I've told you this repeatedly and you either don't get it, or are intentionally pretending to be dense. Celebrating a birthday is not something someone does unto the Lord, so it's not the same as celebrating Christmas. People who celebrate Christmas as part of their Christianity are doing it unto the Lord in their minds. The Bible clearly says not to adopt pagan methods of worship and service and offer it unto God.
All these arguments bringing up other pagan traditions are just a smokescreen so you don't have to admit you are worshipping God the way pagans worshipped their gods. If you want to celebrate Jesus' birth knock yourself out, but don't involve yourself in all the trappings of Christmas paganism and be foolish enough to think it pleases God. His Word does not change regardless of how popular Christmas may be.
Rico, does the Bible say it's ok for us to use pagan symbols and celebrations to each other? Your argument is that the Bible doesn't say it's ok for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but does it say that it's ok for you to celebrate your own birthday, or that of your children, and in doing so, using pagan symbols?
Or are you making excuses to do what you want to do and have a candy stick too?
And I'm sorry if you see a problem with my kneeling and praying at an altar, offering a sacrifice to my God like the pagans did with their gods, but God knows the difference, and it's only His way of seeing it that matters most to me.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
Rico, does the Bible say it's ok for us to use pagan symbols and celebrations to each other? Your argument is that the Bible doesn't say it's ok for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but does it say that it's ok for you to celebrate your own birthday, or that of your children, and in doing so, using pagan symbols?
Or are you making excuses to do what you want to do and have a candy stick too?
And I'm sorry if you see a problem with my kneeling and praying at an altar, offering a sacrifice to my God like the pagans did with their gods, but God knows the difference, and it's only His way of seeing it that matters most to me.
H.O., my argument is that God says in His word not to worship Him in the same manner that pagans worship their gods. There is nothing about Christmas that is Christian. Never has been and never will be.
H.O., my argument is that God says in His word not to worship Him in the same manner that pagans worship their gods. There is nothing about Christmas that is Christian. Never has been and never will be.
Rico, have you any idea how pagans worshipped their gods? They had services in churches, had altars, they sang and prayed, they danced.....well, it appears they worship their gods in the same manner I worship mine.
But again, God knows the difference.
Oh, and I'd like your scripture reference. Thanks.
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I've gone and done it now! I'm on Facebook!!!
EB, I gotta tell you, I appreciate your spirit! Although we may not agree on everything, it's refreshing to discuss such issues with folks who can take some good natured jabbing, as well as giving it!
__________________ "Many people view their relationship with God like a "color by number" picture. It's easier to let someone else define the boundaries, tell them which blanks to fill in, and what color to use than it is for them to take a blank canvas and seek inspiration from the Source in order to paint their own masterpiece"
I will tell you the same I tell everyone else. Go study up on Christmas, its practices, their origins, etc. Then go study your Bible to find out how God feels about adopting pagan practices as a means of worshipping Him.
A convenient NON-answer.
And, when I was referring to a "losing battle" I was only referring to your argument that Jesus wasn't born, because Jesus is God and God is Jesus.
__________________ "Many people view their relationship with God like a "color by number" picture. It's easier to let someone else define the boundaries, tell them which blanks to fill in, and what color to use than it is for them to take a blank canvas and seek inspiration from the Source in order to paint their own masterpiece"
Rico, does the Bible say it's ok for us to use pagan symbols and celebrations to each other? Your argument is that the Bible doesn't say it's ok for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but does it say that it's ok for you to celebrate your own birthday, or that of your children, and in doing so, using pagan symbols?
Or are you making excuses to do what you want to do and have a candy stick too?
And I'm sorry if you see a problem with my kneeling and praying at an altar, offering a sacrifice to my God like the pagans did with their gods, but God knows the difference, and it's only His way of seeing it that matters most to me.
BINGO!
If this argument that we shouldn't use "pagan" symbols is to hold water, then I suggest someone go read OneAccord's post concerning all the other "pagan" practices that we engage in every day and somehow justify.
__________________ "Many people view their relationship with God like a "color by number" picture. It's easier to let someone else define the boundaries, tell them which blanks to fill in, and what color to use than it is for them to take a blank canvas and seek inspiration from the Source in order to paint their own masterpiece"
EB, I gotta tell you, I appreciate your spirit! Although we may not agree on everything, it's refreshing to discuss such issues with folks who can take some good natured jabbing, as well as giving it!
Brother Phelps, I teach not to take things personally, and to in mind that it's all spiritual, it's never personal. If you can dish it out, then you should be able to take it.
The college students who are in the Bible classes that I teach, mostly ask questions about the Bible that have to deal with traditions. The college professors are atheists and are constantly trying to teach these young people that Christianity is a bad copy of paganism.
I teach what I teach because it makes sense, not only to me but those who I'm reaching to.
It's about Truth, not some traditional "Silent Night," "It's a Wonderful Life" warm fuzzies that are gone by January 1st.
Let's convey the Death, Burial, and Resurrection through the Truth of Acts 2:38.
Do it year round and instead of hot egg nog, show them the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking inn other tongues as the Lord gives the ability.
__________________ "all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed."
~Declaration of Independence
Yeah... I wish somebody would explain why we are so against pagan practices at Christmas time, yet practices that originated in paganism remain prevalent and are often encouraged in our daily lives. Before we accuse someone of paganism, we might want to examine some of our own idolatrous practices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Phelps
BINGO!
If this argument that we shouldn't use "pagan" symbols is to hold water, then I suggest someone go read OneAccord's post concerning all the other "pagan" practices that we engage in every day and somehow justify.
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"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...." -Psa. 37:7
Waiting for the Lord is easy... Waiting patiently? Not so much.
Rom 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
Just a thought... If a person wishes to set a day aside to commorate the Birth of the Lord Jesus, isn't he allowed to, based on the above? Admittedly, Dec. 25 may not be the actual day... but neither is Easter, is it? The gist of the matter is this: Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
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"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him...." -Psa. 37:7
Waiting for the Lord is easy... Waiting patiently? Not so much.
And a question, where did the calandar come from? I do use it along with the days of the week that I know came from paganism but THAT does not make me a pagan.
(and for those that wonder no I do not have a tree)
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