Do Outward Standards Protect Inward Holiness? - Page 3

Pressing-On · #21 04-02-2008, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staysharp

Well, my question to you would be; do we have any holiness within us? Is not our holiness as "filthy rags"?

Is Christ not our holiness?

Acts 17:28 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being."

Our own "righteousness" is as filthy rags - when we try to go it alone.

We still have "outward" appearance to contend with after we have Christ in our inward parts. I Timothy 2:8-10.

(8) "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (9) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; (10) But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

He begins with the "inward" in verse 8, but also gives instructions for the inward to match the outward.

tv1a · #22 04-02-2008, 10:04 AM

I'm trying to figure out how dressing like a blue denim whale protects one against self righteous holier than thou behavior.

Quote:

Originally Posted by staysharp

I recently heard a message by a high profile UPC speaker. If I called his name, all would know him.

He said this; I believe in our standards because they protect our inward holiness.

Now my question is this: How can outward fleshly standards of dress protect Christ within us? Can the flesh actually protect holiness?

I understand standards may protect our reputation or witness for Christ, but can they actually protect Christ?

Did not Jesus say it's not what comes from without that defiles, but what comes from within?

Should the flesh even be alive with Christ in us? Does not God's word teach us to mortify the flesh and its deeds? Romans 6?

I would appreciate your comments. God bless.

Sister Alvear · #23 04-02-2008, 10:05 AM

may answer is NO...outward standards to not perfect inward holiness...if that was so the Muslims would be ever so holy...lol.. and yes before you say anything I do have outward standards but not in the sense it protects what is inside me...where did that reasoning ever come from?

Maybe I am not getting the question...

deltaguitar · #24 04-02-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyChocolate

And not all standard keeping women wear sack dresses....!

I for one dont'! lol

Well, then you will be blamed when those men are lusting after you and not their wives.

Sister Alvear · #25 04-02-2008, 10:06 AM

and for those who would try to misuse my words just take a look on our pictures...you will see me...

LadyChocolate · #26 04-02-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltaguitar

Well, then you will be blamed when those men are lusting after you and not their wives.

ManOfWord · #27 04-02-2008, 10:07 AM

Outward "standards" do absolutely NOTHING to protect inward holiness! Lord have mercy!! All one has to do is attend a GC and view all of the "painted on" ankle length dresses, which leave almost nothing to the imagination. Sorry for being so blunt, but it is the truth and most know it.

I've pastored for almost 25 yrs. 13 of which was a UPC church. My experience is that whether they are pants or long skirts, they have a tendency to be removed when there is no heart consecration. No holiness standard will EVER prevent that and never has.

Consecration is the ONLY deterrent for the "happy hormones!"

Inward holiness is only protected through a true relationship with Jesus Christ. Outside of that, it is just a whited wall! That is why so much "standard" preaching doesn't get the job done. Get them connected to a standard and they'll surely fall. Get them connected to Jesus and whether their hair is short or long, whether they wear a dress or slacks, make-up or not, and they will serve Him.

LadyChocolate · #28 04-02-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

may answer is NO...outward standards to not perfect inward holiness...if that was so the Muslims would be ever so holy...lol.. and yes before you say anything I do have outward standards but not in the sense it protects what is inside me...where did that reasoning ever come from?

Maybe I am not getting the question...

You are right Sis. Alvear... I believe it takes both.....!

staysharp · #29 04-02-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

may answer is NO...outward standards to not perfect inward holiness...if that was so the Muslims would be ever so holy...lol.. and yes before you say anything I do have outward standards but not in the sense it protects what is inside me...where did that reasoning ever come from?

Maybe I am not getting the question...

No Sis. you are getting the question and yes you are exactly right. This is what is being taught as the reason for outward standards in the UPCI.

staysharp · #30 04-02-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

Outward "standards" do absolutely NOTHING to protect inward holiness! Lord have mercy!! All one has to do is attend a GC and view all of the "painted on" ankle length dresses, which leave almost nothing to the imagination. Sorry for being so blunt, but it is the truth and most know it.

I've pastored for almost 25 yrs. 13 of which was a UPC church. My experience is that whether they are pants or long skirts, they have a tendency to be removed when there is no heart consecration. No holiness standard will EVER prevent that and never has.

Consecration is the ONLY deterrent for the "happy hormones!"

Inward holiness is only protected through a true relationship with Jesus Christ. Outside of that, it is just a whited wall! That is why so much "standard" preaching doesn't get the job done. Get them connected to a standard and they'll surely fall. Get them connected to Jesus and whether their hair is short or long, whether they wear a dress or slacks, make-up or not, and they will serve Him.

Excellent thoughts MOW. Why didn't you ever preach at GC? lol