Originally Posted by - DRA -
Whether Romans 14, Galatians 4, or Colossians 2, each passage is in a particular context. Christmas falls into none of those contexts. It was a man-made observance that came along later. Therefore, we have to decide which of the passages, if any, apply to the teachings of men.
DRA, I like the way you can take any passage from anywhere in the Bible and appl it to NOT celebrating Christ's brith, but when someone else takes a verse and applies it, they are out of context. Examples ---Colossians 3:17, Matthew 7:13-14, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, and basically al lthe other you used. None of these are in a context of celebrating something not "mandated" by God. Christ's brith is not a made-made-up day!
Let's note a point: Wes posted the Scripture from Romans 14, I posted the passage from Galatians 4, and you posted the one from Colossians 2. Note carefully my quote above in orange font. Did I say that just just Romans 14 and Colossians 2 needed to be considered in its context, or did I also include the passage I posted?
Not sure what I'm supposed to say about Colossians 3:17. If you think it means that we need authority from the Lord for everything we say and do except the day the Catholic Church set aside to observe Jesus' birth, then I probably am not going to be able to accomplish much by stating that's not what the passage says.
As for Matthew 7:13-14 and 1 Timothy 4:1-3, they were used to show that God's way is limited, and that the Bible foretold of Catholicism and a few of its practices. I believe it is common knowledge that Christmas (i.e., Christ Mass) originated from Catholicism, which is described in 1 Timothy 4 as those that departed from the truth. Thus, there's the connection I made between 1 Timothy 4 and the man-made practices of Catholicism.
As for the statement: "Christ's brith [sic] is not a made-made-up day," this statement does not accurately convey my point. My point wasn't that Christ didn't have a birthday. My point is that the New Testament doesn't authorize us to celebrate it. Therefore, lacking authority from the Lord, in my way of thinking, the only option left is that it originated from man. And, just in case you are interested, my thinking is based upon Jesus' statement in Matthew 21:25a, in which He identifies the two sources of religious authority.
"Assembling is authorized per Hebrew 10:25. Therefore, of necessity, the church has to have a place to assemble. It may be outdoors ... but doesn't have to be. Obviously, in Acts 20, the disciples met in some kind of building, right?" -Yes, but God didn't mandate that we meet in a building on Sunday mornings, following a service, so you are following a man made tradition if you do this .
Not sure I follow you. The assembling of the church is authorized, and we have an approved example of Christians assembling in a building ... but I'm missing the connection with the man-made tradition.
Christ's birth is not a "made-made" teaching. Jesus was born, right? There was a gathering, and gift giving right? God sent Him to save us, right? I don't know what day of the year it was, so if you do please elighten the rest us of us. Obviously, in Matthew !:18 and following, Jesus was born, right? No where in the Bible does it say that we shouldn't honor God except in the ways he directly tells us to, and no other ways. Celebrating Christmas is giving thanks, glory, honor, and worship to God for sending Jesus to save us. Does YOUR Bible say we should not give thanks to God, or does it say we can only do that in the exact ways God directly tells us to? There are many things God directly tells us not to do, but he does not say to not celebrate and give thanks to Him for the gifts given to us. My Bible does say to give thanks to God, I intend to every year (all year long) for sending Jesus to us.
I'll share with you what I know. Jesus was raised from the dead on Sunday - the first day of the week. And, Christians are authorized to assemble on Sunday.
My Bible reads the same (or very similar) to the Bible you are using. The wording isn't the problem. We just have to assure our understanding is based on sound principles of Bible interpretation. Simply stated, I use a two-step approach:
1.) Nehemiah 8:8. Read/study, develop an understanding, and give the sense.
2.) Matthew 4:5-7 An understanding derived from one passage of Scripture must harmonize with other passages. Pay close attention to this text. The devil quotes Psalm 91:11-12, draws an understanding from this text, and tempts Jesus to jump from the top of the temple. Jesus counters with Deuteronomy 6:16, which doesn't say a word about jumping from the top of the temple. Rather, in its context, it deals with tempting God by worshipping idols. However, it's the principle that Jesus is using. Deliberately jumping is like deliberately turning away from God and turning to idols - and Jesus won't do it. From this example, I learn that the correct understanding of Scriptures is sometimes determined by the application of biblical principles. In short, everything isn't expressly forbidden. Take the "strange fire" Nadab and Abihu used in Leviticus 10:1-2. God had NOT said, "Don't use this fire!" Rather, He told them where to obtain the fire, and they got it from a different source. According to Romans 15:4, we should "learn" from such examples. In short,
we need to apply the principle taught there. Note the emphasis on the word "we." I'm including myself. I'm certainly not above making mistakes or misunderstanding the meanings of Scriptures or applying biblical principles. None of us are. That's why we appeal to Scripture to show the basis of what we believe. I believe it is of necessity that we be able to do so to please God per 1 Peter 4:11a.
As for giving God thanks, honor, glory, and all the things He deserves, my understanding of the Scriptures is that I should do so as His word directs.