Christmas, Easter, Halloween & Other Non-Biblical Holidays

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)
Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and the national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States are among the most commonly observed religious and secular observances which many people believe are a part of the Christian God’s worship system; however, basic research into the origin of these observances shows these observances to be unacceptable to God the Father and Jesus Christ. Anyone who wishes to worship the true God and his Son correctly should understand the seriousness of celebrating these religious and secular observances, because their origin and practice involved fertility rites, sexual licentiousness, and the worship of false gods as the central focus of their celebration. The Sovereign God and the Creator God (Jesus Christ) give this instruction to those who are serious about following their way of life and serving them: · “Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you” (Deut.6:14 NIV). · “Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, . . .” (Deut.12:30-31 NIV). · “Do not learn the ways of the nations [heathens] . . .” (Jer.10:2 NIV). · “Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; . . .” (Jer.25:6 NIV). The following will review some of the more popular religious and secular observances which are observed around the world by professing Christians and will show these non-biblical observances to be in violation of God’s law and should not be celebrated by individuals seeking to worship and serve the Sovereign God and his son the Savior of mankind. THE TRUTH ABOUT EASTER Each year in the spring, masses of worshipers celebrate Easter. Around the world, Easter Sunrise Worship services are held on the tops of hills and mountains, while priests chant and utter incantations, devotees kneel and bow in worship towards the east as the sun crests the horizon. The places of worship overflow with people dressed in their new Easter clothes. Bells ring from cathedrals and stirring hymns fill the air to inspire and uplift the worshipers. Ministers and priests announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great acclaim and joy. And, after the religious rites are over, the children are treated to an Easter egg hunt. This is a description of a modern-day celebration of Easter. But, as strange as it may seem, a similar description applies to the Easter celebrations in Babylon over 4,000 years ago, in Asia Minor over 2,500 years ago, and in pagan Rome in 100 A.D… This section presents several studies into the celebration of Easter, which prove that Easter originated from the worship of false gods, and it should not be observed by anyone who wishes to honor and worship God the Father. Easter Eggs Ancient and Modern “The origin of the Pasch [Easter] eggs is just as clear [as the origin of Easter]. The ancient druids bore an egg, as the sacred emblem of their order. In the Dionysiaca, or mysteries of Bacchus, as celebrated in Athens, one part of the nocturnal ceremony consisted in the consecration of an egg. The Hindu fables celebrate their mundane egg as of a golden color. The people of Japan make their sacred egg to have been brazen. In China, at this hour, dyed or painted eggs are used on sacred festivals, even as in this country [England]. In ancient times eggs were used in the religious rites of the Egyptians and the Greeks and were hung up for mystic purposes in their temples. From Egypt these sacred eggs can be distinctly traced to the banks of the Euphrates. The classic poets are full of the fable of the mystic egg of the Babylonians.’ “An egg of wondrous size is said to have fallen from heaven into the River Euphrates. The fishes rolled it to the bank, where the doves having settled upon it, and hatched it, out came Venus, who afterwards was called the Syrian Goddess—that is, Astarte. Hence the egg became one of the symbols of Astarte or Easter; and accordingly, in Cyprus, one of the chosen seats of the worship of Venus, or Astarte, the egg of wondrous size was represented on a grand scale.” (The Two Babylons, p.108-109). The True Origin of Easter “What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean [Babylonian] origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte [Isthar], one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven.” (The Two Babylons, p.103). “The religious solemnities of April, as now practiced, are called by the name of Easter—that month, among our Pagan [British] ancestors, having been called Easter month. The festival, of which we read in Church history under the name of Easter, in the third or fourth centuries, was quite a different festival from that now observed in the Romish Church, and at that time was not known by any such name as Easter. It was called Pasch, or the Passover, and though not of Apostolic institution, was very early observed by many professing Christians; in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Christ” (ibid. p.104). The Passover was instituted by the Creator God when he brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moreover, one of the main reasons for killing the Egyptians’ firstborn children and animals was God’s judgment against the gods of the Egyptians: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord” (Ex.12:12). The God who went to those lengths to show his power and might over the gods of the Egyptians would never sanction the worship of him by the means of the pagan religious ceremonies or pagan observances: “That festival agreed originally with the time of the Jewish Passover, when Christ was crucified. . . that festival [of the Passover and feast of Unleavened Bread] was not idolatrous, and was preceded by no Lent . . .’ (The Two Babylons, p.104). “The forty days’ abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshipers of the Babylonian goddess [the queen of heaven]. Such a Lent of forty days, ‘in the spring of the year,’ is still observed by the Yezidis or Pagan Devil worshipers of Koordistan, who have inherited it from their early masters, the Babylonians” (Ibid., p.104). Moreover, the pagan Mexican Baal sun worshipers observed a solemn fast like Lent for forty days in honor of the sun beginning three days after the vernal equinox.’ “Such a Lent of forty days was observed in Egypt . . . was held expressly in commemoration of Adonis or Osiris, the great mediatorial god. . . among the Pagans this Lent seems to have been an indispensable preliminary to the great annual festival in commemoration of the [supposed] death and resurrection of Tammuz [Babylonian name for Adonis or Osiris], which was celebrated by alternate weeping and rejoicing . . .” (Ibid., p.105). The Death and Resurrection for Adonis—The Pagan Savior The pagan counterfeit, which was inspired by Satan, has been substituted for the true Christian Passover and has been accepted as the authentic Christian observance. There are variations in the rituals from country to country, but the death on a Friday and a resurrection on Sunday is a consistent theme. “We have seen that the rites of Tammuz or Adonis were commonly celebrated in the gardens of Adonis are still sown in spring, as well as in summer, from which we may perhaps infer that Sicily, as well as Syria celebrated of old a vernal festival of the dead and risen god. At the approach of Easter, Sicilian women sow wheat, lentils, and canary seed in plates, the plants soon shoot up; the stalks are tied together with red ribbons, and the plates containing them are placed on the sepulchers which, with the effigies of the dead Christ, are made up in Catholic and Greek churches on Good Friday, just as the gardens of Adonis were placed on the grave for the dead Adonis.’ “The practice is not confined to Sicily . . . The whole custom—the sepulchers, as well as plates of sprouting grain—may be nothing but a continuation, under a different name, [the name of Jesus Christ], of the worship of Adonis’ (The Golden Bough, p.400). “During the whole of Good Friday, a waxen effigy of the dead Christ is exposed to view in the middle of the Greek churches and is covered with fervent kisses by the thronging crowd, while the whole church rings with melancholy, monotonous dirges. Late in the evening, when it has grown quite dark, this waxen image is carried by the priests into the street on a bier . . .’ (Ibid., p.401). “This is followed by the ritual mourning by the whole town as the priests slowly carry the wax image, and a great multitude follows. Thus, the community solemnly buries its Christ as if he had just died. At last, the waxen image is again deposited in the church, and the same lugubrious chants echo anew.’ “These lamentations, accompanied by a strict fast, continue till midnight on Saturday. As the clock strikes twelve, the bishop appears and announces the glad tidings that ‘Christ is risen,’ to which the crowd replies, ‘He is risen indeed’ . . . in the same hour people plunge from the extremity of the fast into the enjoyment of the Easter lamb and neat wine’ (Ibid., p.401). This mockery of the true death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is an example of how far paganism has penetrated professing Christianity. Only the names were changed, not the religion. Yet, this Babylonian religion with some variations has been embraced as the universal Christianity by the world—Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. They all observe Easter, which was previously a day of worship and celebration in commemoration of false gods. The Myth and Ritual of Attis “Another of those gods whose supposed death and resurrection struck such deep roots into the faith and ritual of Western Asia is Attis. He was to Phrygia what Adonis was to Syria . . . Attis was said to have been a fair young shepherd or herdsman beloved by Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, a great Asiatic goddess of fertility, who had her chief home in Phrygia. Some held that Attis was her son. His birth, like that of many other heroes, is said to have been miraculous” (Ibid., p.407). The worship of the mother and son along with its religious rites were deeply entrenched within ancient historical tradition as the established religion. People everywhere in the civilized world believed this was the way to worship God. God’s Teachings About Pagan Practices “Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them . . . and that you inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so I will do likewise. You shall not do to the Lord your God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hates, have they done to their gods . . .What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deut.12:30-32). When the apostle Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles who practiced the religion of Diana, Adonis, Attis, and Jupiter, their message was not acceptance and union of these religions with true Christianity. Theirs was a call for these Gentiles to repent and to renounce these worship systems. “Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past allowed the nations to walk in their own ways And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent!” (Acts 14:15-16; 17:30 KJV Para.). The biblical record shows that the early church opposed the pagan religious practices and the blending of these pagan practices with the worship of the true God. “But I say, the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. ” (1.Cor.10:20-21 KJV Para.). The Sovereign God has never given his followers any authority to accept and assimilate pagan religious practices as a means of worshiping him. Any person, organization, or church which does this, rejects the word of God and teaches doctrines that are contrary to God’s truth and way of truth. Therefore, anyone who teaches and preaches such practices is teaching a false savior, and a counterfeit Christianity. Catholic Admissions and Practices The Catholic church has always used its power and authority to enforce the acceptance of teachings that are contrary to biblical teachings. “In like manner the Catholic Church has been accustomed to bring before its followers in a visible form the death and resurrection of the Redeemer . . . When we reflect how often the Church has skillfully contrived to plant the seeds of the new faith on the stock of paganism, we may surmise that the Easter celebration of the dead and risen Christ was grafted upon the similar celebration of the dead and risen Adonis ” (The Golden Bough, p.401). “To conciliate the Pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christian and Pagan festivals amalgamated, and, by a complicated but skillful adjustment of the calendar, it was found no difficult matter, in general, to get Paganism and Christianity—now far sunk in idolatry—in this as in so many other areas, to shake hands” (The Two Babylons, p.105). “Taken altogether, the coincidences of the Christian with the heathen festivals are too close and too numerous to be accidental. They mark the compromise which the [Catholic] Church in the hour of its triumph was compelled to make with its vanquished yet still dangerous rivals. The inflexible Protestantism of the primitive missionaries, with their fiery denunciations of heathendom, had been exchanged for the supple policy, the easy tolerance, the comprehensive charity of shrewd ecclesiastics, who clearly perceived that if Christianity was to conquer the world it could do so only by relaxing the too rigid principles of its Founder, by widening a little the narrow gate which leads to salvation” (The Golden Bough, p.419). Granting the practice of pagan beliefs in direct opposition to the clear commandments of God has always been the policy of the Catholic Church. “In the history of the Church we find that she often christened pagan festivals, making use of dates and ceremonies, and endowing them with an entirely new and Christian significance” (My Catholic Faith, p.416). “Today the entire of Christendom celebrates Easter Sunday in memory of the Resurrection. It is the Feast of feasts . . . Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring; the feast is moveable and can fall between March 22 and April 25” (Ibed., p.81). This variance in the date of Easter was devised to more closely counterfeit the dates of the true Christian Passover and make it easier to replace the Passover with Easter. Also, the observance of the Passover ceremony, as commanded by Jesus Christ himself, was substituted with the Catholic holy eucharist (communion), which is of pagan derivation, by edict of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. Attendance and taking of the Mass on Easter Sunday is obligatory for all Catholics. Even though the leaders of the Catholic Church have the Holy Bible and claim to teach it, they insist that “under pain of grievous sin” all are to observe this holiday. However, God Almighty commands Christians not to observe such feasts. “We are obligated to receive Holy Communion during Easter time each year . . .The Church enforces this command by requiring us under pain of grievous sin to communicate [take communion] at least at Easter time” (My Catholic Faith, p.311). God’s Indictment and Condemnation of Pagan Practices Throughout the biblical record, God shows that he has never allowed his people to worship him by means of pagan ceremonies and rituals. The biblical record shows that the Israelites cut themselves off from God whenever they left his worship system. Today, the same applies for the Father’s elect who are to worship him in spirit and truth (Jn.4:23-24). If, as Jesus Christ commands, the elect are worshiping their heavenly Father in spirit and truth and are sanctified by this truth, (Jn.15:16;17:17), why would he accept any form of worship other than the one he has established? The apostle Peter wrote the following to the elect condemning pagan practices and false prophets: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty . . . But there were false prophets, also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious way; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pet.1:16; 2:1-2 KJV). God’s truth was buried under an avalanche of propaganda which denounced his worship system as being Jewish. Hence, Jesus’ castigation of Judaism—a form of Jewish rejection of God’s truth—was cleverly and deceptively used to attack true Christianity. The seventh day Sabbath (on Saturday), the true Christian Passover, and the annual festivals of God were labeled Jewish. The truth is that the Passover, the Sabbath, and the annual festivals were instituted by the Creator God, not the Jews. It is true that, during the days of Jesus Christ, only the Jews were observing these days; however, it does not mean that the Jews originated these commanded days of worship. They were originally commanded by God in the holy scriptures in Exodus, chapters 12, 16, 20, 23, 32; Leviticus chapter 23; Numbers 9, 28; Deuteronomy 5, 16. Moreover, they were observed by Jesus Christ and the apostles in the New Testament. The true Festivals of God are found in the Bible, not pagan religions. In fact, history shows that many times the Israelites and Jews were just as paganized with Babylonian religions and forms of worship as professing Christians are today. God’s condemnation of these practices is still valid today: “Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem? The Children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes [the hot cross buns of Easter] for the queen of heaven [the great mother goddess of fertility]; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods in order to spite Me. Do they spite Me? declares the Lord. Is it not themselves they spite to their own shame? Therefore, thus saying the Lord God, Behold My anger and My wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and on beast and on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and not be quenched” (Jer.7:17-20, NASB). These idolatrous practices are violations of the first and second commandments. The New Testament also reveals that idolaters will not be in the Kingdom of God (Rev.21:8). Ezekiel, chapter 8, contains God’s indictment and stinging rebuke against idolatry and pagan religions. “Then said he to me, Son of man, lift up your eyes now the way toward the north. So, I lifted up my eyes the way toward the north, and behold the northward gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. He said furthermore to me, Son of man, do you see what they are doing? even the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? . . .” (Ezk.8:5-6 Para.). The same is true today. Even churches that claim to be Christian, have driven God away by their idolatry. Greater Abominations “Then he said to me, Son of man, have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord sees us not; the Lord has forsaken the earth. He said also to me, Turn you yet again, and you shall see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house which was toward the north; and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz!” (Ezk.8:12-14 KJV Para.). Tammuz was the Babylonian name for Adonis, who was also called Attis and Osiris. All such heathen practices are considered abominable to God the Father. Sunrise Worship Condemned “Then he said to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? turn you yet again, and you shall see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house, and behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord [symbolic of rejecting God], and their faces toward the east; and they worshiped the sun toward the east” (Ezk.8:15-16 KJV Para.). This is exactly what people are doing when they participate in Easter sunrise services. They think that they are worshiping and honoring God, but in reality, they are dishonoring him. Because most people have been deceived into observing the pseudo-Christian pagan observances, they believe they are doing what is right. They believe they are serving God and are convinced they are true Christians: “Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Woe to them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink” (Isa.5:20-22 KJV). “Come here; I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits on many waters [peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages]: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have made drunk with the wine of her fornication . . . and I saw a woman sit on a scarlet-colored beast, full of the names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Rev.17:1-3 KJV). “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written Mystery, Babylon The Great, Mother Of Harlots [all the religions of the world, except the true religion of God] And The Abominations Of The Earth [all the pagan religious observances and practices]” (Rev.17:4-5 KJV). This is the same evil religious system that God condemns throughout the entire biblical record; it is the same satanic system which has rejected the laws of God. “Which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa.5:23-24 KJV). They Put the Golden Bough to Their Nose “Then he said to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations that they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose” (Ezk.8:17). The branch or golden bough is the symbol of pagan religions. SUMMARY The historical record and the word of God clearly show the following things about the practice of Easter: § Easter celebrations did not begin when Christianity began. § The Bible does not command Easter observance. § Early New Testament Christians did not celebrate Easter. § Easter was celebrated by pagans in their worship of evil spirits thousands of years before Jesus Christ was born. § God condemns the practice of Easter-type worship and calls it an abomination. § True Christians are commanded to observe the Passover, not Easter. Many of the leaders of the Christian world know the truth about the pagan practice of Easter, but they refuse to repent. Those who practice this abomination will suffer the wrath of Almighty God as prophesied in Ezekiel 8 and in the Book of Revelation: “Therefore, will I also deal in furry: my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet I will not hear them” (Ezk.8:18 KJV). THE ORIGIN OF HALLOWEEN Few have taken the time to ask about the origin of Halloween and whether or not Christians should participate in this holiday. The truth is that Halloween is not Christian and should not be celebrated by true Christians: “The principal fire-festivals of the Celts . . . May Day and the other one All hallows Eve or Hallowe’en, as it is now commonly called, that is, on the thirty-first of October, the day preceding All Saints’ or Allhallows Day . . . the feast of all souls. At the beginning of November, which under a thin Christian cloak conceals an ancient pagan festival of the dead . . . in the manner of their celebration and in the superstitions associated with them, and alike, by the antique character impressed upon both, betray a remote and purely pagan origin” (The Golden Bough, p.733-34). “Do not pursue after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise. You shall not do likewise to the Lord your God: for every abomination that the Lord hates, they have done to their gods. They have even burned their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be sure to do it: you shall not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:30-32 Para.). God of the Dead The following sources show that Halloween was originally a holiday celebrated in honor of the god of the dead: “The earliest Hallowe’en celebrations [in the British Isles] were held by the Druids in honor of Samhain, Lord of the dead, whose festival fell on November 1” (Halloween Through Twenty Centuries). “It was a Druidical belief that on the eve of this festival [Hallowe’en], Saman, Lord of the Dead, called together the wicked spirits . . . (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11^th edition, “Halloween”). In the ancient pagan world, it was believed that the souls of good people would rise to heaven and the souls of evil people would be turned over to the lord of the dead. And once a year, the spirits of these dead people would be let out. “Hallows’ is an old word for a saint and Allhallows’ Eve (31 October) is the vigil of All Saints (1 November), the Christian festival corresponding to an ancient feast of the dead. In many European countries it is traditionally a time when the spirits of the departed visit their former homes; a fire, food and drink are put ready for them.’ “In Sicily the ghostly visitors bring gifts for the children – toys, sweets and clothes stolen from the shops. The Welch believe that a ghost came and sat on every stile when the clock struck twelve. In some parts of Wales, the wandering shades [ghosts] appeared as a white lady, while in north Wales and Scotland people feared the spectral Black Sow” (Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Magic, Venetia Newal, p.16). “In Wales until the eighteenth century it was customary to burn a candle in church to see what the future held. A bright flame meant a prosperous, happy year. An irregular flame foretold trouble, and if it went out this signified one’s own death. Hallowe’en divination probably derives from Samhain . . .” (Ibid, p.16). Halloween is a purely pagan, occult holiday. The symbols of Halloween tell the true meaning of the day. The Jack-O-lantern is an idol to the Lord of the Dead (Satan). The lighted candle within is a remnant of Halloween Fires to light the way for the returning spirits of the dead. The witch represents the high priestess of Satan worship. The full moon is the Sabat night on which witches perform their ritual worship of the spirits and Satan. The black cat is associated with witchcraft and symbolizes a witches’ spirit guide (demon). The skeleton depicts Ankou, Lord of the Dead who allegedly traveled in the dead of night to claim his victims. Superstitious beliefs portray Ankou as living in an underground palace filled with thousands of candles. Each candle is supposed to represent a human life. He claims his victims by blowing out the candles. Satan Worship The truth is that when people observe and commemorate pagan observances, they actually worship Satan who wants to be worshiped as God: “Taken altogether, the coincidences of the Christian with the heathen festivals are too close and too numerous to be accidental. They mark the compromise which the church [not the Church of God] in the hour of its triumph was compelled to make . . .” (The Golden Bough, Frazer, p. 419). The Bible shows what God has commanded his people to do and not do. He commands his children not to learn the way of the Heathen (Jer.10:2). Moreover, God allows no way to sanctify a pagan festival as Christian: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of demons” (1 Cor.10:20-21 KJV Para.). Incredible as it may seem, the Catholic church, which professes to worship Christ, admittedly has accepted pagan practices into their worship system. “On this day, the Church honors the Angels and Saints in heaven. It is a holyday of obligation. This day is a great family feast. It has its origin in the year 610, when [Pope] Boniface IV dedicated the [pagan] Pantheon of Rome to the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs. It is in special commemoration of the millions of Saints in heaven who have not been officially canonized by the Church, and thus have no special commemoration during the year.’ “This day commemorates all the souls in Purgatory. It is a day for pious remembrance of the dead, and for offering Masses and prayers for them. On this day as on Christmas, priests are allowed to say three Masses, for the souls of the departed, that they may be free from Purgatory.’ “From noon of All Saints’ Day till midnight of the next day (All Soul’s Day), all those who have confessed and received Holy Communion on either of the two days may gain the ‘toties quoties’ indulgence: a plenary indulgence applicable to the souls in Purgatory every time they visit a church or public chapel, and pray six ‘Our Fathers’, six ‘Hail Marys’, and ‘six glorias’ for the intention of the Holy Father [the Pope]” (My Catholic Faith, 1963, p.417). Along with being part of the Catholic system of worship, Halloween is also the high Sabat for witches around the world. And the practices of witchcraft are condemned in the Bible (Deut.18:9-14). True Christians should have absolutely nothing to do with such evil and abominable satanic practices, customs, and days. Additionally, the children of Christians should not be involved nor participate in these holidays and events. THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS Most professing Christians believe that Christmas is one of the most important holidays. Without question, many people blindly follow its observance. Moreover, they assume that Jesus was actually born on December 25^th. Because we look to Christ as our Savior, it is important to take a deeper look into his birth. We often hear people say, “Let’s put Christ back into Christmas!” Perhaps we should investigate just how Christ got into Christmas in the first place. Most Bible scholars agree that Christmas is of pagan origin. In his book 4000 Years of Christmas, Earl W. Count, Professor of Anthropology at Hamilton College, explains the origin of the Christmas celebration: “We do not know its beginning . . . we do not really know when the Christ child it venerates was born: or the time and place when Christmas was first celebrated: or exactly how it was that, over the centuries, a bishop saint of Asia Minor, and a pagan god of the Germans merged to become Santa Claus.” “Although the Christmas story centers in the Christ child of Bethlehem, it begins so long before his coming that we find its hero arriving on the scene after more than half of the time of the story has gone by. Christmas began over 4000 years ago, as the festival which renewed the world for another year. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires and probably the yule log; the giving of presents; the carnivals with their floats; their merry makings and clowning; the mummers who sing and play from house to house, the feasting; the church processions with their lights and song—all these and more began three centuries before Christ was born. And they celebrated the arrival of a new year” (ibid., p.18). “For that day [25^th of December] was sacred, not only to the pagan Romans but to a religion from Persia which, in those days, was one of Christianity’s strongest rivals. This Persian religion was Mithraism, whose followers worshiped the sun, and celebrated its return to strength on that day. The church finally succeeded in taking the merriment, the greenery, the lights, and gifts from Saturn and giving them to the “babe of Bethlehem” (ibid., p.27). “It happened that the date [December 25^th] did fall in the midst of the Saturnalia. Far from being an invention to compete against Roman and Persian paganism, the birthday of Christ ran the danger of being swallowed up in pagan merry making. The [church] fathers tried strenuously to keep Christmas strictly a churchly celebration. It was part of their unremitting struggle to break the grip of the pagan gods upon the people. And as they broke, Romans became Christians . . . but the Saturnalia remained” (ibid., p.28). “When was Jesus born? No one knows. December 25^th is no more than the historical date of his birth than is any other” [p. 50]. “Christmas, as we have seen, is of the Mediterranean for the Mediterranean world already had not merely centuries, but millennia behind it, when Christ was born; and even the religion which he founded had traveled several centuries before it discovered its need of Christmas” (p.86). “Renewal and rebirth: After 4000 years, the festival that has grown about the birth of the Christ child remains an affirmation that all things can be made anew” (ibid., p.91). Although no one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, there is evidence that he was not born in the winter: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night” (Lk.2:8). This never could have occurred in the month of December in Palestine. The shepherds usually brought their flocks from the mountainsides and fields and corralled them no later than the middle of October to protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed. The Song of Solomon 2:11 and Ezra.10:9, 13 show that winter was a rainy season during which shepherds could not have remained in open fields at night: “It was an ancient custom among the Jews of those days to send their sheep to the fields, and deserts about Passover [early spring] and bring them home at commencement of the first rain. During the time they were out, the shepherds watched them night and day, the first rains began early in the month of Marchesvan, which answers to part of our October and November [begins in the middle of October] we find that the sheep were kept out in the open country during the whole summer, and as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25^th of December, when no flocks were out in the fields by night. On this very ground, the nativity in December should be given up. The feeding of the flocks by night in the field is a chronological fact” (The Adam Clarke Commentary, Volume 5, p.347). There is no command in the whole Bible that tells us to observe Christmas. Under the inspired teaching of Paul and Peter and the other apostles, the Christians of the first century never observed Christ’s birth date. Christmas came to us through the Roman Catholic Church, which is where it gets its authority as a religious holiday. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, which is published by the Catholic Church: “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church The first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.” We find this truth acknowledged further in the Encyclopedia Britannica: “Christmas [i.e., the Mass of Christ] was not among the earliest festivals of the church.” The Encyclopedia Americana states: “Christmas, . . .it was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian’s usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth . . .” (The communion, which is instituted by New Testament authority, is a memorial of the death of Christ).” . . .A feast was established in memory of this event (Christ’s birth) in the fourth century. In the fifth century, the Western church ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol, as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ’s birth existed.” How did the pagan custom get into the church? Most recognized authorities agree that Christmas was not observed by the early church for the first two or three hundred years and that its origin began in the western segment of the Roman Church in the fourth century A.D… However, it was not until the fifth century that the Roman Church ordered it to be celebrated as an official Christian festival. The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia: “How much the date of the festival depended upon the pagan Brumalia (December 25^th) following the Saturnalia (December 17-24), and celebrating the shortest day of the year and the “new sun ” . . .cannot be accurately determined. The pagan Saturnalia and Brumalia were too deeply entrenched in popular custom to be set aside by Christian influence. The pagan festival with its riot and merrymaking was so popular that Christians were glad of an excuse to continue its celebration with little change in spirit and manner. Christian teachers of the West and Near East protested against the unseemly frivolity, while Christians of Mesopotamia accused their western brethren of idolatry and sun worship for adopting as Christian the pagan festival.” “The observance of December 25 (as a Christian festival) only dates from the fourth century and is due to assimilation with the Mithraic festival of the birth of the sun” (World Popular Encyclopedia, Volume 3). “Gradually a number of prevailing practices of the [heathen] nations into which Christ came were assimilated and were combined with the religious ceremonies surrounding Christmas. The assimilation of such practices generally represented efforts by Christians to transform or absorb otherwise pagan practices” (The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 1, p.805). “The pagan symbolism was taken over and, in Christian view, elevated. Jesus became the “sun of justice” and the “sun of righteousness” (Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays, Myers, p.310). “Our annual Christian festival (Christmas) is nothing but a continuation under a different name of this old solar festivity (Saturnalia)” (The New Golden Bough, Frazer and Foster, p.653). “Christmas was generally celebrated in the West only after the triumph of Constantine when the time of Christ’s birth was reckoned with the Day of the Unconquered Sun on 25 December” (From Christ to Constantine, Smith, p.150-151). “The assimilation of Christ to the sun god, as sun of righteousness, was widespread in the fourth century and was furthered by Constantine’s legislation on Sunday, which is not unrelated to the fact that the sun god was the titular divinity of his family” (A History of the Christian Church: Revised, Walker, Section 13, p.154-155). The Myth of Nimrod Nimrod, the grandson of Ham and the great grandson of Noah, was the real founder of the Babylonian system of worship and government that continues to thrive throughout the world. Ancient writings speak of Nimrod as the one who started a great, organized world apostasy against God, which still dominates the world. It is said that he was so wicked that he married his own mother, Semiramis. After Nimrod was killed, his mother-wife propagated the doctrine of the survival of Nimrod as a spirit-being. She claimed that a full-grown evergreen tree sprang up overnight from a dead tree stump which symbolized the resurrection of Nimrod. On each anniversary of his birth (supposedly December 25^th), she claimed Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it. Mother and Child Theme Through her scheming and planning, Semiramis became the Babylonian Queen of Heaven, and Nimrod, under many other names, became the Divine Son of Heaven. Through the generations, in this idolatrous worship, Nimrod also became the false messiah, son of Baal, who was the sun-god. In this false Babylonian religious system, the mother and child (Semiramis and the reborn Nimrod) became chief objects of worship. This worship of mother and child spread throughout the world. Only the names varied because of differing languages. In Asia they were known as Cybele and Diorus. In Rome they were Fortuna and Jupiter. In Egypt, their names were Isis and Osiris. Long before the birth of Jesus Christ, the counterpart of the Madonna can be found throughout China, Tibet, and Japan. The following are explanations of the origins of popular practices and symbols of the Christmas celebration. Yule Logs The yule log is in reality the sun log. Yule means wheel, which is applied as the pagan symbol of the sun. Today, professing Christians speak of the sacred yuletide season. There is nothing sacred about it! The symbols come from the worship of false gods. The Christmas Tree The Christmas tree was equally common in pagan Rome and pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm tree and in Rome it was the fir tree. The palm tree denotes the pagan messiah, Baal-Tamar (Jdg.20:33), and the fir tree denotes the same pagan messiah under the name Baal-Berith. The mother of Adonis, the sun god and great divine mediator, was said to have been mystically changed into a tree. And when she was in that state, she brought forth her divine son. Mistletoe “That mistletoe bough in the Druidic superstition, which was derived from Babylon, was a representative of the Messiah, “the man of the branch.” The mistletoe was regarded as a divine branch, a branch that came from heaven, and grew upon a tree that sprang out of the earth. Thus, by engrafting the celestial branch into the earthly tree, heaven and earth, which sin had severed, were joined together. Thus, the mistletoe bough became the token of divine reconciliation to man, the kiss being the well-known token of pardon and reconciliation” (The Two Babylons, Hislop, p.99). The Encyclopedia Americana says: “The holly, the mistletoe and the yule log . . . are relics of preChristian times.” Gifts Many exchange gifts because the three wise men presented gifts to the Christ child. Did you know the Bible nowhere states there were three wise men? Did you know those wise men never appeared at the manger on Christ’s birth night; they actually arrived many months later? They didn’t appear at the manger, they appeared at Christ’s house (Matt.2:11). Although most people believe that the custom of giving gifts at Christmas is associated with the men that brought gifts to the child Jesus, the New Standard Encyclopedia, Christmas, says: “In reality, at least so far as the English speaking people are concerned, it [gift giving at Christmas] is derived from an old heathen custom.” “The wise men gave their gifts to Christ but did not exchange gifts with each other. The gifts presented to Christ were to a king, because of his royalty, and not because of his birthday. He was a king, and the people of the East never approached the presence of a king without a present in their hands” (Adam Clarke Commentary, Volume 5, Matt.2: 11, p.34). The Christmas Wreath “The use of Christmas wreaths is believed by authorities to be traceable to the pagan customs of decorating buildings and places of worship at the feast which took place at the same time as Christmas. The Christmas tree is from Egypt and its origin dates from a period long anterior to the Christmas era” (Answers to Questions, Frederick Gentlemen Haskins). Christmas and many other observances have come directly from paganism, but the annual observances and festivals of Leviticus 23 have come from God and should be observed today by God’s earthly children. Santa Claus The name Santa Claus is actually the corruption of the name St. Nicholas, a Roman Catholic bishop who lived in the fifth century. “St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. . .a saint honored by the Greeks and Latins on the 6th of December. . .a legend of his surreptitious bestowal of dowries on the three daughters of an impoverished citizen. . .is said to have originated the old custom of giving presents in secret on the eve of St. Nicholas (December 6) subsequently of Christmas and Santa Claus” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 19, p.648-649). Kris Kringle “From the German people were to come those most universal of Christmas customs: the Christmas tree, and the portly beneficent Kris Kringle, known as Santa Claus. “Gradually the Presbyterians, Quakers and Puritans accepted such customs as the Christmas tree, the giving of small gifts and the Christmas feast. But they spoke violently against the corruption of the Christkindl, (the Christ Child) into Kris Kringle. After Kris Kringle was fully assimilated, there was much concern among all religious groups about the non-religious trend of the holiday” (Christmas Day: The Complete Book of American Holidays, Myers, p.314-316). WHAT ABOUT THANKSGIVING DAY? Although many people believe the national Thanksgiving holiday is unique to the United States of America, it is not. A small amount of research into ancient history reveals that many nations and religions have dedicated special days to show their gratitude to gods whom they believed benefitted them individually and nationally. Historically, a thanksgiving feast was first celebrated in what would become the United States by the Pilgrims in 1621. During this festival, they gave their gratitude to the god they believed had delivered them from a harsh winter and blessed them with a bountiful harvest. Because of the religious beliefs and practices of the Pilgrims, it is doubtful they knew the Sovereign God whom Christ came to reveal or understood how the true God required his chosen people to serve and worship him. Most people in the United States do not realize that they are allowed to enjoy such tremendous blessings only because of the promises made to the patriarch Abraham by the Creator God. The Creator God promised to bless Abraham’s descendants, which would eventually be known as Israelites, of which the United States is prophetically Manasseh, the half-tribe of the patriarch Joseph. See Gen.48:1-22. There are dozens of scriptures in the biblical record showing that the Sovereign Father’s chosen people should be eternally thankful to him and continually express their gratitude to him for the blessings he has bestowed on them. These scriptures show that gratitude should be shown to the Father through praising, thanking, and honoring him with our lives. The question you should ask yourself is not whether or not you should be thankful to the Sovereign God and express your gratitude to him, because it is obvious you should. But ask and answer the following two questions regarding the observance of Thanksgiving Day in order to be assured that, if you do decide to observe this national holiday, your observance does not violate God’s law of worship. § Is it permissible to observe a national day of giving gratitude to the true God? § Is it prudent to observe a day of giving gratitude to the true God with unbelievers? Your answers to both of these questions have a direct impact on your relationship with your heavenly Father and your Savior. Added Festivals There are several festivals which the Jewish people established in addition to the annual festivals and holy convocations which the Creator God commanded to be observed in perpetuity (Lev.23:1-44). The Feast of Purim was established to commemorate the miraculous deliverance of the Jews in the ancient Persian Empire from a plot to destroy them. The winter Feast of Dedication mentioned in John 10:22 was established in commemoration of the re-consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. Some believe that, because Jesus was in Jerusalem during this festival, he was observing it, but John only records that he was there during the festival; he makes no mention of Jesus observing this festival. Although no direct condemnation of the establishment and celebration of the additional festivals by the Jewish people can be found in the biblical record, the following instructions not to add to or take away from what the Creator commanded clearly show that these added festivals were not sanctioned by him and violated his instructions: “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you” (Deut.4:1-2 NIV). “The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same. You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:29-32 NIV). Because the Israelites and Jews frequently perverted the commanded observances, the Creator God often described these festivals and their added festivals as being theirs, not his, as noted by the prophecies recorded by Amos and Malachi: “And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day” (Amos 8:10 KJV). “Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it” (Mal.2:3 KJV). Commanded Festivals There are eight commanded festivals and sacred assemblies listed in Leviticus, chapter 23, which are to be observed by those who worship and serve the Sovereign God. Through these eight festivals, the Sovereign God reveals his plan, purpose, goal, and rewards for those who successfully obtain salvation and enter his family and kingdom. Each of these festivals have their own unique, separate, and distinct meaning within God’s plan for the salvation of humanity: “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, concerning the feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. . .. These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons. . .. And Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord” (Lev.23:1-2, 4, 44 KJV). These eight festivals include the weekly Sabbath and are the only ones sanctioned by God to be regularly observed by his chosen people. The Fall Harvest Festival One of the festivals which those who truly worship and serve the Sovereign God and Christ are commanded to observe is the fall harvest festival of Shelters/Ingathering, which pictures the harvest of people into the family and kingdom of God as spirit-beings. Conversely, the national observance of Thanksgiving Day is not sanctioned by God, has no scriptural foundation, and seems to be a counterfeit substitution of God’s fall harvest festival. False Religion According to the Bible, there are only two religions on earth—the Sovereign God’s and Satan’s. If you practice a religion, you are either worshiping the Sovereign God through his worship system or you are worshiping Satan or evil spirits through a worship system which is in opposition to the Sovereign God’s worship system—that which is not of God is of Satan. See Rev.12:9. Satan is deceiving the whole world into following his various religious systems and festivals in order to deceive people into thinking they are worshiping the true God. The existence of deceptive worship systems is a fact, and many people fall prey to these counterfeits, thinking they are worshiping the God of the Bible. The Issue and Problem The primary issue regarding participation in Thanksgiving festivities is not whether or not we should show our gratitude to the Sovereign God; the issue is whether or not we should participate in a national holiday with individuals who do not know the true God and are giving gratitude to a false god. For most people, the Thanksgiving holiday is just a day off from work and has no religious meaning, but for some it is a day to celebrate with family and friends and offer a traditional prayer of thanksgiving to their god. Participation in this holiday which is a day specifically set aside for giving gratitude to a god for blessings received seems harmless on the surface. However, it must be remembered that this holiday is not sanctioned by the God of the Bible and is a part of this world’s religious systems, which are in opposition to the Sovereign God. Some might think their participation in a Thanksgiving holiday meal with false Christians, people of other religions, or non-religious individuals is acceptable to God the Father, but it is not. It is in fact a violation of his law of worship, as noted in many scriptures that warn the elect to avoid participation in false religions and to remain totally separate from them. Those who pray to a false god violate the first and second commandments and violate God’s instructions not to attempt to worship him in the same way as those of false religions worship their gods: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make yourself any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy to thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Ex.20:3-6 KJV Para.). “The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same. You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:29-32 NIV). Paul wrote the following to the Corinthians warning them not to have a close association with false religions devised by evil spirits. Although his warning was in the context of eating things sacrificed to idols, this warning easily applies in principle to participation in Thanksgiving Day festivities: “What say I then? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lords table, and of the table of devils” (1 Cor.10: 19-21 KJV). The English word fellowship in verse 20 is translated from the Greek word koinonos, which does not mean fellowship; it means to have a close association. A large part of the question being discussed in chapter 10 pertains to how close an association the Father’s elect can have with false religions and their practices and still maintain a righteous attitude and a good relationship with their heavenly Father. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he explains that the elect must not interact with false religions or their belief systems in order to remain in harmony with their heavenly Father and be accepted by him: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor.6:14-18 NIV). A person who is one of the elect cannot become entangled in any aspect of false religion and expect to maintain a harmonious relationship with their heavenly Father and Christ. The Father’s elect are warned in the Book of Revelation to come out of false religion so they will not be punished for violating God’s law: “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” (Rev.18: 1-4 KJV). Because the elect are warned to avoid participation in other religions, the following are some questions a person who is serious about their salvation should ask and answer about participation in Thanksgiving Day festivities: § Can I participate in Thanksgiving Day festivities with people who are not of the body of Christ without giving the impression that we both worship and serve the same god? § Can I bow my head at a meal and say amen (i.e., so be it) to a prayer given by another person to their false god without giving the impression that their god is also my God? § Does it really matter to God the Father if I worship him with false Christians or people of other religions? Thanksgiving Day is not one of God’s commanded festivals; it is of this world’s religious system. The elect are commanded to practice the true God’s worship system set forth in the biblical record which includes eight commanded observances—not religious festivals of human origin. There is no restriction in the biblical record which would prevent an individual setting aside a special day to show gratitude to God for his blessings if it does not violate any of God’s precepts, principles, or laws. What God expressly forbids is participation in this world’s religions, religious practices, and the worship of false gods. SUMMARY Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and the national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States are the four major religious celebrations of professing Christianity today. And all four violate the instructions of God concerning false Gods and false religious practices that are repugnant to the Sovereign God and his son the Savior of mankind. The scriptures clearly record that the only worship acceptable to God is worship that conforms to his instructions concerning how he wants to be worshiped. Moreover, God’s law imposes the death penalty on all who improperly worship him. The Commanded Observances and Holy Convocations When the Creator God formed the Israelites into a nation, he commanded them to keep the following observances and holy convocations each year within the three main agricultural seasons: Spring: § The Passover—commanded observance § The Days of Unleavened Bread—a seven-day festival § The First Day of Unleavened Bread—a festival and commanded assembly § The Lift Offering—an offering of the first grain of the barley harvest § The Last Day of Unleavened Bread—a festival and commanded assembly Early Summer: § The Feast of Weeks known as the Day of Pentecost—a festival and commanded assembly. Fall: § The Feast of Trumpets—a festival and commanded assembly § The Day of Atonement—a festival and commanded assembly § The Feast of Shelters/Ingathering—a seven-day festival § The First Day of the Feast of Shelters/Ingathering––a festival and commanded assembly § The Festival of the Eighth Day—a festival and commanded assembly The observances and festivals noted above are not the feasts of Moses, Israel, or the Jews. These are observances and festivals, which God proclaimed to be his sacred assemblies: Three Festival Seasons “Three times you shall keep a feast to me in the year. You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread: (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it you came out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) And the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labors out of the field. Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God” (Ex.23:14-17 KJV). “The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, Concerning the feasts of the Eternal, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts” (Lev.23:1-2 Para.). A holy convocation is a commanded sacred assembly, which is to be kept at a time commanded by God. God is the Creator of time and only he can make time holy! Humans have neither the authority nor the power to make a thing holy or to pronounce that something that God has made holy is no longer holy. The Early Church Historians who research the early Christian Church find that the apostles and the early Church practiced the observance of the Sabbaths, New Moons, and the annual festival days and observances until this church disappeared from recorded history. But why did they observe these days, especially when they were persecuted for doing so? Their observance of these days makes no logical sense unless these practices were required under their agreement with God. Is there something of which the apostles and the early Church were not aware, which would eliminate the need for God’s earthly children to keep these observances today? What new truth have theologians of today found that would allow one to cast aside the teachings of Christ and the apostles in regard to these observances and substitute forbidden observances in their place? There are no satisfactory answers to these two questions. An honest search of the Bible will reveal that God’s commanded observances have not been canceled or suspended. Because the observance of these days was required prior to and during the life of Christ, were observed by the early church, and will be required when the God Family rules the earth, they must not have been canceled or suspended. Therefore, it should be obvious that, in this age of the church, the children of God should also be observing these special days. A question to answer is. Are there Christians today who practice the observances of the commanded observances and holy convocations as did the early church and if so, who are they and where are they?

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)

Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and the national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States are among the most commonly observed religious and secular observances which many people believe are a part of the Christian God’s worship system; however, basic research into the origin of these observances shows these observances to be unacceptable to God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Anyone who wishes to worship the true God and his Son correctly should understand the seriousness of celebrating these religious and secular observances, because their origin and practice involved fertility rites, sexual licentiousness, and the worship of false gods as the central focus of their celebration.

The Sovereign God and the Creator God (Jesus Christ) give this instruction to those who are serious about following their way of life and serving them:

·         “Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you” (Deut.6:14 NIV).
·         “Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.” You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, . . .” (Deut.12:30-31 NIV).
·         “Do not learn the ways of the nations [heathens] . . .” (Jer.10:2 NIV).
·         “Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; . . .” (Jer.25:6 NIV).

The following will review some of the more popular religious and secular observances which are observed around the world by professing Christians and will show these non-biblical observances to be in violation of God’s law and should not be celebrated by individuals seeking to worship and serve the Sovereign God and his son the Savior of mankind.

THE TRUTH ABOUT EASTER
Each year in the spring, masses of worshipers celebrate Easter. Around the world, Easter Sunrise Worship services are held on the tops of hills and mountains, while priests chant and utter incantations, devotees kneel and bow in worship towards the east as the sun crests the horizon.

The places of worship overflow with people dressed in their new Easter clothes. Bells ring from cathedrals and stirring hymns fill the air to inspire and uplift the worshipers. Ministers and priests announce the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great acclaim and joy. And, after the religious rites are over, the children are treated to an Easter egg hunt.

This is a description of a modern-day celebration of Easter. But, as strange as it may seem, a similar description applies to the Easter celebrations in Babylon over 4,000 years ago, in Asia Minor over 2,500 years ago, and in pagan Rome in 100 A.D…

This section presents several studies into the celebration of Easter, which prove that Easter originated from the worship of false gods, and it should not be observed by anyone who wishes to honor and worship God the Father.

Easter Eggs Ancient and Modern
“The origin of the Pasch [Easter] eggs is just as clear [as the origin of Easter]. The ancient druids bore an egg, as the sacred emblem of their order. In the Dionysiaca, or mysteries of Bacchus, as celebrated in Athens, one part of the nocturnal ceremony consisted in the consecration of an egg. The Hindu fables celebrate their mundane egg as of a golden color. The people of Japan make their sacred egg to have been brazen. In China, at this hour, dyed or painted eggs are used on sacred festivals, even as in this country [England]. In ancient times eggs were used in the religious rites of the Egyptians and the Greeks and were hung up for mystic purposes in their temples. From Egypt these sacred eggs can be distinctly traced to the banks of the Euphrates. The classic poets are full of the fable of the mystic egg of the Babylonians.’

“An egg of wondrous size is said to have fallen from heaven into the River Euphrates. The fishes rolled it to the bank, where the doves having settled upon it, and hatched it, out came Venus, who afterwards was called the Syrian Goddess—that is, Astarte. Hence the egg became one of the symbols of Astarte or Easter; and accordingly, in Cyprus, one of the chosen seats of the worship of Venus, or Astarte, the egg of wondrous size was represented on a grand scale.” (The Two Babylons, p.108-109).

The True Origin of Easter
“What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean [Babylonian] origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte [Isthar], one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven.” (The Two Babylons, p.103).

“The religious solemnities of April, as now practiced, are called by the name of Easter—that month, among our Pagan [British] ancestors, having been called Easter month. The festival, of which we read in Church history under the name of Easter, in the third or fourth centuries, was quite a different festival from that now observed in the Romish Church, and at that time was not known by any such name as Easter. It was called Pasch, or the Passover, and though not of Apostolic institution, was very early observed by many professing Christians; in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Christ” (ibid. p.104).

The Passover was instituted by the Creator God when he brought the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moreover, one of the main reasons for killing the Egyptians’ firstborn children and animals was God’s judgment against the gods of the Egyptians: “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord” (Ex.12:12).

The God who went to those lengths to show his power and might over the gods of the Egyptians would never sanction the worship of him by the means of the pagan religious ceremonies or pagan observances:

“That festival agreed originally with the time of the Jewish Passover, when Christ was crucified. . . that festival [of the Passover and feast of Unleavened Bread] was not idolatrous, and was preceded by no Lent . . .’ (The Two Babylons, p.104).

“The forty days’ abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshipers of the Babylonian goddess [the queen of heaven]. Such a Lent of forty days, ‘in the spring of the year,’ is still observed by the Yezidis or Pagan Devil worshipers of Koordistan, who have inherited it from their early masters, the Babylonians” (Ibid., p.104). Moreover, the pagan Mexican Baal sun worshipers observed a solemn fast like Lent for forty days in honor of the sun beginning three days after the vernal equinox.’

“Such a Lent of forty days was observed in Egypt . . . was held expressly in commemoration of Adonis or Osiris, the great mediatorial god. . . among the Pagans this Lent seems to have been an indispensable preliminary to the great annual festival in commemoration of the [supposed] death and resurrection of Tammuz [Babylonian name for Adonis or Osiris], which was celebrated by alternate weeping and rejoicing . . .” (Ibid., p.105).

The Death and Resurrection for Adonis—The Pagan Savior
The pagan counterfeit, which was inspired by Satan, has been substituted for the true Christian Passover and has been accepted as the authentic Christian observance. There are variations in the rituals from country to country, but the death on a Friday and a resurrection on Sunday is a consistent theme.

“We have seen that the rites of Tammuz or Adonis were commonly celebrated in the gardens of Adonis are still sown in spring, as well as in summer, from which we may perhaps infer that Sicily, as well as Syria celebrated of old a vernal festival of the dead and risen god. At the approach of Easter, Sicilian women sow wheat, lentils, and canary seed in plates, the plants soon shoot up; the stalks are tied together with red ribbons, and the plates containing them are placed on the sepulchers which, with the effigies of the dead Christ, are made up in Catholic and Greek churches on Good Friday, just as the gardens of Adonis were placed on the grave for the dead Adonis.’

“The practice is not confined to Sicily . . . The whole custom—the sepulchers, as well as plates of sprouting grain—may be nothing but a continuation, under a different name, [the name of Jesus Christ], of the worship of Adonis’ (The Golden Bough, p.400).

“During the whole of Good Friday, a waxen effigy of the dead Christ is exposed to view in the middle of the Greek churches and is covered with fervent kisses by the thronging crowd, while the whole church rings with melancholy, monotonous dirges. Late in the evening, when it has grown quite dark, this waxen image is carried by the priests into the street on a bier . . .’ (Ibid., p.401).

“This is followed by the ritual mourning by the whole town as the priests slowly carry the wax image, and a great multitude follows. Thus, the community solemnly buries its Christ as if he had just died. At last, the waxen image is again deposited in the church, and the same lugubrious chants echo anew.’

“These lamentations, accompanied by a strict fast, continue till midnight on Saturday. As the clock strikes twelve, the bishop appears and announces the glad tidings that ‘Christ is risen,’ to which the crowd replies, ‘He is risen indeed’ . . . in the same hour people plunge from the extremity of the fast into the enjoyment of the Easter lamb and neat wine’ (Ibid., p.401).

This mockery of the true death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is an example of how far paganism has penetrated professing Christianity. Only the names were changed, not the religion. Yet, this Babylonian religion with some variations has been embraced as the universal Christianity by the world—Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. They all observe Easter, which was previously a day of worship and celebration in commemoration of false gods.

The Myth and Ritual of Attis
“Another of those gods whose supposed death and resurrection struck such deep roots into the faith and ritual of Western Asia is Attis. He was to Phrygia what Adonis was to Syria . . . Attis was said to have been a fair young shepherd or herdsman beloved by Cybele, the Mother of the Gods, a great Asiatic goddess of fertility, who had her chief home in Phrygia. Some held that Attis was her son. His birth, like that of many other heroes, is said to have been miraculous” (Ibid., p.407).

The worship of the mother and son along with its religious rites were deeply entrenched within ancient historical tradition as the established religion. People everywhere in the civilized world believed this was the way to worship God.

God’s Teachings About Pagan Practices
“Take heed to yourself that you be not snared by following them . . . and that you inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so I will do likewise. You shall not do to the Lord your God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hates, have they done to their gods . . .What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (Deut.12:30-32).

When the apostle Paul and Barnabas preached to the Gentiles who practiced the religion of Diana, Adonis, Attis, and Jupiter, their message was not acceptance and union of these religions with true Christianity. Theirs was a call for these Gentiles to repent and to renounce these worship systems.

“Sirs, why do you these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past allowed the nations to walk in their own ways And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent!” (Acts 14:15-16; 17:30 KJV Para.).

The biblical record shows that the early church opposed the pagan religious practices and the blending of these pagan practices with the worship of the true God.

“But I say, the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. ” (1.Cor.10:20-21 KJV Para.).
The Sovereign God has never given his followers any authority to accept and assimilate pagan religious practices as a means of worshiping him. Any person, organization, or church which does this, rejects the word of God and teaches doctrines that are contrary to God’s truth and way of truth. Therefore, anyone who teaches and preaches such practices is teaching a false savior, and a counterfeit Christianity.

Catholic Admissions and Practices
The Catholic church has always used its power and authority to enforce the acceptance of teachings that are contrary to biblical teachings.

“In like manner the Catholic Church has been accustomed to bring before its followers in a visible form the death and resurrection of the Redeemer . . . When we reflect how often the Church has skillfully contrived to plant the seeds of the new faith on the stock of paganism, we may surmise that the Easter celebration of the dead and risen Christ was grafted upon the similar celebration of the dead and risen Adonis ” (The Golden Bough, p.401).

“To conciliate the Pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christian and Pagan festivals amalgamated, and, by a complicated but skillful adjustment of the calendar, it was found no difficult matter, in general, to get Paganism and Christianity—now far sunk in idolatry—in this as in so many other areas, to shake hands” (The Two Babylons, p.105).

“Taken altogether, the coincidences of the Christian with the heathen festivals are too close and too numerous to be accidental. They mark the compromise which the [Catholic] Church in the hour of its triumph was compelled to make with its vanquished yet still dangerous rivals. The inflexible Protestantism of the primitive missionaries, with their fiery denunciations of heathendom, had been exchanged for the supple policy, the easy tolerance, the comprehensive charity of shrewd ecclesiastics, who clearly perceived that if Christianity was to conquer the world it could do so only by relaxing the too rigid principles of its Founder, by widening a little the narrow gate which leads to salvation” (The Golden Bough, p.419).

Granting the practice of pagan beliefs in direct opposition to the clear commandments of God has always been the policy of the Catholic Church.

“In the history of the Church we find that she often christened pagan festivals, making use of dates and ceremonies, and endowing them with an entirely new and Christian significance” (My Catholic Faith, p.416).

“Today the entire of Christendom celebrates Easter Sunday in memory of the Resurrection. It is the Feast of feasts . . . Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring; the feast is moveable and can fall between March 22 and April 25” (Ibed., p.81).

This variance in the date of Easter was devised to more closely counterfeit the dates of the true Christian Passover and make it easier to replace the Passover with Easter. Also, the observance of the Passover ceremony, as commanded by Jesus Christ himself, was substituted with the Catholic holy eucharist (communion), which is of pagan derivation, by edict of the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.

Attendance and taking of the Mass on Easter Sunday is obligatory for all Catholics. Even though the leaders of the Catholic Church have the Holy Bible and claim to teach it, they insist that “under pain of grievous sin” all are to observe this holiday. However, God Almighty commands Christians not to observe such feasts.

“We are obligated to receive Holy Communion during Easter time each year . . .The Church enforces this command by requiring us under pain of grievous sin to communicate [take communion] at least at Easter time” (My Catholic Faith, p.311).

God’s Indictment and Condemnation of Pagan Practices
Throughout the biblical record, God shows that he has never allowed his people to worship him by means of pagan ceremonies and rituals. The biblical record shows that the Israelites cut themselves off from God whenever they left his worship system. Today, the same applies for the Father’s elect who are to worship him in spirit and truth (Jn.4:23-24). If, as Jesus Christ commands, the elect are worshiping their heavenly Father in spirit and truth and are sanctified by this truth, (Jn.15:16;17:17), why would he accept any form of worship other than the one he has established?

The apostle Peter wrote the following to the elect condemning pagan practices and false prophets: “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty . . . But there were false prophets, also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious way; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Pet.1:16; 2:1-2 KJV).

God’s truth was buried under an avalanche of propaganda which denounced his worship system as being Jewish. Hence, Jesus’ castigation of Judaism—a form of Jewish rejection of God’s truth—was cleverly and deceptively used to attack true Christianity. The seventh day Sabbath (on Saturday), the true Christian Passover, and the annual festivals of God were labeled Jewish. The truth is that the Passover, the Sabbath, and the annual festivals were instituted by the Creator God, not the Jews.

It is true that, during the days of Jesus Christ, only the Jews were observing these days; however, it does not mean that the Jews originated these commanded days of worship. They were originally commanded by God in the holy scriptures in Exodus, chapters 12, 16, 20, 23, 32; Leviticus chapter 23; Numbers 9, 28; Deuteronomy 5, 16. Moreover, they were observed by Jesus Christ and the apostles in the New Testament. The true Festivals of God are found in the Bible, not pagan religions. In fact, history shows that many times the Israelites and Jews were just as paganized with Babylonian religions and forms of worship as professing Christians are today. God’s condemnation of these practices is still valid today:

“Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem? The Children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes [the hot cross buns of Easter] for the queen of heaven [the great mother goddess of fertility]; and they pour out drink offerings to other gods in order to spite Me. Do they spite Me? declares the Lord. Is it not themselves they spite to their own shame? Therefore, thus saying the Lord God, Behold My anger and My wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and on beast and on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and not be quenched” (Jer.7:17-20, NASB).

These idolatrous practices are violations of the first and second commandments. The New Testament also reveals that idolaters will not be in the Kingdom of God (Rev.21:8).

Ezekiel, chapter 8, contains God’s indictment and stinging rebuke against idolatry and pagan religions.

“Then said he to me, Son of man, lift up your eyes now the way toward the north. So, I lifted up my eyes the way toward the north, and behold the northward gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry. He said furthermore to me, Son of man, do you see what they are doing? even the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? . . .” (Ezk.8:5-6 Para.).

The same is true today. Even churches that claim to be Christian, have driven God away by their idolatry.

Greater Abominations
“Then he said to me, Son of man, have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord sees us not; the Lord has forsaken the earth. He said also to me, Turn you yet again, and you shall see greater abominations that they do. Then he brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house which was toward the north; and behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz!” (Ezk.8:12-14 KJV Para.).

Tammuz was the Babylonian name for Adonis, who was also called Attis and Osiris. All such heathen practices are considered abominable to God the Father.

Sunrise Worship Condemned
“Then he said to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? turn you yet again, and you shall see greater abominations than these. And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord’s house, and behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord [symbolic of rejecting God], and their faces toward the east; and they worshiped the sun toward the east” (Ezk.8:15-16 KJV Para.).

This is exactly what people are doing when they participate in Easter sunrise services. They think that they are worshiping and honoring God, but in reality, they are dishonoring him.

Because most people have been deceived into observing the pseudo-Christian pagan observances, they believe they are doing what is right. They believe they are serving God and are convinced they are true Christians:

“Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight. Woe to them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink” (Isa.5:20-22 KJV).

“Come here; I will show you the judgment of the great whore that sits on many waters [peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages]: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have made drunk with the wine of her fornication . . . and I saw a woman sit on a scarlet-colored beast, full of the names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Rev.17:1-3 KJV).

“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, and having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written Mystery, Babylon The Great, Mother Of Harlots [all the religions of the world, except the true religion of God] And The Abominations Of The Earth [all the pagan religious observances and practices]” (Rev.17:4-5 KJV).

This is the same evil religious system that God condemns throughout the entire biblical record; it is the same satanic system which has rejected the laws of God.

“Which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (Isa.5:23-24 KJV).

They Put the Golden Bough to Their Nose
“Then he said to me, Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations that they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence and have returned to provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose” (Ezk.8:17). The branch or golden bough is the symbol of pagan religions.

SUMMARY
The historical record and the word of God clearly show the following things about the practice of Easter:

§ Easter celebrations did not begin when Christianity began.
§ The Bible does not command Easter observance.
§ Early New Testament Christians did not celebrate Easter.
§ Easter was celebrated by pagans in their worship of evil spirits thousands of years before Jesus Christ was born.
§ God condemns the practice of Easter-type worship and calls it an abomination.
§ True Christians are commanded to observe the Passover, not Easter.

Many of the leaders of the Christian world know the truth about the pagan practice of Easter, but they refuse to repent. Those who practice this abomination will suffer the wrath of Almighty God as prophesied in Ezekiel 8 and in the Book of Revelation: “Therefore, will I also deal in furry: my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet I will not hear them” (Ezk.8:18 KJV).

THE ORIGIN OF HALLOWEEN
Few have taken the time to ask about the origin of Halloween and whether or not Christians should participate in this holiday. The truth is that Halloween is not Christian and should not be celebrated by true Christians:

“The principal fire-festivals of the Celts . . . May Day and the other one All hallows Eve or Hallowe’en, as it is now commonly called, that is, on the thirty-first of October, the day preceding All Saints’ or Allhallows Day . . . the feast of all souls. At the beginning of November, which under a thin Christian cloak conceals an ancient pagan festival of the dead . . . in the manner of their celebration and in the superstitions associated with them, and alike, by the antique character impressed upon both, betray a remote and purely pagan origin” (The Golden Bough, p.733-34).

“Do not pursue after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise. You shall not do likewise to the Lord your God: for every abomination that the Lord hates, they have done to their gods. They have even burned their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be sure to do it: you shall not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:30-32 Para.).

God of the Dead
The following sources show that Halloween was originally a holiday celebrated in honor of the god of the dead: “The earliest Hallowe’en celebrations [in the British Isles] were held by the Druids in honor of Samhain, Lord of the dead, whose festival fell on November 1” (Halloween Through Twenty Centuries).

“It was a Druidical belief that on the eve of this festival [Hallowe’en], Saman, Lord of the Dead, called together the wicked spirits . . . (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11^th edition, “Halloween”).

In the ancient pagan world, it was believed that the souls of good people would rise to heaven and the souls of evil people would be turned over to the lord of the dead. And once a year, the spirits of these dead people would be let out.

“Hallows’ is an old word for a saint and Allhallows’ Eve (31 October) is the vigil of All Saints (1 November), the Christian festival corresponding to an ancient feast of the dead. In many European countries it is traditionally a time when the spirits of the departed visit their former homes; a fire, food and drink are put ready for them.’

“In Sicily the ghostly visitors bring gifts for the children – toys, sweets and clothes stolen from the shops. The Welch believe that a ghost came and sat on every stile when the clock struck twelve. In some parts of Wales, the wandering shades [ghosts] appeared as a white lady, while in north Wales and Scotland people feared the spectral Black Sow” (Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Magic, Venetia Newal, p.16).

“In Wales until the eighteenth century it was customary to burn a candle in church to see what the future held. A bright flame meant a prosperous, happy year. An irregular flame foretold trouble, and if it went out this signified one’s own death. Hallowe’en divination probably derives from Samhain . . .” (Ibid, p.16).

Halloween is a purely pagan, occult holiday. The symbols of Halloween tell the true meaning of the day. The Jack-O-lantern is an idol to the Lord of the Dead (Satan). The lighted candle within is a remnant of Halloween Fires to light the way for the returning spirits of the dead. The witch represents the high priestess of Satan worship. The full moon is the Sabat night on which witches perform their ritual worship of the spirits and Satan. The black cat is associated with witchcraft and symbolizes a witches’ spirit guide (demon).

The skeleton depicts Ankou, Lord of the Dead who allegedly traveled in the dead of night to claim his victims. Superstitious beliefs portray Ankou as living in an underground palace filled with thousands of candles. Each candle is supposed to represent a human life. He claims his victims by blowing out the candles.

Satan Worship
The truth is that when people observe and commemorate pagan observances, they actually worship Satan who wants to be worshiped as God: “Taken altogether, the coincidences of the Christian with the heathen festivals are too close and too numerous to be accidental. They mark the compromise which the church [not the Church of God] in the hour of its triumph was compelled to make . . .” (The Golden Bough, Frazer, p. 419).

The Bible shows what God has commanded his people to do and not do. He commands his children not to learn the way of the Heathen (Jer.10:2). Moreover, God allows no way to sanctify a pagan festival as Christian: “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of demons: you cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of demons” (1 Cor.10:20-21 KJV Para.).

Incredible as it may seem, the Catholic church, which professes to worship Christ, admittedly has accepted pagan practices into their worship system.

“On this day, the Church honors the Angels and Saints in heaven. It is a holyday of obligation. This day is a great family feast. It has its origin in the year 610, when [Pope] Boniface IV dedicated the [pagan] Pantheon of Rome to the Blessed Virgin and all the martyrs. It is in special commemoration of the millions of Saints in heaven who have not been officially canonized by the Church, and thus have no special commemoration during the year.’

“This day commemorates all the souls in Purgatory. It is a day for pious remembrance of the dead, and for offering Masses and prayers for them. On this day as on Christmas, priests are allowed to say three Masses, for the souls of the departed, that they may be free from Purgatory.’

“From noon of All Saints’ Day till midnight of the next day (All Soul’s Day), all those who have confessed and received Holy Communion on either of the two days may gain the ‘toties quoties’ indulgence: a plenary indulgence applicable to the souls in Purgatory every time they visit a church or public chapel, and pray six ‘Our Fathers’, six ‘Hail Marys’, and ‘six glorias’ for the intention of the Holy Father [the Pope]” (My Catholic Faith, 1963, p.417).

Along with being part of the Catholic system of worship, Halloween is also the high Sabat for witches around the world. And the practices of witchcraft are condemned in the Bible (Deut.18:9-14).

True Christians should have absolutely nothing to do with such evil and abominable satanic practices, customs, and days. Additionally, the children of Christians should not be involved nor participate in these holidays and events.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS
Most professing Christians believe that Christmas is one of the most important holidays. Without question, many people blindly follow its observance. Moreover, they assume that Jesus was actually born on December 25^th. Because we look to Christ as our Savior, it is important to take a deeper look into his birth. We often hear people say, “Let’s put Christ back into Christmas!” Perhaps we should investigate just how Christ got into Christmas in the first place.

Most Bible scholars agree that Christmas is of pagan origin. In his book 4000 Years of Christmas, Earl W. Count, Professor of Anthropology at Hamilton College, explains the origin of the Christmas celebration: “We do not know its beginning . . . we do not really know when the Christ child it venerates was born: or the time and place when Christmas was first celebrated: or exactly how it was that, over the centuries, a bishop saint of Asia Minor, and a pagan god of the Germans merged to become Santa Claus.”

“Although the Christmas story centers in the Christ child of Bethlehem, it begins so long before his coming that we find its hero arriving on the scene after more than half of the time of the story has gone by. Christmas began over 4000 years ago, as the festival which renewed the world for another year. The 12 days of Christmas, the bright fires and probably the yule log; the giving of presents; the carnivals with their floats; their merry makings and clowning; the mummers who sing and play from house to house, the feasting; the church processions with their lights and song—all these and more began three centuries before Christ was born. And they celebrated the arrival of a new year” (ibid., p.18).

“For that day [25^th of December] was sacred, not only to the pagan Romans but to a religion from Persia which, in those days, was one of Christianity’s strongest rivals. This Persian religion was Mithraism, whose followers worshiped the sun, and celebrated its return to strength on that day. The church finally succeeded in taking the merriment, the greenery, the lights, and gifts from Saturn and giving them to the “babe of Bethlehem” (ibid., p.27).

“It happened that the date [December 25^th] did fall in the midst of the Saturnalia. Far from being an invention to compete against Roman and Persian paganism, the birthday of Christ ran the danger of being swallowed up in pagan merry making. The [church] fathers tried strenuously to keep Christmas strictly a churchly celebration. It was part of their unremitting struggle to break the grip of the pagan gods upon the people. And as they broke, Romans became Christians . . . but the Saturnalia remained” (ibid., p.28).

“When was Jesus born? No one knows. December 25^th is no more than the historical date of his birth than is any other” [p. 50]. “Christmas, as we have seen, is of the Mediterranean for the Mediterranean world already had not merely centuries, but millennia behind it, when Christ was born; and even the religion which he founded had traveled several centuries before it discovered its need of Christmas” (p.86).

“Renewal and rebirth: After 4000 years, the festival that has grown about the birth of the Christ child remains an affirmation that all things can be made anew” (ibid., p.91).

Although no one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, there is evidence that he was not born in the winter: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night” (Lk.2:8). This never could have occurred in the month of December in Palestine. The shepherds usually brought their flocks from the mountainsides and fields and corralled them no later than the middle of October to protect them from the cold, rainy season that followed. The Song of Solomon 2:11 and Ezra.10:9, 13 show that winter was a rainy season during which shepherds could not have remained in open fields at night:

“It was an ancient custom among the Jews of those days to send their sheep to the fields, and deserts about Passover [early spring] and bring them home at commencement of the first rain. During the time they were out, the shepherds watched them night and day, the first rains began early in the month of Marchesvan, which answers to part of our October and November [begins in the middle of October] we find that the sheep were kept out in the open country during the whole summer, and as these shepherds had not yet brought home their flocks, it is a presumptive argument that October had not yet commenced, and that consequently, our Lord was not born on the 25^th of December, when no flocks were out in the fields by night. On this very ground, the nativity in December should be given up. The feeding of the flocks by night in the field is a chronological fact” (The Adam Clarke Commentary, Volume 5, p.347).

There is no command in the whole Bible that tells us to observe Christmas. Under the inspired teaching of Paul and Peter and the other apostles, the Christians of the first century never observed Christ’s birth date. Christmas came to us through the Roman Catholic Church, which is where it gets its authority as a religious holiday. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, which is published by the Catholic Church: “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the church The first evidence of the feast is from Egypt.”

We find this truth acknowledged further in the Encyclopedia Britannica: “Christmas [i.e., the Mass of Christ] was not among the earliest festivals of the church.”

The Encyclopedia Americana states: “Christmas, . . .it was, according to many authorities, not celebrated in the first centuries of the Christian church, as the Christian’s usage in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth . . .” (The communion, which is instituted by New Testament authority, is a memorial of the death of Christ).” . . .A feast was established in memory of this event (Christ’s birth) in the fourth century. In the fifth century, the Western church ordered it to be celebrated forever on the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol, as no certain knowledge of the day of Christ’s birth existed.”

How did the pagan custom get into the church? Most recognized authorities agree that Christmas was not observed by the early church for the first two or three hundred years and that its origin began in the western segment of the Roman Church in the fourth century A.D… However, it was not until the fifth century that the Roman Church ordered it to be celebrated as an official Christian festival.

The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia: “How much the date of the festival depended upon the pagan Brumalia (December 25^th) following the Saturnalia (December 17-24), and celebrating the shortest day of the year and the “new sun ” . . .cannot be accurately determined. The pagan Saturnalia and Brumalia were too deeply entrenched in popular custom to be set aside by Christian influence. The pagan festival with its riot and merrymaking was so popular that Christians were glad of an excuse to continue its celebration with little change in spirit and manner. Christian teachers of the West and Near East protested against the unseemly frivolity, while Christians of Mesopotamia accused their western brethren of idolatry and sun worship for adopting as Christian the pagan festival.”

“The observance of December 25 (as a Christian festival) only dates from the fourth century and is due to assimilation with the Mithraic festival of the birth of the sun” (World Popular Encyclopedia, Volume 3).

“Gradually a number of prevailing practices of the [heathen] nations into which Christ came were assimilated and were combined with the religious ceremonies surrounding Christmas. The assimilation of such practices generally represented efforts by Christians to transform or absorb otherwise pagan practices” (The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 1, p.805).

“The pagan symbolism was taken over and, in Christian view, elevated. Jesus became the “sun of justice” and the “sun of righteousness” (Celebrations: The Complete Book of American Holidays, Myers, p.310).

“Our annual Christian festival (Christmas) is nothing but a continuation under a different name of this old solar festivity (Saturnalia)” (The New Golden Bough, Frazer and Foster, p.653).
“Christmas was generally celebrated in the West only after the triumph of Constantine when the time of Christ’s birth was reckoned with the Day of the Unconquered Sun on 25 December” (From Christ to Constantine, Smith, p.150-151).

“The assimilation of Christ to the sun god, as sun of righteousness, was widespread in the fourth century and was furthered by Constantine’s legislation on Sunday, which is not unrelated to the fact that the sun god was the titular divinity of his family” (A History of the Christian Church: Revised, Walker, Section 13, p.154-155).

The Myth of Nimrod
Nimrod, the grandson of Ham and the great grandson of Noah, was the real founder of the Babylonian system of worship and government that continues to thrive throughout the world.

Ancient writings speak of Nimrod as the one who started a great, organized world apostasy against God, which still dominates the world. It is said that he was so wicked that he married his own mother, Semiramis. After Nimrod was killed, his mother-wife propagated the doctrine of the survival of Nimrod as a spirit-being. She claimed that a full-grown evergreen tree sprang up overnight from a dead tree stump which symbolized the resurrection of Nimrod. On each anniversary of his birth (supposedly December 25^th), she claimed Nimrod would visit the evergreen tree and leave gifts upon it.

Mother and Child Theme
Through her scheming and planning, Semiramis became the Babylonian Queen of Heaven, and Nimrod, under many other names, became the Divine Son of Heaven. Through the generations, in this idolatrous worship, Nimrod also became the false messiah, son of Baal, who was the sun-god. In this false Babylonian religious system, the mother and child (Semiramis and the reborn Nimrod) became chief objects of worship. This worship of mother and child spread throughout the world. Only the names varied because of differing languages. In Asia they were known as Cybele and Diorus. In Rome they were Fortuna and Jupiter. In Egypt, their names were Isis and Osiris. Long before the birth of Jesus Christ, the counterpart of the Madonna can be found throughout China, Tibet, and Japan.

The following are explanations of the origins of popular practices and symbols of the Christmas celebration.

Yule Logs
The yule log is in reality the sun log. Yule means wheel, which is applied as the pagan symbol of the sun. Today, professing Christians speak of the sacred yuletide season. There is nothing sacred about it! The symbols come from the worship of false gods.

The Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree was equally common in pagan Rome and pagan Egypt. In Egypt that tree was the palm tree and in Rome it was the fir tree. The palm tree denotes the pagan messiah, Baal-Tamar (Jdg.20:33), and the fir tree denotes the same pagan messiah under the name Baal-Berith. The mother of Adonis, the sun god and great divine mediator, was said to have been mystically changed into a tree. And when she was in that state, she brought forth her divine son.

Mistletoe
“That mistletoe bough in the Druidic superstition, which was derived from Babylon, was a representative of the Messiah, “the man of the branch.” The mistletoe was regarded as a divine branch, a branch that came from heaven, and grew upon a tree that sprang out of the earth. Thus, by engrafting the celestial branch into the earthly tree, heaven and earth, which sin had severed, were joined together. Thus, the mistletoe bough became the token of divine reconciliation to man, the kiss being the well-known token of pardon and reconciliation” (The Two Babylons, Hislop, p.99).

The Encyclopedia Americana says: “The holly, the mistletoe and the yule log . . . are relics of preChristian times.”

Gifts
Many exchange gifts because the three wise men presented gifts to the Christ child. Did you know the Bible nowhere states there were three wise men? Did you know those wise men never appeared at the manger on Christ’s birth night; they actually arrived many months later? They didn’t appear at the manger, they appeared at Christ’s house (Matt.2:11).

Although most people believe that the custom of giving gifts at Christmas is associated with the men that brought gifts to the child Jesus, the New Standard Encyclopedia, Christmas, says: “In reality, at least so far as the English speaking people are concerned, it [gift giving at Christmas] is derived from an old heathen custom.”

“The wise men gave their gifts to Christ but did not exchange gifts with each other. The gifts presented to Christ were to a king, because of his royalty, and not because of his birthday. He was a king, and the people of the East never approached the presence of a king without a present in their hands” (Adam Clarke Commentary, Volume 5, Matt.2: 11, p.34).

The Christmas Wreath
“The use of Christmas wreaths is believed by authorities to be traceable to the pagan customs of decorating buildings and places of worship at the feast which took place at the same time as Christmas. The Christmas tree is from Egypt and its origin dates from a period long anterior to the Christmas era” (Answers to Questions, Frederick Gentlemen Haskins).

Christmas and many other observances have come directly from paganism, but the annual observances and festivals of Leviticus 23 have come from God and should be observed today by God’s earthly children.

Santa Claus
The name Santa Claus is actually the corruption of the name St. Nicholas, a Roman Catholic bishop who lived in the fifth century.

“St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. . .a saint honored by the Greeks and Latins on the 6th of December. . .a legend of his surreptitious bestowal of dowries on the three daughters of an impoverished citizen. . .is said to have originated the old custom of giving presents in secret on the eve of St. Nicholas (December 6) subsequently of Christmas and Santa Claus” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 19, p.648-649).
Kris Kringle
“From the German people were to come those most universal of Christmas customs: the Christmas tree, and the portly beneficent Kris Kringle, known as Santa Claus.

“Gradually the Presbyterians, Quakers and Puritans accepted such customs as the Christmas tree, the giving of small gifts and the Christmas feast. But they spoke violently against the corruption of the Christkindl, (the Christ Child) into Kris Kringle. After Kris Kringle was fully assimilated, there was much concern among all religious groups about the non-religious trend of the holiday” (Christmas Day: The Complete Book of American Holidays, Myers, p.314-316).

WHAT ABOUT THANKSGIVING DAY?
Although many people believe the national Thanksgiving holiday is unique to the United States of America, it is not. A small amount of research into ancient history reveals that many nations and religions have dedicated special days to show their gratitude to gods whom they believed benefitted them individually and nationally.

Historically, a thanksgiving feast was first celebrated in what would become the United States by the Pilgrims in 1621. During this festival, they gave their gratitude to the god they believed had delivered them from a harsh winter and blessed them with a bountiful harvest. Because of the religious beliefs and practices of the Pilgrims, it is doubtful they knew the Sovereign God whom Christ came to reveal or understood how the true God required his chosen people to serve and worship him.

Most people in the United States do not realize that they are allowed to enjoy such tremendous blessings only because of the promises made to the patriarch Abraham by the Creator God. The Creator God promised to bless Abraham’s descendants, which would eventually be known as Israelites, of which the United States is prophetically Manasseh, the half-tribe of the patriarch Joseph. See Gen.48:1-22.

There are dozens of scriptures in the biblical record showing that the Sovereign Father’s chosen people should be eternally thankful to him and continually express their gratitude to him for the blessings he has bestowed on them. These scriptures show that gratitude should be shown to the Father through praising, thanking, and honoring him with our lives.

The question you should ask yourself is not whether or not you should be thankful to the Sovereign God and express your gratitude to him, because it is obvious you should. But ask and answer the following two questions regarding the observance of Thanksgiving Day in order to be assured that, if you do decide to observe this national holiday, your observance does not violate God’s law of worship.

§ Is it permissible to observe a national day of giving gratitude to the true God?
§ Is it prudent to observe a day of giving gratitude to the true God with unbelievers?

Your answers to both of these questions have a direct impact on your relationship with your heavenly Father and your Savior.

Added Festivals
There are several festivals which the Jewish people established in addition to the annual festivals and holy convocations which the Creator God commanded to be observed in perpetuity (Lev.23:1-44). The Feast of Purim was established to commemorate the miraculous deliverance of the Jews in the ancient Persian Empire from a plot to destroy them. The winter Feast of Dedication mentioned in John 10:22 was established in commemoration of the re-consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. Some believe that, because Jesus was in Jerusalem during this festival, he was observing it, but John only records that he was there during the festival; he makes no mention of Jesus observing this festival.

Although no direct condemnation of the establishment and celebration of the additional festivals by the Jewish people can be found in the biblical record, the following instructions not to add to or take away from what the Creator commanded clearly show that these added festivals were not sanctioned by him and violated his instructions: “Hear now, O Israel, the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you” (Deut.4:1-2 NIV).

“The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same. You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:29-32 NIV).

Because the Israelites and Jews frequently perverted the commanded observances, the Creator God often described these festivals and their added festivals as being theirs, not his, as noted by the prophecies recorded by Amos and Malachi: “And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day” (Amos 8:10 KJV).

“Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it” (Mal.2:3 KJV).

Commanded Festivals
There are eight commanded festivals and sacred assemblies listed in Leviticus, chapter 23, which are to be observed by those who worship and serve the Sovereign God. Through these eight festivals, the Sovereign God reveals his plan, purpose, goal, and rewards for those who successfully obtain salvation and enter his family and kingdom. Each of these festivals have their own unique, separate, and distinct meaning within God’s plan for the salvation of humanity: “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, concerning the feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. . ..

These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons. . .. And Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord” (Lev.23:1-2, 4, 44 KJV).

These eight festivals include the weekly Sabbath and are the only ones sanctioned by God to be regularly observed by his chosen people.

The Fall Harvest Festival
One of the festivals which those who truly worship and serve the Sovereign God and Christ are commanded to observe is the fall harvest festival of Shelters/Ingathering, which pictures the harvest of people into the family and kingdom of God as spirit-beings. Conversely, the national observance of Thanksgiving Day is not sanctioned by God, has no scriptural foundation, and seems to be a counterfeit substitution of God’s fall harvest festival.

False Religion
According to the Bible, there are only two religions on earth—the Sovereign God’s and Satan’s. If you practice a religion, you are either worshiping the Sovereign God through his worship system or you are worshiping Satan or evil spirits through a worship system which is in opposition to the Sovereign God’s worship system—that which is not of God is of Satan. See Rev.12:9.

Satan is deceiving the whole world into following his various religious systems and festivals in order to deceive people into thinking they are worshiping the true God. The existence of deceptive worship systems is a fact, and many people fall prey to these counterfeits, thinking they are worshiping the God of the Bible.

The Issue and Problem
The primary issue regarding participation in Thanksgiving festivities is not whether or not we should show our gratitude to the Sovereign God; the issue is whether or not we should participate in a national holiday with individuals who do not know the true God and are giving gratitude to a false god.

For most people, the Thanksgiving holiday is just a day off from work and has no religious meaning, but for some it is a day to celebrate with family and friends and offer a traditional prayer of thanksgiving to their god. Participation in this holiday which is a day specifically set aside for giving gratitude to a god for blessings received seems harmless on the surface. However, it must be remembered that this holiday is not sanctioned by the God of the Bible and is a part of this world’s religious systems, which are in opposition to the Sovereign God.

Some might think their participation in a Thanksgiving holiday meal with false Christians, people of other religions, or non-religious individuals is acceptable to God the Father, but it is not. It is in fact a violation of his law of worship, as noted in many scriptures that warn the elect to avoid participation in false religions and to remain totally separate from them.

Those who pray to a false god violate the first and second commandments and violate God’s instructions not to attempt to worship him in the same way as those of false religions worship their gods: “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make yourself any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: You shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy to thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Ex.20:3-6 KJV Para.).

“The Lord your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same. You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it” (Deut.12:29-32 NIV).

Paul wrote the following to the Corinthians warning them not to have a close association with false religions devised by evil spirits. Although his warning was in the context of eating things sacrificed to idols, this warning easily applies in principle to participation in Thanksgiving Day festivities: “What say I then? That the idol is anything, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that you should have fellowship with devils. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils: you cannot be partakers of the Lords table, and of the table of devils” (1 Cor.10: 19-21 KJV).

The English word fellowship in verse 20 is translated from the Greek word koinonos, which does not mean fellowship; it means to have a close association. A large part of the question being discussed in chapter 10 pertains to how close an association the Father’s elect can have with false religions and their practices and still maintain a righteous attitude and a good relationship with their heavenly Father.

In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he explains that the elect must not interact with false religions or their belief systems in order to remain in harmony with their heavenly Father and be accepted by him: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2 Cor.6:14-18 NIV).

A person who is one of the elect cannot become entangled in any aspect of false religion and expect to maintain a harmonious relationship with their heavenly Father and Christ.

The Father’s elect are warned in the Book of Revelation to come out of false religion so they will not be punished for violating God’s law: “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues” (Rev.18: 1-4 KJV).

Because the elect are warned to avoid participation in other religions, the following are some questions a person who is serious about their salvation should ask and answer about participation in Thanksgiving Day festivities:

§ Can I participate in Thanksgiving Day festivities with people who are not of the body of Christ without giving the impression that we both worship and serve the same god?
§ Can I bow my head at a meal and say amen (i.e., so be it) to a prayer given by another person to their false god without giving the impression that their god is also my God?
§ Does it really matter to God the Father if I worship him with false Christians or people of other religions?

Thanksgiving Day is not one of God’s commanded festivals; it is of this world’s religious system. The elect are commanded to practice the true God’s worship system set forth in the biblical record which includes eight commanded observances—not religious festivals of human origin.

There is no restriction in the biblical record which would prevent an individual setting aside a special day to show gratitude to God for his blessings if it does not violate any of God’s precepts, principles, or laws. What God expressly forbids is participation in this world’s religions, religious practices, and the worship of false gods.

SUMMARY
Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and the national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States are the four major religious celebrations of professing Christianity today. And all four violate the instructions of God concerning false Gods and false religious practices that are repugnant to the Sovereign God and his son the Savior of mankind.

The scriptures clearly record that the only worship acceptable to God is worship that conforms to his instructions concerning how he wants to be worshiped. Moreover, God’s law imposes the death penalty on all who improperly worship him.

The Commanded Observances and Holy Convocations
When the Creator God formed the Israelites into a nation, he commanded them to keep the following observances and holy convocations each year within the three main agricultural seasons:

Spring:
§ The Passover—commanded observance
§ The Days of Unleavened Bread—a seven-day festival
§ The First Day of Unleavened Bread—a festival and commanded assembly
§ The Lift Offering—an offering of the first grain of the barley harvest
§ The Last Day of Unleavened Bread—a festival and commanded assembly

Early Summer:
§ The Feast of Weeks known as the Day of Pentecost—a festival and commanded assembly.

Fall:
§ The Feast of Trumpets—a festival and commanded assembly
§ The Day of Atonement—a festival and commanded assembly
§ The Feast of Shelters/Ingathering—a seven-day festival
§ The First Day of the Feast of Shelters/Ingathering––a festival and commanded assembly
§ The Festival of the Eighth Day—a festival and commanded assembly

The observances and festivals noted above are not the feasts of Moses, Israel, or the Jews. These are observances and festivals, which God proclaimed to be his sacred assemblies:

Three Festival Seasons
“Three times you shall keep a feast to me in the year. You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread: (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it you came out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) And the feast of harvest, the first-fruits of your labors, which you have sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when you have gathered in your labors out of the field. Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God” (Ex.23:14-17 KJV).

“The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, Concerning the feasts of the Eternal, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts” (Lev.23:1-2 Para.).

A holy convocation is a commanded sacred assembly, which is to be kept at a time commanded by God. God is the Creator of time and only he can make time holy! Humans have neither the authority nor the power to make a thing holy or to pronounce that something that God has made holy is no longer holy.

The Early Church
Historians who research the early Christian Church find that the apostles and the early Church practiced the observance of the Sabbaths, New Moons, and the annual festival days and observances until this church disappeared from recorded history. But why did they observe these days, especially when they were persecuted for doing so? Their observance of these days makes no logical sense unless these practices were required under their agreement with God.

Is there something of which the apostles and the early Church were not aware, which would eliminate the need for God’s earthly children to keep these observances today?

What new truth have theologians of today found that would allow one to cast aside the teachings of Christ and the apostles in regard to these observances and substitute forbidden observances in their place?

There are no satisfactory answers to these two questions. An honest search of the Bible will reveal that God’s commanded observances have not been canceled or suspended.

Because the observance of these days was required prior to and during the life of Christ, were observed by the early church, and will be required when the God Family rules the earth, they must not have been canceled or suspended. Therefore, it should be obvious that, in this age of the church, the children of God should also be observing these special days.

A question to answer is. Are there Christians today who practice the observances of the commanded observances and holy convocations as did the early church and if so, who are they and where are they?

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The Gospel of the Devil

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)The Gospel of the Devil: Preachers Shout “Do Not Judge” the State shouts “Do Not Discriminate.” One and the same...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Weight, Arlan

First Love

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) Just where is the church today? It has been only 15 short years since the death of Herbert W....

Article Authors Charcharos, Nicholas

Verily, Verily

Article Authors Grabbe, David C.

Do You Desire the Day of the Lord?

by David C. Grabbe (Charlotte, North Carolina) In II Peter 3:10, the apostle prophesies that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night,...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Kenya Update March 18, 2023

Article Authors Daly, Ray Daniels, Rich Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

One Flaw in Women

Sent by Rich Daniels (Shawano, Wisconsin)Women have strengths that amaze men.They bear hardships and they carry burdens,but they hold happiness, love and joy.They smile when...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Countdown to the Return of Jesus Christ

(Copyright) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)The Feast of Trumpets pictures the return of Jesus Christ. It is a memorial (Leviticus 23:24). "Speak unto the...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

Dividing the House of Israel (Parts 1-10)

Dividing the House of Israel (Part 1)(Copyright) by Rich Travers (Clifton, Colorado)Brought from obscurity, as a Family Clan in deepest bondage, the Children of Israel...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Collins, Steven M. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

Can You Know WHEN?

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)Can you unlock the secrets that tell you when the end of the world is coming? Does God have a...

Article Authors Fellow Servants Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

“Between the Two Evenings”

Article Authors Hyatt, Sue

My Experience with Privilege and Responsibility

Article Authors Daly, Ray Davidiy, Yair Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

The Khazars Tribe 13

by Yair Davidiy (Jerusalem, Israel)"The KHAZARS" were a semi-nomadic people who became prominent in southern Russia and its neighborhood in the 600s to 900s CE....

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

Are Easter Celebrations OK?

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)We are rapidly approaching that time of the year known to many as “Easter” but to those of us in...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

God’s Divine Judgment

Article Authors Hyatt, Sue

Bees

Sent by Sue Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)

Article Authors Slough, Keith

Who was Jesus Christ?

by Keith Slough (Kannapolis, North Carolina)The world does not understand. The billions of Earth’s population have not heard. Even many Americans simply don’t know the...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Traver, Rich

“And the Earth Helped the Woman”

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B. Braughler, Denver Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

A Matter of Trust

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

The Obedience of Faith

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Are You Watching?

Article Authors Ben-Ariel, David

Born Again: The Kingdom of God!

by David Ben-Ariel (Toledo, Ohio)Jesus was sent to Earth to deliver a Message to mankind. A startling message from Outer Space - the third Heaven...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Muslim Political Terrorism – Masked as Religion – DEPORT Muslims:

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Who Support - Muslim bloody “doctrine” shedding the blood of Jews and Christian, men, women, and children, who...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie Hyatt, Sue Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin

The Bride of Christ

(Copyright 08-29-2024) by Sue & Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas)AN IMPORTANT TEACHING MOMENTPerhaps, you, like many others, have heard teachings about the expression "Bride of Christ."...

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees

by Gregory Diaz (Wayne, New Jersey)Christians are commanded to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet...

Article Authors Riss, Richard M.

A Brief History of Some Women in Ministry

(Copyright) by Richard M. Riss (Madison, New Jersey)During the first century, many women were active in Christian ministry. Acts 21:9 mentions the four virgin daughters...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Not Just a Religious Issue the Seventh or First Day of the Week? Does it Matter?

Article Authors White, Craig M.

New book about British-Israelism

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Thoughts Of Losing Your Mind Is Natural When Experiencing Tragedy

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Countdown 469

(Copyright 10-16-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Pull up StakesGreetings to all our beloved brethren,Today is the First Day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Countdown 471

(Copyright 10-02-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Greetings Brethren, and a Happy Feast of Trumpets to all. At sunset this evening I gave the shofar a...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura McBride, James Yehoshua, Avram

Sabbath Rest

Article Authors Rothwell, Dave

An Unpopular Truth About Salvation

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

One Hundred and Twenty Names

One Hundred and Twenty Names (Part 1)(Copyright 06-15-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Who was invited to the first Pentecost where God’s Spirit was given? ...

Article Authors Jewell, John

Fundamentally Speaking!

(Copyright) by John Jewell (London, England)Do you believe in God? Do you believe that there is a Creator? In today’s world there is probably nothing...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

All Hands on Deck

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)After His resurrection, Jesus appeared first to a woman, Mary Magdalene, and sent her forth as the first witness and preacher...

Article Authors Lee, Laura Vance

Questions

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B.

American Education: A System Destroyed

Article Authors Swanson, Hunter D.

Flavorless Salt

(Copyright 08-21-2024) by Hunter D. Swanson (Charlotte, North Carolina) “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought...

Article Authors Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

Gold

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington)There once was a rich man who was near death. He was very grieved because he had worked...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Political Coalition or Christ-Centered Unity?

(Copyright 11-06-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) Why The Church Must Now Step Up to the PlateDonald Trump astounded the American media and political world by...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Proving God’s Perfect Will

Article Authors Sielaff, David

Transhumanism in Genesis

Article Authors Lee, Darwin Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

A Puzzle Joke

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington)A girl calls her boyfriend and says, “please come over here and help me. I have a really...

Article Authors Tigue, Robert E.

Just What Do You Mean Apostasy?

by Robert E. Tigue (Des Plains, Illinois)An apostasy is not people leaving an organization.... but it is the organization leaving.... turning aside from...or abandoning Truth. Apostasy...

Article Authors Sielaff, David

Suffer the Little Children

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

Respect or Respect of Persons?

by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina)The Bible frequently cautions us against respect of persons, yet we are also instructed to show proper respect for...

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

Can There Be False Prophets… Today?

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)Virtually from the beginning of the existence of man there have been those trying to deceive man with false doctrines...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Rewards of Glory

Article Authors Rives, David

Spiral Galaxies Indicate A Young Universe

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Natural Selection

(Copyright 09-14-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) STRAIT AND NARROW WAY:"Enter you in at the strait (difficult) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

The Plain Truth about The Way

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)The way to: Advance the Kingdom of God Advance the true values of the Kingdom of God Express pure devotion to Christ Eat from...

Article Authors Rives, David

We can’t see the stars for the nebulae – it’s all just theoretical

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

In These Trying Times, Keeping Trusting and Keep…Trying!

(Copyright 10-26-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) TRUST"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart...in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."...

Article Authors McBride, James

The Madness of Crowds

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Vote for America

(Copyright 10-30-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The Moment of Truth is upon America. We are at a crossroads unlike anything since the Civil War. Not...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Invisible Wounds That Scar the Soul

Antion, David Article Authors

I – Messages

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Missiles in Prophecy

(Copyright 10-01-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Israel came under another missile attack from Iran today. Thank God that most of them were shot down. As...

Article Authors Goff, William P. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors La Spina, Alfio Lee, Laura McBride, James Mitchell, Royce

Feasts of Charity

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Last time I spoke, we were discussing the overall condition of the church of God, and how the...

Article Authors Hoeck, Kenneth M.

The Christian Diet

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

U. S. Citizens Beware

(Copyright 05-01-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)I just finished watching a new documentary detailing the life of General Michael Flynn and the false charges brought...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Thanks To All!

(Copyright 05-25-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)I want to thank everyone for your helpful prayers for my mom, Betty Fleming. And thank God for His abundant...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Mbock, Paul Janvier

The Beast and Zion!

(Copyright) by Paul Janvier Mbock (Cameroon)Here is the BEAST and ZION“For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.”...

Article Authors Graham, Ronny H.

The Tent of God

Article Authors Grabbe, David C. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Why Must Satan Be Released?

(Copyright 2022) by David C. Grabbe (Charlotte, North Carolina) The great hope of Christians—and the essence of the gospel message—is that Jesus Christ will return to establish His Kingdom on earth....

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Color Blind Justice: Black Criminal Lives Matter – and More?

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Do Black Criminal Lives Matter - more than White Innocent Lives? George Floyd Died of a Drug Overdose. Why does...

Article Authors Martin, Ernest L.

Are UFO’s Real?

by Ernest L. Martin (Portland, Oregon)The letters UFO stand for ‘unidentified flying object.’ Technically, any flying object that remains unidentified by humans can be called a UFO....

Article Authors Lloyd, James

Hamas Spells Ceasefire R-E-L-O-A-D

(Copyright) by James Lloyd (Medford, Oregon) The evil surprise attack on Israel has set long predicted Bible Prophecy sequences in motion, but what is occurring is...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

What’s worse, Aunt Jemima’s picture, Hunter’s crack or Uncle Joe’s fentanyl from China?

Article Authors Traver, Rich

Betrayal

(2024) Sent by Rich Traver (Clifton, Colorado)Betrayed by government and sciences. https://expose-news.com/2024/01/01/let-a-scientist-speak-presentation-goes-viral-because-its-true/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See Rich Traver’s other articles at:Traver, Rich – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Smoke Ascends Forever?

(Copyright 11-03-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Will the wicked really be tormented forever in hell? In this sermon, pastor Rod Reynolds examines in detail passages...

Article Authors Lloyd, James

The Sand and the Sea

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

A Prayer for the Election

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)A Facebook post of August 9, 2024, a prayer for the election: Many of our religious tradition believe we should not vote, but...

Article Authors Grabbe, David C.

Hating Evil, Fearing God

Article Authors Missler, Chuck

The Roman Trials

Article Authors Sherwin, Frank

The Oldest Known Jellyfish

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Kemp, Jeff Lee, Laura

21 Things a Man Needs to Know About Marriage

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Transgender is a Phantom: That Only Exists in Devil-Deceived Minds!

Article Authors Esposito, Don

Physical Illness and Demon Possession

Physical Illness and Demon Possession (Part 1)by Don Esposito (Carteret, New Jersey) There have been many misconceptions about mental illness and demon possession. As a...

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

It Happened Near You

by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand)Amazing, don't you think? Incredibly, 4 million in America alone. As many as 4 million citizens from all walks of life claim...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

The “AT LARGE” Christian

(Copyright) by Rich Traver (Clifton, Colorado) In the middle decades of the twentieth century, a movement within the Churches of God began to gain a...

Article Authors Baxter, Samuel C.

The Days of Noah

(Copyright) by Samuel C. Baxter (Wadsworth, Ohio)What Was It Really Like Before the Flood?Cutting through countless theories, wild speculation, and odd ideas, there is much more to...

Article Authors Calvert, James R.

Ten Principles of Bible Study

(1995) Compiled by James R. Calvert (Servants’ News)Bible study should be a vital part of our lives. These 10 principles, derived from the scriptures and...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Coming of the Son of Man

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) This short study is based on the Scriptural teachings regarding the coming of the Son of Man, at the...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Church Funds Depleted

(Copyright 11-11-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren,We hope all of you are doing well. As many of you know, the schools...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Prison for Christians

(Copyright 05-10-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)"The US House of Representatives just passed a bill that means prison for any Christian that..." https://www.theburningplatform.com/2024/05/10/the-congressional-religious-fanatics-have-gone-stark-raving-mad/ Likely will pass the...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

What’s really at stake: freedom of the individual versus Collectivism

(Copyright 10-31-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"The spark from heaven falls. Who picks it up? The crowd? Never. The individual? Always." – Arthur J. Balfour EXCERPTS...

Article Authors Foust, Rhoda Iron Sharpening Iron Authors La Spina, Alfio

Can We Prove that Christ Could or Could Not Sin?

by Rhoda Foust (Lehigh Acres, Florida)To begin with, can we agree that God made statements and promises and swore to those promises? Did these promises...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

A Warning from the Past

(Copyright) by Richard MarklandA war on free speech is being waged. Targeting anyone who speaks out or questions Leaders in power is becoming increasingly dangerous....

Algorri, Rafael Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Weight, Arlan

Passover

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) When should we keep it? Should it be observed at the beginning of the 14th of Abib (Nisan), or...

Article Authors Steinle, James

A Scriptural Perspective on Tithing

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Tithing has long been established in the various COG’s and emphasized in many religious denominations and usually by most “ministers” (generically...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Covid 19

(Copyright 11-15-2024) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Dr. Mike Yeadon - purported “vaccines” against this alleged illness, COVID-19 were in my view deliberately designed intentionally...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

Spirit Definition

by BibleStudy.org (Farmington Hills, Michigan)What does spirit mean in the Bible? How important is it to all conscious life in the universe? What vital role...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Ambassador College Photos From 1952

Sent by Craig White (Australia)Co-eds in formal dressDr. & Mrs. HoehHWA with Dr. MerrillHWA with StudentsHWA's mother on left with house mother Annie MannKenneth Herrmann...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

What is “Sucralose”?

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)Technically, the correct chemical name for "sucralose" -- a popular 'sugar substitute' – is "1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-beta-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside" (!) Sucralose is a common ingredient...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel

Do You DARE to Be Bold?

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)Do you? Can you truly go BOLDLY before the throne of grace? Without fear? This is a time to be...

Article Authors Steinle, James

To Participate in Society, You Will Need CBDC Microchip

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://thepeoplesvoice.tv/wef-says-cbdcs-must-be-implanted-under-your-skin-if-you-want-to-participate-in-society/ The Mark of Revelation 13:16-17; 14:9-13 Is THIS the information we have been looking for? Logically it makes sense. Rev...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Secret Chinese Hotel Exposed

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Secret Chinese Hotel Exposed - MILITARY AGED US-BOUND CHINESE STAGING AT COLOMBIAN HOTEL, CHINESE POLICE IN AMERICA https://twitter.com/realmuckraker/status/1731861221794599123 Short video. This likely...

Article Authors La Spina, Alfio

Obedience is Life

by Alfio La Spina (Sooke British Columbia, Canada)Obedience to the Word of God starts in the heart. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

School daze; beware professional liars

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The Mystery of God

by Dwight Fleming (California)“In the beginning . . . God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male...

Article Authors Bergman, Jerry

Coelacanth: The transitional fossil that wasn’t

(Copyright) by Jerry Bergman (Powder Springs, Georgia)For close to a century, evolutionists taught that certain traits of coelacanths (figs. 1 and 2), then known only...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Free!

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The War on Dissent: Fibs, spin, statistics, and pure fiction

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"What need has a god of a star ship?" – Hollywood "What need has 'settled science' of a Public Relations firm?"...

Article Authors Stinson, Vance A.

Ezekiel’s Timeless Message –What is the Real “Work of the Watchman”?

(Copyright) by Vance A. Stinson (Tyler, Texas)God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore, you shall hear...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

Representative Government is an Israelite Institution

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)In His last sermon (Deuteronomy 1:1) Moses says to the nation of Israel, likely a few million at that time:...

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

Avoiding the Devil’s Details

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)There is among some of the brethren the tendency to want to make sure that everyone has exactly correct doctrine...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Encountering Jesus

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Steinle, James

Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Kenya Update – October 1, 2024

(Copyright 10-01-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren, The October 1, 2024, update is now posted at: KHOFH – Kenya Hands of Hope KHOFH...

Article Authors Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

On the Lighter Side of Life

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington)Bilingual BarnyardA flock of sheep are romping in a field, happily going “baa baa” to each other and...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The Power of the Pen over “the poison in the pot”

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"Proclaim liberty throughout the Land . . When a pundit makes a prediction, and it doesn't come to pass, the...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Beast War Machine

Article Authors Markland, Richard

The Coming Asian Menace

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

What does the Bible say about abortion?

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)Abortion is the murder of a potential human being who resides in the womb. What Scripture says about it has deeper...

Article Authors Author Unknown

Evolution

by Author Unknown (Internet)One day a 6-year-old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. THE TEACHER ASKED...

Article Authors Chisolm, Robert

Your Bank Account

Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email)This is AWESOME....something we should all remember. A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Democratic Party Treasonous: Worldwide Voter-Drive! Why?

(Copyright 10-26-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)Destroy “democracy” render citizen America votes irrelevant. Democratic party, evil is really good, criminal base, and worldwide invader...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis Dahlgren, Curtis Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

Demons + root of bitterness = many dead people

Demons + root of bitterness = many dead peoplePart 1(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"The question isn't why an all-powerful God allows tragedy to happen;...

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

What is the Reason for the Season?

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

A funny thing happened on the way to Damascus

Article Authors Kroeger, Catherine C.

are the shepherds safeguarding the lives of the sheep?

(Copyright) by Catherine C. Kroeger (Brewster, Massachusetts)Only yesterday I was told of a Christian woman who escaped a viciously cruel marriage and went to consult...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Vaccine Folly – Mask Hysteria

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Why are so many wearing a facemask? Monkey See Monkey Do: Who is Making a Monkey out of You? Socialize...

Article Authors Bruns, Terry

Fast Help for Your Spiritual Life

Article Authors Zehrung, Warren

The Last Great Day 2023

Article Authors Poonen, Sunil

The Ministry of a Watchman

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

A pain in the ‘BUT’: even National Review? Say it ain’t so!

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"The Trump movement often is described as a 'personality cult,' which it is, in no small part." – National Review, 11/02/20,...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

A Nation at Risk

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

13 Colonies; The 13th Tribe?

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"America, conjointly with Britain, has a very important and noble part to perform in the affairs of humanity in the...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

The Promised Land

Sent by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)Twelve men were sent to spy out the land.Ten men were afraid and conspired a plan. They told the people...

Article Authors Jewell, John

Happy New Year

(Copyright) by John Jewell (London, England)That’s what most people wish everyone else as a new Roman year begins and I’m sure that most people genuinely...

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S.

“For with the Judgment You Judge…”

Article Authors Daly, Ray Lee, Laura

Who Started the War in Iraq?

Article Authors Daly, Ray Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Colossians 2:16-17

(Copyright) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Colossians 2:16-17 reads: "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holyday,...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Celebration in a Cemetery!

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

True Values

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)True Values of the Kingdom of God for the Bride of Christ: In respect to the family the Father and the...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Haron Has Fallen Asleep

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Reiss, John

The Fall Holy Days

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Martin, Ernest L.

Did Enoch and Elijah Die

Article Authors Bowling, Ted E.

Elisha, the Young Men, and the She-Bears

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel

Why is the Fat Reserved for God?

(Copyright) by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)We all know that God says that “the fat is mine” dozens of places in the Old Testament. Did...

Article Authors Elder, Wily

Where in Scripture is The Trinity Mentioned?

by Wily Elder (Ocala, Florida)The short answer is: The Trinity is never mentioned in any scriptures. The next question would be: Where is the Father,...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel

Be Perfect!

(Copyright) by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)Is it possible to truly BE PERFECT? Or can you only continually STRIVE towards perfection? As a human, is...

Article Authors Daly, Ray

Teaching of the Tithe

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Deut. 14:22. “You shall truly TITHE all of the increase of all your that the fields bring forth. Year...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Cleansing Ourselves from Hidden Sins

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Has God Spared Donald Trump for a Reason?

(Copyright 09-26-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) Is Donald Trump being shielded and protected by God? Many believe he is, and so does he. In a recent...

Ames, Rusty Article Authors

Are You Busy?

Sent by Rusty Ames (Proctor, Texas) Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, "We can't keep the...

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B.

Where Have All the Babies Gone?

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

The “Silent” Sin…

(Copyright 06-02-24) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas)The “Silent” Sin Seldom Discussed, that will Keep us Out of the KingdomIf you listed sins that block...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

What Makes a Great Nation?

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)What makes for a great nation is relevant to God's holy nation. It seems good to me to share with you...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Leitch, John White, Craig M.

Outline of Strategy for Church of God Co-operation (Version 2.1 Draft)

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Outline of Strategy for Church of GodCo-operation Version 2.1 DraftArticle by Craig WhiteComments by John Leitch (Canada)My...

Article Authors Bowling, Ted E.

Jesus, Jairus, the Woman, and Faith

(Copyright 2024) by Ted E. Bowling (Charlotte, North Carolina)Source: www.LumoProject.com “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace and be healed of your affliction.” (Mark 5:34) During the ministry...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

A Country Divided!

Article Authors Markland, Richard

God Calls for People to Repent

(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)God calls for people to repent in order to be spared from coming catastrophes. Revelation 2:11, 13-14 – “… The day...

Article Authors Foust, Rhoda

Women in the Church

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S.

Are Vaccines the Villain?

by Norman S. Edwards (Perry, Michigan)Ever since my wife and I were expecting our first child, I developed an interest in vaccines: What is in...

Article Authors Naasz, Howard

28th Amendment to the United States Constitution

Sent by Howard Naasz (Colorado)An idea whose time has come.For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

What Are True Values?

(Copyright 09-15-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Not infrequently in public discourse we hear the word “values” mentioned. Many of the issues we face as a...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

An Orwellian America is Defining the Nation

(Copyright) by Richard MarklandFor decades Americans have been warned of a time in which George Orwell’s Novel “1984” would become a reality. The American people...

Article Authors Bair, John R.

The Christian’s Responsibility in Care Giving

(Copyright) by John R. Bair (Pennsboro, West Virginia)Since Pentecost of 1998 with the death of my wife’s father, we were plunged into full time care...

Article Authors Bruns, Terry

“The Trinity – Examined”

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Memories of a one-room country school (REAL education)

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

Are You in the True Church?

by Wayne Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)Are you in the True Church that was founded by Jesus Christ? That is an important question to ask when...

Article Authors Wise, Rebecca

Greetings from Kenya

(Copyright 11-02-2024) by Rebecca Wise (United States)"Please check the KHOFH website for the latest Kenya update. Also, we would appreciate any lightweight KJV or NKJV...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

‘Inside American Education;’ beware professional liars

Article Authors Zehrung, Warren

Countdown 470

(Copyright 10-11-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Greetings Brethren,Wishing you an inspiring Feast Day, and a pleasant Day of Atonement. A Matter of Life and DeathThat...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

How Rich Were the Magi?

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)How rich were the wise men, or Magi, who came to worship Jesus (Matthew 2:2)? Did they give enough money to...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Ritenbaugh, John W.

Was the Sop Leavened or Unleavened? (John 13:26-27)

by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina)A rule of Bible study is never to base a doctrine on the meaning of a Greek or Hebrew...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Tocotrienol Benefits

Article Authors Steinle, James

Great American Eclipse of 2024

(2024) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minesota)14 Things That Everyone Needs To Know About The Great American Eclipse Of 2024 April 8 by Michael Snyder. https://michaeltsnyder.substack.com/p/14-things-that-everyone-needs-to?r=2hre0o “We...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Sielaff, David

Who Are the Nephilim

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Who Are the NephilimArticle by David SielaffComments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)Laura writes:First of all, I...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Profile of a Victim

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Powers that Be Plan to Kill 7 Billion People

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)BREAKING: King Charles Announces Plan to Kill 7 BILLION People Update from King Charles - current state of the world...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Critical Race Theory and the Bible Answer

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Critical Race Theory is defined by its name. For proponents of this new and novel theory, race is everything and “critical”...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Miraculous Power

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Holy Ghost

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Someone wants to know about the Holy Ghost. What is the name of the Holy Ghost? Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Never Quit

(Copyright 11-12-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) The Lesson We Can All Learn from Donald TrumpWhether or not you like Donald Trump or whether you voted...

Article Authors Graham, Ronny H.

Resolutions: Man’s and God’s

Article Authors Catholic Mirror 1893 Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

The Christian Sabbath

by Catholic Mirror 1893 (Baltimore, Maryland)CATHOLIC MIRROR--BALTIMORE, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1893(From page 8 of the Catholic Mirror of Sept. 2, 1893) THE CHRISTIAN SABBATHTHE GENUINE OFFSPRING...

Article Authors Velting, Doug

The Monarch Butterfly’s Navigational Skills

(Copyright 09-19-2024) by Doug Velting (Grand Rapids, Michigan) Let’s face it, insects don’t seem to be the smartest creatures on the planet; after all, they only...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Increasing Number of Doomsday Shelters and Bunkers Built by Wealthy

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

A Man Had a Dream

Sent by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)A man had a dream. His whole life passed before his eyes. He was on a beach and during the...

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

How do they live with no sunlight?

Article Authors Haar, Lorena

A Little Joke!

Sent by Lorena Haar (Vancouver, Washington)If you want to get a message out, use the telegram or a telephone, or tell another woman! No offense...

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

Can You Be Deceived

(Copyright) by Wayne Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)The apostle Paul warned that Satan has transformed himself into an angel of light and that he also has...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Ray, Tawanda

Fat Cats, Fat Cats

by Tawanda Ray (Hamilton, Alabama)Fat cats, fat cats on faculty row,Don't you see the fruits of the seeds you sow?One tithe, two tithes, three tithes......

Article Authors Steinle, James

Something to Do!

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Every 5 weeks I can send in a ‘letter to the editor’ of our local Morrison County Newspaper which I have...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

AI

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

God’s Secret Service

(Copyright 07-22-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The world watched in horror as Donald Trump dodged bullets fired at him at a campaign rally in Butler,...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

Bullocks and the Feast of Tabernacles

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)In Numbers 29:12-39 we find that for the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles there is a daily sacrifice of...

Article Authors Priest, Karl

“For Real” Arboreal Ants

(Copyright) by Karl Priest (The Creation Club) Ants that live in trees are called arboreal , and the spelling makes me think of “are for real.”...

Article Authors Zehrung, Warren

Doctrine of Repentance

(Copyright) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)“God loves you just as you are, come as you are and give your heart to the Lord.” This...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

The Manhattan Declaration

(2009) Compiled by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)I suggest you go to: http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/ and consider signing. I and my wife have signed. It is a declaration of...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Who Are the Nicolaitans?

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Jesus said he hates the “the deeds of the Nicolaitans” (Revelation 2:6). He also said to the church in...

Article Authors Schmid, Robert

The Word, The Spirit and The Church

by Robert Schmid (Westminster, California)Is there any doubt in anybody’s mind that this world, that we live in, is NOT the Kingdom of God? I...

Article Authors Chisolm, Robert

Conspiracy!

Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email)THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN COUNTRY!We Must Stop This Immediately Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper? Groceries...

Article Authors HOIM Staff

Halloween Origins and Customs

(Copyright) by HOIM Staff (Azusa, California)Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhein which marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter...

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

Pride, Humility, and the Day of Atonement

(Copyright 1996, 10-09-2024) by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Because four holy days fall in a single month's time—and the Feast of Tabernacles so dominates the season—Atonement frequently gets...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Pruning Season

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Why I Don’t Want to Wear Your Rose-Colored Glasses

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Divine Assignments

Article Authors Buckman, Bill

National Day of Prayer

Article Authors Steinle, James

Canada to Imprison Anyone Who Has EVER Posted ‘Hate Speech’ Online

(Copyright 05-09-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Here is the link to the content. Brings to mind this verse: Eph. 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole...

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B.

A World at War

(Copyright 09-11-2024) by Joseph B. Baity (Charlotte, North Carolina) Global conflict is on the rise. In 2023, the world experienced the highest number of state-based conflicts since...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

British Royals Awareness of British Israelism

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

SIGNS OF THE TIMES: Is dissent a thing of the past?

by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)The function of liberal Republicans is to shoot the wounded after battle.” Senator Eugene McCarthyBARRY GOLDWATER RECOMMENDED SAWING OFF THE EASTERN...

Article Authors White, Wesley

Historical Facts about the Church of God Movement

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

The Banned Discovery

(Copyright) by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand)On Tuesday the 3rd of July, 2001, Terry M., a friend and three boys ranging in age from 7 years...

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

It Began in Turkey

Article Authors Daly, Ray Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

The Woman Flees

(Copyright) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Jesus warned His disciples, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the desolation is near. Let them...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

America’s Divine Destiny

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Preparation for Hard Times

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)This list is not just written by me and even though I will print this in the newsletter, this list...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Messiah/Christos

Article Authors Lloyd, James

What the Rapture Cult Refuses to See

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Cobras & Pit Bulls

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Standing Against Wolves

Article Authors Ray, Tawanda

Testimony of Abuse within the Church of God

by Tawanda Ray (Hamilton, Alabama) I received your 111-page document today and read it before the evening was out. I must say, I was not...

Article Authors Chisolm, Robert

Isn’t it Strange?

Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email)Isn't it strange how a 20-dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church, but such...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The Ayatollahs of atheism versus the next generation of evangelists?

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"At some point, there's going to be enough pressure that it is just going to be too embarrassing to believe...

Article Authors Rea, Cam

Who was Arsaces, First King of the Parthians?

by Cam Rea (Kendallville, Indiana)The year is 248 BCE. The event: the Aparni tribe from the north along the Oxus River invaded the region of...

Article Authors McDonnell, Dianne D.

Paul and Women Teachers: Understanding 1 Timothy, Chapters 1 & 2

Article Authors Steinle, James

7 Herbs for Pain

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Some very useful medical information for treating pain naturally, which I have taken from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUyk1sZu82Q a 68-minute video by...

Article Authors Weight, Arlan

God’s Government

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) What kind of government does God use in ruling the universe? Is it democratic? Do angels vote? Does God...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Jonah Sign

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

Endure to the End

by Wayne Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)Like everyone else I enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves as they turn colors. People flock to the mountains to witness...

Article Authors Schindler, Mark

Sharing Our Lives at the Feast

by Mark Schindler (Charlotte, North Carolina) One of the great blessings that God gives us every year is the command to keep His holy days. As with all...

Article Authors Steinle, James

10 Wild Edible Greens to Harvest – Foraging Plants for Food

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jz5W5IuOjI (12.5 minutes. Showing from mid-Atlantic. Most if not all also found in central U.S. Watch video how to...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

What in the World is Wormwood?

by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What is wormwood? Where is it located in the Bible? What does it mean? How is it related to the prophetic Day of...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Victory Over Death

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

God’s Highway

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Paul’s Trials and Thorns

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Count Your Blessings

(Copyright 2023) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas)Health, Happiness, Freedom, Family, Food, Water, Wealth, Safety, Peace, Electricity.... IN ALL THINGS; JOB’S EXAMPLE:“Giving Thanks always for all...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Critical Race “Theory” = “Divide and conquer”

Article Authors McBride, James

The Family of God

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Why Does God Hate Sin?

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Tis the season for vote buying and lying; smarty pants on fire

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan) "If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Fulfil Your Specific Ministry Effectively

(Copyright) by Zac Poonen (Bangalore, India)In the Old Testament, the prophets spoke about a remnant among God’s people. They spoke about how in a time...

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

His Last Day Ever

by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand)“Get out! Get ready!” said the email in my box last Thursday. “Prepare while you have the chance.” There was urgency in...

Article Authors Zaeske, Michael R.

The State of the Church Today: Disheartening Woes? Or Doing His Will?

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

The Pragmatic Japanese

Article Authors Bergman, Jerry

Pterosaurs

(Copyright) by Jerry Bergman (Powder Springs, Georgia)Among the strangest animals ever createdThere are no viable examples in the fossil record of ‘preflight’ animals (before flight was perfected)...

Article Authors Weight, Arlan

Go To Your Brother…

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) From my first encounter with the Worldwide Church of God in the late 60's and early 70's 'suspension' and...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Overweight and don’t like it?

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://nourishingtraditions.com/foods-that-make-you-fat/ by Sally Fallon Morell Fascinating article on what things in our modern foods tend to make us put on...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Will there be better times, or what? Signs of hope

(Copyright 10-02-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)A LOOK BACK AT MY FIRST COLUMN OF 2024 (based on my last column of 2022): The theme of Psalm...

Article Authors Chisolm, Robert

To: God.com

Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email)Dear Lord,Every single eveningAs I'm lying here in bed,This tiny little PrayerKeeps running through my head:God bless all my familyWherever they...

Article Authors HOIM Staff

Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays?

(Copyright) by HOIM Staff (Azusa, California)It does not seem that the celebration of birthdays became common among those that professed the Messiah until the fourth...

Article Authors Hoeck, Kenneth M.

Tocotrienols for Pain

(2024) Sent by Kenneth M. Hoeck (Woodstock, Illinois)If it matters to some: The Swanson brand Tocotrienols is in a gelatin capsule – most likely porcine...

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Letter from Melanie Heitkamp and My Answer to It

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)November 10, 2018 Dear Melanie Heitkamp,Your letter was handed to me by my husband yesterday. We do not have a mail...

Article Authors Martin, Ernest L.

Why Methuselah Lived So Long?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Welcome to Israel!

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

How Does Christ Fulfill the Law?

Article Authors Rives, David

All About Mars: The Red Planet

(Copyright 10-16-2024) by David Rives (Lewisburg, Tennessee)Mars, known as the red planet, is the outermost of the rocky planets. It has a diameter of approximately...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Ten Days of Repentance and Judgment

(Copyright 10-12-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)The time from the Feast of Trumpets through the Feast of Atonement is ten days, which pictures a period...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

YOU – and the one you – Love?

Article Authors La Spina, Alfio

Sin is Crouching at the Door

by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia)6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do...

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

A Basket of Summer Fruit

by Charles Whitaker (Charlotte, North Carolina) "In the Good ‘Ol Summertime," the local oldie-but-goodie radio station broadcasts Nat King Cole's song: Give me those lazy, hazy, crazy...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Two-Steak Solution

(Copyright 09-25-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The Two-State Solution is being promoted by Kamala Harris and the Biden Administration as the solution for peace in...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

Christ on the Sabbath

Article Authors Jewell, John

Another Fine Old Mess!

by John Jewell (London, England)Do you remember the Laurel and Hardy films or movies of years ago? Every now and again one will pop up...

Article Authors Yehoshua, Avram

Christians – Stop Following the Pope!

(Copyright) by Avram Yehoshua (Flagstaff, Arizona)Have you ever wondered why you can’t ﬁnd a single reference in the New Testament to Sunday replacing the 7th...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Mauck, Richard D. Mauck, Richard D. Mauck, Sandra F.

Biblical Teaching of Sabbath Keeping

(Copyright) by Richard Douglas Mauck and Sandra Faye Mauck (Pulaski County, Kentucky)Below, I begin the minimum treatise’s I’ve written to help explain the Sabbath day. Ten...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Are All Christians Hypocrites?

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"If we expect others to rescue our nation for us, as we go about our daily lives as mere observers...

Article Authors Martin, Samuel S.

“And the Waters Assuaged” (Genesis 8:1)

(Copyright) by Samuel S. Martin (Jerusalem, Israel)Note: I want to shift gears a little bit and talk about some research I did about ten years...

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

Your First Love—NOW!

(Copyright) by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)Rev 2:1-7 states as follows: “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write: 'He who holds the seven...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

The Hope of the Resurrection

(Copyright 10-25-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)This final of the seven annual festivals commanded by God to be kept by his people, an annual Sabbath,...

Article Authors Zehrung, Warren

A Bride Prepared

Chapter 1: Is the Bride Ready?(Copyright) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)IntroductionFrom the very beginning, Jesus Christ has made known to us His intention to...

Article Authors HOIM Staff

Birthdays: Pagan/Occult Origins in the Satanic Bible

(Copyright) by HOIM Staff (Azusa, California)The Messiah told his disciples to "remember" him in his death, but there is not a word in scripture, from...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Let’s Talk Dutch!

(Copyright 05-03-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Ladies and Gentlemen, grab a fire extinguisher because this Dutch lady will set your house on fire! Not literally...

Article Authors Jewell, John

What is the World’s Biggest Problem?

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Chicago’s Death Camp Thrives Outside of DNC Convention

(Copyright 09-21-2024) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)The difference between the Democratic and Republican Conventions couldn’t be more glaring. It is not a partisan perspective to...

Article Authors Lee, Darwin

Mega Wins

(Copyright 11-10-2024) by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)All eyes were glued to the coverage of the historic 2024 election results Tuesday evening. A huge win...

Article Authors Mambwe, Obed

In Need of Bibles and Study Materials

(Copyright 09-21-2024) by Obed Mambwe (Unknown)Dear brethren in Christ,Warmest Christian regard to each one of you, your beloved families, and all the dear brethren at...

Article Authors Sielaff, David

The Pagan Immortal Soul and Double Doctrine

Article Authors Braughler, Denver Hyatt, Eddie Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

A Person of Faith Explains “Dark Matter”

(Copyright) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) Along with being a devout follower of Jesus Christ and committed to proclaiming and teaching His word, I have a...

Article Authors Daniels, Rich

Have Faith as a Child

Sent by Rich Daniels (Shawano, Wisconsin)For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

The October 31 Post that Went Viral and Changed the World

Article Authors Manad, Kasuba

Need Bibles

Article Authors Dickerson

God Bless

Article Authors Swarbrick, Mark

The Carnivore Diet

(Copyright) by Mark Swarbrick (United States)My Experience on the Carnivore DietWhen I first heard of the Carnivore Diet, I thought it was nuts. “What? Eat...

Article Authors Reiss, John

Waxing Cold

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Yehoshua, Avram Yehoshua, Avram

Sunday – The Catholic Sabbath

Article Authors Schatzle, Betty

Private Prayer

by Betty Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)Jesus put considerable emphasis on Private Prayer (Matt 6:6). When you pray enter into your own room, shut the door...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Enoch and Elijah Translated to Where?

(Copyright 05-21-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Some believe Enoch was translated and never died per Genesis 5:24. That he did not die is not true;...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Your Thoughts and Actions Can Impact Future Generations!

(Copyright 10-12-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)My latest article “Your Thoughts and Actions Can Impact Future Generations” is now available online here. Or PDF. This article...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Climate-Hoax

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Climate change, being a problem, that mankind must solve, to prevent the climate, from killing us all: is a HOAX....

Article Authors HOIM Staff Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Keyser, John D. Steinle, James

Ben Ha Arbayim – “Between the Two Evenings” –Just What Does This REALLY Mean?

(Copyright) by HOIM Staff, John Keyser (Azusa, California) Some proponents of observing the Passover insist that the Hebrew expression Ben Ha Arbayim -- translated literally as "between...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

The Elders

(Copyright) by Craig M. White (Australia)The Elders(extracted from Synagogue and Church: Comparative Structures by Craig M White) Easton’s Bible Dictionary explains the origin and role of...

Article Authors Bell, Philip

Delighting in Design –and in its Originator

Article Authors Steinle, James

Can Pain Be Eliminated?

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

Let No One Deceive You

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina)As Daniel 12:4 predicts, we live in a time of increasing knowledge. Data flows constantly around the globe, facilitated by communications...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

More Old Materials Received!

Article Authors Catchpoole, David

Woodpecker head-banging wonder

(Copyright) by David Catchpoole (Powder Springs, Georgia)UpdateRecent research* shows that the spongy material in a woodpecker’s skull does not act like a shock absorber. Engineering analysis...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

“Fruits Before Suits”

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

The Final Harvest

(Copyright 10-23-2024) by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) For some reason, cemeteries fascinated my father. Quite frequently, when I was a young boy, after church...

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S.

“…You shall be judged”

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Lifeline

(Copyright 05-10-24) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)First Day of Unleavened Bread(Sermon Notes) OffertoryIn His last remaining hours on earth, Jesus taught vital lessons that tied...

Article Authors Klopfenstein, David

Christmas, is it Scriptural?

by David Klopfenstein (Kendallville, Indiana)WHAT ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL?Since Christmas is one of the most celebrated religious holidays by Christianity today, wouldn’t you think that...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

America’s Founding Documents Declared “Harmful” By Our Own Government

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)In a stunning capitulation to the Marxist crusade to transform America, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has determined that...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Hamas Attack Mystery

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

The Right Form of Government?

(Copyright 08-31-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas)“Of the increase of His Government and Peace there shall be no end...” (Isaiah 9:7) WHAT WILL HIS GOVERNMENT...

Article Authors Walford, Pamela

The Story of God: Women in the Early Church

(Copyright) by Pamela Walford (Canada)In less than 400 years following the deaths of the last apostles, the early Christian church yielded to the influence of...

Article Authors McDonnell, Dianne D.

A Church Without Women

Article Authors Steinle, James

Marriage!

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)What joy! What happiness! What excitement the thought of marriage brings! What a paradox that weddingsat first seem so far off...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Pentecost – The Feast of First-Fruits The Feast of Weeks The Last Day

Article Authors Haar, Lorena

Prayer Makes

(2024) Sent by Lorena Haar (Vancouver, Washington)Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,Prayer Climbs the ladder Jacob saw,Gives exercise to faith and love,Brings every blessing from...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

As Eve Believed Satan: Instead of God

(Copyright Revised 10-19-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)America, Pastors, and Rabbis - Believe Devil-Media. The Forbidden Fruit: Is Believing the Devil, instead of God...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Ritenbaugh, John W.

After Pentecost, Then What?

by John W. Ritenbaugh (Lancaster, South Carolina) Moses writes the story of the Israelites making the Old Covenant with God in Exodus 19-24. Most of the text of those...

Article Authors Keyser, John D. MacDormand, Robert B.

The Role of YEHOVAH’s Ecclesia

(Copyright) by Robert B. MacDormand & John D. Keyser (Azusa, California) I believe the role of the church (ecclesia) is misunderstood in our day because people...

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

This is Not God’s World

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Special People: Special Rights?

(Copyright 2018) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Ideological Tyranny - LGBT-Nazi Indoctrination: Diversity Training Today Is: Victimization Ideology and LGBT-Indoctrination. Who are the Victimizers and...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter July 29, 2024

(Copyright 07-29-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Hope all of you are well, as we patiently await our Lord's return in this increasingly...

Article Authors St. Clair, Larry

Don’t Fall for the Fake Jesus!

Article Authors Steinle, James

What Does Scripture have to Say about Self Defense?

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDNy_EUjzXI 30 min. video. A minister’s perspective who had to do so. From this video there are other links...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Approaching Our Waters of Marah

Article Authors Kroeger, Catherine C.

And Hagar WENT BACK

(Copyright) by Catherine C. Kroeger (Brewster, Massachusetts)What a disappointment it is when we try so very hard to help a woman who has decided to...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

As Eve believed Satan, Church Leaders Believe Devil-Media: Genesis 3:4-6

Algorri, Rafael Article Authors Higgins, Pat Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Rothwell, Dave

Azazel: Observations and Questions

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel

What was WRONG with the Pharisees?

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)What was wrong with the Pharisees? Why did Christ condemn them? Was it for keeping the letter of the law?...

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Small Business Owners “terrorists”

(Copyright 10-25-2024) by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)In an article titled “Small Business Owners are branded “terrorists” by Federal Government, by Peter McIlvenna, if you...

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

Here We Go Again {Xmas}

Article Authors Schindler, Mark

Ingratitude

Article Authors Daly, Ray Hyatt, Eddie Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

Are You a Christian Nationalist?

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Charisma News reported on a letter, signed by 500 evangelical leaders, that condemned “Christian nationalism” and tied it to the Capital riots...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Black Criminal Protection Device: Kills

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Thank You

(Copyright 07-03-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)We want to thank all of you who answered the request for help. Thanks to your...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Steinle, James

Masons and Masonic Halls

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)“Is it acceptable for a member of the Body of Christ to also be a member of the Masons or any...

Article Authors Rives, David

Exploring the Human Nose

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Sielaff, David

They Hate You And Want You Dead

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: They Hate You And Want You DeadArticle by David SielaffComments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)First of...

Article Authors Lee, Darwin

A UFO Close Encounter

Article Authors Daniels, Rich

Jury Duty Scam

Article Authors Tucker, Jeffrey A.

The Greatest Victory of Liberty in Our Lifetime

Article Authors Braughler, Denver Fellow Servants Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Scattered But Not Divided

Antion, David Article Authors

Without Trust

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Jewell, John Lee, Laura

The Most Significant Event?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Message For America

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

America – Under a Curse?

by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)Judging from what can be seen in the United States, some people sense that our nation seems to be under...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The real Tom Jefferson

Article Authors West, Tommy S.

Be Strong and of Good Courage

by Tommy S. West (Wake Forest, North Carolina) Recently, I was given the honor and privilege to present a short message to a small local...

Antion, David Article Authors

What is Grace?

Article Authors Ford, Mike

Salt

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S. Others

Godly Offspring

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter January 20, 2024

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

What is Biblical Leavening?

Article Authors Daly, Ray Gray, Jonathan Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

Atlantis – what they don’t tell you

by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand)YES? WHERE? “Just where did it go down?” asked Dale. “Where did WHAT go down?” I asked. “Atlantis” that’s what,” responded Dale. He swatted...

Article Authors Copeland, Germaine Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

A Message to the Desperate Wife

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin

Symbolism Of Oil

(Copyright) by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)When oil is mentioned in the Bible it always means olive oil unless specifically excepted (Esther 2:12 for instance)....

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

A Truth About Revelation 2 and 3

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Israel’s Killing Fields

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Why I am not Afraid of Witches, Hexes and Curses

(Copyright 10-31-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas)A well-known witch attended services in the church Sue and I were planting and leading in eastern Canada. Several...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Kroeger, Catherine C. Steinle, James

The Victim Beside the Road

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Why Four Gospels?

(Copyright 09-22-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Have you ever wondered why there are four “gospels,” or four accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter May 3, 2024

(Copyright 05-03-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)We want to thank all of you who so quickly assisted in our time of need....

Article Authors Kroeger, Catherine C.

The Candidate Who Didn’t Have Enough Votes

(Copyright) by Catherine C. Kroeger (Brewster, Massachusetts)In the 1930s, Minnesota had a brilliant young governor who captivated my family’s imagination and admiration. His innovative labor...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Water Bath Canning Meat Like Deer, etc. – How To

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDH1r9qOHGs 6.09 MIN. VIDEO This is for those who do not have a pressure canner or who do not like...

Article Authors Bratt, Bill Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Mary, Mother of Jesus!

(Copyright) by Bill Bratt (Portsmouth, Ohio) Today one of the most common names given to girls is the Biblical name Mary, just as the Biblical name...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Robin Jones Items Scanned and Uploaded

(Copyright 08-31-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)As you may be aware, many items from Robin Jones library was sent to me for scanning and making...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Principles of Warfare

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Tower of Rebellion

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Pentecost 2023 – Man of Sin Revealed

Article Authors Steinle, James

War Breaks Out in the Middle East

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Beware of the U.S. Media One-Sided Coverage: + SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS https://healthimpactnews.com/2023/war-breaks-out-in-the-middle-east-beware-of-the-u-s-media-one-sided-coverage/ There is a reason to get the views from both...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

Blackrock 10 Trillion Criminal Enterprise

Sent by Rich Traver (Clifton, Colorado)Thanks for this. Our people are clueless, I expect. The STRUCTURE of World Government is forming. Who will head it...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Ezekiel 9:1-6 – What Mark is in Your Heart?

(Copyright) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)One Identifies you with God, the other with the Devil. Ezekiel Vision, 9:3-6 “The glory of the God of...

Article Authors Martin, Samuel S.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Article Authors Author Unknown

Dear Bill …

(2024) by Author Unknown (Found in Attic)Dear Bill,I am writing this slow cause I know you can’t read fast. We don’t live where we did...

Antion, David Article Authors

How They Make Us Sick Trying to Make Us Well

by David Antion (Pasadena, California)Do you have sugar diabetes?Well, it might all depend upon the year. Prior to 1997, if you had a fasting blood...

Article Authors Steinle, James

LINEN – The Saints shall Wear it -Why?

(Copyright) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)What is so great about linen that the Scriptures mention it in 90 verses? Here are some. Exo_26:1 Moreover thou shalt...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

The Oppression of the American People and the Suppression of Freedom (Parts 1 & 2)

The Oppression of the American People and the Suppression of Freedom(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)PART 1Any given event of and by itself is not as...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Kenya Hands of Hope

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

What Are Firstfruits in the Bible?

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)The English word "firstfruit" appears only once in the King James translation's Old Testament. It comes from the Hebrew word reshiyth (Strong's Concordance...

Article Authors Rives, David

This Was Found In Fin Whale’s Throat

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Memorial of Deliverance

(Copyright 05-25-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Introduction:Each of the Feasts of the Lord carry much meaning for the people of God. Let me begin...

Article Authors Chisolm, Robert

Jesus Paid it All

Sent by Robert Chisolm (Email) After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to an end.The first thing I remember...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Daly, Ray Goff, William P. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin

Parable of the Ten Virgins

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)A Parable MisunderstoodThe parable of the ten Virgins consists of only 13 verses, but those 13 verses may...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Traver, Rich

Standing on the Sea of Glass

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Division Will Lead to the Nation’s Destruction if not Restrained

(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)The year 2020 will go down in history as a year of deep division. It will be remembered as a...

Article Authors Bruns, Terry

“Twelve Reasons Why Jesus’ Trial Was Illegal”

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

A Question for Christians About the Sabbath

(Copyright) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)Almost all who profess to be Christians these days believe that observing the weekly seventh day Sabbath is not the true...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

Who is the Azazel Goat?

(Copyright) by Rich Traver (Clifton, Colorado)An explanation commonly offered as to the Identity of the ‘Other Goat’ associated with the Ceremonies performed on the Day...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Preato, Dennis J.

Did Paul Really Say, “Let the Women Keep Silent in the Churches”?

(Copyright) by Dennis J. Preato (San Diego, California)"Let the women keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but let them...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Time Square Attack: Psychologically Paralyzed Police Disarmed

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Worship of the Dead

(Copyright 11-10-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Heathen cultures and religions in many parts of the world involve some form of worship directed toward dead heroes...

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

Message from Jesus – The Letter to the Laodicean Church

Article Authors Braughler, Denver Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Steinle, James Steinle, James Steinle, Patt Yehoshua, Avram

Is Yayshua God?

(Copyright) by James & Patt Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Or, What about Arianism & Polytheism? A question one might ask is, if the Son Yayshua (Jesus) was a...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

A “Populist Uprising” is Confronting the Darkness in America

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)Back in June, I sensed the Holy Spirit saying that “a populist uprising is coming to America.” I had a sense...

Article Authors Author Unknown

I Can Only

(2024) by Author Unknown (Found in Attic)I can only please one person per day.Today is not your day.Tomorrow doesn’t look good either. ———————————————————————————-----------------------——————–See Author Unknown’s other...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

The Golden Rule

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington Hills, Michigan)What is the golden rule and where is it in the Bible? Why is gold rightfully a part of its...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The Ides of August again – College orientation week

(Copyright 08-21-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"To strip our past of glory is no great loss, but to deny it honor is devastating." – Daniel...

Article Authors Ray, Tawanda

WOE…

by Tawanda Ray (Hamilton, Alabama)Woe unto you scribes and PhariseesWho say but do not do.Who bind heavy burdens upon God's sheepThough you do not follow...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Who are the Descendants of Ishmael Today?

(Copyright 07-23-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)God had promised Abraham a son, but Abraham's faith was severely tested. He listened to his wife Sarah's advice. Abraham...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

America’s First Chief Justice Gave the Key for Ending Abortion

Article Authors Manad, Kasuba

Need Free Literature for Distribution

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Jesus Our Victory

(Copyright) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a great victory that is important to every Christian. It is unfortunate that many...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Summerville, James

Many are Called, Few are Chosen

Article Authors Markland, Richard

America has Lost Its Collective Mind

(Copyright 09-21-2024) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)If there is any proof that America has lost its collective mind, a person doesn’t have to look far....

Article Authors McBride, James

Insight from Paul

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

School daze again. Beware professional liars!

Article Authors Velting, Doug

Can Plants Talk to Each Other?

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Fear

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Same-Sex-Marriage Blasphemy: Child Sacrifice

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

Simplify Your Life!

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Holy Day Charts

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Too Big to Fall?

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Are We Alone?

(Copyright 11-16-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas)Is the human race an isolated, lone speck of life in an impersonal universe? WHAT IS MAN?“When I consider...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

Ancient Beehive Complex

(Copyright) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)Ancient Beehive Complex Discovered in Israel -- Dates to the Reign of SolomonSince the period of fierce criticism of the historicity...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Deer Video

Article Authors Steinle, James

Fret Not Because of Evildoers

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)In this world, which currently is Satan’s world, we see many things that strike a believer as being wrong or evil. ...

Article Authors Hyatt, Sue

From the Heart on My 77th Birthday

Article Authors Steinle, James

Tribulation Cut Short?

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://torahfamily.org/one-third/ 23 min. video by Steve of TorahFamily dot org. TRIBULATION 1/3 – UPDATED AND EXPANDED (If the Idol...

Article Authors Schatzle, Wayne

What About Repentance Anyway?

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

The Difference Between True Repentance and Temporary Regret

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors White, Craig M. White, Craig M.

The Church of God from Judea to Chile

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Life’s Cup of Good and Evil:

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Noahide Laws, Also Trump’s Connections to Judaism

(Copyright 11-13-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)The Noahide Laws are What Yeshua Taught Against. Also, the Trump connections to Judaism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS3BK5K_BMA 8 min. “The Noahide Laws...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Garden

(Copyright 2022) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See Richard Markland’s other articles at:Markland, Richard – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

The Footwashing Service

(Copyright) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Jesus poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the...

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

New Fractures in the ‘Special Relationship’

Antion, David Article Authors

Books and Ledgers

by David Antion (Pasadena, California)Record keeping is a natural human function. People buy diaries, picture albums, and ledgers. Today people use such things as Facebook,...

Article Authors Morton, John Morton, Rosemary

Ezekiel’s Message

by John & Rosemary Morton (New Zealand)(Edited for Shepherd’s Voice Magazine)A note from the editor of Shepherd’s Voice Magazine Jim Patterson:Prophecy in the Old Testament...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

The Foundation of Godly Faith

(Copyright 09-08-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Have you considered the question of what is the foundation of your faith? Or what is the proper foundation...

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

Holy Days: Atonement

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina) In our continuing study on the holy days, we have seen the plan of God broaden from our personal redemption and...

Article Authors Kupelian, David

The Armenian Genocide and my grandmother’s secret

Antion, David Article Authors

The Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Intentionally Killing Babies is Murder

(Copyright 10-20-2024) by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)We seldom ever get a flyer from a Democrat but this year we did. It was addressed only...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The last straw, tepid support for Trump

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)TO THE EDITOR, NATIONAL REVIEW:Just reread the article that was the last straw, "Has the Presidency Become Impossible? No, but...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

My most unusual column: Why the English capitalized the word “I”

(Copyright 09-07-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"I AM, said I, to no one there." – Neil Diamond "I AM THAT I AM." – God (to Moses,...

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Northern Lights in Wisconsin

(Copyright 05-11-2024) by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)Our daughter took these pictures of the Northern Lights in Wisconsin from her yard. She told me that...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Is It A Human or AI?

(Copyright 08-17-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) WHAT IS AI?AI (artificial intelligence) machines started in the 1950s, were invented to do tasks on the level...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

(2023) Sent by Craig M. White (Australia)Britain's Immigration CrisisIt is worth subscribing to this free newsletter. https://www.mattgoodwin.org/subscribe?simple=true&next=https%3A%2F%2Fmattgoodwin.substack.com%2Fp%2Fis-britain-giving-up-on-brexit&utm_source=paywall-free-trial&utm_medium=web&utm_content=69199938&coupon=ee93e58e ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------See Craig White’s other articles at:White, Craig M. – Church...

Article Authors Zehrung, Warren

Countdown 468

(Copyright 10-23-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Dear Brethren,Recently, I was meditating on how to present my sermon for the Last Great Day—the eighth Day...

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

What Restrains the Man of Sin?

(Copyright 08-28-2024) by Charles Whitaker (Charlotte, North Carolina) In II Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul mentions a force that works at least temporarily to restrain the...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Prophecies Given to Steve Quayle

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Your Thoughts and Actions Can Impact Future Generations

(Copyright 10-22-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)Christians have heard of or read the Scriptures dealing with curses upon third and fourth generations: “…Visiting the iniquity of...

Article Authors Steinle, James

American Heart Association SAYS

(Copyright 10-24-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)American Heart Association SAYS 90% OF THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VAXXED FOR COVID NOW HAS IRREVERSIBLE HEART DAMAGE -...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Johnny Bravo

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

2018 poll: 40 percent of Americans trust science “a great deal”

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"If you cannot question it, it's not science. It's propaganda." – meme ON WISCONSIN magazine, Spring 2020, published an article, "There's...

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S.

How Should We Bear Fruit?

Article Authors Schatzle, Betty

God and Prayer

by Betty Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)No, I love you too much. Have you ever prayed long and hard about a problem and never received an...

Article Authors Lee, Laura Slough, Keith

Nisan 1

(Copyright 05-20-2024) by Keith Slough (Kannapolis, North Carolina) and Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)Your newsletter referred to April 8th as Nisan 1st. Actually, the new...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

WCG and God’s Remnant Apostle Church of Christ in South Africa

Article Authors Daly, Ray

Are We in the End Times?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The Third Temple

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

God Likes You

Antion, David Article Authors

The Good and Bad About Cholesterol

(Copyright) by David Antion (Pasadena, California)Cholesterol has gotten a bad rap over the last couple of decades. There has been much misleading information leading to...

Article Authors Davey, Stephen

Mary and the Holy Spirit: Their Roles in the Conception of Jesus

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Did God Resurrect Donald Trump’s Political Career?

(Copyright 11-12-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) The mainstream media and political pundits were stunned by Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory on November 4. They are still...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

The Marxist Plan to Abolish the Family Unit

Article Authors Steinle, James

Tsunami of Death Is Upon Us

(Copyright 10-21-24) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Renowned Virologist Warns Fully Vaxxed Have Just Years Left to Live: ‘Tsunami of Death Is Upon Us’ https://disswire.com/renowned-virologist-warns-fully-vaxxed-have-just-years-left-to-live-tsunami-of-death-is-upon-us/ Watch: 2.07-minute video...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Have You Heard?

Article Authors Steinle, James

National Digital ID System: It is Already Here

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://rwmalonemd.substack.com/p/national-digital-id-system-it-is I think we may want to consider the ramifications, what we will be asked or not asked, at the...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Talking 2017 or what? Déjà vu all over again

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Building on the Rock: The Key to Christian Unity and a Great Harvest of Souls

(Copyright 08-21-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas)And I say to you that you are Peter and on this Rock I will build My church and...

Article Authors

Reminder to Exercise Increased Caution in Kenya

(09-14-2024) Sent by Rebecca Wise (United States)Hi Laura, Bill sent this yesterday. Forwarding to you in case you haven't seen it. Asking for prayers for...

Article Authors Burson, Crystal Burson, Nathaniel Daly, Ray Hyatt, Eddie Iron Sharpening Iron Authors La Spina, Alfio Lee, Laura Name Withheld

5 Reasons Genesis 3:16 is Not a Model for Christian Marriage

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)I was driving along listening to a Christian radio station on the car radio. A well-known pastor came on and announced...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Preato, Dennis J.

Empirical Data in Support of Egalitarian Marriages and A Fresh Perspective on Submission and Authority

(Copyright) by Dennis J. Preato (San Diago, California)There is a serious problem with the institution of marriage in the USA. Many marriages, and particularly Christian...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Iron Sharpening Iron Authors McDevitt, Dwayne

The TRUTH About the Origin of Modern Languages

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)One of the most confounding questions to modern scholars is the reason for the sudden explosion of diverse languages upon...

Article Authors Grabbe, David C.

The Shout of a King

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

A column for the ages (“powerful women”?)

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers." – unknown I KNEW THE VIRGIN MARY. The virgin Mary was...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Sielaff, David

The Full Knowledge of God

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: The Full Knowledge of GodArticle by David SielaffComments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)I do agree that...

Article Authors Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

Love

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington)Whenever there is hopeThat keeps a dream alive, Wherever there is joyThat fills a grateful heart, Wherever there is happinessThat...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The 2024 Un-Election

(Copyright 11-12-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The 2024 Presidential Election is now over and Donald Trump is the clear winner. Yet the race to the...

Article Authors Goff, William P. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Markland, Richard

You Are My Witnesses

Article Authors Yehoshua, Avram

Law and Grace

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Kill-Baby-Rights Women: Baby’s Body Is Not Your “Own Body.”

(Copyright Revised 10-26-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)Abortion Depravity: Life or death for Baby is a women’s right and “choice!” Democratic party Serpent: VP...

Article Authors Yehoshua, Avram

Christianity and Its Founder

by Avram Yehoshua (Flagstaff, Arizona) Christianity is the only religion in the world that does NOT emulate its Founder. Yeshua/Jesus rebuked Satan’s first temptation, to change the rocks into bread, by...

Article Authors Velting, Doug

Where Did All This Coal Come From?

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Leviticus 23

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Miller, Gary C.

Why Hanukkah?

Article Authors Ford, Mike Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Is New Year’s Eve a Pagan Holiday?

(Copyright) by Mike Ford (Oxford, Georgia) “Learn not the way of the heathen” (Jeremiah 10:2, KJV) We know we are in the Christmas season—that time of year true Christians...

Article Authors Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

Your Duck is Dead

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington)A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she laid her pet on the...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

America’s Pro-Jewish Founding Fathers

(Copyright) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) "The Hebrews have done more to civilize men than any other nation. If I were an atheist, and believed blind...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

The Compassion of God for Lost Souls

Article Authors Sbarcea, Grigore

Our World

by Grigore Sbarcea (New South Wales, Australia)This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached to all the world as a witness to all nations, and...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

Must Women Be Silent in the Church?

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)Ralph Woodrow, an evangelical Christian minister, is a correspondent of mine. He is a bit famous for formerly supporting Alexander...

Antion, David Article Authors

1 Peter 4:14-15

by David Antion (Pasadena, California)This particular one is a little technical. I don't enjoy being technical but sometimes I have to do so in order...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Seventeenth of Tammuz

Article Authors McNab, Jamie

Spiritual Warfare

Article Authors Lloyd, James

How the “Science is Settled” by the Beast

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Brethren in Need

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren from your 3rd world country brethren. My name is Bill Goff, and a member of the...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Timelines of Revelation

(Copyright 09-21-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)With the approach of the autumn Holy Days, it is good to review the prophetic events which they picture...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

The Cure for the Tragic American Condition

(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)What is it about prosperity that opens the door to complacency? Urgency is nonexistent when everything is convenient and within...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Maas, David F. Steinle, James

The Formula for Overcoming

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Rea, Cam

Were the Early Great Kings of Persia Israelites?

by Cam Rea (Kendallville, Indiana)The Achaemenid dynasty’s foundation is based on a man by the name of Achaemenes. Not much is known about the man...

Article Authors Huie, Bryan T.

Was the Logos Melchizedek?

Article Authors McQueen, Myra

The Titanic–Then and Now

by Myra McQueen (Odessa, Texas) I just want to sort out something here that appears to be a 'token' for those of us who have...

Article Authors Staff

Who Were the Wise Men?

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Red Skelton you never knew about – Fabulous interview!

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Comparison of Psalm 83 with Daniel 11

(Copyright) by Craig White (Australia)

Article Authors Hudson, Albert

Thought on Isaiah 32:17

(Copyright) by Albert Hudson (United Kingdom)“The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” (Isa. 32:17). There is...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Knowledge is the Key to Rise Above Poverty

(Copyright 09-21-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) THE RIGHT KNOWLEDGE LIBERATES FROM SLAVERY TO GREATNESS:Born into slavery, American scientist George Washington Carver rose above it to...

Article Authors Wise, Rebecca

Legacy Institute of Thailand and Burma

(Copyright 09-01-2024) by Rebecca Wise (United States)Thank you for sending out the newsletter free of charge. I enjoy the articles very much. It's a great...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

What is Acacia Wood?

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What is Acacia wood? Was the Ark of the Covenant crafted from it? Which sacred items, used to worship God, were...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

When You Know Your Pet is Spoiled

(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)

Article Authors Jewell, John

One Small Step

by John Jewell (London, England)THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR MAN! ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND! are the words uttered by Neil Armstrong as his left...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter – August 24, 2024

(Copyright 08-24-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren, Happy Sabbath. Thanks to your continued support (and to those who went above and beyond)...

Article Authors Rives, David

David Hume – The Evolution of Evolution

(Copyright 11-06-2024) by David Rives (Lewisburg, Tennessee)In the days before Darwin and naturalistic scientists like him, there were philosophers theorizing about God, the supernatural, and...

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Globalists and Media

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Are they playing us emotionally, so everyone now wants war? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y01vFlVnLbo Very interesting 7 min. video. (Some humor in it too)....

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Mbock, Paul Janvier

The Gold Lampstand (Zec. 4)

(Copyright 05-27-2024) by Paul Janvier Mbock (Cameroon)“Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and woke me, as a man is awakened from his sleep. “What do...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Kenya Update November 6, 2024 – FOT Report

(Copyright 11-06-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren, The November 6, 2024, Kenya Update is now posted at:KHOFH – Kenya Hands of Hope Thank...

Article Authors Lee, Darwin

The True Trinity Doctrine

by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)1: John 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; …………, even as we are one:” 2:...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The election that was and still is & other random thoughts

Article Authors Zehrung, Sharon Zehrung, Warren

Prayer Update

(Copyright 08-03-2024) by Warren & Sharon Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas)Dear Brethren, We want to share Sharon’s latest whole body CT scan results with you. We last...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Church Inventory

Article Authors Frates, Richard

We have the Mind of Christ– 1 Corinthians 2:16 – Do We Really?

(Copyright) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Would Jesus Christ Eat Pork, or Shellfish and consider Sunday holy? No! Why do You? Paul, in 2 Corinthians...

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Josiah Manifesto

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minesota)Jonathan Cahn & Steve Quayle 9-29-23 Where we are at in the history of America and the world https://qfiles.tv/programs/0561-jonathan-cahn-steve-quayle-9-29-23-fe380a?category_id=25758 Strongly encourage everyone...

Antion, David Article Authors

Appeasement – Propitiation

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

What Will it be like to be in the First Resurrection

(Copyright 10-24-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)How often have you thought about the rewards God promises to those faithful to Him? When you think about...

Article Authors Tucker, Jeffrey A.

This Was Tucker Carlson’s “Greatest Public Mistake”

Article Authors Vande Pol, Mark

If Israel Just?

(Sent in 2023) by Mark Vande Pol (Redwood Estates, California)A Decent Summary on the "Two State Solution" https://www.prageru.com/video/why-isnt-there-a-palestinian-state --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reprinted with permission from: Mark Vande Polhttps://www.wildergarten.org/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Article Authors Daly, Ray Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

A Short History of the Edomites

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Gen. 36:1 “The generations of Esau, who is Edom. V.2. Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan. ...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

A Nation That Talks the Talk, but Refuses to Walk the Walk

(Copyright) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio)When it comes to problems, America is a nation that naively believes it has the leisure of looking the other...

Antion, David Article Authors

Calcium Complexities

by David Antion (Pasadena, California)They say, “Take calcium. Take more. Add citric acid. Add phosphorus.” Did you know that there are three “kinds” of calcium...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

The Bible

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)There is an unbiblical "convention" or "tradition" in Christendom, dividing the Scriptures into two major portions known as "Old Testament"...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Church Leaders – Surrenders to the State – Moral Authority

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)And that is State Worship. Church leaders have disarmed themselves: They have “Closed their Eyes” to the Sword of Truth....

Article Authors Daly, Ray

Earthquakes

Algorri, Rafael Algorri, Rafael Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Calendar

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

The Sabbath was Made for Man

(Copyright 09-07-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) COME TO YAHSHUA (“Yah is Savior”)“Come to Me, ALL who are Weary and Heavy-Laden, and I will give...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Along Came Jones

(Copyright 09-08-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Gary Cooper departs from his usual hero movie character in this 1945 film, "Along Came Jones." The movie starts...

Article Authors Martin, Samuel S.

Understanding the Middle Eastern Mind Set

Article Authors McBride, James

The Money Balloon

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

The Pilgrims’ Devastating Experiment with Socialism

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Cloaked in Religion MUSLIM “Terrorism Evangelism” War

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Is It a Sin to Eat Unclean Meats?

(Copyright 08-31-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Is it a sin to eat unclean meats, as designated in Scripture? Many who think of themselves as Christians...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

Gentle Raindrops Upon the Window

Article Authors Sri Kanth, M.

Pray for Peace

(Copyright 10-20-2024) by M. Sri Kanth (India)Shalom all. Happy Tabernacle/Sukkot please pray YAHWEH to restore peace among Israel, Gaza, Labanon, hamas, Iran and Hezabullah. Shalom Aleichem,Dear...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Dating Violence

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Leaven of Righteousness

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took,...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

A Chart Comparing Offices in the Synagogue and the Church

by Craig White (Australia)

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

Halloween

Article Authors Sielaff, David

“Sound of Freedom” and a Clinton-Podesta Connection?

(Copyright 2023) by David Sielaff (Portland, Oregon)Greg Reese is an extremely reliable short-video producer, presenting very interesting connections. 6 minutes ... "Angel Studios Directing People to...

Article Authors Daniels, Rich

Chocolate Torte (Unleavened Recipe)

Sent by Rich Daniels (Shawano, Wisconsin)Bottom Layer = Crust1/2 cup or 1 stick of butter1 cup Flour1 Cup PecansMix. Put in oven at 350 degrees...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The Consecration

(Copyright 07-29-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)In my last article, I asked this question: "Was Donald Trump wounded in the ear to allow him to begin...

Article Authors Ford, Mike

Weeds

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

What is Mammon?

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What is mammon? What warnings did Jesus give regarding its use and abuse? Can it be utilized as a training tool...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Miller, Gary C.

Tithing on the “Increase”

Article Authors Steinle, James

Food Processing Plants

(Copyright 06-28-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)MUST SEE: Map Shows All Food Processing Plants That Have Burned Down, Blown Up or Been Destroyed Under Biden https://100percentfedup.com/must-see-map-shows-all-food-processing-plants/ ...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Column written in the middle of the night

(Copyright 10-19-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"Never toss away anything you get up to write in the middle of the night." – anon KALAMITY HARRIS identifies...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Why the Elitist Promotion of Open Borders, Migration and Refugees?

(Copyright 07-23-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)Disguised as wishing to promote faster economic growth and the need for greater population growth, the elites have been...

Article Authors HOIM Staff

Are Birthday Celebrations Christian?

(Copyright) by HOIM Staff (Azusa, California)Birthday cakes. Lighted candles. Singing “Happy Birthday.” Receiving gifts. In almost every culture and nation on earth, virtually nothing is...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Markland, Richard

Contending for a More Pure Flow of Prophetic Ministry

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma) Sue and I once stopped for the night in Pennsylvania coal country. I turned on the water to take a bath...

Article Authors Collins, Barbara

Abortion: The Culture of Death

by Barbara Collins (God’s Word to Women Website)David said in Psalms 139:13, Amplified, "For You did form my inward parts. You did knit me together in...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

God IS Working!!!

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Coming of the Messiah

(Copyright) by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota)"The Lamb" (Part #1) It is estimated that there are some 1.2 billion Christians on earth today, that expect...

Article Authors Grabbe, David C.

Who Will Be Kept from the Hour of Trial?

(Copyright 08-14-2024) by David C. Grabbe (Charlotte, North Carolina) As human beings, we have an aversion to pain. We try to avoid the uncomfortable, the unpleasant,...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Who ARE the Real Fascist? The Democratic Party:

(Copyright 10-29-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)And Devil-Media. Oxford Dictionary University Press 1995 - fascism: “A right wing political system or attitude” “which favors...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Love is the Fuel for the Christian Life

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Trump and Elon SPEECH-CRIMES – Shut Your Mouth America

(Copyright 10-19-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)Trump and Elon SPEECH-CRIMES - Shut Your Mouth America: Bellows England, and France! The Muslim dominated, UK and EU...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

Pearls before Swine Parable

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington Hills, Michigan)Why did Jesus tell us not to cast our pearls before swine? When did he give this parable and what...

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L.

If You Believe

by Bud Cocherell (San Jose, California)If you believe that Herbert W. Armstrong restored all truth and that you do not need to follow the instructions...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Original Church Government

(Copyright) by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Most of the following information comes from a booklet titled "By What Authority", by John A. Difley. The...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors McDonnell, Dianne D. Taylor, John

Junia, a Woman Apostle

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Junia, a Woman ApostleArticle by Dianne D. McDonnellComments by John Taylor (Lyle, Washington)First, the word episeemoi is...

Article Authors Currier, John Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Steinle, James

Why Do You Observe Saturday?

(Copyright) by John Currier (Douglasville, Georgia) This is a fair question and one that is asked quite often of those of our faith. I mean,...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors La Spina, Alfio Lee, Laura Leitch, John Leitch, John

Are You Sure Leaven Is Symbolic of Sin?

by John Leitch (Canada)Christ Defines the Meaning of Leaven.This writer finds it strange why people will lock into John’s definition of sin (1 John 3:4)...

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Spices and the Visits to Christ’s Tomb

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)There has been much confusion about the sequence of events surrounding preparation of spices and the visits to Christ's tomb, because...

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

Clouds

Clouds (Part One): A Really Special Cloudby Charles Whitaker (Charlotte, North Carolina) “God’s cloud led them on by day when they broke camp and set out.” (Numbers...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

The Church Will Face Tribulation

Article Authors Frates, Richard

ATONEMENT and Suffering: Crucified – The Price Paid

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)God’s Atonement is Universal: From the Beginning – Revelation 13:8 “The Lamb Slain from the Creation of the world.” Exodus...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Staff

‘Tis the Season: Help for Our Young People

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The Ides of August again – the annual classic

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

‘As It Was In the Days of Noah’

by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina)Bahal was beginning to worry, since, as mayor, it was his job to worry for the rest of his remote,...

Article Authors Huie, Bryan T. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

The Model Prayer

The Model Prayer (Part One): Introduction(Copyright) by Richard T. Ritenbaugh (Charlotte, North Carolina) Prayer is an intrinsic part of the religion revealed in the pages of...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Sabbath Thoughts: Forgiven as We Forgive

by Gary Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas)“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors...” (Matt. 6:12)FORGIVING TRESPASSES “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Whitaker, Charles

From Start to Finish

Article Authors Foust, Rhoda

Getting to Know God

(Copyright) by Rhoda Foust (Lehigh Acres, Florida)Despite all the bad news, the negative attitudes of the world, our nation, our families, and neighbors, there’s a...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Marriage Supper Parables

(Copyright 10-23-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)In order to shed light on the message of the Kingdom of God Jesus used many parables. Among the...

Article Authors Blumer, Aaron

Strive Not About Words

Article Authors Hyatt, Sue

A Few Thoughts from My Heart for Friends

Article Authors Saunders, Joanne Saunders, Ted

Baptism

Sent by Ted & Joanne Saunders (Renton, Washington) Johnny’s Mother looked out the window and noticed him “playing church” with their cat. He had the cat sitting...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Challenge Black Voters: Anti-Black-Racism Education!

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

How I Learned that the Spirit and Word Must Always Agree

by Eddie Hyatt (Tulsa, Oklahoma)He was the perfect example of what happens when we neglect the Word of God in our pursuit of spiritual experiences....

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Spiritual Power

Article Authors Daniels, Rich

Mathematical Viewpoint

Sent by Rich Daniels (Wisconsin)From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Apocalyptic Four Horsemen

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) FOUR HORSES they Ride (Rev.6:2,4,5,8): WHITE Horse (v.2), RED Horse (v.4)BLACK Horse (v. 5), PALE Horse (v. 8) WHAT ARE...

Article Authors Lloyd, James

The Mysterious Mister Trump

Antion, David Article Authors

How to Read and Understand Proverbs

(Copyright) by David Antion (Pasadena, California)In ancient Israel, there were people who spent time studying wisdom and writing and learning lessons of wisdom. They were...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

The Book of Life

(Copyright 10-22-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)In Revelation 20:15 we’re told that anyone who is not found written in the book of life will be cast into...

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel

Does God Hate Love?

by Nathaniel Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)Yes! What you have been taught by men today about love is a LIE, and God HATES IT! Understand, God...

Article Authors Kroeger, Catherine C.

Healing the Bitter Waters

(Copyright) by Catherine C. Kroeger (Brewster, Massachusetts)Joanna has given us a wonderful spiritual pilgrimage through the story of the Exodus. St. Paul wrote that this...

Article Authors La Spina, Alfio

As It Was in The Days of Noah

by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia)Genesis 6:5 (ESV)5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every...

Article Authors La Spina, Alfio

Are We Walking with God?

by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia)Think about how Abraham handled difficult situations. Abraham had complete trust in God. When God told him to go...

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

Preparing for the Feast

Article Authors Lee, Laura

A Little Here and A Little There

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)I have no idea how many times I have read my Bible from cover to cover, since I bought my...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura McNab, Jamie

The Truth about GOD’S CALENDAR

The Truth about GOD'S CALENDAR (Part One)by Jamie McNab (England)What is the truth about “God's Holy Day calendar?” It is very likely that many of...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

The party of war; the party of surrender

(Copyright) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"He kept us out of war." – Woodrow Wilson reelection slogan, 1916 RONALD REAGAN said that none of the wars during...

Article Authors Charcharos, Nicholas

One Lamb in the Morning & One at Evening

(Copyright) by Nicholas Charcharos (United Kingdom)At this time of the year the thoughts of the Christian are often on the death of our Lord Jesus...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Woman Eats Only MEAT for 13 Years: This Happens (Kelly Hogan Carnivore Diet)

(2024) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ-qwRGNgjo 1 hr. 19 min. What changes this woman has made from 262 lbs. down to slim and trim. Very...

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

Understanding Circumcision and the New Testament Covenant

by Gregory Diaz (Wayne, New Jersey)The great controversy of the New Testament church regarded whether or not gentile believers needed to be circumcised. It will...

Article Authors Jewell, John

The Penny Finally Drops or Has It!

Article Authors Verse By Verse Ministry International

Does the Bible teach that the Earth is round or flat?

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

What does BC and AD (B.C. and A.D.) Mean?

by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What is the meaning of BC (B.C.) and what does AD (A.D.) stand for? Why are these abbreviations utilized less and less in the...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Double Trouble

Article Authors Braughler, Denver Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Steinle, James Steinle, James

Digital Identity

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)"Digital Identity in America in less than a year" per Michele Bachmann, former presidential candidate turned dean of the...

Article Authors Morris, John D.

Did Noah’s Flood Cover the Himalayan Mountains?

Article Authors Yehoshua, Avram

The Feasts of Israel and the Church

by Avram Yehoshua (Flagstaff, Arizona)The use of many of the Feasts of Israel in Acts and First Corinthians, and them as time markers, reveals that...

Article Authors McBride, James

The New Education

by James McBride (United Kingdom)Many parents have received the brush-off when they ask, What did you do today at school? So, do you know what...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Celebrate!

Article Authors Ferrell, Clyde (Jr.)

Evil Prevails

by Clyde Ferrell Jr. (Mount Calm, Texas)The bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it” (Jeremiah 17:...

Article Authors Steinle, James

The Second Seal (Video Part 2)

(2023) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minesota)Approaching The 2nd Seal of Revelation (Part 2) by Tom Kerry https://thecogmi.org/video/approaching2.htm 1 hour 15 min. (Part One can be...

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

Holiness

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Jeffrey Caldwell (Arkansas)For months now I have been writing to thousands of the leaders and churches of Christendom, of all denominations, everyone...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Who is the Angel of Exodus 23:20?

Article Authors Henderson, Jeff Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Lee, Laura

Back to the Nephilim

Article Authors Mitchell, Royce

Fellowship? With Whom?

(Copyright) by Royce Mitchell, Jr. (Manvel, Texas)That is a good question! Who exactly should we welcome into our fellowship? Should we fellowship with just anyone?...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Nuclear Strike!

(Copyright 10-10-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The world is waiting to see how Israel will retaliate against Iran for their missile strike against Israel on...

Article Authors Sielaff, David

Who Killed Enoch?

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

The Fugitive Folk of Jacob’s Trouble

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Hear Our Prayer, O God!

Article Authors Lee, Laura

What Does the Bible Say?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Prayers for Sharon

Article Authors Steinle, James

Two Things to Making It

Article Authors Ford, Mike Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Be My Valentine?

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Explanation of Creation

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) Gen. 1:1. “In the beginning, GOD created the heaven and the earth. V.3. "And GOD SAID, Let there be...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Vindicating Trump

(Copyright 10-31-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The film, Vindicating Trump, became available on YouTube yesterday. You can watch it for free if you should be...

Article Authors Lee, Darwin

Pray For Israel

(Sent in 2023) by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)Pray For Israel(Sent in 2023) by Darwin Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) This link will take you to the...

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L.

Does it Matter Where You Worship?

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)Does the physical location where congregations of the elect assemble to worship God the Father have any positive or negative impact...

Article Authors Bair, John R.

Sin = Lawlessness

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Devil-Media Snare: Minds of Multitudes Captured

(Copyright 2022) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Satanic Mind Control of Devil-Media, Mayo Clinic, and Psychiatrist: Psychological, Intimidating, Fabricated-False made-up diagnosis. Transgender, Gender Dysphoria, and...

Article Authors Lloyd, James

Hiccups In Time

Antion, David Article Authors

The Proverbs 31 Woman

(Copyright) by David Antion (Pasadena, California)"Who can find a noble wife" (v. 10)? The word "virtuous" in the King James is better translated "noble" as...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Poonen, Zac

Counterfeit Revival

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Donald Trump, The USA Bible, And Accusations of Christian Nationalism

Article Authors Steinle, James

New discovery at Mount Sinai- the Metallurgy site where the items of the Tabernacle were made!

Article Authors Burson, Nathaniel Goff, William P. Iron Sharpening Iron Authors

The Good Leaven

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)I believe that the parable of the leaven (Mathew 13:33) pertains to the most essential part of our...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Kenya Update November 3, 2023

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Johnson, Gary Lee, Laura

Mishandling Marriage & The Sin of Uzzah

(Copyright) by Gary Johnson (Arkansas)The divorce rate has skyrocketed. Kids are shooting up schools. Homosexuality is taught as an “alternative lifestyle” and promiscuity among teenagers...

Article Authors Ford, Mike

Was Jesus a Vegetarian?

Article Authors Yehoshua, Avram

The Seed of Abraham

by Avram Yehoshua (Flagstaff, Arizona)The Seed of Abraham’s website (https://www.seedofabraham.net/) has Avram Yehoshua’s teachings on it (about 180 articles), which form the theology for The...

Article Authors McBride, James

Why Do We Sin?

Article Authors Glover, Bill

What is the True Gospel?

by Bill Glover (Eugene, Oregon)Exactly what is the gospel of Jesus Christ? What did He actually teach? Why are there so many different Christian denominations...

Article Authors Rives, David

The Church of Darwinism – A Religious Practice of Worshipping Man

(Copyright) by David Rives (Lewisburg, Tennessee)Visiting a Buddhist Temple, you get a sampling of religions that hold man in high esteem… They idolize the teachings...

Article Authors McLemore, Jesse

Divorce and Remarriage

(Copyright) by Jesse McLemore (United States)While this study is entitled "Divorce and Remarriage," we will be discussing much more than this. This is easily the...

Article Authors McBride, James

Delight in the Sabbath

by James McBride (United Kingdom)The weekly Sabbath is for Christians a day in which to delight in God's presence. "Sabbath rest" is a concept far...

Article Authors Hillebrenner, Bill

What is God’s Amazing Favor?

(Copyright) by Bill Hillebrenner (Matthews, North Carolina)What is God's favor? Why are people confused over the meaning of His grace? Why does God extend his...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

What Kind of King Would You Be?

(Copyright 10-21-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)The Fall Festival season pictures the Kingdom of God being established on earth. That means a new government will...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Miller, Gary C.

The Gospels’ Accounts of Events Passover Night

Article Authors Steinle, James

Some Things to Consider as a Possibility

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Ever wonder how even the very elect could, if possible, be deceived by false Christs (Messiahs) and false prophets which will...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Coronation Symbolism

Article Authors Steinle, James

Does it Really do any Good to Pray for Others?

(Copyright 11-01-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)I think we will see our prayers can be effective for others or ourselves; especially if our hearts, our...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Black Criminal Opportunity?

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Love your Black Criminal - Hate Your White Neighbor! Wealthy and powerful - black athletes - relish the opportunity to...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Election 2024

(Copyright 10-23-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) Who Will Do the Best Job of Carrying Forward the Original American Vision of Faith and Freedom? America was...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

A Revealing Portrait

(Copyright 05-21-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Jeff and Richard discuss their views on King Charles III latest portrait. They kick around some possible symbolic meanings...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

Human Control

Article Authors Willis, Tommy

Stop. Slow down, Pray and Think

by Tommy Willis (New Orleans, Louisiana)In this modern world we have many time saving devices, yet we are more in a rush than ever before....

Article Authors Steinle, James

Crows in Israel, Flag?

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Short Video Must See:https://twitter.com/russiaisntenemy/status/1710728785228669327?s=51&t=67rKSlHI9bToxxoc61Ya4w Crows in Israel tear down Israeli flags in different parts of the country. Shocking to see! ...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Diversity Madness!

by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)The Devil is a Diversity Professor: The “Diversity Doctrine” is: Racist, Depraved, and Insane. Honor and respect is to be...

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Two Men

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Angel Sighting

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)As a child, I never grew up in the church of God nor did I ever have contact with anyone...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Steinle, James

What and When is the Passover?

Article Authors Daly, Ray

Black Citizens of America

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota)"Their Past History" The following information comes from a number of sources, but for those that would like to have...

Article Authors Bruns, Terry

“Are The Ten Commandments Obsolete?”

Article Authors Mambwe, Obed

Teachings

(Copyright 11-10-2024) by Obed Mambwe (Unknown)Thank you for your wonderful teachings and we are much beneficiaries of your teachings. Therefore, we are in need of...

Article Authors Hoeck, Kenneth M.

What Must I Do to Be Saved

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L.

Christmas, Easter, Halloween & Other Non-Biblical Holidays

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and the national Thanksgiving holiday in the United States are among the most commonly observed religious and secular...

Article Authors Gray, Jonathan

Two SHOCKING Answers

by Jonathan Gray (New Zealand)Today you are getting two SHOCKING answers to two outrageous questions... SO HOW OLD IS IT?This whole thing started when Fred (my...

Article Authors Jewell, John

End of the World

by John Jewell (London, England)The end of the world! Is it, or the possibility of it, a reality or not? Is there something in the...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

America Has Too Much Time On Its Hands

Article Authors Tucker, Jeffrey A.

Anti-Lockdown Goes Mainstream

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L. Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Steinle, James

Are there Still Elders in the Church?

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)Some believe and teach that the early church did not have an organized ministry which selected men who were given authority...

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Only God can make America great now (and the jury is out on that)

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

All in All

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

The 144,000 Virgins

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

Are You Sick and Tired?

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Why God allows such things to happen (an annual encore column)

(Copyright 10-27-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"The Truth is stranger than fiction," they say. "But not as popular." EVER BEEN SO NUMB THAT YOU COULDN'T SHED...

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Slough, Keith

Questions Answered About Masons

by Keith Slough (Kannapolis, North Carolina)“Is it acceptable for a member of the Body of Christ to also be a member of the Masons or...

Article Authors Collins, Martin G.

God’s Non-Transmittable Attributes

God’s Non-Transmittable Attributes (Part One) Omnipotenceby Martin G. Collins (Charlotte, North Carolina) There is a critical distinction between God's transmittable attributes, which He shares with us,...

Article Authors Lee, Darwin

Not Under the Law

Article Authors Steinle, James

One More Candidate for the Anti-Christ

(Copyright 05-07-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://healthimpactnews.com/2024/exposing-the-antisemitism-noahide-laws-that-criminalize-belief-in-jesus-christ-as-the-jewish-messiah-punishable-by-execution/ Article and video (19+ min.) Must read & see. Quite interesting information on Jered Kushner (son-in-law to Donald Trump)...

Article Authors Lloyd, James

The Wicked Know Not at What They Stumble – Proverbs 4:19

Article Authors Rives, David

Does Earth’s Fate Rest on a Giant Turtle’s Back?

Article Authors Hudson, Albert

Thought on 2 Timothy 1:13

(Copyright) by Albert Hudson (United Kingdom)"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in...

Article Authors La Spina, Alfio

Strive to Be a Perfect Servant of the Most High

by Alfio La Spina (Sooke British Columbia, Canada)Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV) 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Will God Use Foreign-Born Immigrants to Save America?

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Ending the Cycle of Abuse in the Church of God

by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) If you saw an old woman being robbed, would you help her? If you knew a child was being...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Praying for One Another: I Got Your Six

(Copyright 11-04-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minesota)"I got your six” Steve M. of Torah Family nails it in this powerful message on the concept of...

Article Authors Sielaff, David

Romona Martin’s Death

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

Drunk on power, the power of lies (but will it work this time?)

(Copyright 11-05-2024) by Curtis Dahlgren (Stephenson, Michigan)"If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right...

Article Authors Ray, Tawanda

Bear Witness

by Tawanda Ray (Hamilton, Alabama)The Apostles of old were authoritatively toldTo bear witness of Jesus' life.He warned them that they would often encounterMuch hatred, debate,...

Article Authors Church of God Group

Command to Love

Command to Loveby Church of God Group (Christchurch, New Zealand)To the Children of God, brothers, and sisters of Jesus Christ in whom the Holy Spirit...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

As Eve Believed Satan: Instead of God

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

God’s Faithfulness

Article Authors Author Unknown

A Parable

by Author Unknown (Internet)Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark...# 1--Don't miss the boat.# 2--Remember that we are all in...

Article Authors Rives, David

Are We Blind to Design

Article Authors Ford, Mike

Wool and Linen

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Red Heifer or Red Herring?

Article Authors Steinle, James

World News Update 11-3-23 – Torah Family dot.org

(Copyright 2023) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)https://torahfamily.org/world-news-update-11-3-23/ 12 min. video on reports of around 50 men (no women) in unmarked tour bus in southern U.S.,...

Article Authors Rives, David

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Marry Them

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

Learning the New Song

(Copyright 06-07-2024) by Gregory Diaz (Wayne, New Jersey)Christians and Bible students familiar with chapters seven and fourteen of Revelation have questioned who the 144,000 will...

Article Authors Glover, Bill

God Visits Kenya, East Africa

by Bill Glover (Eugene, Oregon)Residents of Kenya, East Africa recently received a visit from the Almighty Creator God through the persons of two white men...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Bambi and Thumper

(Copyright 05-24-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)A real-life Bambi and Thumper caught on camera - Good Morning America Only seconds long, but Wonderful! You may have...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Jonathan Cahn: A Mystery For Joe Biden – Prophetic Message

Article Authors Markland, Richard

World Peace in Our Time or a World in Pieces?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

History’s Hidden Hand

Algorri, Rafael Article Authors Ben-Ariel, David Freeman, John Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Did Herbert Armstrong Ever Observe Pentecost on Sivan 6?

From David Ben-Ariel (Toledo, Ohio)In the early years of his ministry, and the beginning of the Radio Church of God, Herbert Armstrong observed Pentecost on the...

Article Authors Martin, Samuel S.

The House of God: Where it was Built?

by Samuel S. Martin (Israel)When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, at that time, God dwelled among the Israelites in a moveable...

Article Authors Sablich, Craig

God’s Plan and the False Immortal Soul Doctrine

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B.

Death by Debt

Article Authors Cary, Lloyd W.

UFOS Exist! But What are They?

(Copyright) by Lloyd W. Cary (Tyler, Texas)Are UFOs real—and if so, what are they? Does the Bible speak of UFOs? Was God an ancient astronaut?...

Article Authors Lloyd, James

The Deep State is the Body of Antichrist

(Copyright 08-27-2024) by James Lloyd (Medford, Oregon) Bible Prophecy says“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Lord shall lift up a standard against...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Poonen, Santosh

Building the True Church

Antion, David Article Authors

“In Defense of Bathsheba”

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Attempted Kidnapping Failed

(Copyright 07-22-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren, We want to thank all of you who continually pray for God’s protection. Last night...

Article Authors Hoeck, Brian Hoeck, Kenneth M.

Closing the Gap

Article Authors Steinle, James

Getting Involved in this Worlds Politics – Right or Wrong?

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

The Third Day

Article Authors Lloyd, James

Alternative Media

Article Authors Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Walford, Pamela

The Silence That Shouts

(Copyright) by Pamela Walford (Canada)“Dismembering the concubine’s body and sending parts to each of the 12 tribes was intended to awaken Israel from its moral...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Sielaff, David

Anakim Are from Adam

Powered By EmbedPress Iron Sharpening IronIn regard to: Anakim Are from AdamArticle by David SielaffComments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota)From the article:It means Og...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Famine of the Word

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What does the phrase "famine of the word" mean? Where did it come from? When will it take place? What will...

Article Authors Cocherell, Bud L.

The Festival of Atonement

by B. L. Cocherell (Nevada)The Day of Atonement is the fifth annual festival, and is probably one of the most complex, mysterious, and misunderstood of...

Article Authors Markland, Richard

A Warning to America! (Fiction)

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, Richard T.

Israel’s Long War

Article Authors Schatzle, Betty

Spiritual Gifts

by Betty Schatzle (West Chester, Ohio)In order to have and use the spiritual gifts that God gives individual persons, we must first have the Holy...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Kill-Baby-Rights Women: The Baby’s BODY is Not Your “Own Body”

(Copyright 10-06-2024) by Richard Frates (Easley, South Carolina)Abortion Depravity: Life or death for Babies is a women’s right! Democratic party Serpent: VP Kamala Harris falsely...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Power of Words

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter – September 21, 2024

(Copyright 09-20-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Greetings Brethren, Happy Sabbath. We hope all of you are doing well as we patiently await the...

Article Authors Traver, Rich

It Worked Last Time

Article Authors Ritenbaugh, John W.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Steinle, James

Looking Inside Noah’s Ark

Article Authors Author Unknown

Work Joke

(2024) by Author Unknown (Found in Attic)“The management regrets that it has come to their attention that employees dying on the job are failing to...

Article Authors Poonen, Zac

Circumcision of the Heart

Article Authors Steinle, James

Ivermectin

Ivermectin(Copyright 07-03-2024) by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota) Ivermectin is curing cancer right and left: Protocols being developed, studies being done! Spread this info aggressively! https://www.barnhardt.biz/2024/07/02/toldya-ivermectin-is-curing-cancer-right-and-left-protocols-being-developed-studies-being-done-spread-this-info-aggressively/ “As always,...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Atonement 101 (Day of Atonement 2023)

Article Authors Baity, Joseph B.

Universal Basic Income

by Joseph B. Baity (Charlotte, North Carolina) Regardless of one’s perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic historically upended the global community. Of the many burdens the world has suffered in...

Article Authors Graham, Levi W.

Places of Safety

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The Falling Away

(Copyright 08-24-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica in northern Greece regarding their fear that they had missed...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Research into British-Israelism by non British-Israel Scholars

(Copyright 2023) by Craig White (Australia)I have now uploaded a selection of theses and papers by various ones that have investigated British-Israelism here: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/iframe/Further_Research/Lost_Tribes_British-Israel/Researchbyothers/researchintobibyothers.html The first one...

Article Authors Lee, Laura

Healing Humanity

(Copyright 09-28-2024) Sent by Laura Lee (Bismarck, ND)Healing Humanity(Copyright 09-28-2024) Sent by Laura Lee (Bismarck, ND) While most doctors have big hearts and genuinely want to...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Darwin Lee, Laura Poonen, Zac

God Loves Us Unconditionally

Article Authors Daly, Ray Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura

Renewal of the Earth

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota)Psalm 104:30 “…You renew the face of the earth!” Read these words again. And a third time if necessary. Then ask...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

George Washington’s Secret Weapon for Defeating the British

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Believe Moses

(Copyright 08-10-2024) by Gary Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) BELIEVE MOSES, THEN YOU WILL BELIEVE YAHSHUA; "For if you believed Moses , you would have believed me...But if you...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

One Fine Day!

(Copyright) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)One fine day,In the middle of May,I was lookin' down the street,When I smelled someone's feet. I turned and there I...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Devil-Speak: You are What You Speak

(Copyright 10-26-2024) by Richard Frates (Easly, South Carolina)Media-Devils: Frame words to impose deception as truth evil as good, criminals as victim, accuse and intimidate the...

Article Authors Edwards, Norman S.

Faith to Face the Future

(Copyright 2009) by Norman S. Edwards (Port Austin, Michigan) Billion-dollar bank failures! Government rescues with trillions in bailouts, but somehow, nobody is at fault! Global crop failures! Caused by...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

New Items Uploaded to the Friends of the Sabbath Website

(Copyright 09-28-2024) by Craig M. White (Australia)The member who took 100s of photographs of these documents (many released months ago and more to be released...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Three Reasons My Faith Will Not Allow Me to Vote for a Certain Political Party

(Copyright 09-05-2024) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) I am neither a registered Republican or Democrat. I have no personal stake in the success of any political...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Benjamin Franklin’s Wisdom

Article Authors Daly, Ray

Jews of Judea Today

by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) I have been engaged in a normal "2-3" year project. That being, the creation of "room" in my bedroom/office! ...

Article Authors Missler, Chuck

Seven Mysterious Letters: A Timely Challenge

Article Authors Glover, Bill

Does God Heal Today?

by Bill Glover (Eugene, Oregon)I have extremely mixed emotions as I write this article. My emotions are not mixed or confounded on the subject of...

Article Authors Bair, John R.

The Making of Jewels

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

I Will Not Be Silent

Article Authors Bilezikian, Gilbert

A Challenge for Proponents of Female Subordination To Prove Their Case from The Bible

(Copyright) by Gilbert Bilezikian (Wheaton, Illinois)"Open my eyes that I may seeGlimpses of truth Thou hast for me.Place in my hands the wonderful KeyThat shall...

Article Authors Klosowsky, Carolyn

Dancing with God

Sent by Carolyn Klosowsky (Unknown)When I meditated on the word Guidance,I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.I remember reading that doing God's...

Article Authors Steinle, James

OZEMPIC

(2024) Sent by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)Millions Of Americans Stomachs Are Being Paralyzed By The Deadly New Weight Loss Drug 'Ozempic' That 'Big Pharma' Keeps...

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Blessed Day of Rest

(Copyright 08-24-2024) by Gary C. Miller (Pocahontas, Arkansas) MORE LASTING THAN THE UNIVERSEThe Seventh Day Sabbath is not just a religious issue.It is a natural law,...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Every Eye Will See Him

(Copyright 10-19-2024) by Rod Reynolds (Wentzville, Missouri)Scripture states that when Jesus Christ returns to this earth at his second coming, every eye will see him...

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

Weird Bible

(Copyright) by BibleStudy.org (Farmington Hills, Michigan)Weirdest Offering to GodOne of the oddest trivia facts in the Bible revolves around the Philistines. God, after they captured...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Donor Letter May 9, 2024

(Copyright 05-09-2024) by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)I want to thank all of you who have been supporting our impoverished brethren, especially the...

Article Authors Frates, Richard

Day of – ATONEMENT – Gospel in Advance: Yom Kippur

Article Authors Rives, David

The Mighty Grizzly – Reproducing After Their Own Kind

(Copyright) by David Rives (Tennessee)There are eight species of bears worldwide—the Asiatic black bear, also known as the moon bear, giant panda, Malayan sun bear,...

Article Authors Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Martin, Mike Weight, Arlan

Is Disfellowshipping a Christian Practice?

by Arlan Weight (Bismarck, North Dakota) Is disfellowshipping and suspension a Christian practice? If so when should it be done? Who should do it? Can...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

Getting to the Root Cause of Gun Violence in America

(Copyright) by Eddie Hyatt (Grapevine, Texas) Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have emphasized that enforcing immigration laws will not solve the problem of illegal immigration. They...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Our Common Holy Day Origin

Sent by Craig White in 2010 (Australia)Notes by Dr Tom Roberts, PhDThe Beginnings of the Seventh Month MovementIn modern times the annual festival days have...

Article Authors Hyatt, Eddie

5 Explosive Truths That Will Demolish Critical Race Theory

Article Authors Branson, Brenda

All Abuse Hurts

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

Scott Ritter Letter

(Copyright 11-16-2024) by Dwight Fleming (Oroville, California)Received this letter today from Scott Ritter, former Weapons Inspector. He supports the nomination of Matt Gaetz for U.S....

Article Authors Caldwell, Jeffrey

A Child’s Theory

by Jeffrey Caldwell (Redwood City, California)A child’s theory of everything came to me as I drove to work.What is the primordial order of origin of...

Article Authors Steinle, James

Weather or Not

by James Steinle (Swanville, Minnesota)What is with all the weather, or lack of it? Record heat, drought, crop failures, gardens that we can’t keep up...

Article Authors Jewell, John

…Does the Devil Hate Christmas?

by John Jewell (London, England)On the surface, it 'seems' logical! What is the devils' attitude toward Jesus? It 'seems' logical that since he tried to...

Article Authors Reynolds, Rod

Abide in God’s Word

Article Authors Hillebrenner, Bill Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Traver, Rich

Sabbaths and Bullocks Offerings During the Feast of Tabernacles and Last Day

Article Authors Dahlgren, Curtis

10 typical Americans compared to the proverbial 10 virgins

Article Authors Daly, Ray Daly, Ray Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Leitch, John

Truth is Truth

(Copyright) by Ray Daly (Bismarck, ND) The above title is based on the words of 2 Tim. 2:15, “Study to show yourself approved unto God. ...

Article Authors Diaz, Gregory

What Does the Parable of Tares Teach About Judging?

(Copyright) by Gregory Diaz (Wayne, New Jersey)Judging is an interesting and important subject. Like any other doctrine it should be studied to see what the...

Article Authors Whitaker, Charles

Peter’s Trumpets Message – on Pentecost

Article Authors Burson, James E. Burson, Nathaniel

Why Wouldn’t He?

by Nathaniel Burson & James E. Burson (Big Sandy, Texas)YOU LACK FAITH. You know this is true. You may not like accepting it, but it is...

Article Authors Grabbe, David C.

Implications of the Gospel of the Kingdom

Article Authors BibleStudy.org

How to Understand Prophecy

by BibleStudy.org (Farmington, Michigan)What is Biblical Prophecy? How can we understand it? Simply put, prophecy is history foretold before it happens. God uses it to reveal...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight Iron Sharpening Iron Authors Lee, Laura Zehrung, Warren

Expect the Unexpected (Parts 1-4)

Article Authors Miller, Gary C.

Keys

Article Authors Derstine, Philip T.

Cleavage in the Church

by Philip T. Derstine (Puckett, Mississippi)“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” We can speak up, so that our silence does not...

Article Authors Fleming, Dwight

The Temple REVEALED

Article Authors Keesee, Bill

Another Look at Footwashing

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Death

by William P. Goff (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina)Now there are many churches out there in the world today, but only one true church. That church...

Article Authors Corlett, Chris

On Voting and Elections

(Copyright 09-03-2024) by Chris Corlett (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)This article puts the “personal” in Personal Update. Neither a Bible study nor a research paper, I hope to...

Article Authors White, Craig M.

Elmer Fisher – one of the first members of the Radio/Worldwide Church of God

(Copyright) by Craig White (Australia)I have now included some information on Elmer and Margret Fisher who HWA mentions a number of times in his Autobiography: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/iframe/ABC/Pioneers&Researchers/Fishers/Fishers.html This...

Article Authors Goff, William P.

Holy Days 2024
Passover (Observed at Sunset the Evening Before.)	April 23, 2024
Passover/Unleavened Bread	April 23-29, 2024
Pentecost	June 12, 2024
Trumpets	October 3, 2024
Atonement	October 12, 2024
Tabernacles	October 17-23, 2024
Last Great Day	October 24, 2024