"I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Looking at the calendar. Stores are packed. People buying.....gifts? Or, necessities? The scriptures teach not to learn the way of the heathen. In the book of Jeremiah chapter 10 it speaks specifically to one of the ways of the heathen. The Bible says, "Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 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 move not (Jeremiah 1:2-4). There was a time when the only way to get a tree for 12/25 was to go cut one down. Now, it is done by companies and tree farmers. Now, many are artificial and look like trees. And still, the tree is decorated with gold and silver and other things to look "pretty". Gifts are bought and exchanged. Cards are bought and exchanged. And greeting are made, 'Merry Christmas'. But what does the bible teach? Is this date even found in the scriptures? No, it is now!!! How is it that so many that say they love the Lord, are living for the Lord observing a day that Jesus did not teach to observe???? How is it that so many observe a day that was celebrated by the world BEFORE Jesus was born??? And why do so many get offended when the cry goes out to stop participating in the pagan celebration? Many try to defend observing christmas. But, they can not use the Bible to do it. To defend christmas one has to use logic, personal choice or say they are following what was taught to them. Jesus never did say to celebrate his birthday. He just did not do it. And for those observing christmas because of tradition, understand that is not a tradition of the Lord. It is a tradition of mankind. Colossians 2:8 says, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." All the history is there to support that Christmas is not of the Lord. It was not taught by Christ to his disciples to observe. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus told his disciples "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" If you search the gospels, you will not find the Lord Jesus Christ teaching any of his followers to observe Christmas. Jesus Christ did not teach his disciples to observe the pagan holiday, christmas. He did not do it. If one would check the history, one would fine that it started in Rome and as a means to get the Christians to participate they put Jesus in it. Just like what happened recently when Rome made a declaration to bless a certain relationship so 'more would come to the church'.?????? Are those that observe 12/25 going to now bless that 'certain relationship'???? How can they not? May someone that is sincere about their salvation and living for the Lord read this and the prior bible study on this site and allow the Lord to reveal this truth to his or her heart. The main thing about it is the Bible does not teach it. And if the Bible says not to add to or take away from it, how in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth are those that say they follow Christ observing christmas??? How?? How?? Repent of this before it is too late. Revelation 22:14,15 speaks to those that are blessed (do His commandments) and those that are without and will not make it in to heaven. Revelation 21: 8 mentions some of the same sins. This verse goes a little bit farther and states, "shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." 12/25 is a lie. It has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. There is an eternal price to pay taking part in this pagan day. Repent.
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Praise the Lord everyone. Praise the Lord!!
2023 is just about over. Many have left this world during the year. Many have faced unknown and unwelcome challenges. The Lords church has come under attack by false leaders and false doctrine. The fall away that the Bible speaks of is happening daily. Many are departing from the faith that was once delivered to the Saints (I Thessalonians 2:3) when God said to contend for the faith that was once delivered (Jude 1:3). Many when they hear Apostolic or Pentecostal, immediately they think of dancing, shouting, fast music. But no where in the Bible is that taught. Yes, the Holy Ghost and its power working in a life will cause joy to swell up in the soul and that person may dance before the Lord like David did. But to dance and shout just because music is playing?? There is more to being holy than identifying as Apostolic or Pentecostal. For one can profess both and not be converted (born again of the water and the Spirit). The new life in Jesus causes one to want to pray, seek the Lord, fast, go to church, hear the word of God preached/taught to them, fellowship with like minded believers and study the word of God for themselves. The born again believer does not seek positions and titles. He or she seeks to be more like Jesus. The assignment for Steadfast Apostolic Church is to continue in the faith that was once delivered to the Saints and to teach and preach the same. We are not distracted by the tricks of the enemy. We are not trying to get people to follow people. We are trying to get souls saved so he or she can live holy before the Lord. We do not beg for money, sell dinners or such to make money for the church. If the tithe and the offering can not sustain the work, then it is time to move on and see what the Lord desires from us. Souls belong to God (Ezekiel 18:4). This particular verse of scripture goes on to say, "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." Holiness is God's requirement (Hebrews 12:14) which says, "Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." I Peter 1:16 says, "Because it is written, Be ye holy for I am holy." Holiness is not an option for the person that is wanting to go to Heaven. It is a necessity. The work of the church is to save souls and make disciples to keep the work of the Lord going until He comes back for His bride, the church. And according to the Bible, the church He is coming back for will not have a spot of a blemish. If you are looking for a ministry that teaches and preaches the word of God as it is written. If you are looking for a ministry that will not use you or your family. If you are looking for a ministry that does not glorify the flesh of mankind. If you are looking for a church that will help you be what the Bible says God's people are to be, then Steadfast Apostolic Church is the Church for you. Apostle Paul instructed Timothy to continue in the things he had learned and been assured of. He told Timothy to preach the word and be instant in season and out of season. Paul told Timothy that a time would come when people will not endure sound doctrine but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears and these teachers shall turn away ears from the truth (II Timothy 4:1-4. We do not Lord over God's souls. But we will teach the truth of the Bible and teach the truth of the Bible; line upon line upon line and precept upon precept upon precept. Praise the Lord Pastor Webb Steadfast Apostolic Church 210-262-3506 [email protected] P.O. Box 700556 San Antonio,Tx. 78270 The Psalmist said it so well in Psalms 34:1. He wrote, "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." He, David, went on to say, "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad."
It is a joy to live a life that blesses the Lord. David had experienced a lot in his life. He was disliked by his brothers at one time (I Samuel 17:28). He served in Saul's army and was a mighty man of battle defeating the Philistine of Gath- Golaith (I Samuel 33-50). Even when Saul came against him, David still behaved himself wisely (I Samuel 18:5,8,9) The one thing that David did not do that made him a man after God's own heart is he never did serve another God. Yes, he sinned and when confronted by Nathan he repented. But David did not make any graven images to serve as a god in his life. He did not serve the god of his wife, Sauls daughter. David served the god of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob until his death. So when he wrote I will bless the Lord at all times he meant it. Life happens to everyone. There will be tests and trials. For the Bible teaches us that man that is born of a woman is of a few days, and full of trouble (Job 14:1). But thank God for the trouble shooter, Jesus Christ!! Jesus is the head of the church one must be part of to make heaven your eternal resting place. To get into His church, you must be born again of the water and the Spirit (John 3:3,5). Those that attempt to serve the Lord for blessings and things are not obeying the word of God. The enemy of the soul, satan and flesh, can give a person things that appear to be a blessing. When salvation comes, the nature of a person changes. The hold the old man had on the person is broken. The person becomes a new creature in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:17). May you seek the Lord until you become converted and not for fishes and loaves. Blessing do not save. Jesus saves. "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."- Psalms 34:1-4 What does the Bible say about a day that all across the land will have people shopping, putting decorations outside (lights, signs, inflatatibles)? A day that will have people getting in debt charging Christmas gifts? A day in which some teach children that santa goes all around the world in one night (?) and brings gifts to kids? A day that will have parents taking their children to take pictures with santa? A day that will have people flying all around the US an the world to visit relatives an friends? A day that will have employees and employers trying to figure out work schedules as employees want to take off to 'celebrate christmas'? Even as I am typing this, spell checks wants me to capitalize santa and christmas?? A day that will have some churches having christmas contatas, christmas plays, special services? A day that churches that say they believe in Jesus Christ will do things that are not of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Trees will be put up in sanctuaries all over. There will be christmas meals and sing-a-longs. Messages will be preached about Jesus being born in a manger as there was no room at the Inn. Choirs will sing christmas caroles. The colors green, red and white will be worn everywhere. Radio stations will begin playing christmas music until the first of the. year. All regular programming will be put on hold. A day that even those that do not believe in Jesus Christ will participate in some activity that is related to christmas. But what does the Bible say about christmas? What does it say? The Bible does say that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4). Did God ever mention christmas? Ever? What book of the Bible? What chapter of that book? What verse of the chapter? There is no where in scriptures where there is even a 'hint' or spirit of the word that would say Jesus wants His people to celebrate christmas. No where. The Bible teaches to study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). The question is also asked in the scriptures, 'what is truth' (John 18:38)? To which the answer is "thy word is truth"-(John 17:17). Sanctification comes from the truth. Does 'the truth'; the word, mention christmas anywhere? The answer is no. But the Bible does say this, "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 ax. They deck it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.-Jeremy 10:3,4. Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 2a says, "Thus saith the Lord, learn not the way of the heathen,"- Jeremiah 10:2. Some will say "well that's your conviction, not mine". To which I would answer, "but what does the word of God teach? God gave man free will. Mankind can do as he or she pleases. However, in the judgment, all will be judged based on how he or she obeyed the word of God (Revelation 20:12 and Revelation 20:13). No exceptions. So if the word of God does not teach christmas, what will the judgment be for those that 'added to the word of God'?? Something God said not to do (Revelation 22:18,19). The Bible also speaks to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8 says, "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups; and many other such like things ye do". Or Colossians 2:8 which says, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ". Both of these scriptures from the Bible teach against the traditions of men, which is what christmas is. If one would take the time and search, he or she would find that it came from man, not God. With all the Bible Scholars with all these degrees, not one of them has studied this out and written about it? Especially those with large audiences. And when someone uses the salutation, 'merry christmas', what are they actually saying? What does merry christmas mean? Have a happy pagan holiday? Testimony- I use to celebrate christmas. I was taught to. I would go all out especially after my children were born. It is expensive to celebrate christmas!! I even wrote a play about christmas. It was so good, that the pastor agreed for this play to be presented to the church!!!??? This was before salvation. We would bake, make decorations, go to other christmas events, drive through neighbors to see lights, wait for santa to ride through the neighborhood on the fire engine handling out bags with apples, oranges and ribbon christmas candy. I did all that. But, oh when salvation came! Thank you Jesus for the truth!! Thank you Jesus!!! The one thing I will always praise God for is being taught to study the scriptures for myself, have a pray life and go to a church that teaches the truth according to the Bible. As I studied, I found that christmas was not in the Bible. Christmas is not of God!! I looked. I bought Bible dictionaries, Bible concordances, etc. I could not find christmas in them. As a matter of fact, Jesus never said to celebrate Him. He said to obey. One day I went into the garage of my home to take the trash out. I passed by the box with the christmas tree in it. As I passed by the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "this is not of me; I'm not in that." That's all it took. I drug that christmas tree box across the garage floor and put it in the garbage!! From that day till now, I know of a surety that christmas is not of God. I am not confused or misled. I do not argue about it with people. My job is to teach and preach the truth. Ephesians 4:21 says, "If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus". And Jesus did not teach christmas. So anyone that is brave enough to go against the word of God and obey the traditions of men is free to do so. Anyone that reads this lesson will not be able to stand before God in judgement and say "I did not know, God. No one told me." Now you know. Eternity is a long time. Where will you spend it? Pastor Webb Steadfast Apostolic Church |
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