Adornment, amusements, and social activities conducted within the church are topics, today. Believers are to be in the world, yet, not of it. The clothing believers wear can neither ensure their salvation, nor of itself seal them in condemnation. Many believers are committed to a process for increasing the church that relies upon connecting to others upon their own carnal, material, and social level. Even so, judgment remains the exclusive province of Christ partly because there must be a weighing of things that are subtle (i.e., barely visible; having hidden shifts in meaning and value), and that have no physical substance such as comprehension, divine prerogative, and eternal purpose. Those within communities of faith also may derive benefit from amusements such as family entertainment, ice cream socials, singles activity, and Super Bowl parties. However, just as accountability and intimacy within the home generate a different standard for shared activities to entertain and refresh the family, recreation within the body of believers that appears in the public forum should always continue circumspection and restraint. To avoid misrepresentation of the spiritual body, leisure behavior should only be shared in private settings, and not events open to the public. Consider again the following from the Bible, and the comments appearing below: John 7: 24, King James Version (KJV): 24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Also, 2nd Corinthians 13: 5, KJV: 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2nd Corinthians 4: 15-17, KJV: 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! 7 Answers” (Australia) using the ID “Anonymous” (profile information withheld) posted the following:
Christians: What are your thoughts of this Protestant church promoting the wearing of sports jersies to their weekend services?
Crossroads Fellowship Church
Saturday, November 7 | 5:00pm
Sunday, November 8 | 8:30am, 10:00am, & 11:30am
Wear Your Favorite Team Jersey to Church!
How do you feel about this? Show your team spirit by wearing your favorite team jersey to church!
Come prepared for worship and game day fun!
http://www.crossroads.org/story.aspx?storyid=1125
Update: Do you see this as an abomination? A desperate marketing tactic perhaps?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1st Corinthians 9: 19-27, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not A Matter Of Opinion? (04/24/2014); What Faith Makes Possible (04/25/2014); Worship Wear? (01/23/2014); Mankind Destroyed? (01/24/2014); Are Holidays Bad? (11/16/2013); Denying GOD by Eating Shrimp? (11/17/2013); Will GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012); Put Every Man His Sword By His Side (01/01/2013)
“Anonymous”, in the effort to create an atmosphere of mutual acceptance, suspension of being judged by others, and unconditional love, many congregations of Christian believers now appear to operate without the strict dress codes and standards that once distinguished church goers and Christian believers as “sanctified” (i.e., set apart for the exclusive use of divinity). For those in relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ, it is important to address such doctrines and themes as release from the strictures of Old Testament law; new life by apprehension of divine spirit content; new covenant grounded in righteousness through faith as well as discerning sameness and difference for the spirit of divine law and its letter. Even so, there is never to be a total abandonment of discipline, regulation, and shared truth that establishes stability.
Correctly understood, sanctification proceeds only by operations of GOD, and is not the product of indoctrination, intellect, logic, and reason. Believers experience excitement joy, and zeal as they acquire sacred knowledge and gain mastery through sacred practice (we say, observing sacraments). However, these are aspects of the character, nature and spirit that make up divinity; and are not the same as emotion, excitement, fanaticism, and passion that characterize carnal and finite being.
Correctly received, assembling and church attendance are gifts and sacred events from GOD wherein believers are granted access to the divine presence, and opportunity to be in shared communion and direct exchange with Deity. Mature believers “put their best foot forward” and wear their “Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes” as acknowledgment, and an outward demonstration of inner order, propriety and respect toward GOD. What they wear is not intended for boasting, showing off, and vainglory. Their attitude, mind-set and motives are directed to knowing and pleasing GOD.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, believers have to be careful to avoid the trap that baits them into judging others. Because all believers must gradually develop and grow, everyone who participates in a gathering at the church does not come being on the same level of commitment, devotion, maturity, and understanding. All appear because they are confessing their need for change, correction and growth. The welcome is equally to those seeking peace and rest as it is for those seeking their place as disciples, laborers and workers for the kingdom. What appears as casual dress and clothing more suited to play often has been chosen for its value as a lubricant to contact (i.e., familiarity, recognition, remembering), being in proper uniform for hard work, and a lever to interaction that will nourish the body.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Be encouraged as we
begin the first day of 2013 continuing to embrace eternal life. A writer
accuses GOD of murder; and the topics of judgment and sin are discussed. Also,
there is more on blessing for those in competitive sports. A “Yahoo! Answers”
writer using the ID “Bill” (Level 2 with 268 points, a member since October 22,
2010) posted the following:
Why does God tell Moses to have a bunch of
people murdered in Exodus 32: 27?
I'm more of a New Testament guy but am currently
reading the Old Testament. I'm shocked to have just read Exodus chapter 32 verse
27.
" And he said unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of
Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate
throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his
companion, and every man his neighbour.
verse 28 "And the children of
Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day
about three thousand men"
So what is up with this---I don't get it?
Thanks!
Additional Details
ok I"m understanding this more---thanks. yes after
seeing a number of miracles from God a number of the Jews, while Moses was still
meeting with God, were participating in activities not at all pleasing unto God,
Moses asked the Jews who was with him after this and those who were with him
joined him, those that did not join him were killed. Yes God would have been
angry at those worshipping the golden calf, etc. as he had explicitly forbade
such behavior, God probably also felt very betrayed after delivering them out of
their Egyptian captivity. The God of the Old Testament admits he is quite
jealous.
THE BATTLE AXE: Will
GOD Bless My Team? (12/31/2012)—Do not be deceived. The games that are our
national pastimes (baseball, football, soccer, etc.) are genuine celebrations of
life that see camaraderie, fellowship, and solidarity. However, these should
not be confused with spiritual growth, the acknowledgments of eternal life,
unity, and sanctified worship. Amusements and sports are not condemned across
the board as an offense to GOD (1st Corinthians 6: 12 and 10: 23, KJV). Yet,
as often seen with modern politics, the advertising hype for athletic games
frequently use imagery and language associated with spiritual beliefs. This is
done (e.g., Hail Mary!) even to the point of blasphemy and disrespect; and the
hidden influence of the Adversary is revealed, for there is no encouragement of
humility, obedience, praise, sobriety, submission, and thanksgiving to GOD. The
Father does not send forth Jesus, the Son, to die upon the cross so that men may
realize vain hopes (i.e., desires and expectations
that lack spirit content, and sacred focus), or to answer foolish prayers for
selfish pleasure. While the holy writings encourage believers to strive for
excellence in all that they do, and to make choice with an eye to pleasing GOD
(e.g., 1st Corinthians 10: 31, Philippians 2: 13 and 4: 13, Colossians 3:
17, KJV); ones actions, offerings, prayers and worship still may come under
condemnation (Proverbs 15: 7-9 and 28: 9, KJV). Even nonbelievers understand
that, in Christ, religious ceremony, Sunday church attendance, and ritual are no
guarantee of salvation; all are cautioned (2nd Timothy 3: 1-5, KJV). More than
this, in Scripture, the impartiality that establishes GOD as righteous in
judgment is proclaimed (Ecclesiastes 9: 2 and 11, KJV) as is the favor of GOD
to the wise (Ecclesiastes 9: 1, KJV). To the extent men compete risking life
and limb to demonstrate the endurance, skills and stamina of mortal flesh, there
is no lasting accomplishment having the weight of things for eternal glory. In
Jesus’ day and during the church’s time of growth through the apostles,
gatherings for displays and duels of gladiator’s were continually being held in
arenas and stadiums (also called “theatres”). Pious Jews and early Christian
believers who did not involve themselves in the social mix of the market place,
also avoided the games used to pacify the common people, criminals, gamblers,
and the unemployed (derisively known as “the mob”). The Apostle Paul makes
reference to the games held at Ephesus in clarifying the doctrines of
resurrection, the self-discipline he himself practices, and the process of new
life for a follower of Jesus (1st Corinthians 15: 12-32, KJV). It remains, the
power of GOD cannot be turned to every human purpose, and even divine purposes
may be frustrated through human unbelief (see Mark 6: 1-6,
KJV).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Woe to the
rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that
cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:
(Isaiah 30: 1, King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Law
Not Flawed (12/30/2012); Vows and Covenants (12/17/2012); Why Did The Judges
Fight? (10/19/2012); The Cause Of Unrest (01/30/2012); The Need For GOD
(01/31/2012); (08/21/2011) Dispatch 13: Peace (The Lord); A Fig Tree Cursed?
(10/o2/2010)
Bill, you want to remember that GOD is
revealing himself as a supreme judge above all mankind. As with the flood of
Noah’s day, and the plagues against Egypt, graphic and fearful destruction comes
into view, because sin and its threat against humanity is “invisible” and barely
detectable except as a cumulative result of deeds (i.e., outcomes piled up over
time).
As humans we have to take in the lessons of
GOD in visceral ways (through the gut, so to speak). We repeatedly fail to see
the cosmic significance of our choices and deeds. It has no meaning to many of
us that we must exist in a social web that embraces more than mankind, and
extends over the universe.
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, sin opposes the existence of
divine law, of divinity, and of all Creation. Sin is more than simply a bad
attitude, misconduct, naughty behavior, and sexual depravity. Sin was first
realized among the holy angels; and has spread like an epidemic disease. Unlike
death and disease, sin does not respond to the will of GOD, because sin does not
exist as a carnal, material or social truth having dimension, form, or
substance. Nonetheless, sin has direction, effect and presence. Sin is not a
created thing, yet sin may dominate the will of created beings and living
creatures. The divine acts of Incarnation, birth, death and resurrection by the
person of Jesus Christ absolutely must occur to resolve the judgment against
sin—not against mankind.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it
unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Whether GOD responds to
prayer asking victory for competing athletes, and more on the perfection of the
law are topics, today. The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Oscar Manuel
Perez” (Level 3 with 1,920 points, a member since April 9, 2011) posted the
following:
May God bless Dallas Cowboys, my team. LOL,
will you pray for me, lol?
THE BATTLE AXE: The Law Not
Flawed (12/30/2012)—In the terms of its unique purpose, the law is perfect, and
accomplishes every aspect of its divine intent (Romans 7: 12, KJV). The law
only fails where we ask from the law what the law has not been designed to do.
While the divine law is an inheritance for the people of GOD that establishes a
level of security, the law does not automatically bestow real property (land),
social position, and worldly wealth. Those who are accounted as faithless or
godless may usually also be regarded as lawless. The law cannot eliminate sin;
however the law may illuminate and make the presence of sin known where sin
would be otherwise invisible. Law does not control and influence where the
carnal mind has dominion; for the carnal mind consists of mechanical operations
of the flesh (such as appetite, imagination, sensation, and fantasy), and is not
subject to the Spirit of GOD (see Romans 8: 5-14, KJV). Thus, in accordance
with the Gospel, the law of GOD is for those sinners seeking change, repentance
and the righteousness of GOD (1st Timothy 8-10, KJV), and provides guidance as a
standard of correction, rather than a rod for condemnation and
punishment.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And we
know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who
are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8: 28,
KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Why No
Answer? (08/25/2012); GOD Does Exist (03/20/2012); Idols of Flesh (03/12/2012);
The Work of Jesus (03/13/2012); Gangs? (12/02/2010)
You will probably find the answer from mature
Christians to be somewhat disappointing. Blessings from GOD are provided so
that believers may carry out and perform divine intent; and divine blessing
pertains to spiritual rebirth, growth, and perfection of Creation. As with
human warfare and struggle on the battlefield of blood, GOD is active and
present during athletic competitions through the commitment and faith of the
individuals that make up the units in conflict, the team or sports
organization. The depth of each man’s personal relationship with GOD will shape
his attitude, his effort, his obedience to coaching, and his being in sync with
others.
The answers of GOD to prayer for victory may be
seen in the healing of injury, or that participants may bring to the game
soundness of body and clarity of mind. Even so, the divine purposes focus upon
the forgiveness of sin, the revelation of divine person, and the sanctification
of both heaven and earth. A divine judgment is now in process that does not
focus on human behavior and conduct, or how men entertain themselves in the
earth through the flesh. The Gospel of Jesus Christ exhibits the standard for
the searching of our lives; and the emphasis is upon the divine content of ones
spirit, rather than diet and foods, sexual behavior, and verbal exchanges. The
imparted, indwelling Spirit of GOD is not a spirit of combativeness and
competition. The church and kingdom of GOD are built up and edified only by a
holy spirit of cooperation.
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, many say “luck” favors those
who are well prepared. GOD favors those who are dutiful, faithful, holy,
obedient, reverent, righteous, and wise. To the extent the games center in
covetousness, ego, pride, and self-promotion, the games must be understood as
idolatry, ungodliness and whoredom.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be
useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
