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"Let's All Stand for the Reading of God's Word"

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1865 **10/12/16 1:18 pm**

Let me say this before I get in too deep. I always stand for the national anthem, pledge of allegiance, etc., and I generally think there is a lack of respect for all things dignified. (disclaimer over)

My family and I recently attended a special service at another church. The speaker that evening asked everyone to stand while he read his text. Then he went on a tirade about preachers not asking their congregations to stand for the reading of their text. He further went on to talk about recent NFL flag/anthem boycotts and wasted a lot of time on that.

I don't mind being asked to stand at all. I don't mind or resent showing any kind of honor towards God. But there were a lot of people at the service that don't attend that church normally because it was a special gathering. He sounded downright angry about the issue. I guess my thoughts on the subject are this: If we should always stand while the bible is read, shouldn't we stand for the whole sermon? (assuming the minister is preaching from the Bible of course).

Now, i will sit down and let you guys have the floor Laughing

Re: "Let's All Stand for the Reading of God's Word"

Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere Posts: 3147 **10/12/16 1:39 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1323 **10/12/16 1:44 pm**

They do that at the church (UPC) I visit.
On cue- as soon as the pastor starts to open his bible the all stand.
Don't even have to ask.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **10/12/16 2:05 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1323 **10/12/16 2:06 pm**

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **10/12/16 2:13 pm**

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 12817 **10/12/16 2:14 pm**

Our church has a neat tradition in which one chapter from the Bible is read aloud in every service. I ask folks to stand, if they are able, out of honor/respect for the reading of God's word. While I have been disappointed a time or two when an odd child or teenager didn't stand, I would not yell at somebody for not standing. It's between them and God if they don't feel the need to stand.

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1323 **10/12/16 2:22 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1865 **10/12/16 2:42 pm**

I hate to interrupt the UPC debate, but to get us back on point.... Laughing

For the record, I have absolutely no problem with any minister/church who adopts this practice. I just thought it odd that he held such a strong conviction that he was willing to condemn those who don't do it. His comments were aimed at ministers- not the congregants themselves..

As to my own personal situation: I rarely ask the congregation to stand while I read my text. We do however, often use liturgy and responsive readings and I do ask the congregation to stand for that. But I never get angry if they don't- maybe someone has knee problems or just doesn't feel well at all that day.

Golf Cart Mafia Consigliere Posts: 3382 **10/12/16 4:01 pm**

I try to remember to say, "stand if you are able..."

Acts-dicted Posts: 8065 **10/12/16 7:53 pm**

I witnessed a prominent UPC pastor tell his congregation to sit down as they were all standing on-cue as he prepared to read his text. he noted, "Do you stand to read your Bible at home?"
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Acts-perienced Poster Posts: 11798 **10/12/16 8:39 pm**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/12/16 8:55 pm**

I have no problem with being asked to stand, but don't we sorta disparage form and (I have trouble with words as I age). I don't feel more worthy by standing. But you do bring up a point that many men of the cloth forget, not everyone in the congregation (especially on special days) are familiar with church procedures and to alienate someone over a personal 'policy' (for lack of finding the right word again)

Nothing we do (works) make us more 'saved'.

I think you brought up a good point and there is a lot here to discuss. I hope we can read more comment and thoughts.

I know some folk who visited our COG and had never seen or heard of a 'Victory March'. They were the only ones who remained seated and 'confused'. The pastor did not need to point it out, but he did with a "Somebody here needs to get right with God and find Victory!" OUCH Embarassed

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01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/12/16 8:57 pm**

Acts-perienced Poster Posts: 11849 **10/13/16 2:30 am**

I think it is fine to stand to read the Bible, but there is no reason to think God requires it. In fact, we know we are allowed to sit and hear and teach the word.

Deuteronomy 11:19
You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
(ESV)
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Acts-dicted Posts: 9027 **10/13/16 12:31 pm**

Do you stand and read your Bible at home?
Do you stand when someone on the radio or TV reads the Bible?
Do you stand when the National Anthem is playing on the TV?

Just another silly religious relic for us scream-bloody-murder about just before we jettison it.
Bye, bye clothing (you have to wear a tie or a dress), jewelry and make-up silliness.
Bye, bye liturgical standing and sitting.

BTW: If you have a Bible-app on your phone, are you dissing your Bible when its in your back pocket.
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My blog: http://bradcfreeman.tumblr.com/

Acts-celerater Posts: 755 **10/13/16 1:44 pm**

I think it may come from here:

Nehemiah 8:5

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.

It is the only clear Bible I can think of which could the source of this request.

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **10/13/16 9:25 pm**

this is the verse my mind went to

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1274 **10/14/16 8:01 am**

Re: this is the verse my mind went to

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1050 **10/14/16 9:01 am**