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Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
Evang Benincasa I suppose you'll be taking my coffee away from me next.
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I don't know of any religion that used coffee in its rituals, and no Christian sect that adopted it to celebrate any event in the Bible. If coffee is a personal issue for you and you get the jitters, or you go to Starbucks, everyday and you are spending more money than you can afford. Then I would "suggest" (not command) you think and pray about abstaining from the brew.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
I've never worshipped a Christmas tree.
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My questions to you are these, can you have xmas without the tree?
Isn't the tree a important part of your celebration concerning xmas?
In celebrating the mass isn't that a form of worship, and isn't the green tree jewelry hanger part of that celebration?
celˇeˇbrate (sl-brt)
v. celˇeˇbratˇed, celˇeˇbratˇing, celˇeˇbrates
v.tr.
1. To observe (a day or event) with ceremonies of respect, festivity, or rejoicing. See Synonyms at observe.
2. To perform (a religious ceremony): celebrate Mass.
3. To extol or praise: a sonnet that celebrates love.
4. To make widely known; display: "a determination on the author's part to celebrate . . . the offenses of another" William H. Pritchard.
v.intr.
1. To observe an occasion with appropriate ceremony or festivity.
2. To perform a religious ceremony.
3. To engage in festivities: went out and celebrated after the victory.
Worship
Verb
[-shipping, -shipped] or US [-shiping, -shiped]
1. to show profound religious devotion to (one's god), for example by praying
2. to have intense love and admiration for (a person)
Noun
1. religious adoration or devotion
2. formal expression of religious adoration, for example by praying
3. intense love or devotion to a person [Old English weorthscipe]
worshipper n
Quote:
Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
I put one up because my family liked them.
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If you didn't like them, wouldn't you be able to convince your family otherwise? Are your life decisions predicated on what others like or dislike?
Quote:
Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
My former mail man didn't believe in Christmas but he never returned a Christmas card or box of candy I left for him
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Your former mail man was a hypocrite. Every religion should be judged by its best. You presenting lousy examples just prove that there are people who talk the talk, and yet walk not the walk.
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Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
Do you accept gifts at Christmas?
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No.
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Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
If you don't believe in Christmas good for you but don't condemn us if we don't share your belief.
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This is my perception: If you were in a home meeting with a group of people, and the door flew open and someone ran in screaming his car was stolen. would you feel you stole the car, though you never stole a car in your life?
However, if there was a man sitting in the house who had stolen a car in his life, then the man entering the room screaming his car was stolen, would probably cause that man to feel some kind of conviction.
So, in conclusion: this subject or any other should not bother you if you are confident and secure what you are doing is correct. If you feel something in the way of conviction then please don't shoot the messenger.
I deal with a great range of people who believe in many different things. Most of these people are my friends and friends of my family. These people do not feel convicted to believe what they believe, nor do they feel condemned when I share my views with them. I have people who hear and consider what is presented and have changed their ideas. Others have considered and made changes slowly, and yet others who have rejected those thoughts and have maintained their friendship with us. We still are friends and continue in discussions.
The messenger only speaks. The information presented is a problem only to those who have a problem with the message.
No one is your judge and jury. The One True Living God through His Word is the judge. What you want or don't want will inevitably weigh your outcome.
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Originally Posted by SOUNWORTHY
Again I say, sometimes we become so holy we are hateful.
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In
Acts 13:8-12 there may of been many standing there who watched Paul rebuke Elymas, who could of thought that Paul was being hateful. In
Acts 16:17 many may thought Paul, to be harsh when he rebuked the spirit of Python, out of the woman. In fact many did take Paul wrong when he cast out the devil. In
Gal 2:11, the Apostle Paul rebukes an Elder Apostle, which must of seemed out of order to the others who were with them. Yet, we know that Peter commends Paul in
2Peter 3:15-16. When its right, its right, no one is forcing anyone to do anything in this thread. You are free to do as you very well please. My position is we shouldn't place Jesus' stamp on everything we allow.
In Jesus name
Brother Benincasa
www.OnTimeJournal.com
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