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit was WITH them, but in the future when He leaves, the Holy Spirit would be IN them.

But that is just my take on it.
God Bless.

[arunma]

I have attended a church for a year now and have heard, time and again, the church building being called the 'house of the Lord' and the subtle inferences that people should be 'dressing for the occasion'.

I wonder how many Baptists are taught that the house of the Lord is the church building and that they should be dressed up real fancy for this occasion.

Are all Baptist's taught that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in the church building (like the O.T. tabernacle, temple) when everyone has gone home?

Heh, I wore jeans and a T-shirt to this year's Maundy Thursday service. Just my personal conviction, but I think it's better to be humble in the "house of the Lord."

But regarding that terminology, I think it would be more accurate to say that believers ourselves are the house of the Lord. This phrase is used to refer to the Temple, as well as the Tabernacle that came before it. Since the church is the new Temple, it is in us that the Spirit of God dwells. So one can certainly call the church the house of the Lord, if by "church," one is referring to believers in Christ.

[MagusAlbertus]

It seems more humble to me to dress-down to go to church, in order not to distract from the message with your own attire or to make those who can’t afford nice clothing feel unwelcome/ashamed.

[newbeliever02072005]

I was listening to a message the other day from John MacArthur. He was talking about how a woman should dress in church. One of the things he said was that our clothes should not distract from the intent of the being at church. In service we are to be worshiping the Lord. If the church you attend on a whole is casual dress then you wouldn't want to stand out by dressing up in fancy clothes with lots of flashy jewelry. And the reverse is true as well. We are not to make ourselves stand out in the service, it distracts the others.

I'm fortunate that my church is casual dress, otherwise I couldn't afford to go to church. :)

[HumbleMan]

My church runs the gamut from T-shirts and jeans to suits and ties. But our congregation also spans 18 to 80 years old. Many times our pastor will not wear a tie, and has even worn a (gasp!) short sleeved shirt on a Sunday night.

The reason for meeting is to worship God, not put on a fashion show. In NT times, there was no indication that the believers wore anything but the clothes they wore everyday, as they worshipped most every day.

As for the "House of the Lord", I think it's just a saying, probably started because churches were (are) consecrated to the Lord.

[NothingButTheBlood]

I don't have a problem with a church being called God's house. I don't believe He, Christ or the Holy Spirit lives in a building but I do believe once believers gather and begin to worship the Holy Spirit comes to dwell with them. I do wear a skirt and nice shirt to church on Sunday mornings only because it's a the day's "formal" service with most guests come to that service. I wear casual the other services during the week. It's something I do out of respect. I don't care if people don't or can't dress up. Many men wear jeans and nice shirts.

[mlqurgw]

This is why I do not call the area of the building with the pews and the pulpit the sanctuary but the auditorium. It is just a building. If it is a holy place it shouldn't have restrooms. I am reminded of a story: A pastor frind of mine was having a meal with the folks in a special meeting and one of the men refused to eat. He was sitting across from my friend and asking questions and my friend casually mentioned that he wasn't eating. His response was that he didn't belive we should eat in God's house. My friend, quick witted as he is, simply said, " you pee in it don't you?" :D

[TwinCrier]

Dressing down for worship isn't a sign of humility, it's just done out of comfort. It isn't honoring to show up at someone's wedding or funeral in the same garments you would mow the lawn in. Church might be just a building, but we should go there with a mindset that worshipping our God is of some importance in our life. If we are to be a witness to the world in thought and deed we should dress like children of the King and not paupers.

[mlqurgw]

Dressing down for worship isn't a sign of humility, it's just done out of comfort. It isn't honoring to show up at someone's wedding or funeral in the same garments you would mow the lawn in. Church might be just a building, but we should go there with a mindset that worshipping our God is of some importance in our life. If we are to be a witness to the world in thought and deed we should dress like children of the King and not paupers.Certainly there is a difference in whether you can afford nice clothes and must come in what you have and simply coming to the worship of God in a casual manner. I personally always wear a suit and tie but do not make it a requirement of others. I do so because I take the worship of God extremely seriously and will not come to worship Him casually. I have seen some who have come in their pajamas. It should never be. I do believe how you dress for worship to some extent reflects how you approach worship. To come looking as though you are going to the beach or to just visit a freind reflects a poor attitude toward worship if you have nicer clothes that you can wear. I see it as a symptom of a deeper problem in this country concerning worship than just how people dress.

[arunma]

I was listening to a message the other day from John MacArthur. He was talking about how a woman should dress in church. One of the things he said was that our clothes should not distract from the intent of the being at church. In service we are to be worshiping the Lord. If the church you attend on a whole is casual dress then you wouldn't want to stand out by dressing up in fancy clothes with lots of flashy jewelry. And the reverse is true as well. We are not to make ourselves stand out in the service, it distracts the others.

I'm fortunate that my church is casual dress, otherwise I couldn't afford to go to church. :)

This seems like a pertinent Scripture:
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness--with good works. (1 Timothy 2:8-10)
Dressing down for worship isn't a sign of humility, it's just done out of comfort. It isn't honoring to show up at someone's wedding or funeral in the same garments you would mow the lawn in. Church might be just a building, but we should go there with a mindset that worshipping our God is of some importance in our life. If we are to be a witness to the world in thought and deed we should dress like children of the King and not paupers.

True. But we should also remember that in this life, the King lived in poverty, and even submitted to being hanged naked on the cross. So if we are to imitate Christ, as God says that we should, then I don't personally think that there is any dress requirement upon us.

[savedbyHisgrace]

Most of the churches I have attended call the church "the house of the Lord." As far as dress goes, I personally don't care what one wears to church, as long as it's not too revealing.

There is a huge variety at the church I attend now. Most people dress up but there are those who wear jeans and T-shirts.

[rhinorick]

The Bible teaches that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. And it tells us that we are to honor God with our bodies, and that we are to dress modestly. Amen "savedbyHisgrace". :)

The buildings that we meet in are in fact His house. Buildings built for Him, and in His honor, to be used for His purposes.

But as for dwelling ... He dwells in His people - believers. :)

[General_Peanut]

The buildings that we meet in are in fact His house. Buildings built for Him, and in His honor, to be used for His purposes

I have aslways called it the house of the Lord, and i think the above quote is an appropriate response as to why...


As far as dress goes, i have always tried to where my best, but, like humbleman said i also go to a church that has a huge age range so we have some in suits and ties and some in shorts and t shirts...our church does not put an emphasis on dress. In fact, our pastor asked all the tballers and coaches to wear there tshirts Sunday morn to the service, so i think it is a personal choice.

[CooL_Genesis]

Hmmm... don't believe I saw the part in Scriptures about Jesus and the disciples getting all fancied up to preach to the people. I don't believe the Lord would care how you look... but I believe he would care about how your heart looks.

-Genesis

[ZiSunka]

I have attended a church for a year now and have heard, time and again, the church building being called the 'house of the Lord' and the subtle inferences that people should be 'dressing for the occasion'.

I wonder how many Baptists are taught that the house of the Lord is the church building and that they should be dressed up real fancy for this occasion.

Are all Baptist's taught that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in the church building (like the O.T. tabernacle, temple) when everyone has gone home?

The whole world is the house of God, and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Dressing doesn't impress God. Read James 2 and 1 Peter 3 if you doubt that.

[MrJim]

The Reformed Baptist church I used to go to had a SS class about this taught by the pastor. The pastor said that denim wasn't proper material to worship in...

Amongst many mennonite folks it's called a meetinghouse...or rather "meetin'house"

Wish the ladies would at least dress modestly...that's all.

[ZiSunka]

The Reformed Baptist church I used to go to had a SS class about this taught by the pastor. The pastor said that denim wasn't proper material to worship in...

Amongst many mennonite folks it's called a meetinghouse...or rather "meetin'house"

Wish the ladies would at least dress modestly...that's all.

We dress very modestly. Our tube tops and mini skirts are made from calico and gingham. ^_^

[MrJim]

We dress very modestly. Our tube tops and mini skirts are made from calico and gingham. ^_^

:preach: shame...where are those cape dresses?

[ZiSunka]

:preach: shame...where are those cape dresses?

We wear the capes on cold days. After all, tube tops and mini skirts aren't very warm.

[mesue]

We wear the capes on cold days. After all, tube tops and mini skirts aren't very warm.
hottie

[ZiSunka]

hottie

^_^

[trinityisunity]

God looks at our hearts when we go to worship not at the clothes we wear. I believe it was COOL Genesis who said this.

[arunma]

God looks at our hearts when we go to worship not at the clothes we wear. I believe it was COOL Genesis who said this.

We can also appeal to the Bible,
The LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

[mlqurgw]

God looks at our hearts when we go to worship not at the clothes we wear. I believe it was COOL Genesis who said this.Do you think that the outward appearance doesn't reflect the inward heart? If I have a casual attitude toward the worship of God will I not reflect that by many outward things, including the way I dress for worship?

[HumbleMan]

Do you think that the outward appearance doesn't reflect the inward heart? If I have a casual attitude toward the worship of God will I not reflect that by many outward things, including the way I dress for worship?

The problem with that line of reasoning is that you can't apply it universally. I know people who wear Dockers and nice, v-neck pullovers to church that will be on their face every day in front of God, and some who wear suits and ties who only stand in the service so they can keep looking down their noses.

I agree that if we truly love God, we will want to present ourselves nicely and cleanly, and take effort in looking that way, but we can't make it an extra-biblical requirement (wearing suits and dresses) because the heart is not clothed.

[Tappanga]

I have attended a church for a year now and have heard, time and again, the church building being called the 'house of the Lord' and the subtle inferences that people should be 'dressing for the occasion'.

I wonder how many Baptists are taught that the house of the Lord is the church building and that they should be dressed up real fancy for this occasion.

Are all Baptist's taught that the Holy Spirit is dwelling in the church building (like the O.T. tabernacle, temple) when everyone has gone home?


Our church members wear anything from jeans to dress clothes. Sunday nights are casual, as are Wednesday nights. The pastor sometimes doesn't wear a tie on Sunday mornings. Ties are never worn on Sunday nights or Wednesdays.

I was never "taught" what to wear to church, however, I always dress up on Sunday mornings out of respect. I stopped dressing up on Sunday nights because I was the only one doing it. ;)

My church refers to the house of the Lord, but we are speaking of the body of members, not the building.

And regarding the Spirit dwelling in the building, it's not the building so much as Matthew 18:20.

[mlqurgw]

The problem with that line of reasoning is that you can't apply it universally. I know people who wear Dockers and nice, v-neck pullovers to church that will be on their face every day in front of God, and some who wear suits and ties who only stand in the service so they can keep looking down their noses.

I agree that if we truly love God, we will want to present ourselves nicely and cleanly, and take effort in looking that way, but we can't make it an extra-biblical requirement (wearing suits and dresses) because the heart is not clothed.I did say in my first post that I don't require my personal dress code of others but that I do believe that if we have something nice to wear and come looking as though we casually visiting a freind instead of the God of all the universe which is worthy of all our best then it reflects a deeper problem. More than that we do find in the Scripture where God did require that we give Him the best.
I am not saying that we must all wear suits and dresses but that we should not approach the worship of God casually.

[HumbleMan]

I did say in my first post that I don't require my personal dress code of others but that I do believe that if we have something nice to wear and come looking as though we casually visiting a freind instead of the God of all the universe which is worthy of all our best then it reflects a deeper problem. More than that we do find in the Scripture where God did require that we give Him the best.
I am not saying that we must all wear suits and dresses but that we should not approach the worship of God casually.

I apologize if I sounded like I meant that I ascribed that position to you. I was arguing the argument, for lack of better words.

[mlqurgw]

Consider for a moment the view that Isaiah had of Christ sitting on the throne in Isaiah 6. The sraphim had six wings because they covered their eyes and feet with four of them. They cried continually HOLY,HOLY,HOLY is the Lord of hosts. When Isaiah saw this and that the glory of Christ filled the whole earth, and felt the shaking of even the door posts because of the majesty of Hin who sits on the throne he cried woe is me. I can just see him now casually walking up to Christ and shaking His hand as though He were just some friend. That is nonsense. He who is my friend is the Lord of glory. His majesty and magnificence cause all who see Him to fall on their faces with awe. To approach Him in worship as though He is my buddy instead of my God and Savior is to denegrate His worthiness of worship.

[HumbleMan]

Let me step back a minute and explain what I believe. I don't think T-shirts, jeans, shorts, off the shoulder tops and miniskirts are appropriate, if you have something nicer to wear. I don't think we should approach worship casually.

But I do think that a pair of Dockers, a nice shirt, well groomed, and pantsuits on women are not "casual". Comfortable, yes. Once again, I take my cue from the early church, who didn't have a "Sunday best", but did come together to worship God just as reverently as we do today.

[mlqurgw]

Let me step back a minute and explain what I believe. I don't think T-shirts, jeans, shorts, off the shoulder tops and miniskirts are appropriate, if you have something nicer to wear. I don't think we should approach worship casually.

But I do think that a pair of Dockers, a nice shirt, well groomed, and pantsuits on women are not "casual". Comfortable, yes. Once again, I take my cue from the early church, who didn't have a "Sunday best", but did come together to worship God just as reverently as we do today.I too apologize for I didn't intend to imply that you took the worship of God casually at all. I understood your position and didn't take it as an argument at all. :) My point wasn't that we should wear our " Sunday Best" but that the casual manner many dress in when they come to worship reflects, at least to some extent, a casual attitude to worship. I view it as a symptom in general not a rule of practice. I have no problem with people dressing comfortably as long as they do so with the proper attitude toward worship. I do believe the "church" in general has lost the concept of the majesty of the One whom we come together to worship. I think it is reflected in more than just the way we dress but in the songs and in our prayer and a myriad of other ways. If the pastor sets an example of a casual attitude it will trickle down to those he leads. While I recognize it may be just a personal preference I do think that in many ways the contemporary style of worship is far too casual.

[HumbleMan]

I think we're actually getting close here :) . While I enjoy the contemporary style, I do recognize that it would be easy to slip into "worldly" worship and easy believism. But, I think any time a church strays into that mode, the blame should lay with the leadership of church, not the style of worship.

We should always come into the church (and really, start every day) with a heart set for worship. It's when we hear sermons about what God can do for you if ya pray this way, or that John 3:16 is the centerpoint of the bible, so we should just be good people and not rock the boat, tra la la, that idolatry creeps in.

[JPPT1974]

John 3:16 indeed sets the tone for what the Bible stands for and who it is really about!:thumbsup:

[HumbleMan]

John 3:16 indeed sets the tone for what the Bible stands for and who it is really about!:thumbsup:

That is true, but if all you preach on is "God loved the world", and leave out "but He still requires repentence and change", you've indeed watered down the Gospel to the point of making it ineffectual.

[CooL_Genesis]

The Lord wants you, he doesn't want what you're wearing or what you have. He told the rich man to sell everything he owned and follow me. The disciples left everything they knew to follow Jesus. They all worshippped the Lord as they were.

He doesn't expect nor require nor delight in what you're wearing (clothing) for Him. What He delights in is your worship... your praise, your repentance, your belief. We are told in the Bible very plainly to think not about what we would wear.

Matthew 6:31-34
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Getting dressed up is nice and all... but you can worship the Lord Jesus anywhere... at anytime... in ANYTHING that you do as long as you're dong it for Him. I have personally felt uneasy in certain churches because I didn't look like "the crowd". So be it... I am who I am. God made me and placed me where I am and I accept that. If he wants me to be as Solomon one day, then so be it... His will, and not mine, be done.

I think Malls are one of the biggest booby traps that we can fall into. We're buying things, apparel, etc., we don't "need" and God couldn't care less for. I'm just as guilty as anyone else in vanity. How many mirrors do you think there will be in Heaven? :)

You think maybe He would like it better for us to take that money we spent on that new $50 sweater or those $100 dress shoes and buy someone some food? I believe so. I believe we should do that instead and tell that person who's sending it their way... the Lord.

-Genesis

[holdon]

When you have outward reality not matching inward reality, you have a case of hypocrisy. "Washing the outside of the cup", etc.

"The scribes and the Pharisees have set themselves down in Moses' seat:
23:3 all things therefore, whatever they may tell you, do and keep. But do not after their works, for they say and do not, 23:4 but bind burdens heavy and hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of men, but will not move them with their finger. 23:5 And all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments, 23:6 and love the chief place in feasts and the first seats in the synagogues,"

Who is sitting in the front in your church?

[ZiSunka]

Do you think that the outward appearance doesn't reflect the inward heart? If I have a casual attitude toward the worship of God will I not reflect that by many outward things, including the way I dress for worship?

You can have the nicest clothes, but still be dead inside. You can have the rattiest old clothes, but be full of the love of God.

[mlqurgw]

You can have the nicest clothes, but still be dead inside. You can have the rattiest old clothes, but be full of the love of God.Of course that is true but it was never my point. My point was that folks who do have nicer clothes to wear but make a habit of coming dressed as though they just got done mowing the yard generally take the worship of God just as casually. Please don't read into what I am saying. I have no problem at all with the way people dress but with taking the worsip of God casually.

[JPPT1974]

We shouldn't worship God just casually
But whole-heartedly and with our minds, souls, and hearts listening to what He has to say to us.

[Stinker]

Of course that is true but it was never my point. My point was that folks who do have nicer clothes to wear but make a habit of coming dressed as though they just got done mowing the yard generally take the worship of God just as casually. Please don't read into what I am saying. I have no problem at all with the way people dress but with taking the worsip of God casually.

The New Testament does not agree with us dressing up to give the impression that we are more serious about worship than those who can't or don't dress up:



1 Peter 3:3-4 (New International Version)


3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

[ZiSunka]

Of course that is true but it was never my point. My point was that folks who do have nicer clothes to wear but make a habit of coming dressed as though they just got done mowing the yard generally take the worship of God just as casually. Please don't read into what I am saying. I have no problem at all with the way people dress but with taking the worsip of God casually.

Sometimes I go to church just after mowing the yard. Doesn't mean I don't seriously and whole-heartedly worship God. I don't think my clothes matter one hoot. God doesn't care if I dress up or dress down. All he cares about is whether or not I am worshipping in spirit and in truth. I have nice clothes, but one of the best worship experiences I have ever had was out on the prairie in the Badlands around a campfire singing praise songs under a million stars. I was in pajama bottoms and a tshirt. My evening gown would have been out of place. ;)

[MrJim]

Y'all ought to hear the plain folks talk about clothing and worship. On one of their forums I go to it's sort of a non stop topic.

A guy like me could take a plain suit and never think again what to wear to church but because of the "stigma" of a plain suit it telegraphs the "wrong" message to some people.

I still like the cut and may get one anyhow. The shaved head + plain suit + unplain wife = something for people to wonder about :P

[ZiSunka]

The shaved head + plain suit + unplain wife = something for people to wonder about :P

I'll say. Just like the plain women with husbands that dress in suits and ties. Ick! :sick:

[TheUltimateWarrior]

The Bible says your Body is a temple of the holy Spirit.

It also says that we are to bring our best before the Lord, if we go to worship the Lord on Sunday, we should bring our best. People will wear suits and ties to work but want to wear shorts and a polo shirt on Sunday, its utter laziness and disrespect. THe Lord gave up his life so we might gain it, and we arent even willing to iron a pair of pants.

[MrJim]

I wear a black belt with brown shoes...think HE cares?

[TheUltimateWarrior]

I would say it just looks tacky to wear black with brown, and on the other side of it if you know better you should act in accordance.

What in our nature ahs made us despise the church in such a way as to disrespect it by wearing whatever we want and not realizing we are to honor the Lord with our dress and conduct.

CHurch isnt for lost people, its for the Believers, this seeker friendly junk about appealing to people is a joke and goes against the New Testament church.

[CooL_Genesis]

Getting dressed up is man's doctrine... not the Lord's.

You talk about a church of the New Testament... where exactly in the New Testament does it mention a particular building as a church? I thought WE, the believers, are the Church. The Bible states that the Lord will return to carry away his Church. Think that means a bunch of buildings?

I believe the Bible also states that where 2 or 3 are gathered in his (Jesus's) name, there he will be in the midst also. That can be anywhere... no? Clothing is a material thing. The Lord could care less for it. Look what Jesus wore. Princely robes? Hardly... and he was perfect before God.

When I go to church, I go to worship. But ya know, I do that at home too. So if I'm not dressed up at home, let's say I'm even in my pajamas... I must not be giving the Lord my best? :( Again, clothing is a material possession, here today and gone tomorrow, just like every other material thing you're not taking with you when you leave this world behind.

-Genesis

[MrJim]

I would say it just looks tacky to wear black with brown, and on the other side of it if you know better you should act in accordance.



^_^ :blush: Honestly it only dawned on me a few weeks ago and I've only had black belts and I know I've have those brown shoes for 8 years at least.

Tacky menno will go to kmart tomorrow to get a brown belt:D

[rainbowpromise]

Even as a small child, I understood that the church meant the people. I remember wanting desperately to go to church on Sunday because I was a fraid that Jesus had come for the church and forgotten me. I could see the building daily because it was just down the street, but I could not see the people because they lived in different places.

[JPPT1974]

Even as a small child, I understood that the church meant the people. I remember wanting desperately to go to church on Sunday because I was a fraid that Jesus had come for the church and forgotten me. I could see the building daily because it was just down the street, but I could not see the people because they lived in different places.

Yeah me too I know what you mean
Tell me about it!
Even though I wanted to see Jesus come for me if He was there, really He wasn't!
But I know He lives within me.

[TheUltimateWarrior]

Getting dressed up is man's doctrine... not the Lord's.

You talk about a church of the New Testament... where exactly in the New Testament does it mention a particular building as a church? I thought WE, the believers, are the Church. The Bible states that the Lord will return to carry away his Church. Think that means a bunch of buildings?

I believe the Bible also states that where 2 or 3 are gathered in his (Jesus's) name, there he will be in the midst also. That can be anywhere... no? Clothing is a material thing. The Lord could care less for it. Look what Jesus wore. Princely robes? Hardly... and he was perfect before God.

When I go to church, I go to worship. But ya know, I do that at home too. So if I'm not dressed up at home, let's say I'm even in my pajamas... I must not be giving the Lord my best? :( Again, clothing is a material possession, here today and gone tomorrow, just like every other material thing you're not taking with you when you leave this world behind.

-Genesis

Corporate Worship is differant than individual worship.

The Bible makes it clear that we are to bring our BEST before the Lord. not whats comfortable or what we had time to do, but hte Best.

If you dont ahve a collared shirt, wear your nicest t-shirt.

[ZiSunka]

I wear a black belt with brown shoes...think HE cares?

No, but your wife wishes you wouldn't. ^_^

[JPPT1974]

No, but your wife wishes you wouldn't. ^_^

Guess you might come off a "lethal weapon" you know!

[rhinorick]

The whole world is the house of God, ....

Not exactly true. The earth is His footstool. :)

But you were very correct in saying that we (believers in Christ, only) are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

[Lenora56]

Hmmm... don't believe I saw the part in Scriptures about Jesus and the disciples getting all fancied up to preach to the people. I don't believe the Lord would care how you look... but I believe he would care about how your heart looks.

-Genesis
:D I just had to laugh when picturing Jesus and the disciples putting on nice new tunics and robes, adjusting their sashes, trimming their beards, slapping on cologne, shining their sandals, etc. in preparation for preaching.

[HumbleMan]

I wear a black belt with brown shoes...think HE cares?


There's God's laws and fashion laws. Guess which one you've broken.......