Do you dress up for church?

[Castor Muscular]

It wasn't a typo, unless you meant to type "sobriety" and accidentally typed "somberness".  That would be quite a feat.

Yeah, that's it, you've really nailed me this time lil buddy.


And people wonder why folk don't come to the FFF anymore for legitimate discussion.

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing? 

 

[christundivided]

Nice job at talking around the issue.

I'll try to remain civil, since we've done pretty well at that of late. 

I didn't "talk around the issue".  To tell you the truth, I didn't understand your post very well, so I attempted to interact with it as best I could.  In doing so tried to tie my answer back to what we'd been talking about, but to be honest, I couldn't make much of a connection out of what I perceived your question(s) to be.

1. Do you see "dressing up" as a way of being obedient to God. Please include anyone for any reason.
2. Does "obedience" bring the "favor of God" in any shape or form?
3. Would the farmer be okay if he wore a tank top with his "pair of bibs"? If not, then why not?

1) I believe corporate worship particularly lends itself to a somber mindset, more so then when I read the Bible for devotions to ALAYboy.  Both are important, but the atmosphere and conditions of the two differ in such a way so as to make a distinction in one being more formal than the other.  In that respect, I believe that to "dress up" for formal worship is an act of obedience in the sense that I am keeping my outer comportment in line with the somberness that ought to accompany an inner heart condition of preparedness to meet with the Lord and His people.

2) In short, obedience does bring the blessings of God, but my motive for obedience is not to come from a position of treating God like a Genie in the bottle.  The obedience comes by God's grace and enabling Holy Spirit through faith, and in a synergistic fashion I let the Holy Spirit control/lead me so that I perform what I know to be the will of God (as revealed through the Scriptures).

3) I fail to see the relevance but I'll try to answer what I think you're asking.  I'm not the Holy Spirit, and I don't know what the farmer would consider "his best".  In that regard, if his arrangement was modest, and he felt that it was the thing that reflected an attitude of worshipfulness then I've got no problem with it at all.

I like you ALAYMAN. There was a time I didn't. I believe you're honest and sincere. Two things that are lacking in most people today. Your problem ( and I'm saying this as nice as you tell someone they have a problem).....is you're just stuck in IFB ritual.

The best times I have ever had in my life with God, have been when I was alone. When I mean alone, I am not talking necessarily the lack of anyone being around. I mean I was alone with God. He consumed my thoughts and my mind to the point my circumstances and surroundings seemed to be filled with His presence to the point " I was alone with God". I realized a long time ago corporal worship settings don't often lend one to have such experiences. It seems that most are so caught up in "preparing to "meet God"..... they've forgot..... He's not "far from us all". 
Prepare all you want. Present yourself as "appealing" as you deem necessary. Ultimately, its God's good pleasure to fellowship with His own.

 

[ALAYMAN]

It wasn't a typo, unless you meant to type "sobriety" and accidentally typed "somberness".  That would be quite a feat.

Yeah, that's it, you've really nailed me this time lil buddy.


And people wonder why folk don't come to the FFF anymore for legitimate discussion.

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

I admit that I used the wrong word, so whatever asinine point of absolute minutia and insignificance you're trying to make is lost on any discerning and reasonable person that would want conversation rather than strife and argumentativeness.

 

[Castor Muscular]

I admit that I used the wrong word, so whatever asinine point of absolute minutia and insignificance you're trying to make is lost on any discerning and reasonable person that would want conversation rather than strife and argumentativeness.

Thank you for coming clean. 

 

[PappaBear]

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

It sounds like you borrowed your other personality's bottle of Irish Creme and are attempting to down it all in one sitting.  Hoping it will be another cruse of oil miracle?  AL, maybe your choice of the word "sober" was a little more biting, yes?

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

It wasn't a typo, unless you meant to type "sobriety" and accidentally typed "somberness".  That would be quite a feat.

Yeah, that's it, you've really nailed me this time lil buddy.


And people wonder why folk don't come to the FFF anymore for legitimate discussion.

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

Using the same logic, anyone who dresses up for church is a thief!  :

 

[Castor Muscular]

It wasn't a typo, unless you meant to type "sobriety" and accidentally typed "somberness".  That would be quite a feat.

Yeah, that's it, you've really nailed me this time lil buddy.


And people wonder why folk don't come to the FFF anymore for legitimate discussion.

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

Using the same logic, anyone who dresses up for church is a thief!  :

I didn't say anyone.  I was addressing one person.  But he came clean, so drop it, please.

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

It wasn't a typo, unless you meant to type "sobriety" and accidentally typed "somberness".  That would be quite a feat.

Yeah, that's it, you've really nailed me this time lil buddy.


And people wonder why folk don't come to the FFF anymore for legitimate discussion.

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

Using the same logic, anyone who dresses up for church is a thief!  :

I didn't say anyone.  I was addressing one person.  But he came clean, so drop it, please.

He 'came clean'?
You're joking, right?  :

 

[Tarheel Baptist]

Sober:
b : not addicted to intoxicating drink
c : not drunk
2
: marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor
3
: unhurried, calm
4
: marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness <a sober candlelight vigil>
5
: subdued in tone or color
6
: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice


Some here can really, really pick the nits....some might say a sign of desperation 

 

[christundivided]

You tell a lie in order to avoid admitting something.
You dress up when you go to church.

Do you realize these two acts are one and the same thing?

It sounds like you borrowed your other personality's bottle of Irish Creme and are attempting to down it all in one sitting.  Hoping it will be another cruse of oil miracle?  AL, maybe your choice of the word "sober" was a little more biting, yes?

You don't know anything. I argue with CM from time to time. I don't pull any "punches". I call it like I see it. That includes everyone. I don't play favorites.... so take your assumptions to church with you.

 

[ALAYMAN]

I like you ALAYMAN.

Maybe we could arrange a date night.

There was a time I didn't. I believe you're honest and sincere. Two things that are lacking in most people today. Your problem ( and I'm saying this as nice as you tell someone they have a problem).....is you're just stuck in IFB ritual.

The best times I have ever had in my life with God, have been when I was alone. When I mean alone, I am not talking necessarily the lack of anyone being around. I mean I was alone with God. He consumed my thoughts and my mind to the point my circumstances and surroundings seemed to be filled with His presence to the point " I was alone with God". I realized a long time ago corporal worship settings don't often lend one to have such experiences. It seems that most are so caught up in "preparing to "meet God"..... they've forgot..... He's not "far from us all". 
Prepare all you want. Present yourself as "appealing" as you deem necessary. Ultimately, its God's good pleasure to fellowship with His own.

I understand where you're coming from, and admit that there was a time as I was in my embryonic stages of Christian growth where I was indeed close to entering into IFBxdumb, but it ain't my nature to be a follower.  I'm way too maverick for that, and make a good Baptist in that respect.

I also understand the nature of how intimate personal worship can be, in a completely different way than corporate worship.  Inhibitions and self-consciousness repression tends to creep in when I'm among other people, in any setting.

Having said all that, the nature in which you perceive my intent about outward appearance matching an inward desire to please God, well, it seems you and Castor (and others probably) think that I am saying that externals are more important than heart issues.  But I've repeatedly denied that external issues lead internal issues.  It's the other way around.  We must get the Root before the fruit, but the fruit should indeed follow.  I agree that the matter of dress/appearance is subjective, and consequently I wouldn't make this a bone of contention with people so long as they appeared modestly. 

 

[Castor Muscular]

Castor (and others probably) think that I am saying that externals are more important than heart issues. 

No.  I do not think that.  I get the impression that you often focus too much on the external, and give it undue importance.  That's all. 

You want to exchange faults?  I often elevate humor above considerate behavior.  I honestly can't help myself.  It's like an addiction.  You honestly wouldn't WANT to know about the posts I HAVEN'T made out of an attempt at courtesy. 

 

[christundivided]

I like you ALAYMAN.

Maybe we could arrange a date night.

There was a time I didn't. I believe you're honest and sincere. Two things that are lacking in most people today. Your problem ( and I'm saying this as nice as you tell someone they have a problem).....is you're just stuck in IFB ritual.

The best times I have ever had in my life with God, have been when I was alone. When I mean alone, I am not talking necessarily the lack of anyone being around. I mean I was alone with God. He consumed my thoughts and my mind to the point my circumstances and surroundings seemed to be filled with His presence to the point " I was alone with God". I realized a long time ago corporal worship settings don't often lend one to have such experiences. It seems that most are so caught up in "preparing to "meet God"..... they've forgot..... He's not "far from us all". 
Prepare all you want. Present yourself as "appealing" as you deem necessary. Ultimately, its God's good pleasure to fellowship with His own.

I understand where you're coming from, and admit that there was a time as I was in my embryonic stages of Christian growth where I was indeed close to entering into IFBxdumb, but it ain't my nature to be a follower.  I'm way too maverick for that, and make a good Baptist in that respect.

I also understand the nature of how intimate personal worship can be, in a completely different way than corporate worship.  Inhibitions and self-consciousness repression tends to creep in when I'm among other people, in any setting.

Having said all that, the nature in which you perceive my intent about outward appearance matching an inward desire to please God, well, it seems you and Castor (and others probably) think that I am saying that externals are more important than heart issues.  But I've repeatedly denied that external issues lead internal issues.  It's the other way around.  We must get the Root before the fruit, but the fruit should indeed follow.  I agree that the matter of dress/appearance is subjective, and consequently I wouldn't make this a bone of contention with people so long as they appeared modestly.

Lol. Nice...

I tried not to throw you in with the "others". I probably shouldn't have said it that way. I do agree with CM's last statement. I know the heart is important to you. I can see it in how you interact with various threads here. We've often misunderstood one another. Its never been my intent to be so disagreeable that it appears all I want to do is argue. I admit, I often fail at this. I do have my "pet peeves". One of them is dealing with "appearance". I think I've been "jaded" to the typical response when it comes a discussion such as this. I do see a preference in TB for a certain "type" of people in attendance. He'd never admit it and it might be a little "petty" of me to keep pocking at it. I do like you fellers. I do feel more at home discussing issues like this with either of you than the average "liberal" freebird that has gone off the deep end.

 

[subllibrm]

But, on the other hand, I rarely notice what others are wearing in church. 

It's not for you to notice.  It's out of reverence for God.  God notices.  In fact, this conversation took place just the other day:

God:  "Hey, Moses.  Check it out.  Look at that suit Castor is wearing.  Helllooooo.... the 80's called and want their suit back.  I get NO reverence from that.  None at all."

Moses:  "Bwahahahaha, yeah.  But look down there.  TB is looking spiffy today."

God:  "Look behind him.  His shirt tail is hanging out under his suit jacket.  Apparently he didn't notice that.  That's going to cost him points."

Moses:  "Oh, yeah, I see that.  That's too bad.  I had $20 on him getting to the Easter reverence semi-finals.  Wait... OH MY YOU!!!  Did you see ALAYMAN over there?  He's wearing a TUX!  A TUX!!  The reverence is blinding!  Blinding, I tell you!"

God:  "Yeah, it's going to be hard to beat that this Sunday.  He's going to the finals.  I know it.  But then I know everything." 

Moses:  "Well, I can't handle the blinding light anymore.  I'm going to go ask Elijah to teach me how to do a double-knot tie again.  I can't seem to get that quite right."

God:  "Good luck, I'm depending on you.  You know what really counts."

I have to say that Psalm 1:1-2 comes mind. You have crossed a line my friend.

 

[Castor Muscular]

I have to say that Psalm 1:1-2 comes mind. You have crossed a line my friend.

Psalm 1:1-2 is about mocking God, not making jokes about situations or people.  My joke could only be considered mocking God if you are ignorant enough to think I believe such a conversation would really take place. 

By the way, let me make it worse:

God and Moses are watching a Rabbi play golf on the Sabbath.  Moses expresses his displeasure, but God says nothing. 

Whack - the Rabbi gets a hole in one.  Whack, the Rabbi gets another hole in one.  Whack, the Rabbi gets yet another hole in one.

Moses says to God, "Wait.  You're doing that, aren't you?  Why?  He's playing golf on the Sabbath!!"

God says, "Who can he tell?"

Okay, now curse me with another reference to Psalm 1:1-2. 

 

[Castor Muscular]

Ooh, here's a good one, only it doesn't involve God:

A Rabbi and a Priest buy a car together and it's being stored at the Priest's house. One day the Rabbi goes over to use the car and he sees him sprinkling water on it. The Rabbi asked, ''What are you doing?'' The Priest responded, ''I'm blessing the car.'' So the Rabbi said ''Okay, since we're doing that....'' and takes out a hacksaw and cuts two inches off the tail pipe.

 

[ALAYMAN]

I tried not to throw you in with the "others". I probably shouldn't have said it that way. I do agree with CM's last statement. I know the heart is important to you. I can see it in how you interact with various threads here. We've often misunderstood one another. Its never been my intent to be so disagreeable that it appears all I want to do is argue. I admit, I often fail at this. I do have my "pet peeves". One of them is dealing with "appearance". I think I've been "jaded" to the typical response when it comes a discussion such as this. I do see a preference in TB for a certain "type" of people in attendance. He'd never admit it and it might be a little "petty" of me to keep pocking at it. I do like you fellers. I do feel more at home discussing issues like this with either of you than the average "liberal" freebird that has gone off the deep end.

Truth is, I really come much closer to your  point of view than I've allowed for so far.  My pastor likes for us to wear jackets and ties on the platform, but I loathe jackets and ties.  My idea of "dressing up" would be a polo and khakis.

 

[prophet]

Castor, frankly, I think you went over the top.

Of course he has.  He has done it repeatedly despite others having noted that he is intentionally misrepresenting (a form of lying) what others are saying.  He has done it in this most recent pitiful attempt at parody by equating the Biblical concept of reverence with trying to garner favor with God.  A person's convictions flow from a rightly humble heart, a heart that has received instruction from God and desires to please Him by faith.  Obedience flows as a response to repentance and faith, but Castor would have you believe that anybody with more conservative views than him is a pharisee.  That's a long-standing page from his playbook.  When you read his general tone and tenor of conversation you can see that his notion of humor is also irreverent.  He shuns public discourse, because he is an introvert, and he lets his personal peccadillos taint his theological biases.  It's the ultimate irony that such judgmentalism could cloak itself in self-professed piety, sorta like the puffed up and proud reverend Sharpton wagging his chubby little finger at all the Uncle Tom's who defend the white-Hispanic Zimmerman.

There you go, inventing definitions again.  A person's 'convictions' is their criminal record. 


Anishinabe

Replace "convictions" with "scruples" or "strongly held beliefs" if it will help your undies get out of that bind.  And when you see the word "Trinity" just substitute "Godhead" and life will be so much easier.

There are several ways 'convicted/ions' can be mis-used.  I have seen you use two, now.  I'll call you on the next one, too.  I know you desire to be correct, as do I.  Many do not.  I'm not against you, you are on 'my team'.

Anishinabe

 

[ALAYMAN]

There are several ways 'convicted/ions' can be mis-used.  I have seen you use two, now.  I'll call you on the next one, too.  I know you desire to be correct, as do I.  Many do not.  I'm not against you, you are on 'my team'.

Anishinabe

I appreciate the friendly admonition, but I'm not sure that I agree(d) with you about the meaning of conviction.  That aside, the whole meaning of that post doesn't hinge on that one word.  It was about the way in which Castor intentionally misrepresented people's views, numerous times.  I'd more than welcome your contribution to the thread as it regards reverence, piety, and appropriate attitudes about corporate worship.

 

[prophet]

There are several ways 'convicted/ions' can be mis-used.  I have seen you use two, now.  I'll call you on the next one, too.  I know you desire to be correct, as do I.  Many do not.  I'm not against you, you are on 'my team'.

Anishinabe

I appreciate the friendly admonition, but I'm not sure that I agree(d) with you about the meaning of conviction.  That aside, the whole meaning of that post doesn't hinge on that one word.  It was about the way in which Castor intentionally misrepresented people's views, numerous times.  I'd more than welcome your contribution to the thread as it regards reverence, piety, and appropriate attitudes about corporate worship.

I know you don't agree with 'me' about the meaning of the word 'conviction.  I was hoping the reference to the criminal record would help.  Conviction happens in front of a judge.  It is a final declaration of guilt.  It is followed by sentencing. 

Anishinabe