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We are pleased to be sending you our December 2007 edition of the Heed the Watchman Newsletter. You will find four articles in this newsletter:
The Center of God's Will
Global Warming
Money Saving Tips
The Truth About Christmas
Scripture Lesson - Denial of Christ
The Center of God’s Will How do you know when you’re in the center of God’s will? Do you expect signs or wonders? Do the people around you clap their hands with approval? Should peace, joy, and love be overflowing from within you? Finding God’s leading takes dedicated prayer, and Bible consultation. If you strongly “feel” directed in a certain way, be sure that the Word of God supports it. Good feelings are not an accurate measure of Godly obedience!
Jesus is always a great example in this, as well… In the garden of Gethsemane we read this account:
Jesus also said, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death.” (See Matthew 26 and Mark 14) Reading further into the New Testament we will find more of the same
My wife and I have been led in an incredible way this past year. When you give Jesus the lordship of your life, you must forget about driving and learn how to be a passenger. More accurately; Jesus lets us keep driving, but we yield to his turn-by-turn direction. Even when we know the destination, the challenge is not to map out our own route. The Lord has powerfully moved in my life in years past—so that apart from His mercy I would not even be here now. Never do I want to lose sight of that, or just how short time is here in the flesh. So in the late summer of 2006 (late August), I began to pray in earnest that the Lord would untangle us from our earthly (non-spiritual, unprofitable) involvements, and set us aside to be used of Him.
Brethren, we need to be careful with such prayers! Things often get worse before they get better. That is because we must be further refined and purified before being used the way Jesus desires to use us. (Job 23:10, I Peter 1:6-9)
The “health and wealth” gospel mentality is so popular these days, but it truly has nothing to do with Biblical reality. We pray for more faith, and it is only under trial that faith can grow. Seeing God’s strength for our weakness. Yielding to His limitless possibilities; leaving our limited reasoning. These times are not always joyful (Hebrews 12:11), but they are necessary—and they indicate the true agapé love Jesus has for us (See Amos 3:2, Revelation 3:19). Truly, we have not been greatly suffering; rather, more perplexed at times. Consider Moses and the children of Israel in Exodus chapters 4 and 5. God had promised to deliver them through His leading given to Moses. Everyone was excited and happy—then Pharaoh responded! Initially, their yoke became much more burdensome than it ever had been. Through all this, God lifted up His name on the earth—laying a great foundation for all who will follow Him. Just remember;
Step by step, the Lord led us away from our 40 hour per week jobs, without telling us where we were going! This process is difficult to describe in detail. The thoughts did not originate with us, however. We were far away from being “well-off” enough to not have an income! Even while questioning God’s leading (through prayer), more events would continue to compel us toward the true conclusion of the matter. A month into our unemployment, we received an opportunity to go into internet marketing. It seemed ideal, because a home based business would be certain to provide more opportunity for ministry (not knowing what type). Did it make logical sense? Establish your business to deal with the cost of living, then find ministry for the time available that remained. Come June, we were about a month behind in publishing our first website—and the financial well was drying up. I was strongly motivated to go back into the regular work world, though my wife was quite firm in believing that we should not. Jamie does support my decision making according to God’s Word (Ephesians 5:22-28). Yet as my help-mate, the Lord also uses her to give me guidance and insight into many things. So I then took the matter before the Lord, who flatly discouraged me from going back to the work-world. He showed me that His wisdom is not like the world’s. We are first to obey the Lord and His calling, then all our needs will be provided for.
Since time is so short, we needed be about our Lord’s leading; allowing God to look after us as He sees fit. But how to go about it? No seemingly specific doors had flung open. God had given me the basics of His calling for me years ago: to call the professing, sleeping church back to the Word of God (KJV) in repentance; and to lift up the truth regarding the Catholic Church. So the plan was to simply share all that the Lord has been exposing to me.
Trying to start here (my hometown) would be an effort in futility. Years of experience have yet to yield the location of a nearby church that hasn’t succumbed to the falling away. More importantly, no prophet is accepted in his own country (Luke 4:24); not even Jesus. Even so, I sensed God’s call upon me similarly to the way he had called Ezekiel.
Our venture into the internet had provided tools and knowledge to reach out and share with the remnant worldwide; and to reach those “hungering and thirsting” (Matthew 5:6) for the truth.
I began writing, Jamie was typing. About two months later (mid-August), we went live with Heed the Watchman. Satan has fought us greatly in nearly every posting we update the site with. Please pray for Jesus’ overcoming power to be loosed upon our website, and through this website. The dropshipping business we have started (ContainingYourself.com) has yielded one sale (less than ($150) in the six months it has been posted! Now I believe Jesus’ words in Luke 17:10;
This has been quite the financial shortfall, however. The week before Thanksgiving, my wife and I each resumed full time work outside the home. Scripture has given us plenty of examples to aid our understanding. In our shared devotions, my wife and I were led to Job. God’s message to us is that we simply can’t understand the higher ways He employs in guiding our lives. Still, Jesus knows best—and wants the best for us. Most of you are familiar with the story of Joseph; found in Genesis chapters 37, and 39-45, if you need refreshing. God gave Joseph dreams that were very exciting and hopeful. Upon sharing those dreams, he wound up being sold and imprisoned for thirteen years! Believe it or not, the prisoner Joseph was in the center of God’s will! Joseph’s Godly obedience had led to imprisonment (humbling), right where the Lord wanted him! John chapter eleven is also very powerful; revolving around Jesus’ friend Lazarus. This is no doubt the strongest and most detailed account of a miraculous resurrection in the Bible. For our purposes I wish to focus on a certain point near the beginning of this account.
How often do we see that in our lives? Things seem to get worse before they get better—the Lord delays His response to us. Here is some of the answer;
The weaker we are, the stronger Jesus is in our lives. Without trial, there would be no need for faith! Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The more hopeless something seems, the more glory our Lord receives when He answers! (check out II Chronicles 20:1-25) Many things have been accomplished in the ten months in between jobs. The Lord himself has also delayed our return to work numerous times. These delays include a broken ankle for my wife (just prior to her seeking employment), and a severe arm injury for myself. The biggest thing the Lord did, was to break our way of thinking in regard to finances and serving Him. We had our own ideas which hindered His working in our lives; of course, that will continue to be a needful area of growth until we see Him! It reminds me of this healing in Mark 8:22-25:
Why was the man not instantly healed? First, Jesus had to lead him out of town (bad environment). Then the man was able to see rough shapes—but not clear features. Finally, full sight was restored. Knowledge and experience are good to acquire. Yet because of the sinful flesh, we are often hindered from seeing with the “mind of Christ” (see Philippians 2:5). We have been able to take spiritual stands with family and friends; I have been helped by the Lord to lose weight and be healthier. Heed the Watchman now exists, and is able to warn all those seeking (and some not seeking). We have also been able to help our daughter and young granddaughter in many ways. (Please remember to pray for our daughter Amber. She knew the Lord at a very young age, but has fallen away in these teenage years.) And of course, my wife and I have bonded ever closer with the Lord and each other; we do terribly miss losing so much time together. Now we are waiting on the Lord for deliverance. Not sure why we were brought here, but knowing that only the power of Jesus can and will deliver us! The center of God’s will—is it what you expected upon arrival? Let the Word of God show you what it will look like! Internal change, not always external signs.
Global Warming Current headlines have made much over the issue of global warming, or if it is even an issue at all. If it matters to you, I gladly admit that I’m no scientist. Neither have I done any extensive research to bring forward to your attention. My belief is in the absolute truth of the Word of God, therefore I heed the admonition given in I Timothy 6:20,21:
As life has gone on, I see how good and true God’s Words are regarding this subject. Many things are called science, which are not—the theory of evolution being number one on the hit list. Science simply can not see the entire picture in anything it studies. It can research smoking, and know it is hurtful to the body. But it can not explain why a small number of people suffer no major ill effects from smoking (besides being much poorer $). And it knows the lungs of a smoker who quits will often clear up—but can’t give you a time or an amount of intake that is the safe “cut-off” point. All of this is a disclaimer to note that I have no man-made authority on the subject of global warming (I Corinthians 1:26-29). It comes from God’s Word, and the sound mind God gives His people.
Don’t worry about tomorrow, your future is safe with the Lord! (If you are saved!)
Q: Is the earth actually getting warmer? A: Yes; but science has no way of confirming it. Meteorological records keeping (of any consistency) is still less than 200 years old. Accounts that reach deep into our past show that there have always been periods of “warming up” or “cooling down.” When you leave the Bible out of the equation, the answers fall short. Q: Is mankind the cause of the change? A: Yes; but not due to pollution and industrialization. The changes to the earth came because of the flood, which is because of sin. Earth was very different before the flood, with water above (atmosphere) and below the surface: there was no rain until the flood. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. Genesis 1:6,7 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. Genesis 2:5,6 This water above the earth was most likely frozen ice high in the atmosphere. This ice layer, and a much thicker oxygenated atmosphere, gave the earth a wonderfully stable environment. It protected all living creatures from harmful radiation. When the flood came, the waters below the surface came up, and the water canopy in the air came down. Most likely this was caused by a large meteor (or several) hitting the earth. Since that time the earth has been slowly dying from after-shocks of the Flood. For more information, click on www.drdino.com. Q: Is there any way to stop global warming? A: No. The cause of our demise is spiritual, not physical. While it may be a good idea to regulate pollutants and emissions, but it cannot reverse the downward spiral sin has caused. When Jesus reigns again on the earth, it will be restored (Ezekiel 36:35; Isaiah 2:4, 11:7). Q: As a believer, what should I do about global warming? A: Be responsible, and pray. Know that the spiritual condition of man is of far more importance than anything else. Changes have to come from the inside out.
Also know that our deliverance is soon at hand, hallelujah!
To conclude, I am not advocating disregard for the environment. Be responsible, not obsessed. We have first to answer for the spiritual condition of those around us.
And this value, though unseen, far outweighs all the rest. Let Jesus restore the environment—He has commissioned us to be “fishers of men.”
Money Saving Tips Our subject this month is fuel economy—mostly gas for our cars. As oil prices soar, so do prices at the pumps. This situation is beyond our control, and it is best to find productive ways to deal with it. The U.S. economy is founded on oil. Through a treaty with Saudi Arabia (the leading oil producer), all oil must be paid for with the American dollar. In return, they get our protection—thus, the first war with Iraq. Prior to this Iraq war, German and Russian enterprises were developing the Iraqi oil market—paying in Euros; not dollars! War was inevitable, as the U.S. could not allow that situation to continue. After the initial securing of Iraq, the German and Russian companies were expelled. British and American petroleum interests took over. Several hundred thousand people have been killed as a result of this undertaking—those responsible will not escape judgment. Are we all asleep? With technology explosions in medicine, communications, electronics and computers, why has automobile fuel economy not increased? In fact, it is below where it was 25 years ago. The number one way our government keeps oil revenues high, is by controlling it’s own populace. The Smart Car (Chrysler) has been in Europe since 1998. The diesel version of this car gets 70 miles per gallon. My info here comes second-hand, from an acquaintance of a local owner (he imported his car). Now the Smart Car is beginning to be marketed here. Yet in the U.S., 40 miles per gallon is all it can get! The government regulates the fuel economy by claiming “safety” and “emission” standards must be met (I guess somehow they are smarter than the Europeans?). Consider also that no new U.S. oil refineries have been built in thirty years. Do we really want fuel independence, or are we serving our Arabian allies? In 1984, Honda introduced the CRX. It’s 1.3 liter engine boasted 51 mpg in the city and 67 mpg on the highway! I ordered one of these, putting $250 down to be on a waiting list for the next available in our area. Six months later, my call came. The man explained; “Only now, they are only selling the 1.5 liter engine in the U.S.” Fuel economy? 35 city, 39 highway. Outrageous! Our government got rid of the better version in a hurry! No, I didn’t buy it. My 1982 Ford Escort got 32 mpg city, and 39 mpg highway in Boston, MA. What do the new Escorts get? See for yourself… So good advice is what we have left. Be practical, and save. 1) Do not purchase a Hybrid. It will cost you more in the long run for upkeep and initial cost. Hold out for the best alternatives, electric and Hydrogen. But with the oil revenue greed—don’t hold your breath! 2) Consolidate trips. Try to combine stops to a single area in one trip. Do you pass places on your way to and from work? Allow a few extra minutes, and stop. 3) Try to buy it cheaply. No “half-tank” theories—you are making twice the trips to the pumps! Also, if you know of a cheaper place to fill up, stop in when you are driving by. It isn’t worthwhile to drive miles out of your way for four cents a gallon. The wear on your car, and time lost, will cost more. 4) Walk or ride bike. If places are fairly close, consider leaving the car at home in favor of some exercise. If you are getting a big load, a vehicle is still needed. Safety issues may also prevent you from proceeding on foot. 5) Buy cheaper cars. Lower your expectations. Many luxuries are not necessary in a vehicle. Getting a reliable used car (Toyota—Honda—Volkswagen; or any you’re acquainted with) will save you thousands up front, as well as insurance money and upkeep. You’ll sure feel better at the pump. 6) Get the right octane grade. Don’t overpay with premium gas all the time! Find out if it is really necessary for your car. My car runs very well on the mid-octane (89). Still, I occasionally give it the cheapest to save a little. If your vehicle is okay with the lowest octane, use it! Twice a year, you can put in four or five consecutive tankfulls of premium to help clean your engine internally. As believers, we are stewards of all God has given us. Let us reflect our spiritual relationship with responsible behavior.
The Holidays This time of year, there is a certain stirring within as we approach the holiday season. Sales for Christmas gifts, decorations, and lighting, virtually explode on the scene. Parents and children alike feel the excitement in anticipation of giving and receiving gifts. Even churches deck their halls; choirs rehearse, and plays are put on. Yes, I was one of the many celebrating. We set up a nativity scene, set up a tree, and sang carols. Our family was at its religious best during Christmas. We must be “good” to get presents, you know! Then one day I came upon the unpleasant truth. It made me angry beyond measure, because I knew that many church leaders are also aware of the truth—but keep congregations in the dark. Still, I did not leave the celebrating. Wasn’t I accepted by God, through Christ’s blood? Besides that, absolutely no one wanted to hear it! It was too much for me to fight alone. After some years, the Lord provided me a true help-mate who loved Jesus first, as did I. More years passed, and my heart grew heavier each time the lies were recited concerning December 25th. My wife and I stood together; and by the Holy Ghost’s power were able to break the hold of Christmas idolatry. To keep participating would be to deny Jesus—and that means sin. (see John 8:31,32; James 4:17) Years after knowing the truth, I was led to a little book called, The Truth About Christmas. It can be found to purchase at www.EAEC.org, and is a very good way to study the subject and share with others. Reprinted here is the first section; Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? It is the testimony of Charles Halff, Director of The Christian Jew Foundation. You may write to them at P.O. Box 345, San Antonio, TX 78292 This section will be reprinted in each newsletter leading up to the holidays. I strongly urge you to visit www.EAEC.org, and check out their resources. As believers, we need all the spiritual ammo we can get to fight Satan! Should Christians Celebrate Christmas? Charles Halff, Director The Christian Jew Foundation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What a Christian Jew has to say about Christmas... Up until 25 years ago, I used to celebrate Christmas as much as - or even more than - any Gentile. You might think that is strange since I was born and raised in a Jewish home. But my family always had a Christmas tree every year because it was the popular thing to do. We had ornaments, mistletoe, holly wreaths, presents and everything else that goes along with the Christmas celebration. You see, Jewish people celebrate Christmas today, not because of Christ's birthday, but because it is popular tradition and part of our present-day culture. It's as American as apple pie and hamburgers. And I observed Christmas for nearly 22 years of my life, until God opened my eyes to see the falseness of this pagan holiday. It's not because I'm a Jew that I don't celebrate Christmas now. That has nothing to do with it. Let me tell you the real reasons why I no longer observe this pagan holiday. Christmas Not a Bible Doctrine In the first place, Christmas is not a Bible Doctrine. If our blessed Lord had wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He would have told us when to celebrate it and how to celebrate it. But Christ never told anyone to celebrate His birthday. Furthermore, we know from the Bible and from church history that the apostles and the early church never celebrated Christ's birthday. The Bible is God's complete and final revelation to man, and it tells us everything we need to know for our spiritual lives (II Timothy 3:16). We don't have to go outside the Bible for anything. God's Word tells us how we're to worship, how we're to give money for the support of the Lord's work, how to evangelize the lost, how to observe the Lord's Supper and everything else pertaining to the Christian life. But not once in the Bible does God tell us to celebrate Christmas! We're told to remember the Lord's death, but nowhere are we told to celebrate His birth. God's people are supposed to be Bible people. We are supposed to live by the teaching of the God's holy Word. So the very fact that Christmas is never mentioned in the Bible is sufficient reason for us not to have anything to do with it. But that's not all. Christ Not born on December 25 The second reason I don't celebrate Christmas is that Christ was not born on December 25th. Notice:
Don't miss the point: the shepherds WERE IN THE FIELDS taking care of their flocks on the night Jesus was born. As the shepherds were watching their sheep, the message came to them of the birth of Jesus. It's a well known fact that December falls in the middle of the rainy season in Palestine, and the sheep were kept in the fold at that time of the year. The shepherds always corralled their flocks from October to April. They brought their sheep from the mountainsides and the fields no later than October 15th to protect them from the cold, rainy seasons that followed that date. So the birth of Christ could not have taken place at the end of December. Secondly, Luke 2:1, 3 tells us that at the time of the birth of Jesus it was decreed that, "all the world would be taxed...And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." This couldn't have taken place in the winter. Caesar Augustus, the ruler of Rome, would certainly not call for such a taxing in the depth of winter. Travel at this time of the year is extremely difficult; hence, it would be virtually impossible for everyone to comply with the decree if it had been given then. The Lord Himself testified to the rigors of traveling in winter, for He told the people to pray that their flight at the end of this age would not be in winter (Matthew 24:20). No one knows the exact day when Jesus was born, but in all the probability He was born sometime during the first part of October. We can be reasonably sure of this because His earthly ministry lasted 3 1/2 years, and He was crucified on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, which corresponds to our April (John 19:31, Leviticus 23:5). If we go back 3 1/2 years to he time when Jesus was 30 years old - when He began His public ministry - we come to the month of October. This was probably the month when our blessed Lord was born into the world. However, let's remember that it's not the date of Jesus' birth that's important. The important thing is that He was born and that He died for our sins. We're not worshipping a helpless infant lying in a manger. We are worshipping a risen and exalted Christ who has all power in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). Origin of Christmas Where do you suppose Christmas Originated? Certainly not with God! Christmas started with the sun worshipers in the time of Nimrod, the man who supervised the building of the tower of Babel. And that's another reason why I don't celebrate Christmas. Thousands of years before Jesus was born, heathens in every country observed December 25th as the birthday of a god who was called the sun-god. Semiramis, the widow of Nimrod, was his mother. She claimed to be the queen of heaven. And she had a son who was supposed to have been born on December 25th; his name was Tammuz. According to all the heathen religions of that time, Tammuz had a miraculous birth; and for centuries his birthday was celebrated with feasts, revelry and drunken orgies. The heathen celebrated Tammuz' birthday according to the very example he set for them. He was the world's greatest lover of women, strong drink, dirty jokes and other sensual fun. It is said that he loved everybody and that everybody loved him. And it was on December 25th that all the pagan religions celebrated the birthday of Tammuz, the son-god. This is all clearly brought out in Alexander Hislop's great book, "The Two Babylon's." Any reputable encyclopedia will also verify these facts. It's plain to see, isn't it, that Christmas is a pagan holiday that came out of old pagan Babylon. As born-again believers, let's have nothing to do with it. Christmas: A Catholic Holiday The fourth reason I don't celebrate Christmas is because Christmas is a Catholic holiday. Why should I steal Christmas from the Catholics? They got it from the pagans, and I'm happy to let them keep it. Notice what Encyclopedia Americana has to say about Christmas and Catholicism. "Christmas – it was according to many authorities NOT celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian churches as the Christian usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth. A feast was established in memory of the birth of the Saviour in the FOURTH CENTURY. In the Fifth Century the Western Church (Roman Catholic) ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol. The holly, mistletoe, the yule log and the wassail bowl are of pre-Christian times. The Christmas tree has been traced back to the Romans. It went from Germany to Great Britain." Encyclopedia Britannica has this to say about Christmas: "Christmas (i.e., the Mass of Christ) was not among the earliest festivals of the church." After Constantine became the Emperor of Rome, he forced all the pagans of his empire to be baptized into the Christian Church. Thus pagans far outnumbered true Christians. Since the church worshiped the Lord Jesus as the Son of God, when the 25th of December rolled around and the pagans wanted to worship Tammuz, their sun-god, Constantine knew that he would have to do something. So he had the church combine the worship of Tammuz with the birthday of Christ, and a special mass was declared to keep everyone happy. Thus pagan worship was brought into the Christian church and called "Christ-mass." Every time we say "Merry Christmas," we're actually mixing the precious and holy name of Christ with paganism. This is not right. God says in Ezekiel 20:39, "Pollute ye my holy name no more." The World and Christmas That brings me to the next reason why I don't celebrate Christmas. Christmas is of the world, and we're commanded, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." I John 2:15 The very fact that the world which hates Christ and His blood atonement for sin makes more fuss about Christmas than any other holiday proves to me that Christmas is not of God. If December 25th were truly the birthday of the blessed Son of God, the world would have nothing to do with it! You don't have to be a Christian to celebrate Christmas. Even in non-Christian countries like Japan, Czeckoslovakia, Poland and Russia the people celebrate Christmas. People throughout the world, who for the most part have no awareness of the Bible or Jesus Christ, eat up the Christmas celebration. To take Christmas from the world would be harder than taking candy from a child. Let's face it, the world is married to the idol of Christmas. In fact, more people get drunk at Christmas than any other time of the year. There are more big parties and more selfish spending than any other season. Doesn't that prove that it's not of God? The world loves Christmas, but it hates Christ. Unscriptural Traditions Another reason why I don't celebrate Christmas is that it's filled with unscriptural tradition. The exchanging of gifts, the Christmas tree, the singing of carols and Santa Claus are all pagan origin. These all crept into the church during or after the Fourth Century. There are many unscriptural traditions that have cluttered up the story of the birth of our wonderful Saviour. For instance, many people believe that the wise men of East and the shepherds were together in Bethlehem at the time our Lord was born. But nothing could be further from the truth. The shepherds came to Bethlehem to see Jesus at His birth. The wise men came to Nazareth to see Jesus when He was almost two years old (Matthew 2:16). Furthermore, the Bible says nothing about three wise men, nor does it say that they were kings. The fact is the Bible does not give their number at all but merely states that they were wise men. Perhaps the worst part of the Christmas celebration is thousands of parents will teach their children the falsehood of Santa Claus. Children are taught that Santa Claus makes his home at the North Pole, and once each year he fills his sled with toys for the boys and girls who have been good throughout the year. If they are good, he brings them toys on Christmas Eve, and if they are bad, he passes them by. Is it any wonder that many times when children grow up and learn the truth, they question whether Christ is also a myth? The Bible says in Colossians 3:9, "Lie not one to another,". We are commanded in Ephesians 4:25 to put "away lying," and to "speak every truth with his neighbor." Now I know that some of you loving mothers are saying, "Don't you think we should give the children a good time? They don't understand all the paganism behind Christmas." Let me ask you a question, mother. Is it necessary to drag the holy name of our blessed Lord down to the low level of fleshly gratification and drunkenness to show the kiddies a good time? A thousand times, no! Let's teach our children the truth about Christmas. God's Word says that we should bring up children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Why should we dishonor the name of Christ in such a manner under the pretense of showing the children a good time? There are 364 more days in the year during which we can give gifts to our children. Merrymaking and Exchanging Gifts Without question, the most important part of Christmas for most people is buying and exchanging gifts. I don't celebrate Christmas because exchanging gifts has nothing to do with Christ's birthday. Perhaps some of you are asking, "Didn't the wise men give gifts to Jesus?" They certainly did, but they didn't give them to one another. And their gifts were not birthday gifts because the wise men did not come to visit Jesus until He was nearly two years old (Matthew 2:16). The shepherds came to visit Jesus as His birth, but the wise men came to see Him nearly two years later. Did you know that giving gifts to a king was common custom in the Far East? That's the reason why the wise men brought gifts to Jesus – because He was born to be King of the Jews. But they were not birthday gifts. So there is no connection between Christmas and the birthday of Jesus in this respect. One final word before leaving the matter of exchanging gifts. Let me point out that even this is a part of Satan's antichrist program. The greatest Christmas celebration yet to come will be during the awful days of the tribulation. During the antichrist's reign all hell will be loose. The two witnesses who God shall send to the people of the earth will be killed when God is finished with them. Can you guess who will kill them? The antichrist will put them to death. Listen to God's Word:
It is under antichrist's reign that the last and greatest Christmas celebration shall take place. As a result of the death of these prophets of God, the world will be so delighted and thrilled that they will exchange gifts with one another. Here is what the Bible says,
What further proof do we need that Christmas celebration is not of God? Truly the Lord's people should not celebrate Christmas. It is anti-God, anti-Christ, Satanic, and unscriptural. The call of God is, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate...and touch not the unclean thing." II Corinthians 6:17. God's command to all His people is, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." Ephesians 5:11 Christmas Condemned by the Puritans The pagan history of Christmas has been well known throughout history. In fact, at one time the celebration of this pagan custom was forbidden by law in England. In 1644, Parliament declared Christmas to be unlawful; and, consequently, it was abolished. The English Puritans looked upon the celebration of Christmas as the work of Satan At one time in early American history, the observance of Christmas was illegal. A law was adopted in the general court of Massachusetts about 1650, which required that those who celebrated Christmas were to be punished. The statue read, "Whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas, or in any other way...shall be subject to fine of 5 shillings." The law's preamble explained its purpose was "for preventing disorders...(by) observing such festivals as were superstitiously kept in other countries to the great dishonor of God and the offense of others." After the Mayflower pilgrims landed in 1620, the first December 25th was spent in labor and cutting down trees "in order to avoid any frivolity on the day sometimes called Christmas." Opposition to the observance of Christmas continued just past the second half of the Nineteenth Century. An article in the December 26, 1855 edition of the New York Daily Times stated, "The churches of the Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists were not open on December 25 except where some mission schools had a celebration. They do not accept the day as a holy one, but the Episcopalian, Catholic and German churches were all open. Inside they were decked with evergreens." The Puritans knew the truth about Christmas and regarded it as a pagan holiday. It would be good if all believers followed their example. What About the Christmas Tree? Another reason why I don't observe Christmas is because the Christmas tree is condemned by the Bible. Notice: "Learn not the way of the heathen...For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it may not move. But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities." Jeremiah 10:2-4, 9 Here you have a perfect description of the Christmas tree, called by God "the way of the heathen." We are commanded not to learn that way or follow it! The Christmas tree is also viewed in this passage as idolatry. The fifth verse says that these tress cannot speak-cannot walk-must be carried. Some people misread this to make it say that there is no harm in having a Christmas tree, but that is not what it says at all. Rather, the Prophet Jeremiah tells us that it is vanity and foolishness and says, "Learn not the way of the heathen." Some people will be up all night to work on an old dead tree. They'll trim it all up and stand off a little ways and admire their handiwork. Then many of them will sit up all night and look at that old Christmas tree. I hope some of you preachers will get up in the middle of the night and throw out that old tree out of your house and out of your church right at Satan's head. I realize that some of you will just gnash your teeth and call me "narrow minded." Well, you can call me anything you want, but I'm just giving you the Word of God. Did you know that the green tree is mentioned 14 times in the Bible, and in every instance it is likened with idolatry? There isn't one place in the Bible where God commends the use of the "green tree" in connection with true worship. Perhaps you're wondering why people have a Christmas tree during the Christmas celebration. You can search the Bible through and through, but you won't find a reason for it there. The first decorating of any evergreen tree began with the heathen Greeks and their worship of their god Adonis, who allegedly was brought back to life by the serpent Aesculapius after having been slain. And each Christmas multitudes of people will secure an evergreen tree and dress it up with bright glitter, lights and tinsel, not realizing that they are following the tradition of a pagan festival in honor of a false god! No doubt there are many sincere Christians who think that they are honoring Christ by having their Christmas tree when, in reality, they are dishonoring Him by having anything to do with a heathen festival that God hates. As you read these lines perhaps you say, "I have my Christmas tree but I don't worship it, and consequently, I see nothing wrong with it." Let me remind you, however, that you don't determine what is right and what is wrong. God determines what's right and wrong. If the Christmas tree is not an idol to you, why are you so reluctant to give it up? What are you doing down on your knees when you place your gifts under it? Observing Days Forbidden Finally I don't celebrate Christmas because God's Word forbids the observance of any holy days in this dispensation of grace. Listen:
This tells us that the observance of days is a sign of weakness, childishness and lack of development. There are no special holy days for members of the body of Christ. The Lord wants us to worship Him the same 365 days a year. We're not worshiping a dead Christ or a helpless infant lying in a manger, but we're worshiping a real living Christ who lives all year round. Sometimes well-meaning people will make the statement, "Let's put the Christ back into Christmas." This sounds very good on the surface...but beloved, how can you put Christ back into something when He was never there? Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the famous English preacher of the last century, said, "We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas...we find no scriptural word whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Saviour; and consequently, it's observance is a superstition, because (it's) not of divine authority...probably the fact is that the 'holy days' (were) arranged to fit in with the heathen festivals...how absurd to think we could do it in the spirit of the world, with a Jack Frost clown, a deceptive worldly Santa Claus, and a mixed program of sacred truth with fun, deception, and faction." While the world celebrates Christmas with its gift swapping and wild parties, what should be our attitude? God's Word makes it plain that we should have nothing to do with this pagan holiday. Let's not associate the birth of the holy Son of God with the pagan traditions of men. Let us heed God's command; "Be ye separate, O my people." II Corinthians 6:17
Scripture Lesson: Denial of Christ
What does it really mean to deny Jesus Christ? Many are the scriptures that speak of it, also using related terms like confess, reject, ashamed, disobedience. Frankly, people that openly and verbally deny Jesus are few: almost superstitiously not directly speaking against Him. To accept Jesus without denial, however is to accept Him as Christ: Accepting our Lord for all that He is, and proclaims to be. He is the Word, the Son of God, our creator and judge. Most false religions have a place for Jesus within them, but not the position of truth. All these deny Jesus Christ through their very doctrine. Moreover, we must pray not to be deceived.
Upon reading such passages as Matthew 7:21-23 and Luke 13:24-27, it should be easy to see that there will be those who die deceived. How terrible to be so sincere, and yet lost!
Since Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-14; Revelation 19:13), disobeying or altering the Bible’s instruction is also a denial of Christ.
Have you ever heard someone say, “I don’t preach at people—I let them see how I live.”? This is not the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Beyond these scriptures, the previous erroneous statement of “see how I live,” reflects a works-based salvation. So this denial of Christ reveals itself through another gospel (see Galatians 1:9). Through Peter, Jesus gives us the format of confessing who He is, and not denying Him (Jesus).
What do you think when you read I John 4:2,3? Everyone pretty much knows that Jesus was here in the flesh on earth. The key is the term Jesus Christ. Plainly explained later in the same chapter;
Many are the lies about Jesus and His life. Few accept Him as the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8); who He really is and proclaims to be. The false teachers within churches now take a more subtle road to denial, introducing heresies by attacking God’s Word. This is really an attack on Christ Himself, and Satan loves it!
Brethren, please retain enough humility and Godly fear to believe the Word in faith. We will not understand everything right now, because we see through a glass darkly (I Corinthians 13:12). Great are the compromises made by men who feel they must know, or be able to know.
Obedience to the Word of God (Jesus) is necessary to not deny Him. I don’t mean having moments of failure—that’s what grace is for! But trying and falling shot is not the same as denying and not trying!
The following verses reflect strongly the need of obedience that we may be “confessed” before the Lord.
Chapters two and three of Revelation are to the seven churches, with most of the language being a rebuke to them. Within the limited positive compliments are those not denying Christ (Revelation 2:13; 3:8). Then there are some specifics regarding the Word of God and instruction.
Rejecting the Word is unwise.
They rejected baptism—thus also sin confession.
To deny God’s chastening is to lose spiritual sonship.
We must confess that we are sinners. We should not be ashamed for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. This is God’s gift for all who will receive—why be ashamed?
This last days world and the organized church are in a state of rebellion, with Satan’s power growing. With all your questions and concerns, always pray and consult the true Word of God (KJV). Better to serve in faith, than to deny by rationalizing.
See also Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 28:60-63; II Chronicles 6:24-27; Psalms 25:3, 119:46; Luke 12:8,9; II John 7.
WARNING: To avoid falling away, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist. Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Bible Version section and the section on Eternal Security. With Charity from Christ, Andy  |
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