God cares about how we dress and wants us to dress modestly:
1) After Adam and Eve sinned, they realized they were naked and felt shame, showing God wants us to cover our bodies.
2) While fig leaves covered Adam and Eve's nakedness, God provided better clothing to fully cover them, showing some clothing isn't adequate.
3) God wants us to dress modestly to avoid arousing lustful desires, as revealing clothing can invite lust and potentially lead to sin like adultery or fornication.
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Shadows in the Tabernacle - the priesthood old and newAlan Williamson
Hebrews 9:8-11 the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing; 9 which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect, 10 being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
1. As living stones, Christians are built up as a spiritual house to serve as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
2. The tabernacle represents Christians entering God's presence through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and baptism, allowing them to continually serve God in the true tabernacle of heaven.
3. As priests, Christians are called to holy living and service before God, avoiding sin and division, and offering sacrifices of praise, good works, and living holy lives in God's presence.
This document examines the anatomy of the church body using scriptural references. It discusses how Christians are connected as members of Christ's body and should work together in unity. It also addresses potential health issues like false teachings, pride and discontent that can negatively impact the church if not properly addressed through truthful and loving rebuke as needed to maintain spiritual health and unity.
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All these things can change. Who are you... really?
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Want to have a good marriage? Choose the right person. Probably just as important is to be the right person. How do you determine what it means to be the right person?
Look at the teaching of Jesus on the beatitudes. Matthew 5:3-11. By examining the characteristics outlined here for the citizen in the kingdom of heaven one can put together an image of what is needed in marriage.
Shadows in the Tabernacle - the priesthood old and newAlan Williamson
Hebrews 9:8-11 the Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing; 9 which is a figure for the time present; according to which are offered both gifts and sacrifices that cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshipper perfect, 10 being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation. 11 But Christ having come a high priest of the good things to come, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,
1. As living stones, Christians are built up as a spiritual house to serve as a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.
2. The tabernacle represents Christians entering God's presence through faith in Jesus' sacrifice and baptism, allowing them to continually serve God in the true tabernacle of heaven.
3. As priests, Christians are called to holy living and service before God, avoiding sin and division, and offering sacrifices of praise, good works, and living holy lives in God's presence.
This document examines the anatomy of the church body using scriptural references. It discusses how Christians are connected as members of Christ's body and should work together in unity. It also addresses potential health issues like false teachings, pride and discontent that can negatively impact the church if not properly addressed through truthful and loving rebuke as needed to maintain spiritual health and unity.
What are you? Who are you? Maybe it is time for a little introspectionAlan Williamson
How do you identify yourself? By what you do or who you know? By relationships?
All these things can change. Who are you... really?
Let's take a look inside
Does the Bible really teach that Christians today should be handling snakes as an expression of their faith in Jesus? This presentation will examine the practice of snake handling today with the teaching of scripture.
Be assured that the Bible does indeed that there were some (the apostles) who would handle serpents, even be bitten by them (ex. Paul, the apostle) and they would NOT be hurt. The fact that modern serpent handlers are often bitten and sometimes die from their bites should be a clear indication of something. Think about it.
This document discusses the importance of having a faith that works through being nourished by the word of God. It notes that there are Christians whose faith works like a well-running watch and those whose faith is broken. To have a real faith that leads to salvation, one must obtain it through hearing the word of God. The document encourages Christians to consider what they are "letting into" their hearts and to devote time to studying Scripture, as the word of God is their protection against spiritual dangers and will be expressed outwardly in their words and actions if it is truly within them.
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2) It uses the analogy of inventing a religious holiday called "WalkWaterMass" to commemorate Jesus walking on water to illustrate how absurd it would be to create religious celebrations without God's authorization.
3) While acknowledging people find enjoyment and meaning in holiday traditions, the author believes Christians should only observe religious days appointed by God and not embrace celebrations rooted in paganism or human invention.
The document discusses how the 10 plagues that God brought upon Egypt during the time of Moses foreshadowed the death and salvation provided by Jesus Christ. It notes similarities between the Passover lamb whose blood saved the Israelites and spared them God's judgment, and Jesus who is described as the Lamb of God who was sacrificed to save humanity and deliver us from sin and death. Key events of the Passover and crucifixion are compared to show how the Old Testament feast and killing of the lamb prefigured Jesus' redemptive work on the cross.
The document discusses how Jesus opened the minds of two disciples so they could understand how the Old Testament scriptures referred to him. It provides several examples of people, places, things and events from the Old Testament that served as types and shadows pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment. The key idea is that Jesus helped his disciples see how all of scripture spoke of his suffering, death and resurrection.
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The document discusses whether Christians are obligated to keep all the commandments of God mentioned in the Bible. It notes there is confusion among some believers who cannot distinguish between the Old and New Laws. The document examines how this issue affected the early church and was resolved in Acts 15, where it was determined Gentile Christians did not need to follow the Law of Moses or be circumcised. It argues context is key to determining which commandments still apply today. The document also discusses whether Christians must keep the Sabbath or Ten Commandments.
The document discusses the Gospel of Christ according to Galatians 4, noting that God sent his Son Jesus to redeem those under the law. It provides context on Judaism as the religion of those who follow the Law of Moses, while Christianity began with Jesus and a new law for all nations. Paul's gospel did not include Old Testament regulations, relying solely on Christ's teachings.
The document discusses how God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, at the fulness of time according to prophecy, when all things written about him in the law, prophets and psalms had been fulfilled. It examines scriptures showing how Jesus came during the Roman empire as foretold, fulfilling the timing of God's plan. The Galatian churches faced false teachers who did not understand that the old Mosaic law covenant had been replaced by the new covenant through Christ.
Charts are a useful tool for Bible study. They allow readers to visually see connections and relationships between different parts of Scripture. Creating charts encourages active engagement with the text and helps readers better understand and remember what they are studying.
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The document provides an overview of key elements in the book of Revelation:
- John is told to write down what he sees and send it to 7 churches in Asia Minor
- Jesus appears and instructs John to write what he has seen, what is happening presently, and what will happen in the future
- John is shown visions of future events including seals being opened, trumpets sounding, and bowls of God's wrath being poured out
- These visions reveal events that will come to pass and the eventual establishment of God's kingdom on Earth
What does it mean to become a Christian? Why should I believe in Jesus? How can I know if I have died with Christ?
This short presentation of the gospel explains what it means to die to sin... and to live in Christ
The document discusses the importance of mending nets based on biblical passages. It describes how Jesus called Simon Peter and Andrew to be "fishers of men" while they were mending their nets. It then examines Greek words used in the New Testament around mending, knitting together, and perfecting or restoring individuals and the church. The key idea is that divisions within the church must be repaired for evangelism to be effective, just as mending nets is necessary for successful fishing.
Maintaining a pure heart requires forgiveness of sins through obedience to God, and an ongoing process of transformation by renewing one's mind to God's teachings. It involves turning away from sinful influences, submitting to God's work within us, and sacrificing oneself while focusing on virtues. God purifies the heart as we allow Him to mold us into the likeness of Christ through His grace.
The document discusses how churches of Christ can make progress in evangelism and gain momentum. It suggests that churches need direction, focus, and commitment through a plan that glorifies God. The plan should involve sacrificing to spread the gospel so that God is praised and souls are saved, following Christ's example of fruitful service.
God made promises to Abraham. The fulfillment of these promises form the theme of the Bible: All nations are blessed through Christ, the seed of Abraham
Some are confused about the church that Jesus loves, the religion that God approves. Here is a brief essay pointing out how by not being careful with our words, we can say things we may not "really" believe.
After all, words mean things
1) The essay argues that Christmas and other religious holidays like Easter were not appointed by God and have pagan or secular origins rather than biblical foundations.
2) It uses the analogy of inventing a religious holiday called "WalkWaterMass" to commemorate Jesus walking on water to illustrate how absurd it would be to create religious celebrations without God's authorization.
3) While acknowledging people find enjoyment and meaning in holiday traditions, the author believes Christians should only observe religious days appointed by God and not embrace celebrations rooted in paganism or human invention.
The document discusses how the 10 plagues that God brought upon Egypt during the time of Moses foreshadowed the death and salvation provided by Jesus Christ. It notes similarities between the Passover lamb whose blood saved the Israelites and spared them God's judgment, and Jesus who is described as the Lamb of God who was sacrificed to save humanity and deliver us from sin and death. Key events of the Passover and crucifixion are compared to show how the Old Testament feast and killing of the lamb prefigured Jesus' redemptive work on the cross.
The document discusses how Jesus opened the minds of two disciples so they could understand how the Old Testament scriptures referred to him. It provides several examples of people, places, things and events from the Old Testament that served as types and shadows pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment. The key idea is that Jesus helped his disciples see how all of scripture spoke of his suffering, death and resurrection.
The document discusses the early Christian debate around whether Gentile believers needed to follow the Law of Moses. Some Jewish Christians thought Gentiles must be circumcised and follow Mosaic law to be saved. At a church council, the apostles declared Gentiles were not obligated to follow the Law, only to abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, eating meat sacrificed to idols, and consuming blood. The document also examines whether Christians must follow other Old Testament commands like the Sabbath. It concludes the Sabbath and Mosaic law were commands specifically for Israel, and Christians are not obligated to observe them.
The document discusses whether Christians are obligated to keep all the commandments of God mentioned in the Bible. It notes there is confusion among some believers who cannot distinguish between the Old and New Laws. The document examines how this issue affected the early church and was resolved in Acts 15, where it was determined Gentile Christians did not need to follow the Law of Moses or be circumcised. It argues context is key to determining which commandments still apply today. The document also discusses whether Christians must keep the Sabbath or Ten Commandments.
The document discusses the Gospel of Christ according to Galatians 4, noting that God sent his Son Jesus to redeem those under the law. It provides context on Judaism as the religion of those who follow the Law of Moses, while Christianity began with Jesus and a new law for all nations. Paul's gospel did not include Old Testament regulations, relying solely on Christ's teachings.
The document discusses how God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, at the fulness of time according to prophecy, when all things written about him in the law, prophets and psalms had been fulfilled. It examines scriptures showing how Jesus came during the Roman empire as foretold, fulfilling the timing of God's plan. The Galatian churches faced false teachers who did not understand that the old Mosaic law covenant had been replaced by the new covenant through Christ.
Charts are a useful tool for Bible study. They allow readers to visually see connections and relationships between different parts of Scripture. Creating charts encourages active engagement with the text and helps readers better understand and remember what they are studying.
The Apocalypse - an overview of the book of Revelation Alan Williamson
The document provides an overview of key elements in the book of Revelation:
- John is told to write down what he sees and send it to 7 churches in Asia Minor
- Jesus appears and instructs John to write what he has seen, what is happening presently, and what will happen in the future
- John is shown visions of future events including seals being opened, trumpets sounding, and bowls of God's wrath being poured out
- These visions reveal events that will come to pass and the eventual establishment of God's kingdom on Earth
What does it mean to become a Christian? Why should I believe in Jesus? How can I know if I have died with Christ?
This short presentation of the gospel explains what it means to die to sin... and to live in Christ
The document discusses the importance of mending nets based on biblical passages. It describes how Jesus called Simon Peter and Andrew to be "fishers of men" while they were mending their nets. It then examines Greek words used in the New Testament around mending, knitting together, and perfecting or restoring individuals and the church. The key idea is that divisions within the church must be repaired for evangelism to be effective, just as mending nets is necessary for successful fishing.
Maintaining a pure heart requires forgiveness of sins through obedience to God, and an ongoing process of transformation by renewing one's mind to God's teachings. It involves turning away from sinful influences, submitting to God's work within us, and sacrificing oneself while focusing on virtues. God purifies the heart as we allow Him to mold us into the likeness of Christ through His grace.
The document discusses how churches of Christ can make progress in evangelism and gain momentum. It suggests that churches need direction, focus, and commitment through a plan that glorifies God. The plan should involve sacrificing to spread the gospel so that God is praised and souls are saved, following Christ's example of fruitful service.
God made promises to Abraham. The fulfillment of these promises form the theme of the Bible: All nations are blessed through Christ, the seed of Abraham
1. DOES GOD CARE WHAT YOU
WEAR?
Introduction -
Our aim is to examine what the scriptures say about how we should adorn
ourselves. Our purpose is to answer the question: "DOES GOD CARE WHAT WE
WEAR?" In so doing we want to take a hard look at our attitudes and practice
regarding clothing in the light of the scriptures.
PERSONAL NOTE: I am not interested in giving you my opinion on what is
proper dress for the Christian. We are here to focus on the scriptures and what God
has said on the matter. In so doing we will cross the line from "learning the principle"
to "making the application." There will be areas in which judgment is involved. I invite
you to think maturely with me in these areas and discern good from evil.
It may be that we don't agree (yet) on all that is taught. For some this may be
the first time you've ever heard a lesson on how to dress properly. Let this lesson be
the springboard from which we can all study further to learn those things that God
would have us to know and do in regard to our apparel
Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be
as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
I. IN THE BEGINNING - Genesis 2-3
A. ORIGINAL CONDITION - "naked and unashamed" 2:25
1. innocent, childlike (unable to be embarrassed)
2. this condition persisted until sin...
B. AN AWAKENING TO MODESTY
1. After transgression, their "eyes were opened" 3:7
a) they saw that they were naked
Note: The purpose of this lesson is to "open the eyes" of brethren who have
been lax in their attitudes and practice toward modesty. They need to see that they are
"naked" when they wear their skimpy and revealing outfits. They need to see that sport
1
2. is not an excuse to "undress" - or "underdress". They need to see the impact of the
fashions they allow their children to wear. Before the hour is through, we will hope to
have "opened some eyes".
Definition: "NAKED/ NAKEDNESS"
OT -- 'arowm, (in its orig. sense); nude, either partially or totally:--naked. . to loosen; by
impl. to expose, dismiss; fig. absolve, begin:--avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make)
naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover. - "to expose, lay bare, uncover"
NT -- to strip, i.e. (reflex.) go poorly clad:--be naked.
cf. James 2:15 "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,"
Point: ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TOTALLY NUDE BEFORE ONE IS NAKED!
2. Their response to their newly discovered condition
a) SHAME - they were embarrassed to be seen without clothing; they
were aware that to be exposed was not proper or right
This quality has been "lost" in our society by many who no longer have the
ability to "blush" or be embarrassed..
Jeremiah 6:15 "Were they ashamed when they had committed
abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they
blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit
them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD."
1 Timothy 2:9 "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;"
John 21:7 "Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter,
It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt
his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the
sea." Note - men can be "naked, ie. immodest
b) NEED - for clothing; although they had fashioned for themselves fig-leaf
aprons, they still felt uncovered
NOTE - Not all garments adequately "cover" one's nakedness.
After adorning themselves with the fig-leaves, Adam and Eve
still considered themselves to be "naked."
2
3. Near nakedness / immodest fashions: WHAT ARE THEY?
The question of "how much" to wear is hotly debated by those who
want to get as close to the "line" as possible... They want it spelled out in
"inches" (how short, etc.). They sometimes act as if "you can't determine"
what immodesty is, so everyone can make up their own rules in this
regard.
Not So! God has revealed His will in the matter and it is not up to
the whims of fashion to determine "how" the Christian should dress. We
are to be clothed in such a manner as to "glorify God" and not glorify the
flesh and the lusts thereof...
WHAT IS TO BE COVERED?
Both men and women: Adam and Eve were both naked / were both
clothed by God. It is an error to think that God is only concerned about the
modesty of women!
Isaiah 20:4 "So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians
prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and
barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt."
APPLICATION: SWIM SUITS
Exodus 28:42 "And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover
their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:"
APPLICATION: MINI SKIRTS, SHORT PANTS
c) HID - They were so uncomfortable, they sought to "hide" from God. Where
is this modesty today? It is lost to the multitudes who flaunt their bodies in
revealing outfits before others (and without shame). Have we lost the humble
ability to blush?
C. DOES GOD CARE WHAT YOU WEAR?
1. Definitely, YES. He cared enough to provide Adam and Eve with garments so
that their nakedness would be covered.
2. God provided them with "coats of skins" 3:21
3
4. a) defined "coats" is from a Hebrew word KETHONETH from an unused root
mean. to cover: a shirt:--coat, garment, robe.) meaning a garment "generally
with sleeves, coming down to the knees, rarely to the ankles"
3. The fact is, the fig-leaf aprons were inadequate to cover the nakedness of
Adam an Eve. Just as today, many skimpy and revealing garments are just as
inadequate.
a) this fact was recognized by God and Adam.
Recommendation: Revelation 3:17-18 "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and
increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art
wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to
buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
D. WHY DOES GOD CARE ABOUT OUR COVERING OUR NAKEDNESS?
1. God is aware of our need to "curtail" lustful desires that aroused by the sight
of naked and scantily clad bodies.
a) it is obvious that many modern fashions are designed to invoke "lust"
b) to pretend that such is not so is to be "dishonest" - or extremely "naive"
2. The desire and passion felt between men and women is proper and right only
in the context of marriage.
a) that is why one is NOT immodest when naked in the presence of one's
spouse
3. To arouse these "desires" outside of the context of marriage is to invite
"lust," a feeling that often leads to fornication or adultery.
a) Example: David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:1ff). A major factor in this
escapade was the "sight" of Bathsheba's body as she bathed.
David 1) looked, 2) lusted, and 3) sinned. This whole ugly episode may
have been avoided had David not "seen" Bathsheba unclothed.
Question? Who was at fault? David (for looking)?
Bathsheba (for "tempting" David)? Or both?
4. MATTHEW 5:28 but I say unto you, that every one that looketh on a woman to
lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (ASV)
4
5. 5. Lust can be in the hearts of both men and women, cf. Genesis 39:7-15
Potiphar's wife.
a) thus, the need for both men and women to dress modestly
E. OUR RESPONSIBILITY
1. To ourselves =
a) to cover ourselves adequately (not too short or too tight; not see-though)
b) to dress properly at "all times"
- sports are no excuse to expose ourselves by improper dress.
2. To our children =
a) to teach them (and expect them) to dress modestly
b) to begin early in their training (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
c) to be consistent [no double standard for boys and girls]
PERSONAL CONCERN - I am troubled by the practice of letting the
little ones wear styles of clothing that will be unacceptable when
they grow older and their bodies mature. It appears that we are
setting ourselves up for failure when we lay a foundation that will
need to be torn down and rebuilt when our children become
teenagers. It appears to be wisdom to circumvent those battles (No
Suzie, you're too old to wear shorts now), by avoiding those styles of
clothing altogether. Children are "little people." let's teach them
early how to appear in modest apparel.
II. DISTINCTIVENESS IN APPEARANCE
A. THE MALE/ FEMALE DISTINCTION
1. God created the human race "male and female" Gen.1:27
a) the gender distinction is fundamental to our being and is not to be diminished
or obscured.
b) it is important that both men and women understand their roles and
capabilities/ order of authority.
B. GOD CARES ABOUT OUR APPEARANCE/ HOW WE DRESS
1. Deuteronomy 22:5 A woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a
man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment; for whosoever doeth
these things is an abomination unto Jehovah thy God. (ASV)
5
6. a) the people of God were forbidden to "cross-dress" so as to confuse the
distinction between the sexes.
b) the "unisex" fashion concept is a direct affront to the will of God.
2. I Corinthians 11:14-15 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a
man have long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman have long hair,
it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. (ASV)
a) Does God care how you cut your hair? YES, He does!
b) Does this still apply today? Why wouldn't it?
c) God desires that the M/F distinction be maintained.
Note: many want to know "how short is short" and "how long is long" -- as if such
a determination cannot be made! (therefore, no one can tell me what to do).
But, just as a woman committed to dressing "modestly" does not have to be
told... a man or woman committed to obeying God (hair length) does not need a
ruler.
3. I Corinthians 11:4-6 God cares about what we wear or don't wear on our
heads when we pray or prophesy.
III. DOES GOD CARE WHAT WE WEAR
TO WORSHIP?
A. Again, we answer YES to the question. Several passages indicate that God has
always been concerned about how His people appeared before Him.
1. I Corinthians 11:1-16 These verses should convince anyone that God has
been and is concerned with how we appear before Him when we worship.
2. Exodus 19:10-14 The nation of Israel were to wash themselves and their
garments before appearing before the Lord on the third day. Yes, God did care
what they wore!
Note: To assume that "God doesn't care what we wear" is to ignore the plain
teaching of scripture... Immodest dress (too much or too little), inappropriate
dress are just not acceptable! -- Matthew 22:11-12 the wedding garment
While styles and standards may vary with different cultures and in
different generations, THE PRINCIPLE remains constant. We must dress with
respect for God (and for ourselves).
6
7. Guidelines For Worship: No dirty, soiled or torn clothing. No tight, skimpy,
revealing attire. No "advertising" (beer T-shirts). Consider the "casual - ness" of
your clothing (would it be inappropriate for a wedding?).
3. Exodus 28:40-43 Aaron's garments (would not do for the priest to appear
before the Lord just wearing "any old thing" - God had prescribed special
garments.
a) the "coat" worn by Aaron; from the same Hebrew word rendered "coat" in
Gen.3:21. Defined in this passage as adequate for covering "nakedness" esp.
the thigh.
4. I Timothy 2:9 In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest
apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or
pearls or costly raiment; (ASV)
a) immediate context forbids "overdressing" - should not appear in lavish and
expensive garments, nor with excessive jewelry (big diamond rings) and costly
accessories (Rolex watches). This is as true today as it was when the apostle
wrote it.
b) also prohibited, hairstyles that attract undue attention (braiding) - a certain
application would include the "spikes" and rainbow tinted hairstyles our modern
youth.
Conclusion -
Yes, God has revealed that He does care what you wear. He desires that we:
1) BE COVERED (ADEQUATELY)
2) BE DISTINCTIVE (MALE/FEMALE)
3) BE MODEST (PROPERLY ATTIRED)
- ESPECIALLY, WHEN WORSHIPPING
7