Interesting Questions-48
Letter to the Editor:
PASUGO, November 1997, p.2
I HAVE ATTENDED Iglesia ni Cristo Bible seminars
and worship services here in Dubai several times. I
noticed that you do not pray "The Lord's Prayer" (Our Father).
In the Bible, this prayer was taught by
Christ. Shouldn't this also be said during worship
services? (Interesting
Question-47, pls. click to see specific answer)
Also, does God prescribe a particular outfit
for His worshipers? What if one is not financially
capable of buying a decent dress, can't he be allowed to
attend the worship service? Isn't prescribing a specific
attire for the worship service a form of prejudice?
Edwin Gabriel
Dubai, U.A.E.
Editor's reply:
Regarding what to wear during worship services,
the apostles taught that worship services must be done
decently and in order (cf. I Cor. 24:26, 40).
The servants of God, therefore, must worship Him in "holy
array" (cf. Ps. 96:1-3,8-9, RSV)—in "proper attire"
(cf, The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 4, p. 519).
How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you
has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an
interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If
anyone speaks in a tongue, let
there be two or at the most three, each in
turn, and let one interpret.
. . . . . . . .
Let all things be done decently and in order. (I
Cor. 24:26, 40, NKJV)
O sing to the Lord a new
song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to
day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among
all the peoples!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and
come into his courts! Worship the Lord in holy array;
tremble before him, all the earth! (Psalms 96:1-3, 8-9, Revised
Standard Version)
"Proper attire"
does not necessarily mean new, expensive, and elegant clothes. Even
simple and old garments that are clean can befitting for the
occasion (cf. The Interpreter's Bible, wl. 4, p. 519).
As we hold God in high esteem, we are
admonished to wear proper attire every time we attend worship
services.
___________________
Note:
Verses in smaller font
were added for clarity. Emphasis ours.
Bible Study
Suggestion: If you have further questions, please feel free
to visit the
Iglesia ni Cristo congregation nearest you. A minister or
an evangelical worker would be happy to answer any biblical question
you have in mind.