Bible Thoughts

April 19, 1998

"Ye observe days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid of you, lest by any means, I bestowed labor upon you in vain."(Galatians 4:10-11).

The apostle is warning these brethren concerning the practices that could enslave them to either Judaism or paganism. They were to be free of such entanglements as a free people in Christ, not bound by religious traditions (holidays) they had followed in the past. Such holy days were usually accompanied by varied activities and could include everything from fasting to feasting. The practices of which Paul spoke did not belong to the gospel of Christ.

Several years ago, I walked into a building that had "church of Christ" on the sign. In the foyer, there was a Christmas tree. Now I am not against a home having a Christmas tree, but what in the world is one doing in a meetinghouse that is dedicated to the service of God? That was only the beginning of many things I have observed over the intervening years that occurs among some "churches of Christ."

We have just finished another "religious" holiday. The world calls it Easter. Their observance of the resurrection is surrounded by not only their man-made religious activities but feasting and drinking as well. Not recognizing the Bible as the final authority for what is done in the name of Christ, they invent to themselves activities and observances that are without scriptural authority. Once a group leaves(or ignores) what is taught by the Lord through His inspired word, the door is left open to all kinds of innovations. The conduct of the world during most religious holidays is shameful even from a moral standpoint.

A person may observe a holiday in a secular sense, separating such from any religious observance not commanded by God. Many Christians enjoy the various holidays that take place in our society. They do it in a spirit of kindness, enjoyment, and fun. They remember they are responsible to God and conduct themselves in that manner. The excesses of the world are not the path followed by disciples of Christ.

The observance of holidays should always be done with a respect for the Lord, for the Bible, and for others. One does not have to invent stories in order for children(and adults) to enjoy the gift exchanges, the food, the closeness, and the other benefits of relaxation from the work-a-day world of most. It is wise to remember that Jesus Christ was a real person, born of a woman, yet at the same time, He is the Son of God. Be careful that your children know the difference between what is real and what is fantasy.

When you read a fairy tale out of a storybook, it is not difficult for a young one to understand the characters are not real. However, the Bible is not a book of fairy tales, but a book of truth and righteousness that tells about God, Jesus Christ, and all of the others who were real folks who lived and breathed as you and I.

One can enjoy the secular holidays of our society. One can teach children to appreciate our heritage. One should also help them to realize the difference between make believe and reality.

The following are ten reasons(and there are many others) that I do not believe in the theory of organic evolution.

1. The book of Genesis does not teach the theory.

2. It is not taught in the Old Testament.

3. It is not taught in the New Testament.

4. Jesus Christ did not advocate belief in the theory.

5. The apostles and early Christians did not teach it.

6. It originated in the minds of uninspired men.

7. It is a theory--not an established fact.

8. It has close ties with infidelity.

9. There is no evidence such is taking place in our age.

10. The missing link is still missing.