New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 3

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 3

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Now, that we have established the history of our modern calendar and the Old Testament indication for the beginning of the year. What next? Well obviously none of us here on earth have the power to move times and laws (Proverbs 19:21). And just like any other national or internationally recognized celebration, we do our best to get along with everyone (Romans 12:18). But there are some things we can do during this time of celebration and preparation for a New Year to keep ourselves grounded in the truth. Be safe in your activities, do not overindulge or plan for travelling safely if you do, that is find a designated driver. And just enjoy the renewing of life, your freedom and remember who gave you that freedom (Ephesians 2:4-10)!

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 2

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 2

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Next, let’s look into the Bible a bit for what God says about keeping time! First, in Genesis 1, God set the “two lights” to be sings for seasons, days and years and to govern the night and day (Genesis 1:14-18). In the Old Testament the beginning of the year was Nisan 1, which we can know is sometime in March, or shortly around that time, because it is connected with the Jewish celebration of Passover or the Christian Easter, which in the Old Testament is said to begin at Nisan 14 (Leviticus 23:5, Exodus 12:2). Is it any coincidence that this time of the year is the end of the year fiscally for most business’s and tax season for all?

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 1

New Year, Celebration, Signs – What are the ancient roots of our modern New Year’s celebration? – Part 1

This week’s article may be more of a history lesson than anything else, although I will touch on some Old Testament laws on keeping the yearly calendar. Time is an important thing in this working world, and just like we need to keep a weekly schedule for work, school, religion and family activities we must also keep a yearly schedule for those yearly chores like tax season, the beginning of the school year, and the like. This week’s article will be about that yearly date we celebrate as the start of the year, its history and connect it with our daily lives using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice.

First, let’s talk about the history of the current calendar the majority of the world uses to mark the beginning of the New Year. It has it’s foundations in Rome and actually, seems to be traceable to Greek civilization before that. The calendar we currently use is the Gregorian; it was adjusted slightly from the Julian calendar, both of which use the sun to determine dates, months and years. Although I am far from an expert on keeping time, it seems that the early version of the Greek calendar matches up more closely with the Old Testament laws of keeping time, that is, there are 29 and 30 day months, vs. the 30 and 31 day months we have now.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 5

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 5

When I first started seriously asking questions about the Bible, God and Jesus, I received some answers I never expected and it has taken me years to develop my own view about Christ, His teachings and the Bible. And I will admit, I still do not have it all figured out… But one of the doctrines I have been fighting about with myself and family for the last few years is Christmas, whether or not it is Biblical and what to do about it. This week we will talk about the topic of Christmas, its history, what it means and what you can do about it, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Last, keep in your mind why you do the things you do, and why you celebrate the “feasts” you do. If there is a positive God given connection, then no harm no foul (Romans 14:4-5). If there are some negative connections you may have with this time of the year, address them and turn them into positives! It is only a couple of days at most out of the year. Make them joyful ones’. As the Bible says, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4)! And on a purely physical level, it is always a good idea to refrain from overindulgence of candy, food or alcohol for your health’s sake and with alcohol, the health of those around you, because of irresponsible driving. So as the saying goes, do your best to “keep Christ in Christmas” this year and in the years to come, until the whole world knows Christ reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 4

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 4

When I first started seriously asking questions about the Bible, God and Jesus, I received some answers I never expected and it has taken me years to develop my own view about Christ, His teachings and the Bible. And I will admit, I still do not have it all figured out… But one of the doctrines I have been fighting about with myself and family for the last few years is Christmas, whether or not it is Biblical and what to do about it. This week we will talk about the topic of Christmas, its history, what it means and what you can do about it, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Now, the majority of Christianity connects this time of year with Christ’s birth. So let’s talk about it… First, He was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18). His mother almost was banished because of the fact that she was pregnant before she was actually married to Joseph (Matthew 1:19-25). Jesus was born in a barn, cannot get more humble beginnings than that (Luke 2:7). Joseph, Mary and young Jesus moved to Egypt for a time to get away from the evil Herod, who heard the prophecy that a king was to be born (Matthew 2:13-15). And last, at some point after Jesus’ birth, He was visited by the three wise men. And they confirmed His miraculous fulfillment of prophecy in the Old Testament and their understanding by bringing Him gifts to recognize His pre-eminence as a King (Matthew 2:1-11)! Not only that but the King of Kings! Our Lord and Saviour!

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 3

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 3

When I first started seriously asking questions about the Bible, God and Jesus, I received some answers I never expected and it has taken me years to develop my own view about Christ, His teachings and the Bible. And I will admit, I still do not have it all figured out… But one of the doctrines I have been fighting about with myself and family for the last few years is Christmas, whether or not it is Biblical and what to do about it. This week we will talk about the topic of Christmas, its history, what it means and what you can do about it, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

So we have those two truths and now, there are some who do not celebrate Christmas because of the knowledge of its ancient roots mentioned earlier. But what can we do about it? First, I do not believe there is any hard fast rule, Biblical or otherwise that we must celebrate Christmas to be a Christian. However, as I have learned one’s opinion and expressing it to others is two different things. So, how can we go about obeying God and Christ and get along with everyone else while doing it? Well, Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (KJV). With that being said, I will spend the last bit of this post talking about Christ and the miracle of His birth over 2000 years ago.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 2

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 2

When I first started seriously asking questions about the Bible, God and Jesus, I received some answers I never expected and it has taken me years to develop my own view about Christ, His teachings and the Bible. And I will admit, I still do not have it all figured out… But one of the doctrines I have been fighting about with myself and family for the last few years is Christmas, whether or not it is Biblical and what to do about it. This week we will talk about the topic of Christmas, its history, what it means and what you can do about it, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Next, the Jews celebrate a holiday called, Hanukkah, during this time of year. If you do not already know, this holiday is about a miracle that took place over 2000 years ago, just before Christ’s physical time here on earth. The holiday is about a miracle that is explained in Maccabees time, not a “canonized” Biblical text, but as the story goes, the Jews were fighting against the Roman and Greek governing bodies, namely Antiochus of Syria, and did not have enough oil to sustain the ritual lamps. Miraculously the lamps stayed lit for the 8 days required, until they could make more oil to supply its burning. There is much more to this story and note it is not “canonized” Bible teaching strictly speaking, but miracles happen every day that are not mentioned in the Bible. So no judgements made from my point of view.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 1

Jesus, Nativity and Mistletoe – What is the history of Christmas and how should it affect you? – Part 1

When I first started seriously asking questions about the Bible, God and Jesus, I received some answers I never expected and it has taken me years to develop my own view about Christ, His teachings and the Bible. And I will admit, I still do not have it all figured out… But one of the doctrines I have been struggling with the last few years is about how to celebrate Christmas, whether or not it is Biblical and what to do about it. This week I will talk about the topic of Christmas, its history, what it means and what you can do about it, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice.

First, let’s talk about the date, it is December 25^th and is very close to the winter solstice, which had its own celebration within the gentile nations. Probably partially because of the fact that it was a reminder, in the Northern Nations anyhow, that things were going to be warming up soon and was likely a way of celebrating the coming season of harvest and warmth. But was Jesus born on December 25^th? It is hard to tell, but likely not, as it has been argued that the time the shepherds were out in the field connecting with the time of Jesus’s birth may have been closer to an October timeline. And speaking of Christmas trees specifically, there is a verse in the Old Testament that mentions a description of something that may have been similar to the ancient origin of the modern Christmas tree (Jeremiah 10:1-5). I will leave the truth of the meaning and purpose of that verse up to the reader to decide.

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Being satisfied in all circumstances – Part 3

Being satisfied in all circumstances – What does that involve? – Part 3

The challenge of being content in all circumstance may be a lifelong challenge, but it is possible. God would not ask us to be content, if it were not possible. As I have mentioned before, the challenge is being content in the “worst” of circumstances. When you learn how to rejoice in suffering you have made it! This week I will talk about how to be satisfied in all circumstance, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Last, as I have said, contentment comes from our source, God, through the Holy Spirit; we “top up” our spirit by communing with other believers, reading the Bible, prayer and praise or listening to worship as well. Jesus said, if we were to keep quiet even the rocks would cry out in praise to God (Luke 19:40)! So even if you were the last person on earth, you would still be able to hear the praise of God through His “inanimate” creation, the rocks and streams and trees. In the constant noise of this ever integrating and expanding world, take a minute to listen to that still small voice that comes from seemingly nowhere (1 Kings 19:12). You will then know that you are indeed not alone in this world and you may realize that indeed you do have everything you will ever need with you and in you; to live here on earth and forever more with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and God our Father!

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom

Being satisfied in all circumstances – Part 2

Being satisfied in all circumstances – What does that involve? – Part 2

The challenge of being content in all circumstance may be a lifelong challenge, but it is possible. God would not ask us to be content, if it were not possible. As I have mentioned before, the challenge is being content in the “worst” of circumstances. When you learn how to rejoice in suffering you have made it! This week I will talk about how to be satisfied in all circumstance, using the Bible as the go to reference book of choice…cont’d.

Next, the word in the New Testament for satisfied is content. And the Greek word is “arkeo” and can also be considered as, unfailing strength, to be strong or to defend. A few of the places that it is used are in Luke 3:14, Phil. 4:11, 1 Tim. 6:8 and Heb. 13:5. Each verse suggests being “content” with what you have, with food, clothing, and your circumstances. But if you substitute “content” with be “strong” this can take on a new meaning. The point is, that God wants us not only to be satisfied or content, but strong in our circumstances in general, whatever they may be. And this strength can only come from putting our trust in Him!

More to come…

Darrell

Seven Steps to Freedom