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PASTOR GENERAL'S REPORT, February 13, 1981
Page 5
I know God expects me not only to inform you brethren, but so far as
possible, to set you an example.
So let me ask you, HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ME COME TO A CHURCH SERVICE
IMPROPERLY DRESSED? I don't believe you have.
When Dr. Aviram put on a jacket, he was merely following Israeli
custom. They are a struggling nation, with a heavy percent of national
income going for armed forces. They do not "dress up" for everyday
occasions as much as other more prosperous nations.
But notice in I John 1:3 that when we come together in worship ser
vice, that "truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son
Jesus Christ."
When we gather together for a church service, WE ARE COMING INTO THE
PRESENCE OF THE GREAT MAJESTIC GOD, and to have fellowship also with the
living JESUS CHRIST.
THINK OF IT!
For I know you have NOT thought about it! When you come into the
very presence of ALMIGHTY GOD and of JESUS CHRIST, YOU MUST COME WITH
EVERY DUE RESPECT FOR THEIR SUPREME MAJESTY.
I say to you brethren, I know you have not deliberately come to
church services in a slouchy, unkempt appearance--rather, you just never
thought about it this way before!
Now that I have REMINDED YOU, you will have NO EXCUSE, and you 1,1ill
be INSULTING, and MAKING LIGHT OF your Almighty Father and your Savior
Jesus Christ.
God Does Notice
You do NOT need to go out and buy new clothes.
But DRESS UP here
after in the best you have! God will be watching you! Notice it in
Psalm 33:13-15:
"The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.
From the place of his habitation, he looketh upon all the inhabitants
of the earth...he considereth all their works."
Actually--literally--God Himself does look upon you and notice how
you come dressed in His presence in church services!
For years, I not only wore a freshly pressed suit, but even a white
shirt and a befitting (not too "loud" or flashy or too somber, but of
proper character) necktie. In the early years of this Church, when I had
only one pair of shoes (with holey soles) and one suit of clothes, I shine<
my shoes and got out my wife's ironing board and pressed my own suit Fri
day afternoons before going to church services.
I have always tried to HONOR GOD in the matter of personal appearance
at church.