What The Bible Says
“What The Bible Says - Vol. 6 / No. 16”
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What The Bible Says
Vol. VI - No. 16 / December 3, 2023
WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
In the decade of the ’90’s the catch phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” was popular among religious youth groups and adults alike. The phrase was used as a decision guide or reminder, moral compass of sorts. It was hard to escape the "WWJD" teen bracelets, bumper stickers and other paraphernalia. Fast forward nearly two decades later and the once poplar “WWJD” fad has all but disappeared.
Fads aside, what about the all-important questions ‘What would Jesus do?’ ‘What did Jesus do' or 'What would Jesus have me do in this situation?'. These are questions that many Christians ask when faced with various moral decisions and circumstances.
In Colossians 3:16, the apostle Paul states "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him". In this passage, the Christians at Colossae are told to ensure that whatever they said or did, was done “in the name of” or by the authority of Jesus. Paul also encouraged the Christians at Corinth to “imitate me, as as I imitate Christ”. (1 Cor. 11:1)
Furthermore, the apostles Peter stated in 1 Peter 2;21 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:”. We can see from these scriptures that the Christ should not only make sure that Jesus approves of what we do but to also actually follow the many examples that He Himself left us.
Let's look at six things that Jesus did not do nor would do: (1). He did not lie. 1 Pet. 2:22; Eph. 4:25 (2). He would not cheat on: His taxes, school exam, any competition Eph. 4:25,28; 2 Cor. 8:21 (3). He would not shack up with a girlfriend. I Cor. 7:2; Heb.13:4 (4). He would not practice pre-marital sex. l Cor. 6:18; 1 Cor. 7:2 (5). He would not divorce on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences”. Mt. 5:32; Mt. 19:9; Lk. 16:18 (6). He would not condone abortions. Gal. 5:21; Lk. 1:41; Psa. 139:13-16; Job 10:11-12.
Are you concerned with the question: “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” —Rodney Hampton
WHERE DID CHRISTMAS ORGINATE AND WHO AUTHORIZED IT?
To answer these questions it is necessary to go outside the New Testament. The Encyclopedia Americana says, "The Christmas celebration was not observed in the first centuries of the church." The Catholic Encyclopedia says, "Christmas was not among the early festivals of the church."
Now notice this: If we cannot find the Christmas observance in the New Testament, and a secular encyclopedia says that it was not observed in the first centuries of the church, and a religious encyclopedia says that it was nonexistent in the early church, then we must conclude that it did not originate with the apostles.
By whose authority did this December observance originate? Colliers Encyclopedia tells us that Lyberius, the Bishop of Rome, whom the Catholics regard as one of the early Popes, ordered in 354 A.D. that "December 25th be observed as the birthday of Christ." December 25th had formerly been used by the Romans as a feast day for their Sun-God, Mithra. The Roman Saturnalia (riotous festival of Saturn) also came at this time. "The indications are that the church in this way grasped an opportunity to turn the people away from a purely pagan observance of the winter solstice to a day of adoration of Christ the Lord. Both Saint Cyprian and Saint John Chrysostom allude to this thought in their writings.” (Colliers Encyclopedia) "December 25th was already a festive day for the sun god, Mithra, and appealed to the Christians as an appropriate day to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the light of the world." (Lincoln Library of Essential Information)
From these statements by reliable sources it is easy to see that the date of Christmas had its origin in a pre-Christian age among the pagans. It was adopted into a so- called "Christian" holiday by the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, the word "Christmas" is of Catholic origin. The word is derived from the medieval "Christes Masse," the mass of Christ, which is a corruption of the Lord's Supper. On December 25th, even until this day, the Catholics hold a special Mass for Christ. In time, "Christes Masse" came to be shortened to "Christmas."
Christmas, then, had its origin and authority in the Roman Catholic church. —David Padfield
WHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS?
It is not the giving of gifts that is challenged. It is not the happy associations we may have with our families and friends. Such things can be right at any time of the year. We are not questioning these things. Our point is simply this: The Bible does not inform us as to the birthday of Christ, nor does the Bible authorize us to make a religious observance of the birthday of Christ. Hence, to attempt such is to go beyond the limits of divine authority. —Paul C. Keller
SENTENCE SERMONS
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
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Christianity is difficult when it is viewed as a job rather than a way of life.
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Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as does humility.
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People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.
"What The Bible Says” is e-mailed twice a month. If you know of others who might benefit from the articles contained in this bulletin, we would be glad to have you submit their e-mail addresses and we will include them in the next mailing. If you are receiving this bulletin and do not wish to continue to do so, please e-mail us with your desire to be removed from the mailing list and you will be removed promptly. Continue to the bottom of this page for further instructions as to how you may contact us.
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
For The East Albertville Church Of Christ
meeting at
4777 U.S. Highway 431
Albertville, AL 35950
Sunday
Bible Classes …………..….…………… 9:30 AM
Morning Worship ……..…….….……… 10:30 AM
Evening Worship …………………........ 5:00 PM
Wednesday
Bible Classes …………..………........... 7:00 PM
Radio Program
Sunday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 8:30 AM
Monday - Saturday
WBSA 93.5 FM/1300 AM ………………………….. 11:15 AM
Website: www. EastAlbertville.org
