Jesus Christ is no longer a child

People seem to be eager to envision the child lying in a manger and are not so quick to realize that it was their sins that brought this child into the world.

He came into this world not be remembered as a child but instead He came so that He could die for our sins.

We should be focused on this alone, until He comes again!

He was a man, beaten and bruised, when He hung on that cross to die about two thousand years ago.

He died so that we could live!

He is coming again and we have been given a description of what this will look like.

Rest assured He will not be a cute little baby when He comes again.

He is coming again as a judge, a warrior, and a conqueror!

Are you ready?

Is there materialism in your home today?

God does not share His throne with anyone or anything...

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.1 John 2:15-17

Materialism is a tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values.

Or in other words, it is the love of the things of this world over God.

Many try to make excuses and claim that they love God more than the things of this world but a simple audit of the activities and thoughts throughout a day such as today can reveal whether this is true or not.

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

If you have issues with materialism and the love of this world then you should pray for forgiveness and ask God to search you and cleanse you like King David did:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

Does God set up all rulers?

I know what I was taught most of my life was wrong and out of context.

Modern doctrines on leadership are typically rooted in this single verse:

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1

But God told Hosea something that seems to contradict what Paul wrote in Romans 13:1:

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off. Hosea 8:4 KJV

When you read the full context of Romans 13:1 in light of the next two verses then you see what qualifies as a leader whom God approves.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same...Romans 13:1-3 KJV

Can you think of any leaders or governments who are a terror to good works and promotes evil?

We really need to pray for the souls of our elected leaders and we need to pray that our government repents for the many evils it protects and promotes (abortion, homosexuality and many other sexual perversions, usury and many other sins)...

ESV wrong again...

The ESV  has Saul being one year old when he became king:

Saul lived for one year and then became king...1 Samuel 13:1 ESV

The ESV says in 1 Samuel 9:2, along with chapter 13 verse 1 (above) that Saul was a really huge one year old:

 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.

Wow.

The KJV sets the record straight:

Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, ...1 Samuel 13:1 KJV

And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 1 Samuel 9:2 KJV

Manuscripts and the quality of translators do make a huge difference...

If Christ be not risen...

…then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14

No where in the Bible are we told to celebrate His birth but we are told to consistently incorporate into our worship the remembrance of His death.

In fact this is a specific command in God's Word.

We are to do so in order that we never forget that it was Jesus' death that saved our souls from Hell.

It was His death that saved us from our deserved penalty of eternal  damnation due to our sins.

We are to remember His death until He comes again.

If Christ had not died and then rose from the dead then everything we do as professing Christians would indeed be vanity.

It is His death on the cross, the spilling of His blood, which saves us from our sins.

It was His own death and miraculous resurrection that allows our dead spirits to be quickened (born again, brought back to life…).

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:1-6

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit..1 Peter 3:18

It is only through His death that we can be born again.

It was His death that brought us forgiveness of our sins.

It is His death that we are commanded specifically in scriptures to keep in remembrance until He comes again.

The believers before the cross looked forward to the cross.

The believers after the cross look back to the cross.

It was the day that our Saviour Jesus Christ died on the cross that the Psalmist spoke of.

That day was the day that the Lord hath made with the specific purpose of reconciling us back to Him.

That day was the day of Jesus' death and the day where salvation was made available to anyone who would repent, believe and live for our Father through Jesus His Son.

It was that day that we are to rejoice in.

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. [22] The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. [23] This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. [24] This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:21-24

Don't ever forget His death!

And when he had given thanks, he brake it , and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. [25] After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it , in remembrance of me. [26] For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:24-26

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

PROPITIATION
1. The act of appeasing wrath and conciliating the favor of an offended person; the act of making propitious.
2. In theology, the atonement or atoning sacrifice offered to God to assuage his wrath and render him propitious to sinners. Christ is the propitiation for the sins of men. Romans 3:25. 1 John 2:2.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say , at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26

It is only through Jesus' death that we can be reconciled back to God.

Jesus was born with the soul purpose of dying for our sins.

Jesus lived with the purpose to give His life as a blood  sacrifice in our place so that we could live forever with our Father in heaven.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:8-10

It's His death and not His birth that saved us.

Let us never forget this crucial point!

What we have been commanded to do...

We are to rejoice and remember the Lord's death until He comes again. 

Are you one of those hypocrites the Bible speaks of?

Today many profess with their mouths that they are Christians yet they truly are not. Their fruits which are either bad or lacking dictate that they are sinful hypocrites and in no way are they  Christians.

The Bible tells us that they did not have to call themselves Christians but instead their actions, born out as good works, caused others to see them as truly being Christians. They were called Christians by the people around them as the result of their actions that brought to mind Jesus Christ. People during those times knew of Jesus first hand so they would know if someone was truly being Christ-like.

...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 11:26

Contrary to this, today we see the opposite occurring. We have hypocrites running around living sin filled lives and professing themselves as being Christians.

It is sad when nonbelievers charge the church as being filled with hypocrites because they are actually correct.

The Bible pointed this out clearly as well:

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him , being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:16

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, [4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; [5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:2-5

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. [16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? [17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. [21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? [23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:15-23

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Matthew 15:8

With all this said, are you one of those hypocrites the Bible speaks of?

Santa Claus being a lie is no trivial matter...

It is very sad that self-professing Christians will toy around with the idea of Santa Clause and participate in the tradition of lying to their children that Santa Clause really exists.

It is sad that they seem to miss the point that all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

This lie regarding Santa Clause includes the notion that he knows if you've been bad or good. This is supposedly is in regards to everyone. Only one who is all knowing (omniscient) could be able to do such a thing.

To set the record straight the only being in all of creation that is omniscient is God. To even pretend that there is another is the epitome of the worse form of sacrilege.

Imaginations are not a sin free zone where we can dream up whatever fantasy we desire. We are told that we should be "casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ". 2 Corinthians 10:5

Here are but a few scriptures that explain the truth that God knows everything about us.

O Lord , thou hast searched me, and known me . [2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. [3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but , lo, O Lord , thou knowest it altogether. [5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. [7] Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there . [9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. [12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee . [13] For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. [14] I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. [15] My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. [16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. [17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! [18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. [19] Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. [20] For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. [21] Do not I hate them, O Lord , that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? [22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. [23] Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: [24] And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:1-24

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13

UMC will kill you...

Since the 1950's the UMC has allotted for many compromises in light of the Word of God. When this happens it makes sense that this sign is not funny but in fact it is quite scary.

I went to a UNC when I was a young boy growing up in the Dallas area. My mom to this day states she regrets bringing us there for so many years.

For me it was an eye opener in how something that started out as good under the founder John Wesley can then proceed towards such blatant compromise with the world contrary to the clear teaching of scripture.

Kid vs Kid?

You never see a lamb do this to the best of my knowledge.

Another reason we do not call our children "Kids".


When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46

It's The Law...

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:18-19

John Wesley knew right well the importance of the law.

“Before I can preach love, mercy and grace, I must preach sin, Law and judgment." and “Preach 90 percent Law and 10 percent grace.”

Today's gospel seems to be quite the opposite where grace is preached before the law and this is very much backwards in light of the scripture's teachings. This leads to many who hear the word today seeing the gospel as foolishness. This foolishness is perceived by the hearer because the gospel is preached to them with the grace that came through the cross first without first showing clearly why Jesus' death had to happen.

So it makes sense when the Apostle Paul wrote: "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness...". 1 Corinthians 1:18

Jesus showed us how it is done:

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! Luke 18:18-24

While most may be aware that it is sin that separates from our Father in heaven and destines us to death, many are not clear on exactly what sin is. The Apostle Paul explained what sin is and how you can decipher what constitutes as sin:

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Romans 7:7-13

The Apostle John put it very simply that "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." 1 John 3:4

“I do not believe that any man can preach the gospel who does not preach the Law.” - Charles Spurgeon

Charles Finney was on point when he said “The essence of the Law should be unsparingly applied to the conscience until the sinners self righteousness is annihilated and he stands speechless and self condemned before a hold God.”

But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Romans 7:13

The Blurred Lines of Religious Hypocrisy

The Protestants accuse the Catholics of violating the commandment of God, which they indeed do violate…

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,
or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth…
Exodus 20:4

Yet the Protestants give themselves a pass once a year when they do the exact same thing that they accuse the Catholics of doing.

John Hicks family’s position on the name of Jesus

Aramaic = Eashoa

Hebrew (dead language until the revival of Modern Hebrew towards the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century) = Transliteration in Aramaic =  Yeshuwa`  (AV=Jeshua)

Defined: he is saved

Only time Jeshua (Yeshuwa) used in AV:

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. Ezra 5:2

Koine = Iēsous

Defined: Jehovah is salvation

Written language of New Testament = Koine Greek (dead language)

Note: We received the New Testament including the name of Jesus in the Koine Greek language and it has since been translated into our language which is English.

The importance of scripture:

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:16-21

Spoken and written language of Jesus = Aramaic

Spoken and written language of Hicks family = English

From the Greek to English: Eashoa =  Iēsous = Jesus = Jehovah is salvation

For the Hicks family His name is Jesus.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:10-12

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29

Are you one of the few there be that find it? Are you part of God’s remnant?

Narrow is the way indeed…

How narrow is the way?

It is by one man alone.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Estimates of the world’s population at the time Noah range between 750 million to 4 billion. Taking an average of those widely ranging estimates gives us a compromise at 2,375,000,000.

When the flood came via God’s righteous judgment only 8 people out of an estimated 2 billion people were saved.

There were 600,000 men, not including the number of the women and children, who were led out of Egypt by God through His servant Moses.

Out of over an estimated 2 million people who left Egypt only two of those entered into the promise land.

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved…  Romans 9:27

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Romans 11:4-5

Throughout the Bible we see that indeed it is few there be that find it.

Are you certain that you are one of the few?

Are you part of God’s remnant?

If not be in earnest prayer to the Father through His Son Jesus Christ and read through the Gospel of John as well as John’s epistles and then move on to the book of Romans as a starter.

Sincerely seek out the truths of God in how they apply to your soul’s current and future existence.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

Conspiracy theory or not???

..."My country would never do something like that"...

Next time you catch yourself blowing something off as something our country is not capable of doing or would never do just consider the following:

Operation Sea-Spray...see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Sea-Spray...where the US Navy sprayed biological contaminants onto the San Francisco Bay area to see what effects it would have on the inhabitants, US citizens... This was done without the citizen's knowledge or approval going against the Nuremberg Code that our government about three years prior hypocritically enforced post-World War 2. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Code

Crazy but its true...

As a Christian I am honest with the method that I choose to view history from and that would be that history is but one conspiracy after another. The Bible begins with the greatest of conspiracies against God in the third chapter of Genesis. Then we see man's greatest conspiracy and that was when we put the Son of God to death.

These behaviors, as per the Bible, will only increase in intensity. Men will continue to conspire against each other and against God until the final trumpet. Then God's wrath will commence and a purge like no other will begin.

"We must choose between two paths. Either we conclude that Americans have lost control over their government or we reject this information as a mere distortion of history. In the first case we become advocates of the conspiratorial view of history in the later we endorse the accidental view. It is a difficult choice. The reason it is difficult is that we have been conditioned to laugh at conspiracy theories, and few people will risk public ridicule by advocating them. On the other hand, to endorse the accidental view is absurd. Almost all of history is an unbroken trail of one conspiracy after another. Conspiracies are the norm, not the exception." - G. Edward Griffin 1995

Open two-way discussions regarding doctrines and traditions are being prevented...and Proverbs 18:13 has been shunned...

I am looking for a way to open the doors to discuss matters that mean a lot to me and my family with the pastor of the church we are currently attending.

What I am finding is that pastors today, much like the pastor of the church we have been frequenting, are quick to push their interpretations of scriptures and traditions and then they build up defenses around these to prevent anyone from questioning them. These pastors do this even when they are lacking scriptural support.

Case in point was this last Sunday. The pastor was talking about the sin of worrying and was using Philippians 4;4-8 as his text.

I will not argue at all that we ought not to worry.

I also agree wholeheartedly on the pastor's point that in verse four where it says to "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice" is more than a saying but it qualifies as a command.

But that is where we parted ways in what scripture states in light of the doctrines and traditions the church of today adheres to.

The pastor stated this last Sunday that when someone comes to him with arguments against celebrating Christmas they are sinning in that they are worrying. He used a real life example of this from his experience with a man who tried to do this with him in the past and somehow came to the conclusion that based on verse 5 of the fourth chapter of Philippians this man was sinning. This can only be interpreted by me in that if I were to try to share my heart on what the scriptures as well as early church history state on the topic of Christmas I would be instantly shut up and labeled as a sinful and incorrect worrier.

I submit that based on Proverbs 18:13 that this pastor is the one who is actually sinning. I will explain this is much more detail further below.

First I want to air out some more inconsistencies that I saw with this pastor's message in light of scriptures and early church history.

Simply put, The believers who lived or are still alive after that day that the Lord hath made (Psalm 118:24, actually see all of 118) are never told or commanded to celebrate Christmas. We are only given the historical account in the Gospels.

The believers prior to the coming Messiah, who was expected to be born among men, were given many things to do prior to His birth. Most of these rituals and laws were  specifically given to foreshadow the coming Messiah. This has to be emphasized here because the pastor emphasized so much on the importance of obeying what we are commanded to do such as rejoicing in the Lord alway as noted above in regards to verse 4 of Philippians chapter 4.

We are, however, given a very specific command to do and that is to remember Jesus Christ's death until He comes again. Here are some clear scriptures that support this idea fully:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:26

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Mark 14:22-24

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:17-20

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:20-22

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Now I encourage the readers here and everyone I talk to on this subject to provide specific commands relating to the celebrating of Christmas in the Bible. In fact, where do we see in the first century church this being pushed as a requirement?

Another thing that came up this last Sunday that was disturbing was when the pastor spoke on why Thanksgiving should not be called "Turkey Day". My contention here is not that it should or should not be called Thanksgiving as I agree that a day set aside to give a special focus on thanking God for all we have is not out of line with scriptures. The inconsistency here is that the pastor gives weight to the name of the Thanksgiving holiday but fails to do so with Christmas as well.

Why do we call it Christmas after all?

Since the pastor brought up the importance of obeying the commands of scripture, which I fully agree we ought to do so, then he ought to obey scriptures where it says to "Prove all things". He has not done so with the name of Christmas.

So I ask again, why do we call it Christmas?

Here are some facts that are easily proved:

 "Christmas" is a compound word originating in the term "Christ's Mass". It is derived from the Middle English Cristemasse, which is from Old English Crīstesmæsse...  Crīst... is from Greek Khrīstos...and mæsse is from Latin missa, the celebration of the Eucharist...(Wikipedia via other sources).

More on the etymology of the word itself:

Christmas (n.)  late Old English Cristes mæsse, from Christ (and retaining the original vowel sound) + mass (n.2). Written as one word from mid-14c. As a verb from 1590s. Father Christmas first attested in a carol attributed to Richard Smart, Rector of Plymtree (Devon) from 1435-77. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=Christmas

Christmas comes from the Old English words Cristes moesse, 'the mass or festival of Christ'. The first celebration took place in Rome about the middle of the fourth century. http://dictionary.reference.com/help/faq/language/e05.html

This irony of the day is that it is truly materialistically and emotionally focused but it is traditionally disguised and thus excused as the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The mass part of the word originates from the celebration of the Eucharist which is the extra-biblical Catholic celebration of the supposed actual body and blood of Jesus appearing (transubstantiation) in the ritual called ‘mass’.

Herein lies more irony. A word that is catholic in etymology is embraced by the Protestants and evangelicals who adamantly insist on keeping the ‘Christ’ in Christmas but somehow excuse any attention to be given to the ‘mass’ part of the equation.

The irony goes even deeper and more sinister still.

The Bible tells us through Paul’s writing that the correct use of the bread and wine was that we were to symbolically use these to remind us of what Jesus did for us to be saved and to do so until Jesus returns. It is quite interesting that we are specifically told to remember his death until he comes again but no where are we told to celebrate his birth. If we are honest about it and call it what it is, it as a compromise alongside the world’s materialistic and emotional day of so-called giving (yet the getting is why most do it, I was there once myself...).

In short, Christmas is a word that denotes the celebration of the Death of Jesus in the pure make up of the word itself yet somehow we have, through the traditions of man, twisted it in order to excuse the celebration of the day where many a Christian find themselves on their knees in front of a tree excited about what material surprise will come forth.  All this with Satan Clause (anagram intended) cheering us on. Santa Clause is technically an anti-Christ as he is given the attributes of omniscience (he knows if you’ve been bad or good) and omnipresence (he gets to everyone’s house in one night, essentially you would have be everywhere at the same time to do that or at least somewhere in that ballpark). These attributes as any Christian should know are only possessed by God himself and even to pretend to give these to someone or something else is what the apostle John and the entirety of the council of God (Bible) tells us is the spirit of the anti-christ is (against God, false god, false christ, image of a god or something close, etc).

I have arrived at an honest conclusion for myself that this day is a compromise for me as a Christian to partake in. I have no Biblical command or encouragement to celebrate it but I do have the specific command to remember the death of Jesus. My Saviour was born for the sole purpose of dying for my sins. I am thankful He was born but more importantly I am forever grateful to be saved through His death. I choose not to detract in any way from that focus.

So the way most today approach the so-called defense of their right to celebrate this day is both spiritually and intellectually dishonest. Logic dictates a fair look at this, if you are a believer in the death and resurrection of Christ and understand the intense severity of what He did for us on the cross some two thousand so years ago then it does matter...

Once again, here is our command to follow until Jesus comes again:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.  1 Corinthians 11:23-26

These details actually ought to be considered by the pastor who spoke last Sunday because as he always does he also took some pokes at the Catholic church. I as well do not agree at all with the heretical Catholic church but the pastor is not being consistent in his teaching and preaching. When he pushes Christmas he is actually pushing a Catholic invention down to the very name itself as proved above.

So in conclusion I am not at all worrying but instead I am obeying the word of God in proving all things and holding fast to that which is good.

I will also note that the pastor is not alone in today's modern churches as many are not proving all things but instead they are just promoting modern traditions over scripture and failing to listen to the wisdom as given to us in Proverbs 18:13. Thus it is the from the pulpits of today's church where the sin is occurring...

He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Proverbs 18:13

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8

...Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7:9

If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed...

Many would brand me a heretic for suggesting that we, whether Jew or not, are the children of Abraham but Paul was pretty clear on this...

Besides, he wrote it, not me...

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. [13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:12-13

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29

And have put on the new man , which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: [11] Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:10-11

All...

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. [22] Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

ALL, adjective awl. [Gr. Shemitic from calah, to be ended or completed to perfect.]  Every one, or the whole number of particulars.

Kids vs Lambs

Ever wonder why we call children 'kids'?

We certainly asked that question.

'Kid' is what baby goats are called.

The Bible differentiates between goats and sheep  and we have decided to not call our children 'kids'.

We prefer for our children to not have any identity problems growing up. There is enough of that already in our society...

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels…And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46

Real love is selfless charity...

Worldly love is qualified by an affection born out of what others do to towards the benefit of one's self.

Godly love is qualified as selflessly giving of one's self without any expectations of returned favors.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving." - Amy Carmichael 

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor , and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. [4] Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; [6] Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; [7] Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. [8] Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. [11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. [12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

CHARITY, noun

1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned  1 Timothy 1:5 

So about them nuts...

Coffee beans are seeds and not beans and Peanuts are legumes (beans and peas) and not nuts.

Speaking of nuts, I found out that Solomon was the first one to actually visit California...

"I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley,.." - Song of Solomon (Songs) 6:11

Do you judge people when they judge you?

Out of context scripture hypocrite:

"Don't you judge me!"

Practical, sincere and contextually correct Christian:

"Are you judging me for judging you?"

Liberal ideology runs amock once again...

I got a kick out of Ron Emanuel stating that “ ... you are safe in Chicago, you are secure in Chicago…".

This was in regards to Chicago remaining a sanctuary city.

Chicago also remains at the top of cities with the most homicides.

Liberal ideology runs amock once again.

From http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=amok:

amok (adv.) in verbal phrase run amok first recorded 1670s, from Malay amuk "attacking furiously." Earlier the word was used as a noun or adjective meaning "a frenzied Malay," originally in the Portuguese form amouco or amuco.