Results 1 - 4 of 4
|
|
|||||
Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | stjones | 106819 | ||
Hi, AO; As Tim has already pointed out, the example of Cain is irrelevant because there is no prohibition against celebrating Christmas (or Easter, for that matter). Indeed, the lesson of Scripture seems to be that God does not limit our worship to what he has specifically commanded. When God gave Samuel the victory over the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7, he didn't instruct Samuel to set up a stone named Ebenezer to celebrate. Yet Samuel, on his own, did just that (v.12). That worhshipful act didn't seem to make God angry. In fact, in light of God's continued assistance against the Philistines, it seems he found Samuel's "unauthorized" worship quite acceptable. More to the point, God did not command the observance of Purim (Esther 9), yet there is no expression of divine displeaure with the Jews for doing so. It appears that God really doesn't mind when his people go beyond what is required in honoring and praising him. The wise man will ponder this and pray for guidance, would he not? Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
||||||
2 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106921 | ||
Steve, You mention, "the example of Cain is irrelevant because there is no prohibition against celebrating Christmas (or Easter, for that matter). Indeed, the lesson of Scripture seems to be that God does not limit our worship to what he has specifically commanded." Where did God command Cain to offer a blood sacrifice? Was that specifically commanded? Where does He “limit worship” to blood only? Did He prohibit an offering of the fruit of the ground? Maybe God forgot to cause Moses to record it in scripture? Of course, it is not mentioned, because it is implied. Cain knew the command, but disobeyed. Cain thought that God should accept what Cain wished to provide; like denominational Christians think God should accept what they wish to provide. God was, is and will always be, very specific in how He is worshiped. He had no regard for Cain, but unlike transgressors today, Cain received immediate feedback! Are we still unsure if God limits His worship to what is specifically commanded? Lets consider Nadab and Abihu: Lev 10:3 10:1Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. 2And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. 3Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy,And before all the people I will be honored.'" So Aaron, therefore, kept silent. NAS The sons of Aaron were priests. They knew what was right, but decided to take a shortcut. God does not accept substitutes! Since we have clearly established God is specific in how He desires to be worshiped we could stop here, but lets continue to review your other objections. You wrote, “When God gave Samuel the victory over the Philistines in 1 Samuel 7, he didn't instruct Samuel to set up a stone named Ebenezer to celebrate. Yet Samuel, on his own, did just that (v.12). That worshipful act didn't seem to make God angry. In fact, in light of God's continued assistance against the Philistines, it seems he found Samuel's "unauthorized" worship quite acceptable. “. How do you know God did not instruct Samuel to “set up a stone”? If He had not, how do we know that it was pleasing to God? All we can agree upon is that the act, “didn’t seem to make God angry”. Many things done by God’s people He tolerated, but did not condone (Christmas is not one of them:-)). It is somewhat dangerous to base your actions on something that “seems” acceptable. Lastly, you also wrote,” More to the point, God did not command the observance of Purim (Esther 9), yet there is no expression of divine (displeasure) with the Jews for doing so. It appears that God really doesn't mind when his people go beyond what is required in honoring and praising him.”. How does removing the distinguished status as God’s People and bestowing that upon Jew and Gentile, alike, strike you as a indication of divine displeasure? Once again, we do not know how God felt about Purim, so we can either delude ourselves into thinking it was an acceptable man-made practice, or we can understand God’s unchanging nature. It’s our choice! AO |
||||||
3 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | stjones | 106923 | ||
Hi, AO; We'll have to agree to disagree. I welcome the "danger" and will joyously serve communion in my denominational church on Christmas Eve, praising God and singing Christmas carols from the hymnal with a grateful heart. Since a Merry Christmas seems out of order, I'll just wish you a good day. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |
||||||
4 | Christmas-Is It Christian? | NT general Archive 1 | Aspiring Overseer | 106937 | ||
Steve, I understand your position and thank you for the discussion. AO |
||||||