We're Not Putting X-Mas Trees Up!

[Antipas]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

What makes you think they were average? Were does the Bible say they were average? Do you're homework outside of the house church movement.

The majority of Christians in Rome were among the lower peasant classes, slaves and servants. However, there were exceptions. I’m not saying that it’s a sin to have a church building, nor am I saying that they strictly worshipped in homes. My point is that the “church building” focus of Christianity didn’t exist in the beginning; it’s the result of Catholic influence.

Search the BAR, back issues for oldest Christian church found. It was in Judea, and it was a house renovated with walls removed, and a pulpit platform in the middle of the room. That is the oldest Christian assembly room to date. The Iran one I think you are referring to was never proven to be a Christian place of meeting. You need to look that up again.

I that they did find an even older location in like Joppa, it’s more like a cave, but it was a larger assembly room. It’s very interesting stuff. But my point is that the early church wasn’t so building focused until its Romanization.



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Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Didn't you just get overly righteous about the Catholic wafers, and Pentecostals not getting the Lord supper right?

Bro. Benincasa, I’m only demonstrating the spirit you’re exhibiting. You see, you observe the Lord’s Supper like a Catholic….but condemn a brother for honoring Christ’s birth on a day…because it was possibly a Catholic innovation. Personally, while I prefer the “Lord’s Supper”, I don’t think it’s a sin to eat wafer and drink grape juice...nor is it a sin to honor Christ’s birth on Christmas.

You see it is you who is not consistent in this area. You jump up and down over people who drink grape juice and saltines, and you advocate the Catholic Mass of Dec 25th? It's not consistent.

I’ve been to Mass with Catholic family members Bro. Benincasa, nothing my family embraces on Christmas reflects the Mass.

We put up a tree and decorate with seasonal decorations. We bake Christmas cookies and put presents under the tree. On Christmas Eve the family gets together and typically I’ll read the Christmas story from Luke and we ponder God becoming flesh…for us…salvation…God’s gift to mankind. Last year I shared a little about St. Nicolas, the Bishop of Myra, and his example of generosity and compassion. I want them to know the historical figure behind the legend of Santa Claus. Then we’ll rush the little guy up to bed. I’ll pour a couple glasses of Pinot Noir or a nice Riesling, and me and the misses will then settle in and spend some quality time under the mistletoe and Christmas lights.

What are you talking about? We don't need to do them. This is what blows my mind! The anti-standard groups blast the holiness crowd, and then fight like gladiators to defend xmas. Too much fun!

We don’t “need” them, you’re right. However, we’re not condemned if we embrace them either. If you don’t wish to observe Christmas, that’s your conviction. I respect that. But I don’t respect how you’re not willing to live in harmony with brethren who disagree with you. It’s not that we’re defending Christmas, we’re defending ourselves from your self righteous condemnations.

I was a Cavalry Scout Medic in the Army…I don’t run from opposition, I adapt to the battle field and take ground for Jesus Christ. I don’t hole up in a foxhole, nor do I retreat giving a single inch to the enemy. I take it all.

On a side note, I’ve even taken Halloween. Yes, two years ago I began discussing the nature of evil, the lives of martyrs, and the history behind how we got the King James Bible on October 31st. In my home, even October 31st belongs to Jesus.