Finding Fault In A Blog

Is Easy. Because they are not Scripture. They are quite simply...

UNiNSPiRED

Modesty From Noah Webster's Dictionary

Modesty - In females, modesty has the like character as in males; but the word is used also as synonymous with chastity, or purity of manners. In this sense, modesty results from purity of mind, or from the fear of disgrace and ignominy fortified by education and principle. Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of their honor.

also

Modesty, as an act or series of acts, consists in humble, unobtrusive deportment, as opposed to extreme boldness, forwardness, arrogance, presumption, audacity or impudence. Thus we say, the petitioner urged his claims with modesty; the speaker addressed the audience with modesty.

So what about modesty for us men? What kind of expectations are there for us? How is it seemingly the hot topic to always address the issue of immodesty in women, albeit the primary focus there is in dress, but modesty can be had in more areas than physical dress can it not? How could we make a presumption or comparison on this same topic but in regard to the men in the Church? Something that should definitely be paid attention too, and I think we will give it a look.

Stay tuned because I think this one's not going away for a while, it's burden on my soul is too great.

The Lord Preserves And Plans For His People

I have nothing to offer in lieu of commentary regarding this passage. The only thing I can say is simply this. Read it.

(Mic 4:1-13) (ESV)

(1) It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, (2) and many nations shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. (3) He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; (4) but they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken. (5) For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. (6) In that day, declares the LORD, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; (7) and the lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the LORD will reign over them in Mount Zion from this time forth and forevermore. (8) And you, O tower of the flock, hill of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, the former dominion shall come, kingship for the daughter of Jerusalem. (9) Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished, that pain seized you like a woman in labor? (10) Writhe and groan, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor, for now you shall go out from the city and dwell in the open country; you shall go to Babylon. There you shall be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies. (11) Now many nations are assembled against you, saying, "Let her be defiled, and let our eyes gaze upon Zion." (12) But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor. (13) Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion, for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples; and shall devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth.

The Soul Of Modesty From C.J. Mahaney

The Soul of Modesty C. J. Mahaney | Sunday Service

"Modesty is Humility expressed in Dress"

Church, Family, Society, and State

The church witnesses to the righteousness of the kingdom, penetrating society like leaven or salt, but it is not identified with the world it touches. The church is neither competitive nor correlative to the family, to the state, or to other societal institutions. These are the forms of life in the world, from which the church is distinguished.

(-Edmund P. Clowney, Countours of Christian Theology: The Church, P.191)

Please Listen Carefully and Understand...

To issue a decree of peace surrounding the recent blogs and comments, I've removed all negative commentary or further posting of comments on the recent blogs. The spirit in which I had intended to deliver the initial posts regarding modesty in the Church were fully intended on commenting, describing, and addressing the specific issue of the Church as a whole entity. In light of such matters it is also a severe case of what we shouldn't do when we are trying (as we always should be) to glorify God.

It is of my admission and understanding that these posts could have been entirely understood to be directed at a particular local body, and even to individuals personally. This was never the case, intent, or purpose of these posts. If you are a visiting, referred, or regular reader I would encourage you to read archives to get a feel for the purposes and the content of a majority of posts that have been shared here at Deliver Detroit.

In the latter half of the second "prostitute" post, I described and did all that I felt necessary to imply the necessity of love in such matters. Love is of utmost importance in correction and in affirmation of each other as believers.

As covered by Jen, in the introduction of the very first posting, and in a guest post still yet to come, I pray that you will see the heart of the matter and the intent of covering this topic. Sometimes coincidence seems to dictate the story, but doesn't necessarily mean that it is.

Some things to remember about the posts in question that were at the heart of my point. These are what I wanted to communicate, but may have not done that well enough, and humbly ask forgiveness from all who were offended, stumbled, or surprised at such a directed response.

1. That the implication of church discipline upon believers (or false professors) sinning openly after proper address from believers is the precedent.

2. Although immodest dress is never explicitly listed as being a punishable offense, it becomes sin when it is addressed and the behavior still occurs in disobedience to the correction/teaching and is an outward sign of an inward rejection of truth and authority in church discipline. Rejection and no indication of repentance upon such confrontation is punishable by being shunned, denied benefits of intimate christian fellowship and treat them as if they were a "Gentile and a Tax Collector."

3. Lastly, the sole purpose of likening worldly things to christian behavior in the fellowship was intended to bring a correlation that has become seemingly blurred in a majority of fellowships everywhere. This line is drawn by the difference of Christ's Bride (the Church) and the World System. While the line starts disappearing and the Bride's purity becomes more and more compromised, it become adopted and accepted as normal behavior, debasing the testimony and the ability of the Church to be Salt and Light to the world.

What was being addressed is a clear line that is drawn by holiness but now marred by culture. For many persecuted Christians worldwide, making a profession in Jesus Christ could result in instant martyrdom. Having to meet in secret and underground for safety from persecution should encourage us to ponder the thought that these believers lay down everything for their profession. Those who do not believe, simply put, will not make an insane profession that will cost them their lives in order to have social status and happiness every Sunday or Wednesday evening. They profess Christ because they have been redeemed and laying down one's life for the redeemed is a cost worthy paying.

Some Encouragement In Light Of Scorn

Jen (Reformed Sheology) has commented something I wanted to share with everyone who has been following the series of posts lately. By no means do the commentary and the postings do any justice in reflecting the purpose of what I had intended. If that be so, shame on me for not being concise. But my Sister in Christ has shared her heart and burden as well and gives a little more illumination of the heart of the matter I had intended to convey, her comment was as follows.

James,

I would like to thank you for sharing your heart with us. I also want to say that I know how difficult it must be to take up this issue as a man. Because the feminist movement has destroyed biblical gender roles in our culture, most women do not want to hear this coming from a man. In fact, most women do not want to hear these things from anybody.

I’ve written more than once about the powers of persuasion God has given women and how, instead of using them to influence men in a godly way, we choose instead to manipulate men for our own gain. Many women deliberately choose their clothing in order to gain the attention of men. This, I think, is the real heart of the issue. Modesty isn’t about how we dress. One’s wardrobe is only a symptom of the problem. Immodest dress is nothing more than a means to gain attention by saying, “Look at me!” This is what the Bible calls vanity, and it is a heart issue that must be addressed.

I think your post, “Prostitutes of the Flesh (Pt.1)” explains why we have become numb to the fact that this is sinful, and that is, because it has become the social norm for people to see women hanging out of their clothes. Third wave feminism has basically encouraged women to look at pornography as a way to be empowered. These attitudes have naturally spilled out into society and also into the Body of Christ, dulling our senses as to what is and is not immodest.

God has called men to be spiritual leaders, both in the home and in the church. In a day and age where so many fathers are absent and unable to protect their daughters from a culture that wants to prey upon them, I thank you for taking leadership on this issue.

Pardon Me, Let Me Sweep Up That Mess.

Posts here of late have been misunderstood very easily and the things said regarding specific topics often strike raw nerves with some. It is also easily seen as being too general in statement. I would implore with any readers who believe this to be so, to please consider some things. Is the post specific to a certain individual, situation, or dilemma? Or is the post geared toward approaching an issue that is vast in it's reach, wide in it's occurrence, and problematic for the Church overall? These two questions would do well when you read what I post. The reason it sounds broad, is because it is. If you localize something that is not intended to be localized it causes one to take issue and personal resentment toward what is said. Then it sounds accusatory and one may feel wronged or offended by it. If it becomes a matter of personal conviction and you feel you are being attacked by the sentiment or information written about, I would ask you to read the post and see if it includes your name in there. If it does not, your conviction is not my responsibility. However, if there is conviction, then you should examine yourself against the Holy Scriptures and place faith in Christ to lead in your decision making regarding that conviction.

If I have caused offense to any individual, I humbly ask forgiveness. If I have created a stumbling block for anyone, I also ask forgiveness in that. But, if you are offended because you have personalized what was not intended for you, let me remind you that your expectations are not my responsibility. The Lord's are.

I Vow To Make A Covenant with My Eyes

(Ecc 7:25-26) I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

Should you avoid going to the public swimming pool, beaches, or strip clubs for that matter, for the sake of guarding and covenanting with your eyes, to prevent yourself from sin (Jas 4:7-8)? If these places are obvious stumbling blocks to an individual (man) it may be safe to say that you should avoid them as if they were the stench of death themselves (Rom 6:23). To maintain an accordance and attempt of walking in the righteousness of the Spirit and pursuing the holiness given of Christ Jesus would suggest so wouldn't it (Rom 12:2)?

So if the church is resembling the above description, is it the church? If it is, is it not due rebuke and correction? Lastly, should you treat it as you would the aforementioned stumbling blocks, would not it be the same sin, leading to the same outcome, and tarnish the same name professed by your mouth and the mouths of the very ones who violate His holy word?

You tell me. Because I'm either completely disgusted, disillusioned, and angry, or I am completely confused and totally misunderstanding the scriptures.

Daily Help from Charles H. Spurgeon - August 16th

Question: How is that those who live holy lives do it with such joy?

Answer:

The lives of some of God's people fill us with holy astonishment. Strange and marvelous are the ways which God used in their case to find his own. Blessed be his name, he never relinquishes the search until the chosen are sought ought effectually. They are not a people sought to-day and cast away to-morrow. Almightiness and wisdom combined will make no failures; they shall be called "Sought out!" That any should be sought out, is matchless grace, but that we should be sought out is grace beyond degree! We can find no reason for it but God's own sovereign love, and can only lift up out heart in wonder, and praise the Lord that this day we wear the name of "Sought out."

-Charles H. Spurgeon

You and Your Daughter are Prostitutes...Of The Flesh (Pt.2)

continuing from yesterday's post...

Undoubtedly there could be a lack of understanding and a need for discipleship in the truth and exemplary duty of modesty in a culture where modesty has been dismissed as a cultural stage we have progressed out of. But also, there is an innate evil in the heart of sinners and the unregenerate that seeks to sow seeds in amongst the wheat that spring forth tares choking out life and killing anything it comes near. John 3:11, the message we heard from the beginning is that we love one another. This love is in accordance with our Lord's will, not to knock each other down by flaunting the flesh that causes temptation and sin. Romans 5:5, The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, this will relfect in our actions toward others. I ask this, is showing off an acreage of cleavage showing love toward a brother who struggles with lust? Are you so self-conscious that you have to find gratification in luring all the wrong attention you can toward yourself?

It's simply stated for believers in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-9, we shouldn't have to be informed or written to that we are to love one another. Loving one another not only means that we are not to cause a brother to stumble, it is better to go without a pleasure or behavior than to cause a brother to stumble, especially in lieu of liberty and purity (1 Co 8:13). Peter (2 Peter 1:4-7) admonishes us to show evidence of our fruit through self-control, persevearance, godliness, kindness, and love! But if you are lacking in this (2 Peter 1:9) you are blind, shortsighted, in violation of the covenant promises of God through Christ Jesus.

So to end this post now, as It's taken much time to get to this point, it will take much time to undo it, or seek to make it better. As the letter of 1 Peter 3:5, I Timothy 2:9, and the admonition from all of scripture to have a testimony embodied in your very being and the light of Christ being reflected in your life clearly, unmistakingly, undoubtedly, and powerfully (Mat 5:15, Luk 8:16, Luk 11:33).

I guess my point is the lack of those whom are repulsed enough of the enemies attack on the culture is truly showing. I pray that if you have been redeemed of God that you get up, get up NOW and begin participating in the Great Commission given us of Christ Jesus. Go, tell others that they may hear, that they may be saved, and that some may come to know him...

Galatians 6:1-5 teaches a very important lesson for the teachers, elders, evangelists, and men in the body of believers. This lesson is a calling out to those who care about sin in the face of a righteous God. It's an admonition and rebuke to the leaders in the body to remember the covenant made with the Father in redemption and rebuke, correct, and teach those who sin openly, and amongst us. It is also an encouragement to help them learn the truth of the word that will show them a more righteous way in Christ who gives us life, and power over sin through the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 6:10 Paul goes on to teach us that we must first do good to all people (love), and especially to those who are of the household of faith (emphasis mine). Would not doing good to the brethren include teaching them a better way while also eradicating through discipline the problem of sin in the body of believers?

...Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
(Eph 4:17-19)

You and Your Daughter are Prostitutes...Of The Flesh (Pt.1)

It is an ever growing trend that many are well aware of. This trend not only is openly accepted and widely encouraged, but it is also fiercely lethal and increasingly growing out of control. What we do not know is that this poison that is deadly in all it's capacities also has the ability to masquerade and disguise itself. What could something so inherently fatal disguise itself as? I'll tell you what it's facade is. It's facade is known as a social norm.

Social norms are rules that are socially enforced. This enforcement usually occurs when society's general consensus and opinion determine that something is socially acceptable and passes as a "norm". These norms often result in a higher and more lethal strain of this poison when it develops itself into what is known as a more (morr-ay). A more derives from a socially practiced custom instead of a culture's laws or "commandments".

Now that you know what it is that I am discussing here let me answer your question of what it is being labeled. While it would be interesting to go into an exhaustive dissertation on the many things that conflict with my worldview in this area of discussion, I won't. I believe I just might save that for a school assignment. Nonetheless, the main point of concern I would like to address is the young female population (and their parents).

I will save you the runaround tail-chasing blame game that we tend to place on the media and other popular paparazzi influences (I'm not saying they are exempt) and go directly to my personal experience. In Romans 7:13, Paul the Apostle noted in that knowledge of sin made sin exceedingly sinful. This by knowledge of the commandments would cause one much guilt for committing such deeds. While the war wages on and the light of Christ reflects in the soul of the redeemed, the enemy shores up his strongholds with the deterioration of self-respect and value. The nation's tolerance and consumption of smut, vulgarity, pornography, and half-naked celebutants is setting a bad example. If you happen to be a member of the male sex you can't help but notice that we may as well equip ourselves with blinders and a cane, hoping someone will help us cross the street.

The "norm" has been whatever makes you happy is what you should do. This is exhibited in the youth of our nation doing exactly that and becoming enslaved by their ignorance, inexperience, outside influence, and out of control lustful desires. In doing so they are shedding more clothing and donning more erotic, revealing, and filthy rags. These young women who are partaking in this norm mostly unaware are not being warned or instructed by their parents, as their parents are endorsing and encouraging the behavior with their own. So now this "norm" is mutating into an out of control monster known as a "more". This more is now acceptable regardless of the opinion of the law, church, or other sensible forms known as morals. Now that the "more" is setting itself in for a long winter's hibernation we as a society and those who are Christians (especially) are having less influence as time goes on. This in part is also greatly compounded by the role being played by the church, and that a large portion of the demographic we have just discussed attends every Sunday and Wednesday.

When will we say something to them? Since when is it Ok for a half-naked teenage girl to hug and hang on her grand-daddy youth leader? Why is it tolerable for church youth to give each other full-frontal hugs and bear hugs that allow the young man to be completely aware of the younger lady's body? Why does it feel wrong that you may be the only person who finds it unacceptable in a place supposedly devoted to worshiping a Just and Holy Creator? Why do female mothers, professed believers, and sisters who stand by silently, think it is acceptable for women to wear shirts that reveal as much cleavage as a porn mag brazenly left out for us to see in our local gas stations in the fellowship of saints? Worse yet why allow their pre-teen daughters to wear skirts that are shorter than most, and I say MOST prostitutes walking the stroll on West Jefferson? They show skin for heroin and crack, why is your daughter (or you) showing hers?

Part 2 will post 12:00 AM Midnight, ET.

Broken Church Windows, Discipline, and A Little Faith

Arthur Sido at his Blog has commented on an article posted on World Magazine's Website. The article was stumbled upon just moments after a conversation related to the very topic we had shared about for quite a few hours. It is one of utmost importance. There is something to be learned from all of this, and realistically, it is tied to Church Discipline in the body moreso than any other thing.

Arthur Writes...

It is easy to poke at the problems, it is harder to get back to the Word and be part of the solution. The whole house church movement is dedicated to tossing rocks at the church and smugly feeling pious because they are not "steeplehouse people". You can’t reform the church from the outside, throwing rocks at the church building and breaking more windows. If it is true that the vast majority of those attending and in membership in local churches are unregenerate, then preach the Gospel to them! Confront them with their sin and point them to the cross. Why will some preach the Gospel everywhere BUT the church?! Does the Holy Spirit stop at the church door? Do the unregenerate in the church frighten and cow the fearless evangelist?

Check out his post to read more, and if you like, here is a back link to posts on the same topic here at Deliver Detroit.

Hit The Road Jack

Three and 1/2 years. Honestly, is the longest I've ever held one single job in one single place. There was a time when I was in the Union and moved from company to company, but was with the Union for a considerable amount of time. Other than that, it's safe to say that my career has been one of many trades and I've become a handy man with enough experience in everything to seriously mess things up, or luck out and do an incredible job.

But, lately I've been dabbling as a Manager at a McDonald's Restaurant in the Metro-Detroit area. This job is far harder than many think it may be, and customers don't give simple humane respect to any of it's employees, this just seems to be the normative manner accepted by our culture. Then again, I would say McDonald's is guilty of creating this perspective for individuals by harnessing the fast food service industry and maxing it to it's fullest potential. Seriously, McDonald's has got it down to a science, and they get better and better every day. If you are curious about how it feels to work behind the counter of McD's, check out this Dilbert cartoon on YouTube. While it has been a great experience learning how to micro manage many different personalities, the payoff just doesn't seem like it's worth it. Then again, for a convicted felon coming out of Jail and in need of a job, I was fortunate they even gave me a shot, let alone that I still hold the record for most write-ups in the store's history and made it to Management. That's irony. But, I'm glad for the resume reference it provides, the life experience it's provided, and the perceptional paradigm shift that is experienced when you are humbled by a "Big Breakfast" being hurled at you because it's not the right order. Seriously, people forget that statistically speaking, one out of the thousands of orders in a single shift served are going to probably be an error and need correction. But it's my fault anyway, so smile, and have a nice day!

Now, moving on to the intent of this post. At the time of this posting, it is officially my last day of employment with McDonald's restaurant. I am moving on down the road. I've actually taken a slight pay cut in the hopes of receiving training that will prove more valuable down the road. How this fit's in with my Social Work education and ministry I am not sure yet, but this opportunity is much more promising than McDonald's. It also will provide me with a place to excercise the gifts and talents I enjoy using while in an atmosphere that is not as insane as Airport Restaurant traffic and $1500.00 hour rushes that make you want to fall over and die. Did I also mention the relief that I may have some sense of dignity when I'm in the company of co-workers that MIGHT respect you as a human being? Enticing to say the least.

I am grateful, McDonald's has provided many witnessing opportunities, great relationships with me fellow managers, and bonds that were developed through team work that showed it's strengths when the rubber hit the road. Unfortunately, McDonald's as an organization is making some corporate moves that are respite with immoral endorsements of the homosexual agenda and not something I would willfully affiliate with If I were to have a choice in the matter. And forntualtely enough, the Lord has provided an unsolicited chance for me to move on quietly and comfortably. Check out this video that just shows the tip of the iceberg. It is fresh from the island of Dr. Moreau (California). And they said they were culturally neutral, not anymore! Guilt by association anyone?

Oh well. Life is life, please pray for my new job, and give praise to the name of Jesus for His provision in all things, blessing or not. Amen!

Yes, I Once Used A Rotary Phone!

Believe it or not, I don't think I talk much about myself here. This is purposeful and definitely deliberate, I like to keep the focus on Christ. However, because I came across this picture in a trunk down in the basement some time ago. As I rummaged through childhood photos I thought ever so quickly at how blessed I was to be given a Mother who gave all she could for me to have a good life, even when it involved her having less. She is still like that to this day. Please, pray for her (Jean) and that she comes to know the Lord and his magnificent mercy and grace, what a great Saint she would make!

"Mom! Please excuse me....I'm on the phone!"

Ya'll Got Cable TeeVee?

I'll bet that you didn't know Deliver Detroit sponsors a local Cable Access Television program on Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM. Did you also know that it airs Way Of The Master Season 1 and 2 (3 is coming soon). In the past Paul Washer sermons have been broadcast locally in hopes of reaching the local viewing area with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

While much of the videos planned for airing require editing and prepping for 30 minute segments, there are many in the works. This requires resources such as time, blank DVD's, and software that assists in the process. This is all funded by personal contributions of all the above named resources. If you are willing to participate in this endeavor, please let me know through email how you can help and if you have any ideas for future programming!

This Cable Access is utilized to proclaim the glory of God through it's programming and outreach. The programming scheduled for the next two weeks will be the DVD version of the 2002 Youth Evangelism Conference of Alabama. It features Paul Washer delivering what has become known as the "Shocking Youth Message." Part 1 is scheduled to air August 6th and Part 2 on the 13th.

If you are a resident or cable subscriber in the Romulus, Belleville, Taylor, and Van Buren viewing area, you can see these programs on the community channel 18 on Wednesday's at 7:30 PM.

Minus Wisdom Teeth = No Wisdom?

The most annoying sound in the world. Ever heard it? Maybe you have. If you've ever had dental work done, I think the resonating sound of a drill grinding your teeth in your head will top the chart. What's worse is being under a local anesthetic and not feeling a thing except your face being stretched and expanded beyond it's normal elasticity while dwelling on how much pain you will be in the following day. I can't help but think that whenever you receive dental work of this nature that the sympathetically toned "I'm Sorry" from the Dental staff should be outlawed from their vocabulary. Are they really sorry? Poke, sorry! Stab, sorry! Ohhhh, I know it hurts, sorry. YANK SORRY, OUCH SORRY.

Someone explain to me why we have wisdom teeth again? What is so wise about embedded, impacted thousand dollar oral surgeries anyway?

Oh well, what's the use complaining anyway. What's done is done. Now I have an excuse for not being wise. I left it at the dentist's office in a pool of blood. Can I sue for that?