The following is a blog post by Brother Dale over at Revival Fire. You can find the original post here.
It’s Christmastime again. I can’t believe that I’ve been saved for almost 45 years now and have been able to be part of so many real Christmases.
It wasn’t always so. As a young man who refused to believe in such nonsense such as a god that I couldn’t see, feel, or touch, Christmas remained simply a time of tinsel, pretty lights, Thomas Kincaid settings, and presents that you couldn’t afford. What a difference a simple prayer can make!
Over the years, I have heard all the reasons of why we shouldn’t celebrate Christmas – and I’m sure you’ve heard your share also. Born in a desire for righteousness but nurtured in a sea of self-righteousness, the razor-sharp arguments contend for an elimination of anything that smacks of red and green hues. The reasons are prolific. Let’s see:
- Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th
-It’s a pagan holiday
-The Roman Catholics started it
-There’s a reference to the Christmas tree as an abomination in Isaiah
-The only gift giving in the Bible was when Herod cut off John the Baptist’s head
-Jesus never said to celebrate His birth; only His death.
etc., etc.
I got it. Really I do. But aren’t there enough commandments in the Bible without having to make up some new ones? Does it really make us more righteous to abstain from celebrating Christmas, or does it just make us seem like we’re more “enlightened” than everyone else?
After so many years, there is one thing that I point to that has impressed itself on me that trumps all of those seemingly theological intelligent objections. I have noticed that every year about this time, there is a unique spirit of peace that descends upon the Earth like a softly fallen snow. For this one short period of time each year, people feel something so very different than the rest of the year. Grumpy old men find time to do something nice for others, people in a rush stop long enough to help strangers, strangers reach a sincere hand of friendship to people they’ve never had the time for before, and children open up in wide-eyed imaginations that are more wonderful than any other time in the year.
It’s Christmastime again.
I believe that God in all His loving mercy for mankind reaches down to touch humanity with a taste of the Love of God that we seem to be numb to the rest of the year, just as a reminder that He sent His only begotten Son as the ultimate Christmas gift to all men everywhere who would accept Him that they may be saved from their sins. It’s a taste of what Heaven must be like, sent down from our Heavenly Father who would have all men to be saved. A glimpse at what must be an eternal Christmastime.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas, from all of us, to all of you.
12.24.2013
12.18.2013
An Observation on A&E Suspending Phil Robertson
Earlier today, news broke that A&E Network "suspended" Phil Robertson, the lead man of Duck Dynasty, for his comments against homosexuality in a recent GQ Magazine personal profile. You can read more on the story from The Hollywood Reporter here.
The circumstance is unjust towards Phil. This is my rapid reaction to the nerve-fraying nonsense.
First, though, understand that I do not speak condemnation to the persons but to the lies and actions from the lies-- the sin and the devils behind it all. We all struggle against the kingdom of darkness and it's lies and enticements. Some with hetero lust, some homo lust, some drunkeness, and so on. Whichever you have been deceived about, don't feel bad or condemned. You are not a "bad person". You do need deliverance, but it is totally out of God's love for you. So never confuse strong emotions and feelings with something "being okay". Don't claim or bind yourself to the strong urge in question-- the sin is not YOU! What is deception if it doesn't make something seem real or necessary? Oh, it's gonna feel real, alright. That is the nature of deception. You just have to accept what God says about the matter and, in faith, hold fast to His word despite whatever strong enticement there is. There is powerful deliverance too-- something many Christians are ignorant of-- and that is one of the biggest deficiencies in the church. So take heart, those ignorant churches aren't IT! Don't stop there, journey closer to Father God! He's so much better than you've ever known! Really, I'm not sure how to thoroughly get you to understand how much Father God loves you and how much I love you while at the same time seeking your deliverance. It's the sin that's wrong, NOT the sinnner! We are ALL sinners. I love you whoever you are, okay?
Anyway, I haven't had the chance to watch Duck Dynasty yet. So don't dismiss me as a fanboy.
That said, let me get this straight, "his own personal beliefs" gets Phil suspended but, "A&E Networks ...always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community" is not equivalent of 'own personal beliefs'?? THAT'S YOUR OWN PERSONAL BELIEFS, A&E!! Hypocrites. I don't see GQ profiling A&E. No, they are profiling PHIL! He's his own man. He's not you, A&E. He doesn't represent you. No, you are apparently contracted to a REALITY show. YOU ARE JUST THE CAMERA PEEKING INTO HIS PERSONAL LIFE. He didn't even say that on the show. You are trolling, A&E. You are encroaching. You are reaching. You are targeting. It's a different story if this was an employee representing A&E. Phil isn't your employee. At least that is how A&E has sold it to us in the past. Either way, something stinks here. In addition, it is intriguing how this encroachment might spill over from personal rights into business encroachment since Phil's business-- Duck Commander, his employment-- is also being filmed. If I were Phil, I'd consider filing suit and taking filming rights to FOX or Netflix.
Besides, PHIL IS RIGHT. What he said is the God-ordained TRUTH! You read what those poor deceived groups say and I can't even finish reading their statement. The lies makes me want to beat the devil's head in!! Why do we put up with political correctness, pandering, and persecution-lite? I hope Phil takes a stand and I hope you will too the next time you are affected by such.
The circumstance is unjust towards Phil. This is my rapid reaction to the nerve-fraying nonsense.
First, though, understand that I do not speak condemnation to the persons but to the lies and actions from the lies-- the sin and the devils behind it all. We all struggle against the kingdom of darkness and it's lies and enticements. Some with hetero lust, some homo lust, some drunkeness, and so on. Whichever you have been deceived about, don't feel bad or condemned. You are not a "bad person". You do need deliverance, but it is totally out of God's love for you. So never confuse strong emotions and feelings with something "being okay". Don't claim or bind yourself to the strong urge in question-- the sin is not YOU! What is deception if it doesn't make something seem real or necessary? Oh, it's gonna feel real, alright. That is the nature of deception. You just have to accept what God says about the matter and, in faith, hold fast to His word despite whatever strong enticement there is. There is powerful deliverance too-- something many Christians are ignorant of-- and that is one of the biggest deficiencies in the church. So take heart, those ignorant churches aren't IT! Don't stop there, journey closer to Father God! He's so much better than you've ever known! Really, I'm not sure how to thoroughly get you to understand how much Father God loves you and how much I love you while at the same time seeking your deliverance. It's the sin that's wrong, NOT the sinnner! We are ALL sinners. I love you whoever you are, okay?
Anyway, I haven't had the chance to watch Duck Dynasty yet. So don't dismiss me as a fanboy.
That said, let me get this straight, "his own personal beliefs" gets Phil suspended but, "A&E Networks ...always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community" is not equivalent of 'own personal beliefs'?? THAT'S YOUR OWN PERSONAL BELIEFS, A&E!! Hypocrites. I don't see GQ profiling A&E. No, they are profiling PHIL! He's his own man. He's not you, A&E. He doesn't represent you. No, you are apparently contracted to a REALITY show. YOU ARE JUST THE CAMERA PEEKING INTO HIS PERSONAL LIFE. He didn't even say that on the show. You are trolling, A&E. You are encroaching. You are reaching. You are targeting. It's a different story if this was an employee representing A&E. Phil isn't your employee. At least that is how A&E has sold it to us in the past. Either way, something stinks here. In addition, it is intriguing how this encroachment might spill over from personal rights into business encroachment since Phil's business-- Duck Commander, his employment-- is also being filmed. If I were Phil, I'd consider filing suit and taking filming rights to FOX or Netflix.
Besides, PHIL IS RIGHT. What he said is the God-ordained TRUTH! You read what those poor deceived groups say and I can't even finish reading their statement. The lies makes me want to beat the devil's head in!! Why do we put up with political correctness, pandering, and persecution-lite? I hope Phil takes a stand and I hope you will too the next time you are affected by such.
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