YES, you can!!!

This talk about clothing reminded me of one of those sayings that really bothers me. You know the saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover"? I can't stand that saying because what is the first thing you do when you are deciding if you want to buy a book or not? You turn it over and read the back cover. So, YES, you can tell a book by its cover, that is exactly HOW you tell what the book is about! I'm sure the saying was stated before books had the description on the back cover, but I wish people would stop saying it now since it is not true anymore.

WHY SO MANY BELIEFS ABOUT ONE GOD!!!

Do you ever wonder why there are so many denominations of supposed "christian" churches? I've always thought about this, but not as much as I have lately. I believe the answer is relatively simple... PEOPLE ARE STUBBORN!!! I include myself in this statement. I don't like to be wrong, and that is wrong. That is PRIDE getting in the way of my rational thought process. Most people who read my site or most of the sites I read are religious blogs. They all claim to understand the Bible to the fullest and are more than happy to tell people they are wrong when it comes to what the Bible says (yes, me included). Here's the kicker, most of them have different beliefs. Which leaves us to the following; are we all right?

Is there more than one way to interpret the Bible? Some might say "yes." I don't think God would do that to us, though. I think He has given us a definite set of rules to follow. Then why are there Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, and so on??? Some of you people use terms I have never even heard of before I started reading blogs..."Covenant Theology," "eschatological," "Partial Preterist," "Amillennialist," "Dispensationalism," and many, many others. Then there are also the labels given for what we believe; "Reformed Christians," "Conservative Evangelical," "Arminian," "Calvinist," and again many, many more. I wouldn't know whether you were making fun of me or agreeing with me if you told me I was one of these. This is my fault. I should be better versed in the history of these beliefs, but still, why are there so many labels. Again, I think it all comes back to being stubborn. We all want to be right with God. Guess what? We can't ALL be right with God if we all think He told us to do different things. I think I know what God wants of me. I do not go the simple route. I believe God wants us to live in accordance to His Word. I think God wants us to be baptized. I think God wants us to repent. I think God wants us to worship Him with reverence. I think God wants us to put Him first in all we do. Some people see these things as "works." Some people think we do not need to do any of these things. Some people think I'm crazy for thinking God wants me to do these things. I just don't get it. I think it is better to be safe than sorry. None of these things affect my life negatively. If anything, they make me a better person; more Christlike. I'm not saying I'm perfect. No one is, but I believe we should strive to be as close as possible. God wants us to do that.

What do you think "christian" means?

Acts 11:26 states, "and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."

Acts 26:28 says, "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'"

1 Peter 4:16, "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name."

These are the only three places in the New Testament where the term "christian" is used. The Bible says that christians are disciples. Now what must we do to become a disciple?

Luke 14:33, "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."

We must give up everything! We must give up our worldly way of living. We must give up our pride. We must give up our ego. This is what God wants us to do. We must lay all of our earthly ways aside and follow Him. Some think doing this is a "work." It is not a "work," it is our duty.

The Bible tells us some might take persuasion to become christians because there will be sacrifices on our parts.

The Bible tells us we will more than likely suffer as christians, but to praise God for it. Why would we suffer? Because by the way we live, people should know we are christians. This is not something we are to keep hidden from others.

Which kind of brings me back to my original statement. People are stubborn. People want there way to be the right way. Only God's way is the right way. God doesn't have 50 different ways. He has one, but people don't want to believe that. Just because the Bible says something, they don't want it to really mean that. People want things the EASY way. They want to get by on the shear minimum. They don't want to have to change their lifestyle. They don't want to have to go to church. They don't want to have to "look the part" of a christian. They want to live in comfort. They want to have it their way. They want (beg) us to tell them God doesn't approve of them acting a certain way. Then they pull the "the Bible says don't judge" card out and go one thinking they are right. People always want to be proved wrong before they change, but then won't listen when you try to have a conversation with them on why or how they might be mistaken. This is why there are hundreds or thousands of denominations. Because this world is made up of people. Proud people. Mean people. Rude people. Sarcastic people. Loving people. Caring people. Deceitful people, and all types. There is a reason for this. God wants only the CHRISTIAN people. We have our choices. We can be any type of person in this world. The gift for choosing to be the right type of person is awesome! God said, "any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple." Are we prepared to see if He is bluffing? Is that a gamble you are willing to make?

I said I wouldn't do this, BUT...

I'll start off by saying Matthew is doing great!!! It's amazing how big he is getting and how much he is doing now. He's still not scooting or any form of transportation, but he mocks noises now. It's awesome having a child.

Now, I'll get to the meat and bones of the post. I said I was going to take my hat out of the ring when it comes to blogging about religion, but I want to find something out. I want to know what other people think. Granted I think only one person reads this (but I appreciate your reading). I want to know if I am wrong in my thinking that you should dress up for church. Not necessarily in a suit and tie, but in something respectable other than shorts. If all you own is a pair of shorts, by all means wear shorts (but if you own a computer, I'm pretty sure you have some long pants laying around somewhere). I don't think I'm off with my beliefs, but please let me know what you think...

This all stems from a comment from another blog at Fide-O. It was about music in church, then this was said...

(I'm in red, and Brian is in green)

St. Brianstine said...
God has set no standards for music. What are you talking about?
You can worship God using any tune or instrument or sound. Rock and Country included. Randy Travis is a Christian "country" music singer. And there are a plethera of Christian rock bands. And most of the time I wear flip-flops and shorts to church. God isn't concerned with what we look like per se, but with where our heart is at. You shouldn't make such bold claims and put them forth as gospel. That is what the Pharisees did...

To which I replied...

Pastor Jim said...
"In the Old Testament, God commanded Jewish worshippers that musical instruments were to be used, and when and where - God was specific (see II Chron. 29:25-28). Likewise, God has commanded, in the New Testament, the kind of music He wishes in modern Christian worship, and that is singing. Col. 3:16 reads, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gladness in your hearts to the Lord." Similarly, Ephesians 5:19 instructs, "speaking to yourselves -in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord . . ." Other specific instruction, or examples, are recorded in Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, Heb. 2:12, I Cor. 14:15, and James 5:13. Nowhere has God condemned the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship, but nowhere has He commanded their use. When God specifies His wishes, things not commanded are automatically excluded."

This is a quote from a site I read (I'll get back to you on what site, I lost it). As far as wearing flip-flops and shorts to church, thats a whole other issue on respect or lack of respect.

Then the rest went as follows (except other commentors, which will explain some of the vague stuff)...

St. Brianstine said...
Flip flops thing= non-issue, nothing to do with respect. Are you serious? What do you think Jesus wore to "church"? SANDALS, SANDALS, SANDALS!
Where do you think the tradition of wearing nice clothes to church came from? Not the bible. No one had nice stuff to wear to church way back when..it's a construct of the great awakening. Poor people didn't have nice stuff to wear to church. God is not concerned with shoes or flip flops. Jesus and all of his disciples had dirty feet...Does the bible say anywhere that if you wear flip flops to church you are disrespectful....NO! So I guess Jesus had a lack of respect? And Paul, Peter, etc.? God doesn't care. Using your own logic, if God doesn't command wearing nice shoes to church, it is excluded. And nowhere does he command it, anywhere. Would you call a homeles man who comes to church with shabby clohes disrespectful and throw him out?
Also, the comment "Nowhere has God condemned the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship, but nowhere has He commanded their use. When God specifies His wishes, things not commanded are automatically excluded." is very fallacious. Just because something isn't mentioned or commanded by God, doesn't mean that it should be excluded. That's a non-sequitir.

Pastor Jim said...
"...When God specifies His wishes, things not commanded are automatically excluded."
I do NOT agree with this part of the quote. I wanted to include it so someone wouldn't say I excluded it. I should have made it clear in the original comment. I believe though, it is safer to do as God instructed, instead of HOPING what we are doing is OK for Him. I hold nothing against people who use musical instruments in church, I am just more comfortable without them. I also like the sound of a capella music better.

"Poor people didn't have nice stuff to wear to church."

I didn't grow up rich, nor am I rich now...but Mom and Dad made sure I was wearing my "Sunday's Best" every time I stepped or was carried into church. As far as talking about Jesus, Paul, James...that is pretty much a moot point. I think we can all pretty much logically agree with that.

"Would you call a homeles man who comes to church with shabby clohes disrespectful and throw him out?"

Are you homeless, Brianstein??? Does the homeless man have a choice? Do you? When you go to a job interview, do you wear flip-flops and shorts? Maybe if you work at a surf shop, I guess. Do you think God is not owed the same respect? If you go over to someone importants house, do you wear flip-flops and shorts? I don't think it gets any more important than God's House! I'm sure He appreciates the fact that you can't take a couple extra minutes out of your life to make yourself presentable for Him. Do you shower or bath before you go to church? Why? Do you comb your hair? Do you just wear a hat? Why?

I'm sorry I'm making a big deal out of the "flip-flops and shorts" thing, but if someone can't see how it is disrespectful, it is mind-blowing to me! To me, it says a lot about someone's character.

St. Brianstine said...
PASTOR JIM YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS
Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Rom 14:4 ESV)

"I do NOT agree with this part of the quote..."
= Good. Point proven

"As far as talking about Jesus, Paul, James...that is pretty much a moot point. I think we can all pretty much logically agree with that."
= So the question still stands. Was Jesus disrespectful for wearing sandals?

"When you go to a job interview, do you wear flip-flops and shorts?"
= This is a red herring.

"...Do you think God is not owed the same respect?"
=Again, where in scripture does it say that you are disrespecting God by wearing flip flops? Oh yeah....NOWHERE.

"If you go over to someone importants house, do you wear flip-flops and shorts?"
= Actually, yes. Is there something wrong with that? I am a So-Cal boy born and raised. Do you wear mucklocks? You have no point here.

"I'm sure He appreciates the fact that you can't take a couple extra minutes out of your life to make yourself presentable for Him..."
= Don't be so asinine. Tell me again, please, WHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT WEARING SANDALS IS BAD? God is concerned with our hearts, not our appearance. Who the heck are you to say I am not presentable? You have never seen me. And I think flip flops are fine. So do many millions of Christians and you know who else does? JESUS DOES. Don't take something that is a personal conviction for you and force it on everyone as if it is an imperative in scripture. And again, Jesus wore sandals!

"Do you shower or bath before you go to church?"
= Sometimes, most of the time. Why? Did Jesus shower when he went to temple? NOPE.

"Do you comb your hair?"
= Did Jesus? What are you; Marsha Brady? I can't see Jesus ever combing his hair.

"Do you just wear a hat? Why?"
= Sometimes I wear a hat. Why? What do you care. Does God care? Jews wear hats. Jesus probably wore a hat. Whats your point? Do you work for, "What not to Wear"?

"I'm sorry I'm making a big deal out of the "flip-flops and shorts" thing,..."
= We all are...

"...but if someone can't see how it is disrespectful, it is mind-blowing to me!"
=It's mind blowing to me how you cite no scripture to support what you think! It may be disrespectful to you but not everyone else. You can wear a suit, I don't care. I'll wear sandals like Jesus did. He doesn't care. THERE ISN"T ONE PLACE IN SCRIPTURE THAT TELLS US (MEN) HOW TO DRESS (except some verses in the gospels that say (in a parabe specific to that parable) to "dress properly" in which your definition of properly and mine are different...and...what about this, I forgot: "And the angel said to him, "Dress yourself and put on your sandals." And he did so. And he said to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me."(Act 12:8 ESV) Peter is disrespectful...and the angel told him to do it! (wink).


"...To me, it says a lot about someone's character."
= Meaning? I have no character if I wear sandals to church like Jesus wore? Who do you think you are? I can't believe you are serious. Is this a joke? Where's the camera? Am I on TV? Where's the biblical support? "(Joh 7:24 ESV) Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
You need to stop playing fashion police and focus on Christ himself (who wore sandals).

This passage would serve you well:

“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, "Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat." He answered them, "And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' But you say, 'If anyone tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is given to God, he need not honor his father.' So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" (Mat 15:1-9 ESV)

If you want to wear a suit, fine, go for it, I don't care. But don't push that conviction of yours on everyone else:

Pastor Jim said...
"So the question still stands. Was Jesus disrespectful for wearing sandals?"

I don't think I need to give you a history lesson on shoes, do I?

"When you go to a job interview, do you wear flip-flops and shorts?"
= This is a red herring."

Why is this a red herring?

"=Again, where in scripture does it say that you are disrespecting God by wearing flip flops? Oh yeah....NOWHERE."

Where in the Bible does it say that I can't bring a cot into church and sleep during the services?

"If you go over to someone importants house, do you wear flip-flops and shorts?"
= Actually, yes. Is there something wrong with that? I am a So-Cal boy born and raised. Do you wear mucklocks? You have no point here."

I know a lot of So-Cal boys and they have more respect than that. If Arnold Schwartzenegger invited you to his house, you would wear flip-flops and a t-shirt? When one of my "So-Cal" boys went and showed me pictures, I didn't see any flip-flops and/or t-shirts. Maybe they are not "real" So-Cal boys, huh?

"Tell me again, please, WHERE IN SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY THAT WEARING SANDALS IS BAD?"

I seem to remember you getting uptight about a quote I originally had on here about if it is not in the Bible then it is wrong. You seem to have to opposite view. If it is not in the Bible then it must be right. Show me in the Bible where I am not supposed to wear just a thong to church!!! SHOW ME!!! Oh, that's right, its not in the Bible. So, I must able to just wear a thong to church, right??? Show me in the Bible where I am not supposed to take a portable tv with an earphone to church so I won't miss the Chargers game!!! SHOW ME!!! Its not in the Bible, so I must be able to do it.
Just because something is not spelled out word for word in the Bible doesn't mean we can act ignorant about it. Its a little thing called common sense.

"Do you shower or bath before you go to church?"
= Sometimes, most of the time. Why? Did Jesus shower when he went to temple? NOPE."

Show me your Biblical proof.

"Do you comb your hair?"
= Did Jesus? What are you; Marsha Brady? I can't see Jesus ever combing his hair."

Again, you want my proof, where is yours?

"Do you just wear a hat? Why?"
= Sometimes I wear a hat. Why? What do you care. Does God care? Jews wear hats. Jesus probably wore a hat. Whats your point? Do you work for, "What not to Wear"?

So, you wear your hat for religous reasons, like Jews??? "Jesus probably wore a hat"? Again, show me your proof.

And again, about your other comments on people of the 1st century putting on their sandals...I'm not going to give you a history lesson on shoes!!! I think (hope) you are intelligent enough to figure this one out for yourself. This is one of the things I don't like about discussing religion on line. People just want to be right. They don't care about God, they just want to prove themselves right, no matter what. This is a perfect example of that. You want to argue with me that you can wear flip-flops to church because God wore sandals!?!? Duh, yes God wore sandals!!! What else was He to wear??? He also had nails driven through His body, does this give you proof that piercing is ok???

Dad said the following comment...
"Let's see - who wears really nice Armani suits? Mob bosses do. Hit men do. Drug dealers do. Enron executives do. Benny Hinn does. I see now how nice suits honor God."

Dad, were these suits worn in church? I think your missing the point here. The suits don't honor God. What honors God is the fact that you choose something respectable out of your closet to wear to His house instead of grabbing a pair of shorts. The fact is that you have to make a conscious effort to grab those shorts instead of a nice pair of slacks to worship God.


Me too, Scott, but I don't think I've ever been in a store that sells Armani!

St. Brianstine said...
So "Pastor" Jim, you worship God with your pants, I'll worship God with my heart...


St. Brianstine said...
Also, God's "house" is your heart, not a building. Do you shower in your suit?


Pastor Jim said...
Brian, NO ANSWERS FOR MY QUESTIONS??? God is physically present when we meet together to praise him, Brian. Is he physically present in your shower??? That's right, it doesn't say He is not in the Bible, so it must be true.

Lance, I respect how you bowed out of this slinging. I wish I had your control. This is a big reason the world is becoming what it is today. People just do not have respect anymore! Respect for themselves, respect for others, and especially no respect for God. Brian knows he is being disrespectful to God and the older generation in his church, but he doesn't care. It is an inconvenience for him. He is so much more comfortable in shorts and flip-flops than he is in a pair of khakis and some shoes that hide his toes. Who is God to inconvenience Brian?

Church Dog,
Thanks for the support (yes, I know it was sarcasm). Big weekend for LSU.


St. Brianstine said...
"Pastor" Jim, I never read the bible where it says to wear khakis and closed toed shoes. Where was that again? And FYI, the "older" generation in my church building loves me, we get along great, they see no disrespect. We all get along, flip flops and suit wearing folks. So you lied and made that up, again. Nobody in my church sees me as being disrespectful. So how am I being disrespectful again? Because I wear flip flops? I'm done with this childish conversation. You need to read the Word. Because if wearing sandals is disrespectful, than millions of Christians worldwide are in big trouble! And yes I am way more comfortable in flip flops than khakis, and its fine. Don't mkae things up that aren't in scripture and push them on me.

Maybe you should form your arguements and opinions ,from scripture, not just "what you think"...I havent seen one piece of scriptural support from you. If you are a pastor, I feel bad for your congregation, do you mak ethem all wear suits?

Good luck with life.

~Brian


Pastor Jim said...
No Brian, I am not a pastor, nor is my name Jim. If you want scripture, try reading about the prodigal son. You keep telling me how Jesus wore sandals to church, first you must understand the status of the sandals during Jesus' time. They were a sign of dignity and wealth. Slaves were not allowed to wear sandals. So, when you said, "No one had nice stuff to wear to church way back when..", you should have researched what you were talking about. Sandals were the "Armani suits" back then. Clean feet were very important in those days (do you need scriptures?). People used to work barefoot so they would not wear out their sandals, so they could wear them to important events....like church.

"Maybe you should form your arguements and opinions ,from scripture, not just "what you think"...I havent seen one piece of scriptural support from you. If you are a pastor, I feel bad for your congregation, do you mak ethem all wear suits?"

Maybe you should quit trying to find loopholes in the Bible to make it fit into your life, instead of your life fitting into Jesus' life. As far as scripture goes, I have told you, their is not a scripture that says, "do not wear shorts to church." It is common sense. It is something you learn from reading the entire Bible, understanding it, and living according to it.

"Because if wearing sandals is disrespectful, than millions of Christians worldwide are in big trouble!"

You got that right, unfortunately.

So, Brian, do I think you are a bad guy? No! Do I think you hate God? No! Do I think you are misguided? Yes! Although you never answered any of my questions, I answered all of yours. What do you have to say about this? Do you not have answers for me, or do you realize that there is not a good answer for them? Are you so caught up with being "right" you can't see the forest for the trees? There have to be some occasions you dress up for, right? Why do you dress up for these occasions? Why doesn't God get atleast the same respect? I'm not trying to belittle you. I'm trying to help you see the error of your way. If you still do not get it, then so be it. I believe we were told to wipe the dust from our "sandals" and move on, right?


St. Brianstine said...
I see your POV now...you are just wrong. And this proves it:

"As far as scripture goes, I have told you, their is not a scripture that says, "do not wear shorts to church." It is common sense. It is something you learn from reading the entire Bible, understanding it, and living according to it."

So you admit, there are no verses that tell us about shorts or pants, or sandals or shoes. Therefore, everything else you say on the subject is your opinion, not a scriptural mandate. The arguement ends here. You need to realize your wrong and go buy some flip flops at Old Navy. I will not post anything further here on this sunject.

~Brian

________________________________________________

There you have it. As you see, Brian likes to use the "hit and run" tactics for his arguments. He uses the fact that the words "shorts" and "flip-flops" are not in the Bible as a reason to have his beliefs. He refuses to answer any of my question I have posed to him, yet I have answered all of his. To me, this shows one is not confident with his position. The whole issue is about respect and reverence, which I left on his blog, but he erased the Bible verses I quoted which support my beliefs. We are to show God "reverence" in our worship. I do not believe we are very reverent if we come to church in clothing we wouldn't even wear to a courtroom. I find this to be very disrespectful to God and our brothers and sisters in Christ at church. It is a form of selfishness and laziness. But, at the ripe old age of 32, I could just be an old fogie...

So please let me know what you think!!!