Assumptions are rarely if ever accurate.
>>It ain't bragging if you do it.<<
Actually it’s bragging IF you do it and make sure others know.
>>It ain't bragging if it is not done in order to be seen, but in order to worship the Lord God Almighty.<<
What makes you think He was talking about intent? In the same passage He said to go in your “closet” to make sure others DIDN’T see it regardless of intent.
Assumptions are rarely if ever accurate.
If I let go of a hammer in a positive gravity environment, I don't need to watch it fall to know that it has.
>>It ain't bragging if you do it.<<
Actually it’s bragging IF you do it and make sure others know.
We've been doing it for 2000 years and some people still don't get it.
>>It ain't bragging if it is not done in order to be seen, but in order to worship the Lord God Almighty.<<
What makes you think He was talking about intent? In the same passage He said to go in your “closet” to make sure others DIDN’T see it regardless of intent.
Acts 2:42y They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.z
Community prayer was practiced by the fledgling Church.
Acts 4: 31* As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.i
Community prayer was practiced by the fledgling Church.
Acts 20: 36When he had finished speaking he knelt down and prayed with them all.
Dearie me, even Paul engaged in this devilish deed. But what of our Lord? While it is true that He promoted private prayer and gave us numerous examples, he also gave us:
John 11: 41So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father,* I thank you for hearing me. 42I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.”n
Jesus even began His ministry with public prayer:
Luke 3: * 21o After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,* heaven was opened 22* p and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Are you going to tell me that this event was not for the benefit of the onlookers?