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there are no other gods.
1 Corinthians 8
4Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eatingc in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged,d if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12Thus, sinning against your brotherse and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
but i'll be sure to put away my Christmas candles and such if you come over, Hizikyah
God bless you in your faith.
zone.
1 Corinthians 8
4Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
7However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. 9But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eatingc in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged,d if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? 11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. 12Thus, sinning against your brotherse and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. 13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
but i'll be sure to put away my Christmas candles and such if you come over, Hizikyah
God bless you in your faith.
zone.
H
Having a Christmas tree is a "demonic ritual"?
And so what? We who do it are worshipping Satan?
And you who don't are the "real Christians"?
Let me clue you in: Christmas trees are GOOD.
In a couple of weeks my family will pile into the truck,
drive up into the woods, and cut down a pine tree.
On that excursion, we'll go sledding.
We'll have hot cocoa.
We'll cook up some chili on the Coleman Stove.
We'll have a snowball fight.
We'll take pictures and videos.
We might get the truck stuck (it's happened before).
It'll be a fun family adventure.
We'll bring that big fragrant tree home and stand it in our living room.
The next day, I'll put a few strands of lights on it, then sit back in my chair
and watch my wife and kids decorate it whilst I enjoy some adult beverages.
Great memories. Fun family traditions. Not demonic rituals. Try it, you might like it.
Sun gods allegedly born on December 25th.
Christians claim December 25 to celebrate the birth of the Son of God.
Seriously, what's the problem?
And so what? We who do it are worshipping Satan?
And you who don't are the "real Christians"?
Let me clue you in: Christmas trees are GOOD.
In a couple of weeks my family will pile into the truck,
drive up into the woods, and cut down a pine tree.
On that excursion, we'll go sledding.
We'll have hot cocoa.
We'll cook up some chili on the Coleman Stove.
We'll have a snowball fight.
We'll take pictures and videos.
We might get the truck stuck (it's happened before).
It'll be a fun family adventure.
We'll bring that big fragrant tree home and stand it in our living room.
The next day, I'll put a few strands of lights on it, then sit back in my chair
and watch my wife and kids decorate it whilst I enjoy some adult beverages.
Great memories. Fun family traditions. Not demonic rituals. Try it, you might like it.
Sun gods allegedly born on December 25th.
Christians claim December 25 to celebrate the birth of the Son of God.
Seriously, what's the problem?
O
Wow, talk about bunny trails. Lets start over.. I will just be paraphrasing here so lets go back over what was said so we stay on topic.
TT: so you don't celebrate the birth or death of Christ?
Me:Yes, we do just not like the world here is the scripture that reminds us to remember his death
TT:no thats about Holy communion
Me:This scripture Luke 22:19 [SUP]19 [/SUP]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.
Me: this scripture reminds me that we are to remember his death. So we are told to do something : take bread and give thanks. Why: he is going to give his body for you on the cross. So remember that I died for you on the cross.
okay, now Holy communion I believe is a term used by Catholics I know for us we call it communion maybe some smart religious studying individual can tell us : start a new thread for that debate. I do break bread at Passover and you can start a new thread on that too if you would like to call me a jew. However, I find no where (maybe you can, that tells you to remember his birth. Catholics have words that they use like Holy Communion(you will find it as communion in scriptures). or Lent or purgatory that are not found in the scriptures.
I grew up Catholic, went to Catholic school and was taught by nuns, went to CCD, all of my family are Catholic, and we called it Holy Communion.
TT: so you don't celebrate the birth or death of Christ?
Me:Yes, we do just not like the world here is the scripture that reminds us to remember his death
TT:no thats about Holy communion
Me:This scripture Luke 22:19 [SUP]19 [/SUP]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.
Me: this scripture reminds me that we are to remember his death. So we are told to do something : take bread and give thanks. Why: he is going to give his body for you on the cross. So remember that I died for you on the cross.
okay, now Holy communion I believe is a term used by Catholics I know for us we call it communion maybe some smart religious studying individual can tell us : start a new thread for that debate. I do break bread at Passover and you can start a new thread on that too if you would like to call me a jew. However, I find no where (maybe you can, that tells you to remember his birth. Catholics have words that they use like Holy Communion(you will find it as communion in scriptures). or Lent or purgatory that are not found in the scriptures.
I grew up Catholic, went to Catholic school and was taught by nuns, went to CCD, all of my family are Catholic, and we called it Holy Communion.
H
It's a great time to spread the Gospel. Many people who never go to church any other time will show up on the Sunday before Christmas. Our church is always packed that day with members, visiting members, and visitors, some of whom are unsaved. My pastor always preaches a salvation message on that Sunday, and many have made professions of faith during those services. Ours is just one little church. Probably thousands more.
O
we don't agree on what?
the date of Christ's conception? Dec 25th?
JOY TO THE WORLD!
the date of Christ's conception?
Dec 25th?JOY TO THE WORLD!
1. I can see you enjoy Christmas so we are not going to agree that this is completely pagan. Or maybe you do know its completely pagan and choose to partake anyway.
2. Yes, I disagree with the date. It is documented where this date came from in secular history books. This was a date of celebration but not because of Jesus.
3.Use say the date of his conception do you mean conception in womb or birth. Because this is a very debatable topic.
I would have to dig to pull up dates but here is just a sample.
I am going to copy and paste a couple items that were written by Brother Rives because its late and Its easier for me right now.
1.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]This is the root of your celebration: A Roman calendar drawn up by a "Christian" in 354 A.D. (The Codex Calendar of 354) shows December 25 to be the birthday of Sol Invictus. Not only is it listed as a pagan birthday; but, it is listed as the most important pagan birthday of the whole year. It was celebrated in the Roman Circus with extra chariot races. This is the sun god that Constantine the Great worshipped while claiming to be a "Christian." His coins state that he was "committed to Sol Invictus." [/FONT][/FONT]
2.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica] Before the fourth century, the only possible reference to December 25 as the birthday of Jesus is assumed from the writings of Hippolytus. In his writings he indicates that Jesus was born on Passover, which would be either March 25th or April 2nd. Those who desire a December 25th birthday have theorized that Hippolytus really meant "conception" instead of "birth," therefore nine months after "conception" the baby would be born on December 25th. A study of his other writings however, indicates that the Greek word he chose does indeed mean "birth." An ancient monument of Hippolytus, now in the Lateran Museum in Rome, shows April 2nd as the birthday of Christ.
3.[FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Our Christian ancestors knew better. The celebration of December 25th was illegal in England. It was outlawed in New England from 1649 to 1658. The December 25th celebration was condemned for its pagan roots by the Puritans, the Methodists, the Quakers, the Amish, the Presbyterians, and the Baptists. Why would they do that if there was not a legitimate problem? Christmas was made a legal holiday in Massachusetts in 1856.
Okay long sorry, however there is one other item but I don't have time to search it out. Its been years since I looked at it. John's father [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Helvetica]Zacharias,[/FONT][/FONT], was a Priest who had to do the duties required of him - he had to go into holy of holies and make atonement for the people(he would do that at a certain time of the year.(So from this timely ceremony we can conclude some things about the birth. We can follow the time frame of Johns birth then followed by Jesus. I will look for info so this part is more complete.
Bless you.
[/FONT][/FONT]
[/FONT][/FONT]
But above and beyond this debating over dates I have a testimony that I have been set free from this pagan holiday and I never want to be chained to it again. Bless the Lord.
I know you well enough to know that you're essentially an Orthodox Jew.
This is one of the Holiest days recorded in the Bible:
Luke 2
[SUP]4[/SUP] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David
[SUP]5[/SUP] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[SUP]6[/SUP] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[SUP]7[/SUP] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
[SUP]8[/SUP] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[SUP]9[/SUP] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[SUP]10[/SUP] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[SUP]11[/SUP] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[SUP]12[/SUP] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[SUP]13[/SUP] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[SUP]14[/SUP] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[SUP]15[/SUP] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
[SUP]16[/SUP] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
[SUP]17[/SUP] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
[SUP]18[/SUP] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
[SUP]19[/SUP] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[SUP]20[/SUP] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
It's good to celebrate it.
This is one of the Holiest days recorded in the Bible:
Luke 2
[SUP]4[/SUP] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David
[SUP]5[/SUP] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
[SUP]6[/SUP] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
[SUP]7[/SUP] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
[SUP]8[/SUP] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
[SUP]9[/SUP] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
[SUP]10[/SUP] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
[SUP]11[/SUP] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
[SUP]12[/SUP] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
[SUP]13[/SUP] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
[SUP]14[/SUP] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
[SUP]15[/SUP] And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
[SUP]16[/SUP] And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
[SUP]17[/SUP] And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
[SUP]18[/SUP] And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
[SUP]19[/SUP] But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
[SUP]20[/SUP] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
It's good to celebrate it.
And like I said, it an important day. But no Christians in the bible celebrated it, and there aren't any instructions to celebrate it. That's why Christmas isn't a necessity for any believer. And once you start studying the origins of it, we'll, it's not pretty. If someone wants to celebrate His birth, go for it. But it might be a good idea to look for his real birthday.
T
You quoted a verse about Holy Communion, so that's what I discussed. I think we're off topic a little but I don't see how what I posted didn't relate to your posts. Also, I'm not your enemy. I've never heard a Catholic refer to The Eucharist as Holy Communion but that's semantics, so let's just move forward.
are you a Pentecostal, overcomer?
you disagree with the date of His conception?
why?
JOY TO THE WORLD
um...conception means the moment of conception.
not birth.
i don't know who Brother Rives is....nor do i care, really. heard it all before.
you would have Christmas be illegal?
if your conscience is defiled by celebrating Christmas, by all means refrain.
but remember, you who have this knowledge (that focuses on gods who don't exist) ought not to upset those of us who do celebrate Christmas.
thanks, i'm familiar with it.
Born at the end of September.
that's how we reach the date of conception
The Holy Spirit went to great lengths to detail the exact dates....so i think it's okay to know.
and it's okay for the world to have misunderstood.
my daughter had a friend while in elementary school - her mother was a Jehovah's Witnesses if i recall.
the girl wasn't allowed to attend school on certain days, nor receive birthday gifts...that sort of thing.
she cried a lot at our house.
since there are no other gods, and since i do not hew an idol out of wood, adorn it with gold and silver and worship it, i'll carry on....though i stopped using a real tree years ago - too messy and i always feel a little guilty about cutting it down for just a few days.
superstition about days and weeks and names and such is silly, imo.
as a child, raised in a home where no one believed, a little sparkly Christmas card with the baby Jesus on it was my special secret treasure....hidden away and loved in private.
is that idolatry?
for a 7 year old to love a representation of a baby called Jesus?
no, it was the nearest thing to the Gospel i had. and i am grateful i had it.
and you as well.
can anyone chain you to Christmas?
i will not upset your conscience by posting things that may upset you, concerning my celebration of the Coming of Emmanuel.
the glorious song, The Magnificat....lovely.
not too Catholic i hope.
K
I'm kinda of split on this and I will tell you why. When my son was 8 years old, Christmas morning, he was opening his presents and playing with the toys that "Santa brought". Suddenly, he stopped and sat down with tears in his eyes. We asked whats wrong. He said " I don't even know Santa and he gave me all this stuff and y'all didn't give me anything." So we had the talk and then he was even more upset to find out Santa wasn't real.
Is it just good fun or are we lying to are children.
Is it just good fun or are we lying to are children.
