Looking forward to your explanation as to why that is even relevant.
Reverence in God's house
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by abcgrad94, Jan 20, 2010.
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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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. -
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. -
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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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. -
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Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
So how does that verse lead up to where whatever you want? -
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. -
preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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... -
we are the church, the building is a building.
is my car a holy place that requires reverence?
how about the shower?
my herb garden? -
I never thought Baptists were pantheistic "God is everywhere and in everything"!
Fine, next church meeting will be held at the garbage dump. Everyone ok with that? -
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. -
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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. -
preachinjesus Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
The proper evangelical definition for omnipresence is that God has causal access to all places at all times.
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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. -
We often call the main room the "sanctuary" - that is set apart -
We often dedicated the building / sanctuary to Gods Glory - maybe thats just why we should show extra respect.
Salty -
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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