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The Traditions of Men
Sermonette by Craig SablichChrist did not end the law, but fulfilled the law, providing a lasting pattern for His saints to follow. We have a responsibility to seek biblical proof.
Bucking Tradition
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIt is a formidable challenge to reject the traditions of men, especially in the context of holiday celebrations. Religious holidays like Easter and Christmas vividly demonstrate how difficult it is to abandon the habitual practices of our families and society. Many, despite claiming to be believers, often disregard the inconvenient truths about the paganism and inaccuracies in these holidays, choosing to maintain their treasured fantasies rather than risk straining relationships with family, friends, and society. Yet, for a true Christian, there should be no hesitation in such matters. Jesus instructs in Luke 12:4-5 not to fear those who can only harm the body, but to fear Him who has the power to cast into hell. When presented with truth, a real Christian embraces it out of reverence for God, as Christ declares in John 8:47 that he who is of God hears God's words, and in John 14:21, 24, that he who loves Him keeps His commandments. A striking example of these stubborn traditions is the Good Friday-Easter Sunday timeline, which contradicts Jesus' own prophecy in Matthew 12:38-40. He clearly states that, just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so would the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. With a full day comprising twelve hours of day and twelve hours of night, as Jesus acknowledges in John 11:9, this totals 72 hours. However, fitting 72 hours between sundown on Friday and sunrise on Sunday is impossible, resulting in only about half that time. This discrepancy reveals the Good Friday-Easter Sunday tradition as a chronological impossibility. Even John 20:1 notes that when Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb while it was still dark on Sunday morning, it was already empty, further undermining the basis for Easter sunrise services. Since Jesus was placed in the tomb near sunset, His resurrection would have occurred at a similar time, aligning with the 72-hour period He prophesied.
Keeping Godly Traditions (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mark SchindlerIn the village of Anatevka, tradition is the foundation that keeps the people balanced, defining their relationships within society, with one another, and with God. These traditions dictate every aspect of life—how to eat, sleep, and wear clothes—showing constant devotion to Him, even if their origins are unknown. However, unlike the villagers who blindly follow customs, we must not adhere to the traditions of men without understanding their purpose. Instead, we are to follow the traditions He has placed in the church, knowing not only how they started but also their intent. Because of His traditions, everyone born anew knows who he is and what He expects from the heart. The traditions of men, as seen in the Oral Law of the Jews, were criticized by Jesus Christ when they were prioritized over His commandments. He reprimanded the elders for rejecting His commandments to uphold their own customs. In contrast, traditions inspired by His commandments, reflecting His thoughts, actions, and behaviors, are good and right to keep. We must stand fast and hold to the traditions taught by His word, ensuring they align with truly understanding His mind, character, and behavior. Unlike those who cannot explain their customs, we are called to know the origins and purpose of the traditions we observe, fostering a productive relationship with Him in humility and gratitude.
The Rea$on for the Season
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeChrist-mass is wholly indefensible when one looks beyond the traditions of men and searches the Bible. In the absence of clear instruction from God, such as exists for His annual holy days, the matter of Christmas observance is entirely up to personal interpretation and the changing traditions of an ungrounded culture. Without authentic biblical roots, there is nothing to define and describe how traditions such as Christmas should be observed. Our Savior speaks emphatically on the subject of honoring man's tradition over the Word of God. Sin enters the picture when what man wants to do, or what he has always done, is given more credence than God's instructions. God has already defined the way He would have man venerate Him: in spirit and in truth. This season, with or without the religious veneer, is all about man's insistence on doing things his own way without regard to truth.
Presumption and Divine Justice (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOrthodoxy in virtually every aspect of life has been discarded, indicating how perverse human nature is in its determination to rebel against God.
Cogitations on Christmas
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughMost recognize Christmas' pagan origins and its lack of biblical support. These facts should make us consider whether Christians should celebrate it.
Insinuating the Savior Into Paganism
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeDespite the pagan origins of Christmas being well known, here is still defensiveness when anyone poses questions about the appropriateness of it all.
The Plain Truth About Christmas
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletDid Christmas come from the Bible or paganism? Here are the origins of the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, mistletoe, the holly wreath, and exchanging gifts.
The Resurrection Was Not on Sunday
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletJesus said He would be 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb, but that is impossible in a Friday crucifixion, Sunday resurrection scenario. Here's the biblical truth.
What's Wrong With Christmas?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Catholic Church mixed truth and falsehood to have the 'official' birthdate of the Son of God coincide with the rebirth of the sun, the winter solstice.
Christmas, Syncretism, and Presumption
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think keeping Christmas is fine, yet God never tells us to celebrate His Son's birth. Celebrating such an obvious mix of biblical truth and paganism is presumptuous.
The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?
Article by Earl L. HennIs it alright to wear a crucifix? As it turns out, the cross was a pagan worship symbol long before Christ's death, and was never used by the first century church.
Halloween
Article by Richard T. RitenbaughHalloween is the second-most popular holiday. This night not only lacks biblical foundation, but the Bible warns us against participating in such activities.
Satan's Pagan Holy Days
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersNew Years, Christmas, Easter, Halloween and birthdays all originate in paganism. Satan entices many into accepting these pagan practices through emotional appeals.
Did Christ's Resurrection Change the Day of Worship? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe timing of Jesus Christ's resurrection has nothing to do with establishing which day God made holy, and everything to do with whether He is the Messiah.
Why Passover and Not Easter?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Catholic Church did not forbid keeping the Passover until AD 325. The controversy over Passover or Easter boils down to following Scripture or Roman tradition.
Appointments
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaGod established the weekly Sabbath on the seventh day of Creation; He established His Holy Days (moedim) on the fourth day. These are His appointments.
Foundation of Sand
Sermonette by Craig SablichPaul warned the Colossians of scholarly men who would try to mix God's truth with vain philosophy based on the tradition of men instead of Jesus Christ.
Is New Year's Eve Pagan?
Sermonette by Mike FordNew Year's celebrations often involve drunkenness, debauchery, and adultery. God commands us to separate ourselves from these customs and traditions of the world.
Truth-Based Worship Vs Spiritual Confusion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod never accepts worship that comes from human reasoning and the traditions of man. The starting point for worship must always be God and His revelation.
Do You Believe—Really Believe?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughNumerous religions claim the Bible as their source of belief, but none of them seems to care that what they do does not square with biblical teaching.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Three: Satan's Three Heresies
Article by David C. GrabbeWhen Satan confronted Adam and Eve, he fed them three heresies that Gnosticism incorporated into its parasitic philosophy and way of life.
Sincerity Without Truth Is Worthless
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is dangerous to judge something on the basis of apparent 'sincerity,' which is often the opposite of godly sincerity. Godly sincerity is paired with the truth.
What Are the 'Ordinances' of Colossians 2:14 and Ephesians 2:15?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe word 'ordinances' does not refer to God's laws. It is translated from the Greek word dogma and refers generally to opinions, judgments, and decrees.
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIf we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.
God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFalse doctrines cut people off from a wholesome relationship with God. Doctrinal purity is measured according to how one emulates Christ.
The Life Which I Now Live
Sermonette by Martin G. CollinsGod is putting the us through trials to determine if we will remain loyal to the covenant we made with God, living a life of sacrifice.
To Be, or Not To Be, Like Everyone Else?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsTo keep from being swept up in the bandwagon effect of compromising with sin, we must make sure our convictions are not merely preferences.
Assurance (Part One): Self Examination
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSalvation is an ongoing work of God, obligating us to walk in the Spirit. If we do, we will be not captivated by the lusts of the flesh.
Whatever Happened to Gnosticism? Part Two: Defining Gnosticism
Article by David C. GrabbeWe can glimpse Gnosticism in Paul's epistles to the Galatians and Colossians, in which he combats Gnosticism's twisting of the truth of Jesus Christ.
Is Mary Worthy of Worship?
Article by David C. GrabbeThe Catholic Church places great importance on Mary, to the point that many Catholics are pushing for Mary to be recognized as 'Co-Redemptrix!