1Timothy115

Congratulations! God is good.

Tony, you seem to have labels (negative) for everyone, and most thoughts people present; or those you take issue with. I don't suppose you think warning of the impending doom of the world is very positive either but, the fact remains Jesus taught us about its demise. Don't take things too personally or I might believe I've touched a nerve. Thank you for your comment.

Nobody is denying that there is a growing problem with the use of technology and the addiction it CAN cause. It doesn't necessarily mean it WILL happen. Some people seem to find the negative in anything they can. There is such a thing as balance, and I'm sure many here, including yourself, that use a balanced approach. Your exhortation to beware is greatly appreciated and should be heeded, especially in those who exhibit addictive behaviors. 

Facebook would ask me, "What's on your mind, David?"
Sadly, I have some reservations about putting it out on Facebook. Or at least not yet!
I hope I'm not speaking of anyone here but, please, no replies in the form of excuses.
How many Christians are following the world's example of continual 'smart phone', computer laptop/desktop, or TV screen use? This is where the world is worshipping their god. Their god of progress technology consumes them, and they are worshipping at it's alter. Their god controls nearly every aspect of their lives. They burn their dinner, they have accidents, they ignore the people they love, they risk almost anything to get to their god.
Praise my God, that he has kept me from the need to affix my every move, thought or action before the throne of tv, computer, or phone.

Ugh! Because nobody learned anything from the crypto-currency scandal. And, yes, I agree...things are moving at a fast clip!

Agreed. The US Government (both parties) is stu...stu...stu...stu...stuck on stu...stu...stu...stu...stupid.

New COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.5 even better than Omicron! 
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel, pictured, said that the XBB subvariants sweeping parts of the nation are "highly contagious," with spike proteins acting like "suction cups." (Fox News)
Suction cups! What will they think up next?
Might not be coming anytime soon!

If your friends come through the southern border then no vaccine required. In fact we'll give them food, cell phone and bus them to other cites all for free. 
In all seriousness, that rule should have never been put in place in the first place.

Yeah, they don't listen to us anymore because too many people just roll over and let them do whatever they want. They are gearing up for another mess. Sorry about the "rule."

Did you know that the US is among the last nations in the world to still require foreign visitors to have a Covid vaccine? Y’all need to get on your politician’s cases and get that silly rule out of there. I have friends I want to come visit. ??

I can't believe this can is still being kicked around. 
I won't accuse any Christian who watches the Chosen. There is liberty given to believers in Christ. I personally will not make effort to see it. If I were in a home where others were watching the Chosen, I wouldn't tell them to turn it off or I would have to leave.

The spirit of worship, the manifest presence of Jesus Christ, and the transformation of the ordinary into awe, wonder, and respect of Almighty God.
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
It is not the images around us, stop thinking of self; it is the image we bear, start thinking of Christ.
Matthew 28:20b "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The spirit of worship, the manifest presence of Jesus Christ, and the transformation of the ordinary into awe, wonder, and respect of Almighty God.
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
It is not the images around us, stop thinking of self; it is the image we bear, start thinking of Christ.
Matthew 28:20b "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The spirit of worship, the manifest presence of Jesus Christ, and the transformation of the ordinary into awe, wonder, and respect of Almighty God.
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
It is not the images around us, stop thinking of self; it is the image we bear, start thinking of Christ.
Matthew 28:20b "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The spirit of worship, the manifest presence of Jesus Christ, and the transformation of the ordinary into awe, wonder, and respect of Almighty God.
Psalms 139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
It is not the images around us, stop thinking of self; it is the image we bear, start thinking of Christ.
Matthew 28:20b "and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Ungodliness is defined by the Bible. The Bible does not forbid doors, walls, windows, carpet/flooring, etc., etc. All of which would, as BroMatt pointed out, fall under "secular." That might seem to be stretching it or even to be silly, but ALL of the physical components which together form the sanctuary are secular, because they come from this earth. Dedicated to the Lord, obviously, but their beginnings were secular.
The fact of the matter is that God gave us this nation. It was founded on biblical principle. If a church chooses to honor the country in which it serves by placing a flag at the front, there is no biblical prohibition (as long as it is not worshipped, obviously). If, however, the pastor and/or the church feel that it is tacky, inappropriate, etc., they are free and clear to not have one. I felt that the huge flags we had were tacky...meeting in a manufactured home, we have a very small area. Large, platform flags were too much. Hence our smaller flags.
There are people who have renamed days/months. Their children grew up under that...and they most certainly had problems as adults with many areas besides just calendars. We are to be a peculiar people, but far too many people don't understand that word does not mean weird. The calendars and day names are set...we do not worship those gods after whom days/months are named and we all know that. The same applies to decorations in the auditorium.
The emphasis that folks see when they enter our auditorium is not our flags. Nope. It is the cross, on the top of which is a crown of thorns, with the sign "Up from the grave He arose" and at whose base is an open Bible. Folks know, when they enter our church, that we are a church not a secular organization. And the singing, preaching, and teaching that goes on simply underlines that while it magnifies Christ. Even with those pesky little flags sitting up there. ?
 
Shotgun comments (meaning the comments go all over the place lol):
And, no, we do not equate Christianity with patriotic conservatism...we do, however, believe that Christians ought to be the best citizens of which ever country in which they abide. But I have seen churches with calendars at the front. The Bible does say, "Teach us to number our days..." Using a calendar to remind folks that days follow days and time marches on is not always a bad idea...I would venture to say that wherever a group of Christians meet to worship is at that time a sanctuary, even if it is outdoors.

I imagine this could be a bit difficult for those “churches” that must gather in schools or some other public venue (due to lack of their own facility) where secular, and even other religious symbols, may be common. While deployed in the military the same facility may be used for the conduct of all religions' services (Christian, Jewish, Islam, Wicca, etc.). You may also be sure that in such military installations the American Flag is most likely present. Are you implying that in each of these places the room should be thoroughly scrubbed to remove any instance of secular or religious symbolism not relevant to biblical Christianity?
The fact of the matter is that “where” we worship is of little importance. Nowhere in the bible is church defined as a specific place. The word translated “church” in the Bible is ekklesia, which is derived from the words ek: a primary preposition denoting origin “from, out”, and kaleo: which means to bid or call. So biblically speaking a “church” is a calling out. The church is the people, not the place.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13
This is the church. Those that have been called out (ekklesia) from this world and by salvation have been spiritually baptized into the body of Christ. The church is a people that gather together to worship God and Christ.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
Now, if in the hearts of any of these people a flag or some other secular or religious item is taking precedence over God then there is a problem; but based on Matthew 18:20 it doesn’t appear that Jesus was too concerned with the surrounding environment so long as two or three were sincerely gathered in His name.

The problem I have with that is the cross is a pagan symbol (secular symbol). 
Outside of that... To name a few...Pianos and projector/ televisions are secular as well.
Again, this is a great topic. I appreciate you bringing it up for discussion. 

But that doesn't answer my question. ?  And, FWIW, I tip my hat to you for your stand. I don't agree with you, obviously, but will not castigate you for your belief. 
 

Well, at least you're not encouraging flag burning to oppose our nation's flag in our churches, I'll give you that.

Well, at least you're not encouraging flag burning to oppose our nation's flag in our churches, I'll give you that.

We've had them in IFB and IB churches to the sides and behind the pulpit. I have no problem with showing respect for the U.S. Flag and the Baptist Flag on the platform area. For that matter, as a retired Navy man I like it. Our new pastor had them both removed. I honor the Lord first and God's under shepherd of the local church second. For me the flag represents the authority God permitted within our Declaration and U.S. Constitution. I don't come into the sanctuary and give the flag a salute, either one of them. I don't worship nor give undo honor to our nation's flag. Honor to the flag is such a little thing and has never been a part of worship toward God in any church I've attended or been a member of.
 

We've had them in IFB and IB churches to the sides and behind the pulpit. I have no problem with showing respect for the U.S. Flag and the Baptist Flag on the platform area. For that matter, as a retired Navy man I like it. Our new pastor had them both removed. I honor the Lord first and God's under shepherd of the local church second. For me the flag represents the authority God permitted within our Declaration and U.S. Constitution. I don't come into the sanctuary and give the flag a salute, either one of them. I don't worship nor give undo honor to our nation's flag. Honor to the flag is such a little thing and has never been a part of worship toward God in any church I've attended or been a member of.
 

We've had them in IFB and IB churches to the sides and behind the pulpit. I have no problem with showing respect for the U.S. Flag and the Baptist Flag on the platform area. For that matter, as a retired Navy man I like it. Our new pastor had them both removed. I honor the Lord first and God's under shepherd of the local church second. For me the flag represents the authority God permitted within our Declaration and U.S. Constitution. I don't come into the sanctuary and give the flag a salute, either one of them. I don't worship nor give undo honor to our nation's flag. Honor to the flag is such a little thing and has never been a part of worship toward God in any church I've attended or been a member of.
 

We've had them in IFB and IB churches to the sides and behind the pulpit. I have no problem with showing respect for the U.S. Flag and the Baptist Flag on the platform area. For that matter, as a retired Navy man I like it. Our new pastor had them both removed. I honor the Lord first and God's under shepherd of the local church second. For me the flag represents the authority God permitted within our Declaration and U.S. Constitution. I don't come into the sanctuary and give the flag a salute, either one of them. I don't worship nor give undo honor to our nation's flag. Honor to the flag is such a little thing and has never been a part of worship toward God in any church I've attended or been a member of.