WPCR! ,QV1?fPwz*v %)4Tfšt4#~N)` G==qPrͯ/0WsNK WTnB(:! fۘ_ǀyꇿQLkHmgmZȋD !R(nѩGL+H (kĸ%NfS/0H4EhH%D3|]6u]ޮc.QjF&.rXj*w݀f }DBPxPTVSn2vm;PD1anGg#b+zYo_ /*3 M>8@a > (_17  2( 4 <DL223  Ԁ2( 4 <DL2  *DD (_16   ," <DL,23  Ԁ," <DL,   *55 (_15  ) <DL)23  Ԁ) <DL)  *22 (_14 ` &<<DL&23  Ԁ&<<DL& ` *// (_13  #DL#23  Ԁ#DL#  *,, (_12   DL 23  Ԁ DL  *)) (_11 h DDL23  ԀDDL h *&& (_10  L23  ԀL  (## &_9   L23  Ԁ L  (>> &_8  2( 4 <DL223  2( 4 <DL2  (DD &_7   ," <DL,23  ," <DL,   (55 &_6  ) <DL)23  ) <DL)  (22 &_5 ` &<<DL&23  &<<DL& ` (// &_4  #DL#23  #DL#  (,, &_3   DL 23   DL  ()) &_2 h DDL23  DDL h (&& &_1  L23  L  &## $_   L23   L   +'USUS.,  _   RESOLVINGDIFFERENCESAND  DISTINGUISHINGBETWEENCHRISTIANLIBERTYANDSATANICLIBERTY (.3$ !USUS.,  Page of &https://earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com/SermonsAndAudio/JamesKnox/JamesKnoxTheSantaClausSermon2025.mp3(O$https://archive.org/search?query=%22The+Two+Babylons%22&tab=allhttps://earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com/SermonsAndAudio/JamesKnox/JamesKnoxOldSaintNick.mp3https://earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com/SermonsAndAudio/JamesKnox/JamesKnoxTheBirthDateOfJesus.mp3 d_  XXXX* USUS.,  ,8XXdd8TheBiblewarnsusinProverbs18:19:UKUS.,Ԁ US.,UK.,Abrotheroffendedishardertobewonthanastrongcity: P Andtheircontentionsarelikethebarsofacastle.HowaboutitChristian?Doyouknowofa < brotherorsisterinChristwhohasoughtagainstyou,butyourefusetogototheminanattemptat (  reconciliation?Howaboutitpastororteacher?IntheyearssincebecomingaChristian,andinyour   roleasapastororteacher,howmanytimeshaveyouheardasermonpreached,oralessontaught,   onMatthew5:2224?HaveyoueverpreachedortaughtonMatthew5:2224?Ihaveneverheard   alessontaught,orasermonpreached,fromMatthew5:2224inthecontextofresolvingconflicts   ininterpersonalrelationshipsamongChristiansorchurchmembers.However,IhaveheardMatthew  t 18:1517usedinthatcontextnumeroustimes.Iwouldask,whythedisparityinpreaching?That ` isnottosaythatMatthew5:2224hasnotbeenpreachedon,ortaughton.Thatjustmeansthatitis L  sorarelypreachedon,ortaughton,inthatcontextthatIhavenothearditinmy34yearsofbeing 8  saved.Inthelasteighttotenyearsofmyministry,Ihaveputmuchemphasisontheneedoftheparty t$  thatknowshisbrotherorsisterhasbeenoffended,orhasoughtagainstthem,forhimorhertogo `  totheoffendedpartyandattemptareconciliationevenifheorshebelievestheyhavedoneno L  wrong.HereiswhatMatthew5:2224states: 8  8  UKUS.,22US.,UK., ButIsayuntoyou,Thatwhosoeverisangrywithhisbrotherwithoutacauseshall  beindangerofthejudgment:andwhosoevershallsaytohisbrother,Raca,shallbe  indangerofthecouncil:butwhosoevershallsay,Thoufool,shallbeindangerof  hellfire.UKUS.,23US.,UK., UKUS.,Thereforeifthoubringthygifttothealtar,andthere_rememberest_Ԁthatthy  brother_hath_Ԁoughtagainstthee;US.,UK., UKUS.,24US.,UK., UKUS.,Leavetherethygiftbeforethealtar,andgothy p way;firstbereconciledtothybrother,andthencomeandofferthygift.Matthew \ 5:22!24US.,UK., H      `     h      p   UKUS.,Matthew5:22!24US.,UK.,T iswrittenasaninstructionand/orwarningforthosewhoknowthattheirbrother p  orsisterhasoughtagainstthemandwhoareeitherignorantofChristsrequirementthattheyattempt \  areconciliationorwhorefusetoattemptareconciliationbecauseoftheirpride.Fortheonewhohas H knowledgethatabrotherorsisterhasoughtagainstthem,therearenoconditionssetastowhich 4  partyisrightorwrong.Inotherwords,youareunderanobligationtoGodtogotothepartythathas  ! oughtagainstyouevenifyouhavedonenowrong.Ifyourefusetogo becauseyouhavedoneno  " wrong,thenyouputyourselfinthewrongbecauseyouareopposingUKUS.,Matthew5:22!24US.,UK.,.Whenyou " dothat,sinhasmultiplieditself.HereiswhatMatthew18:1517says: # 8  UKUS.,15US.,UK.,}Moreoverifthybrothershalltrespassagainstthee,goandtellhimhisfault %l! betweentheeandhimalone:ifheshallhearthee,thouhastgainedthybrother.UKUS.,16US.,UK.,cUKUS.,But &X" ifhewillnothearthee,thentakewiththeeoneortwomore,thatinthemouthoftwo 'D # orthreewitnesseseverywordmaybeestablished.US.,UK.,UKUS.,17US.,UK.,UKUS.,Andifheshallneglecttohear (0!$ them,tellituntothechurch:butifheneglecttohearthechurch,lethimbeuntothee l)"% asanheathenmanandapublican.Matthew18:15!17US.,UK.,X*#&   UKUS.,Matthew18:15!17US.,UK.,Ԁteachesthattheoffendedpartyistogotothepersonwhohasoffendedthemor 0,$( sinnedagainstthemandattemptaprivatereconciliation.IsubmitthatMatthew5:2224isahigher P standardthanMatthew18:1517.Infact,puttingMatthew5:2224intopracticeheadsoffmanyof < theproblemsthathavetobedealtwithundertherequirementsofMatthew18:1517.Issuesthatare (  nevertalkedaboutamongstourselveswillneverberesolved.Issuesthatareneverdiscussedwith   theintenttoresolvethemwillputdeathinthepotthatwillseetheuntilitboilsoverintointense   divisions.Wealwaystalkabouttheprideoftheoffender,butweneverseemtogetaroundtothe   prideoftheoffendedortheprideoftheonewhohasnotbeenoffendedorwhoclaimstonothave   beenoffendedwhenheorsheactuallyhas.Scripturally,neithertheoffenderortheoffendedcantake  t thehighground.Ineithercase,thosewhorefusetogototheirbrotherorsisterwhotheyknowhas ` oughtagainstthemisguiltyofsin. L  TurninyourBiblesto1Corinthians11:1634: 8  8  UKUS.,16US.,UK.,oButifanymanseemtobecontentious,wehavenosuchcustom,neitherthe `  churchesofGod.UKUS.,17US.,UK.,UKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,HNowinthisthatIdeclareuntoyouIpraiseyounot,thatyecome L  togethernotforthebetter,butfortheworse.UKUS.,18US.,UK.,Forfirstofall,whenyecometogether 8  inthechurch,Ihearthattherebedivisionsamongyou;andIpartlybelieveit.UKUS.,19US.,UK.,For $  theremustbealsoheresiesamongyou,thattheywhichareapprovedmaybemade  manifestamongyou.UKUS.,20US.,UK.,Whenyecometogetherthereforeintooneplace,thisisnot  toeattheLordssupper.UKUS.,21US.,UK.,8Forineatingeveryonetakethbeforeotherhisown  supper:andoneishungry,andanotherisdrunken.UKUS.,22US.,UK.,What?haveyenothousestoeat  andtodrinkin?ordespiseyethechurchofGod,andshamethemthathavenot? p WhatshallIsaytoyou?shallIpraiseyouinthis?Ipraiseyounot.UKUS.,23US.,UK.,ForIhave \ receivedoftheLordthatwhichalsoIdelivereduntoyou,ThattheLordJesusthe H samenightinwhichhewasbetrayedtookbread:UKUS.,24US.,UK.,Andwhenhehadgiventhanks, 4 hebrakeit,andsaid,Take,eat:thisismybody,whichisbrokenforyou:thisdoin p  remembranceofme.UKUS.,25US.,UK., Afterthesamemanneralsohetookthecup,whenhehad \  supped,saying,Thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood:thisdoye,asoftasye H drinkit,inremembranceofme.UKUS.,26US.,UK.,!Forasoftenasyeeatthisbread,anddrinkthiscup, 4  yedoshewtheLordsdeathtillhecome.UKUS.,27US.,UK.,"Whereforewhosoevershalleatthis  ! bread,anddrinkthiscupoftheLord,unworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyand  " bloodoftheLord.UKUS.,28US.,UK.,#Butletamanexaminehimself,andsolethimeatofthatbread, " anddrinkofthatcup.UKUS.,29US.,UK.,?$Forhethateatethanddrinkethunworthily,eatethand # drinkethdamnationtohimself,notdiscerningtheLordsbody.UKUS.,30US.,UK.,%Forthiscausemany $  areweakandsicklyamongyou,andmanysleep.UKUS.,31US.,UK.,%Forifwewouldjudgeourselves, %l! weshouldnotbejudged.UKUS.,32US.,UK.,&Butwhenwearejudged,wearechastenedoftheLord, &X" thatweshouldnotbecondemnedwiththeworld.UKUS.,33US.,UK.,&Wherefore,mybrethren,when 'D # yecometogethertoeat,tarryoneforanother.UKUS.,34US.,UK.,['Andifanymanhunger,lethimeat (0!$ athome;thatyecomenottogetheruntocondemnation.AndtherestwillIsetinorder l)"% whenIcome.1Corinthians11:16!34X*#&   Accordingto1Corinthians11:1618,achurchthathasacontentiousatmosphereinitthathas 0,$( createddivisionsinthechurchshouldnotholdtheLORDSSupperifnoattempthasbeenmadeto P resolveorreconcilethoseconflictsanddivisions.ThatiswhymostpastorswhoareledoftheHoly < GhostwillofferatimeofreconciliationpriortoofferingtheelementsoftheLORDSSupper.Ifa (  savedindividualknowsanotherChristianhasoughtagainsthimandhewillnotgotothatindividual   inanattemptatreconciliation,thenheshouldnotpartakeoftheLORDSSupper.Ifanindividual   hasbeenwrongedbyanotherChristian,orperceivestheyhavebeenwrongedbyanotherChristian,   andwillnotgotothepersonorpersonswhohaswrongedtheminanattempt_to_Ԁbringabout   reconciliation,thenthatindividualshouldnotpartakeoftheLORDSSupper.  t Pastorswhotrytodealwithconflictfromthepulpitwithouthavingfirstappliedtherequirements ` ofMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517arenotledoftheHolyGhosttodoso.ThereasonIsay L  thatisbecausetheHolyGhostwillnotdoanythingcontrarytohisWord.Inongoingconflict,ifa 8  pastortriestopublicklycorrectanindividualfromthepulpitwithouthavingfulfilledthe t$  requirementsofMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517,thenthatpastorsinsagainstGod,his `  congregation,andtheindividualsheistryingtocorrect.ThereisareasonthatGodcommandsus L  togotoindividualsprivately TWICE beforetakingthematterpublic.Again,theBiblewarnsus 8  inProverbs18:19:UKUS.,Ԁ US.,UK.,70Abrotheroffendedishardertobewonthanastrongcity:Andtheir (  contentionsarelikethebarsofacastle.Itisonethingtooffendanindividualprivatelyandyet  anothertooffendanindividualpublicklyifyouhavenotdealtwiththemprivatelyaccordingtothe  requirementsofMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517.Ifyouattemptaninyourfacepublic  correctionwithouthavingFIRST#XXXX#XXXXԀdealtwithanindividualprivately,thenallyouaregoingtodois  createacontentiousrebel.Thoughthatrebelbearstheirsin,youareresponsibleforhavingcreated t thesituationthatledtotheirsin.Ifyouhavenot SCRIPTURALLY dealtwiththemprivatelybefore ` yougopublick,thenyoucommitanactofspiritualtreacheryagainsttheindividualandanactof P spiritualcowardiceagainstGod.Weallknowthosepastorswhopreachtoindividualspublickly < withoutcallingthemoutbyname.Everyoneinthecongregationknowswhoheispreachingto,but x( thatpastordoesnothavethespiritualbackbonetodealwiththemprivatelybyexhaustingALLthe d requirementsofMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517beforehegoespublick.Apastorwhowill P notdealwithindividualconflictandsinprivatelybeforegoingpublickisabusingpastoralauthority. <  Publickrebukeonsomethingthatshouldhavefirstbeenhandledinprivatebegsforopenconflict (! inthechurch.Itdoublesdownonactualorperceivedinjusticesandoffenses. " YouwillnoticethatIhaveputmuchemphasisonBOTHMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517 # inthisbriefpresentationbecausetheydealwithtwodifferentsidesofconflictsinpersonal # relationships.Theydealwiththeoffenderandtheoffended.Ineveryconflictyouhavethepotential $  torunintofourdifferenttypesofpeople.Thoseare(1)thepersonwhoisoffended,(2)theperson %t! whoistheoffender,(3)thepersonwhohasoffendedanddoesnotrealizeit,and(4)thepersonwho &`" iswrongfullyaccusedofanoffense.Thatiswhyeveryconflictthatarisesmustbedealtwith 'L # accordingtoBOTHMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517simultaneously.Thatwayboththe (8!$ offenderandtheoffendedaredealtwithatthesametime.Tonotdealwithboththeoffenderandthe t)$"% offendedistoopenyourselfuptobeingaccusedofpracticingpartiality.Ifyoujudgerighteous `*#& judgement,youwillfindyourselfapplyingbothMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517toevery L+#' conflictsimultaneously#XXXX2#XXXX. 8,$( Iwouldremindpastorsandcongregationsthatitisneverwisetomockabrotherorsisterbasedupon P theirpersonalpreferencesthatdonotviolatescripturalrulesandprecepts.Theexerciseofpersonal < preferencesthatarenotsinshouldneverbeusedasjustificationforbreakingfellowshipwithan (  individualorpublicklyorprivatelyrebukingormockingthatindividualfortheirpreferences.God   theHolyGhostdealtwiththisissueofpersonalpreferencesquiteforcefullyinRomans14wherewe   readthefollowing:   8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,o?Himthatisweakinthefaithreceiveye,butnottodoubtfuldisputations.UKUS.,2US.,UK.,?Forone  t believeththathemayeatallthings:another,whoisweak,eatethherbs.UKUS.,3US.,UK.,@Letnothim ` thateatethdespisehimthateatethnot;andletnothimwhicheatethnotjudgehim L  thateateth:forGodhathreceivedhim.UKUS.,4US.,UK.,sAWhoartthouthatjudgestanothermans 8  servant?tohisownmasterhestandethorfalleth.Yea,heshallbeholdenup:forGod t$  isabletomakehimstand.UKUS.,5US.,UK.,lBOnemanesteemethonedayaboveanother:another `  esteemetheverydayalike.Leteverymanbefullypersuadedinhisownmind.UKUS.,6US.,UK.,8CHe L  thatregardeththeday,regardethituntotheLord;andhethatregardethnottheday, 8  totheLordhedothnotregardit.Hethateateth,eatethtotheLord,forhegivethGod $  thanks;andhethateatethnot,totheLordheeatethnot,andgivethGodthanks.UKUS.,7US.,UK.,DFor  noneofuslivethtohimself,andnomandiethtohimself.UKUS.,8US.,UK.,@EForwhetherwelive,we  liveuntotheLord;andwhetherwedie,wedieuntotheLord:whetherwelive  therefore,ordie,wearetheLords.UKUS.,9US.,UK.,+FFortothisendChristbothdied,androse,and  revived,thathemightbeLordbothofthedeadandliving.UKUS.,10US.,UK.,FUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,GButwhydostthoujudge p thybrother?orwhydostthousetatnoughtthybrother?forweshallallstandbefore \ thejudgmentseatofChrist.UKUS.,11US.,UK.,GForitiswritten,AsIlive,saiththeLord,everyknee H shallbowtome,andeverytongueshallconfesstoGod.UKUS.,12US.,UK.,HSotheneveryoneofus 4 shallgiveaccountofhimselftoGod.UKUS.,13US.,UK.,;ILetusnotthereforejudgeoneanotherany p  more:butjudgethisrather,thatnomanputastumblingblockoranoccasiontofall \  inhisbrothersway.UKUS.,14US.,UK.,7JIknow,andampersuadedbytheLordJesus,thatthereis H nothinguncleanofitself:buttohimthatesteemethanythingtobeunclean,tohim 4  itisunclean.UKUS.,15US.,UK.,>KButifthybrotherbegrievedwiththymeat,nowwalkestthounot  ! charitably.Destroynothimwiththymeat,forwhomChristdied.UKUS.,16US.,UK.,LLetnotthenyour  " goodbeevilspokenof:UKUS.,17US.,UK.,LForthekingdomofGodisnotmeatanddrink;but " righteousness,andpeace,andjoyintheHolyGhost.UKUS.,18US.,UK.,3MForhethatinthesethings # servethChristisacceptabletoGod,andapprovedofmen.UKUS.,19US.,UK.,MLetusthereforefollow $  afterthethingswhichmakeforpeace,andthingswherewithonemayedifyanother. %l! UKUS.,20US.,UK.,NFormeatdestroynottheworkofGod.Allthingsindeedarepure;butitisevilfor &X" thatmanwhoeatethwithoffence.UKUS.,21US.,UK.,lOItisgoodneithertoeatflesh,nortodrinkwine, 'D # noranythingwherebythybrotherstumbleth,orisoffended,orismadeweak.UKUS.,22US.,UK.,CPHast (0!$ thoufaith?haveittothyselfbeforeGod.Happyishethatcondemnethnothimself l)"% inthatthingwhichhealloweth.UKUS.,23US.,UK.,%QAndhethatdoubtethisdamnedifheeat,because X*#& heeatethnotoffaith:forwhatsoeverisnotoffaithissin.Romans14D+#'    0,$( Thenwehave1Corinthians6:5!8whichreadsasfollows: P 8  UKUS.,5US.,UK.,RIspeaktoyourshame.Isitso,thatthereisnotawisemanamongyou?no,notone (  thatshallbeabletojudgebetweenhisbrethren?UKUS.,6US.,UK.,mSUKUS.,Butbrother_goeth_Ԁtolawwith   brother,andthatbeforetheunbelievers.US.,UK.,SUKUS.,7US.,UK.,ITUKUS.,Nowthereforethereisutterlyafaultamong   you,becauseyegotolawonewithanother.Whydoyenotrathertakewrong?why   doyenotrathersufferyourselvestobedefrauded?US.,UK.,}TUKUS.,8US.,UK.,UUKUS.,Nay,yedowrong,anddefraud,   andthatyourbrethren.1Corinthians6:5!8US.,UK.,U t   Now,letusmakesomeapplication.UKUS.,1Corinthians6:5!8US.,UK.,VԀiswhereweendupifwedonoapplythe L  principlesofMatthew5:2224andMatthew18:1517 FIRST .Thereshouldnevercomeanoccasion 8  whenbrothersandsistersinChristendupinsecularcourts.TheapostlePaulsaysthatwewould x(  bebetterofftotakethewrongandsufferfraudratherthanendingupinsecularcourt.Inotherwords, d  therecomesatimewhenweshouldswallowtheinjusticeandmoveon.Thatisnotaneasything P  especiallywhenyouhavebeenthevictimofanextremeinjustice.IknowbecauseIhavepersonally <  beentheretwice.Oneofthosesituationsdidnothealitselfbecauseofanyactionbythevictimizers. (  Therewaszerointerestonthevictimizerspartinrestoringtherelationship.Therewasevenathreat  oflegalactionwhichbroughttomindPaulsagonizingpleatotheGalatianswhenhesaid: UKUS.,16US.,UK.,ZAm  Ithereforebecomeyourenemy,becauseItellyouthetruth(Galatians4:16)?Ittooksomegut  wrenchingactionsonmypartinrefusingtoacceptapermanentschismthatIknewwasnotGods  will.ThereweretoomanygoodyearsintherelationshiptoallowtheDeviltopermanentlydestroy t therelationshipandplantseedsofacrimony.Therewasadeepseatedreluctanceinmetocometo ` thepointwhereIcouldforgivethem.Thathadtobedoneinmymindandmyheartbeforethe L processofrestorationcouldbegin.Ihadtotakeeveryimitativetorestoretherelationship,but 8 eventuallythingsworkedout.I_Praise_ԀtheLORDforit! t$ SomeofwhatwewillbrieflylookatinthenextfewminutesdealwithissuesofChristianlibertyand ` someofthemdealwithafalselyassumedChristianlibertyrootedinignorance.AsaChristian,you L donothavethelibertytosin,butyoudohavethelibertyNOTtosin. 8  Manyyearsago,IhadayoungcoupleinmySundaySchoolclasswhostronglyadvocatedagainst $! Christianseatingpork.ItoldthemthatwhileIbelievedtheymightbehealthieriftheydidnoteat " pork,theycouldnotprohibitaChristianfromeatingporkormakenoteatingporkaconditionof " fellowshipbecauseitwasamatterofChristianliberty.IreferredthemtoActs10:1328andRomans # 14:123.InActs10:1328,GodtoldPeternottocallthatuncleanwhichGodhadcleansed.Romans $  14statesthatyoucannotcondemnapersonbaseduponwhatfoodstheydoordonoteat.Romans %p! 14alsostatesthatyoucannotcondemnapersonbaseduponwhatdayordaystheychooseto &\" celebrate.Romans14alsostatesthatyoucannotcondemnapersonbaseduponwhethertheywill 'H # orwillnoteatpork(thatwhichisconsidereduncleanbytheJews).Whatthatmeansisthatthe (4!$ JewishfoodlawscannotbeforceduponanyChristianincludingconvertedJewsandGentiles.The p) "% conclusionisthatRomans14istalkingaboutChristianliberty.GodputslimitationsonChristian \* #& libertyin1Corinthians8:413,1Corinthians10:2331,Galatians5:13,and1Peter2:16which H+#' state: 4,$( Ї8  UKUS.,4US.,UK.,eAsconcerningthereforetheeatingofthosethingsthatareofferedinsacrificeunto P idols,weknowthatanidolisnothingintheworld,andthatthereisnoneotherGod < butone.UKUS.,5US.,UK.,fUKUS.,Forthoughtherebethatarecalledgods,whetherinheavenorinearth,(as (  therebegodsmany,andlordsmany,)US.,UK.,gUKUS.,6US.,UK.,gUKUS.,ButtousthereisbutoneGod,theFather,of   whomareallthings,andweinhim;andoneLordJesusChrist,bywhomareall   things,andwebyhim.US.,UK.,gUKUS., 7US.,UK.,hUKUS.,_Howbeit_Ԁthereisnotineverymanthatknowledge:for   somewithconscienceoftheidoluntothishoureatitasathingoffereduntoan   idol;andtheirconsciencebeingweakisdefiled.US.,UK.,iUKUS.,8US.,UK.,YjUKUS.,Butmeat_commendeth_Ԁusnot  x toGod:forneither,ifweeat,arewethebetter;neither,ifweeatnot,arewethe d worse.US.,UK.,jUKUS.,9US.,UK.,kUKUS.,Buttakeheedlestbyanymeansthislibertyofyoursbecomea P  _stumblingblock_Ԁtothemthatareweak. US.,UK.,kUKUS.,10US.,UK.,lUKUS.,Forifanymanseetheewhichhast <  knowledgesitatmeatintheidolstemple,shallnottheconscienceofhimwhichis |,  weakbeemboldenedtoeatthosethingswhichareofferedtoidols;US.,UK.,lUKUS.,11US.,UK.,mUKUS.,Andthrough h  thyknowledgeshalltheweakbrotherperish,forwhomChristdied?US.,UK.,mUKUS.,12US.,UK.,nUKUS.,Butwhenye T  sinsoagainstthebrethren,andwoundtheirweakconscience,yesinagainstChrist. @  US.,UK.,nUKUS.,13US.,UK.,voUKUS.,Wherefore,ifmeatmakemybrothertooffend,Iwilleatnofleshwhiletheworld ,  standeth,lestImakemybrothertooffend.1Corinthians8:4!13US.,UK.,oUKUS.,   8  US.,UK.,pUKUS.,23US.,UK.,pUKUS.,Allthingsarelawfulforme,butallthingsarenotexpedient:allthingsarelawful  forme,butallthingsedifynot.US.,UK.,qUKUS.,24US.,UK.,qUKUS.,Letnomanseekhisown,buteverymananothers  wealth.US.,UK.,rUKUS.,25US.,UK.,rUKUS.,Whatsoeverissoldintheshambles,thateat,askingnoquestionfor x consciencesake:US.,UK.,rUKUS.,26US.,UK.,ZsUKUS.,FortheearthistheLords,andthefulnessthereof.US.,UK.,sUKUS.,27US.,UK.,sUKUS.,Ifanyof d themthatbelievenotbidyoutoafeast,andyebedisposedtogo;whatsoeverisset P beforeyou,eat,askingnoquestionforconsciencesake.US.,UK.,/tUKUS.,28US.,UK.,"uUKUS., Butifanymansayunto < you,Thisisofferedinsacrificeuntoidols,eatnotforhissakethat_shewed_Ԁit, |, andforconsciencesake:fortheearthistheLords,andthefulnessthereof: US.,UK.,WuUKUS.,29 h US.,UK.,vUKUS.,Conscience,Isay,notthineown,butoftheother:forwhyis myliberty judgedof T anothermansconscience?US.,UK.,vUKUS.,30US.,UK.,wUKUS.,ForifIbygracebeapartaker,whyamIevilspokenof D  forthatforwhichIgivethanks?US.,UK.,wUKUS.,31US.,UK.,vxUKUS.,Whetherthereforeyeeat,ordrink,orwhatsoever 0! yedo,doalltothegloryofGod.1Corinthians10:23!31US.,UK.,x"   8  UKUS.,13US.,UK.,yFor,brethren,yehavebeencalledunto liberty;onlyusenotliberty foran # occasiontotheflesh,butbyloveserveoneanother.Galatians5:13 $      8  UKUS.,16US.,UK.,zUKUS.,Asfree,andnotusingyourlibertyfora_cloke_Ԁofmaliciousness,butastheservants &l" ofGod.1Peter2:16US.,UK.,z'X #   Therearetwopointstobetakeninallthis.Theyare:(1)Ifsomethingisnotspecificallycondemned )0"% andjudgedassinintheScriptures,youbetterbeverycarefulhowyouhandleit;and(2)If l*#& somethingisperceivedassin,eventhoughitisnotsin,Wisdomdictatesthatyourefrainfromit X+$' becauseifyoudonot,youcancauseyourweakerbrotherorsistertosin.Bothoftheseplacethe P greaterburdenuponthestrongerChristian,andwellitshould.1Corinthians8:413,1Corinthians < 10:2331,Galatians5:13,and1Peter2:16#XXXX<#XXXXԀallcontrasttrueChristianlibertywithlibertythat (  producescarnalityandmaliciousness.ASataniclibertythatproducescarnalityandmaliciousness   isobviouslynotofGod.ThereisagrouptodaywhogrewupintheIndependentBaptistmovement   thatcallsthemselves recoveringfundamentaliststhatuseadeceptiveSatanicbondagethatthey   calllibertytodenyeveryrestraintthattheBibleputsontheirconduct.Itbreedsacarnalitythathas   nothingbutmaliciouscontemptforanystandardofholinessandseparationthatisdeclaredtobe  t necessarybytheBible.Itmocksthe oldtimeway.TheHolyGhostsaidthisinJeremiah6:1517: ` 8  UKUS.,15US.,UK.,Weretheyashamedwhentheyhadcommittedabomination?nay,theywerenotat 8  allashamed,neithercouldtheyblush:thereforetheyshallfallamongthemthatfall: t$  atthetimethatIvisitthemtheyshallbecastdown,saiththeLord.UKUS., 16US.,UK.,RThussaiththe `  Lord,Standyeintheways,andsee,andaskfortheoldpaths,whereisthe P  goodway,andwalktherein,andyeshallfindrestforyoursouls.Buttheysaid, <  Wewillnotwalktherein. UKUS.,17US.,UK.,AlsoIsetwatchmenoveryou,saying,Hearkentothe (  soundofthetrumpet.Buttheysaid,Wewillnothearken.Jeremiah6:15!17    Thereisthe goodwayandthe falseway.GodsaidtwiceinPsalm119thathehateseveryfalse  way.ThereisnoGodlylibertyinanyfalseway.Thelibertythatthe recoveringfundamentalists  promoteisafalseway.ItdestroysallboundariesbetweentrueBiblicalholinessandapostateand x hereticalworldliness.Iwouldarguethatitisanextremeformofantinomianismbecauseitseeksto d activelyrepudiateeveryBiblicalstandardofChristianconduct.WhenIusethewordantinomianism, P itisthetheologicaltermthatdescribestheheresythatunderthedispensationofgracethatChristians < arefreedfromtherequirementsofobeyingGodsmorallaw.Antinomianliterallymeans against x( thelaw. d CanIsaythatthe recoveringfundamentalistsmovementisthenaturaloutcomeofIndependent P Baptistchurcheswhosepewswere,andare,filledwithfaithlessandFatherlessfalseprofessorswho <  wereledinunbelieving sinnersprayers?Theyarelostandmanyofthemarereprobateswhohave (! beenmadetwofoldmorethechildofhell.Antinomianchurcheshavebeenleavenedwiththe " leprosyoffalseprofessions.Thesocalled recoveringfundamentalistsare turningthegraceofour # Godintolasciviousness(Jude4).Theypromiselibertywhiletheypushtheirfollowersbackinto # bondage.2Peter2:922describesthisapostategroupofrecoveringfundamentalistsasfollows: $  8  UKUS.,9US.,UK.,TheLordknowethhowtodeliverthegodlyoutoftemptations,andtoreservethe &`" unjustuntothedayofjudgmenttobepunished:UKUS.,10US.,UK.,kButchieflythemthatwalkafter 'L # thefleshinthelustofuncleanness,anddespisegovernment.Presumptuousarethey, (8!$ selfwilled,theyarenotafraidtospeakevilofdignities.UKUS.,11US.,UK.,Whereasangels,whichare t)$"% greaterinpowerandmight,bringnotrailingaccusationagainstthembeforetheLord. `*#& UKUS.,12US.,UK.,NButthese,asnaturalbrutebeasts,madetobetakenanddestroyed,speakevilofthe L+#' thingsthattheyunderstandnot;andshallutterlyperishintheirowncorruption;UKUS.,13 8,$( US.,UK.,@Andshallreceivetherewardofunrighteousness,astheythatcountitpleasuretoriot P inthedaytime.Spotstheyareandblemishes,sportingthemselveswiththeirown < deceivingswhiletheyfeastwithyou;UKUS.,14US.,UK.,Havingeyesfullofadultery,andthatcannot (  ceasefromsin;beguilingunstablesouls:anhearttheyhaveexercisedwithcovetous   practices;cursedchildren:UKUS., 15US.,UK.,Whichhaveforsakentherightway,andaregone   astray,followingthewayofBalaamthesonofBosor,wholovedthewagesof   unrighteousness; UKUS.,16US.,UK.,Butwasrebukedforhisiniquity:thedumbassspeakingwith   mansvoiceforbadthemadnessoftheprophet.UKUS.,17US.,UK.,>Thesearewellswithoutwater,  | cloudsthatarecarriedwithatempest;towhomthemistofdarknessisreservedfor h ever.UKUS.,18US.,UK.,Forwhentheyspeakgreatswellingwordsofvanity,theyallurethroughthe T  lustsoftheflesh,throughmuchwantonness,thosethatwerecleanescapedfrom @  themwholiveinerror.UKUS., 19US.,UK.,8Whiletheypromisethemliberty,theythemselvesare |,  theservantsofcorruption:forofwhomamanisovercome,ofthesameishe l  broughtinbondage. UKUS.,20US.,UK.,7Forifaftertheyhaveescapedthepollutionsoftheworld X  throughtheknowledgeoftheLordandSaviourJesusChrist,theyareagainentangled H  therein,andovercome,thelatterendisworsewiththemthanthebeginning.UKUS.,21US.,UK.,qFor 4  ithadbeenbetterforthemnottohaveknownthewayofrighteousness,than,after   theyhaveknownit,toturnfromtheholycommandmentdelivereduntothem.UKUS.,22US.,UK.,wBut   itishappeneduntothemaccordingtothetrueproverb,Thedogisturnedtohisown  vomitagain;andthesowthatwaswashedtoherwallowinginthemire.2Peter  2:9!22   ThereisaparallelpassageofscriptureinJude819.Jude19describestheseapostatesas having X notthespiritwhereas2Peter2:1describesthemas denyingtheLORDthatboughtthem.What D bothpassagesaresayingisthatthesereprobatesandapostatesarenotsaved!Theyhavegonepast 0 compromiseandpromoteopenrebellionagainstGodandhisWord.Amucholdercompanion l movementtothe recoveringfundamentalistsisthe freegracemovement.The freegrace X movementactivelyadvocatesagainstthenecessityofrepentanceinsalvation.Theybelievethata D  personcangetsavedandcontinuetoliveinopensinnevershowinganyevidenceofsalvation.Ifa 0! personneverforsakestheirsinfollowingaprofessionoffaiththentheSpiritofGodisnotinthem " (Jude1819).IftheSpiritofGodisnotinyou,thenyouarenoneofhis(Romans8:9).Gracedoes # notaboundtoanunsavedprofessorwhonevershowsanyevidenceofHolyGhostwrought # repentance.GracethatgrantslicensetosiniseitherAholahorAholibah.Theyarebothwicked $  sisters._Our_Ԁreplytotheheresyandantinomianismofthe freegracemovementisRomans6:115 %|! wheretheBiblerespondsasfollows: &h" 8  UKUS.,1US.,UK.,Whatshallwesaythen?Shallwecontinueinsin,thatgracemayabound?UKUS.,2US.,UK.,cUKUS.,God (@!$ forbid.Howshallwe,thataredeadtosin,liveanylongertherein?US.,UK.,UKUS.,3US.,UK., UKUS.,Knowyenot, |),"% thatsomanyofusaswerebaptizedintoJesusChristwerebaptizedintohisdeath? h*#& US.,UK.,TUKUS.,4US.,UK., UKUS.,Thereforeweareburiedwithhimbybaptismintodeath:thatlikeasChristwas T+$' raisedupfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,evensowealsoshouldwalkin @,$( newnessoflife.US.,UK.,=UKUS.,5US.,UK.,EUKUS.,Forifwehavebeenplantedtogetherinthelikenessofhisdeath, P weshallbealsointhelikenessofhisresurrection:US.,UK.,yUKUS.,6US.,UK.,>UKUS.,Knowingthis,thatouroldman < iscrucifiedwithhim,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed,thathenceforthwe (  shouldnotservesin.US.,UK.,rUKUS.,7US.,UK.,TUKUS.,Forhethatisdeadisfreedfromsin.US.,UK.,UKUS.,8US.,UK.,ۦUKUS.,Nowifwebedeadwith   Christ,webelievethatweshallalsolivewithhim:US.,UK.,UKUS.,9US.,UK.,UKUS.,KnowingthatChristbeing   raisedfromthedead_dieth_Ԁnomore;death_hath_Ԁnomoredominionoverhim.US.,UK.,ϧUKUS.,10US.,UK.,UKUS.,For   inthathedied,hedieduntosinonce:butinthathe_liveth_,he_liveth_ԀuntoGod.US.,UK.,UKUS.,11   US.,UK.,UKUS.,Likewisereckonyealsoyourselvestobedeadindeeduntosin,butaliveuntoGod  t throughJesusChristourLord.US.,UK.,UKUS.,12US.,UK.,UKUS.,Letnotsinthereforereigninyourmortalbody,that ` yeshouldobeyitintheluststhereof.US.,UK.,UKUS.,13US.,UK.,UKUS.,Neitheryieldyeyourmembersasinstruments L  ofunrighteousnessuntosin:butyieldyourselvesuntoGod,asthosethatarealive 8  fromthedead,andyourmembersasinstrumentsofrighteousnessuntoGod.US.,UK.,UKUS.,14US.,UK.,UKUS.,For t$  sinshallnothavedominionoveryou:foryearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace. `  US.,UK.,!UKUS.,15US.,UK.,έUKUS.,ԀUS.,UK.,UKUS.,Whatthen?shallwesin,becausewearenotunderthelaw,butundergrace?God L  forbid.Romans6:1!15US.,UK.,/#XXXX~#XXXX8    Thefalselibertyof freegraceisreallyacontinuedbondagetosin.Ifapersonisnotsaved,they  donothavethelibertytodepartfromsin.TrueChristianlibertyisourfreedominChristtodepart  frominiquity.TheapostlePaulputitthisway: NeverthelessthefoundationofGodstandethsure,  havingthisseal,TheLordknoweththemthatarehis.And,Leteveryonethatnameththenameof  Christdepartfrominiquity(2Timothy2:19).IfwebelongtotheLORDJesusChrist,weareallowed p (LET),orgiventheliberty,todepartfrominiquity.#XXXX#XXXXIfwedonotbelongtotheLORDJesusChrist, \ thenwearenotallowed(LET),orgiventheliberty,todepartfrominiquitybecausewearestillin H bondagetooursin.#XXXX#XXXXLibertyisnotlicensetosin.Libertyisthefreedomnottosin. 4 WhatwehaveverybrieflydescribedinthelastfewminutesisafalselibertythatGodhates.Now, p  letstalkaboutsomethingsthatarefalselyassumedtorestintherealmoftrueBiblebelieving \  Christianliberty. H TherearecertainthingswithintheboundsofChristianliberty,thoughnotsininandofthemselves, 4  thatcancauseweakerChristianstosin.Wetalkedaboutsomeofthosewhenwebrieflydiscussed  ! 1Corinthians8:413and1Corinthians10:233.#XXXX#XXXXԀIfwearethestrongerChristian,wearenottouse  " ourlibertyinamannerthatsetsastumblingblockbeforeaweakerbrotherorsister.Thatistosay, " ifaweakerChristianconsiderssomethingwearedoingtobeasin,wearetoceasefromdoingit # evenifitisnotsin.Thatpurerstandardleadsustoabstainfromallappearanceofevil.Ifthe $  perceptionofouractionspresentstheappearanceofeviltoweakerChristians,wearetorefrainfrom %l! suchactions.Perceptionisalwaysworsethanrealitybecauseitresidesinspeculationandashortage &X" offacts.Now,letslookattwoareaswheremanywellmeaningChristianstakelibertiesbecauseof 'D # theirignorance. (0!$ Iwouldremindourlistenersandreadersthattherewassinandtrespassofferingsforthesinsof l)"% ignoranceidentifiedinLeviticus4:1335,Leviticus5:1419,andNumbers15:2229.BeforeGod, X*#& ignoranceisnoexcuseorjustificationforsinbecausehemadespecialprovisionforignoranceinthe D+#' differentsinofferings.Inthedispensationofgrace,theLORDJesusChristliterallyEMBODIESall 0,$( ofthoseofferings.Still,ignoranceisnoexcuse.IgnoranceisalackofBiblicalknowledgethatleads P todestruction. < Youhadbetterbeverycarefulwhenyoumockorrebukesomeoneforwhatyoubelievetobemere (  preferencesratherthanBiblebasedconvictions.Quitefrequentlyithappensthatthepersonyouare   mockingforwhatappearstobepreferencesismoreeducatedthanyouareconcerningthedevices   thatSatanusestocorruptandprofanethechurchofthelivingGod.Godisveryjealousforhis   holiness,hisholythings,andhissanctuary.GodstatesthefollowinginEzekiel22:8andEzekiel   22:26:  t 8  UKUS.,8US.,UK.,jThouhastdespisedmineholythings,andhastprofanedmysabbaths.Ezekiel22:8 L      8  UKUS.,26US.,UK.,.Herpriestshaveviolatedmylaw,andhaveprofanedmineholythings:theyhave t$  putnodifferencebetweentheholyandprofane,neitherhavetheysheweddifference `  betweentheuncleanandtheclean,andhavehidtheireyesfrommysabbaths,andI L  amprofanedamongthem.Ezekiel22:26 8      AtleastfourdifferenttimesintheOldTestamentGodcondemnsthosewho defile and profane   hissanctuary.So,howisitthatmoderndayapostateBaptistsprofaneholythings?Howisitthat  moderndayapostateBaptistsputnodifferencebetweentheholyandtheprofane;betweenthe  uncleanandtheclean?HowisitthatGodisprofanedamongusBaptists?ManyBaptistslookupon  ChristmasandEastercelebrationsasbeingeventsthatfallundertheumbrellaofChristianliberty. t Tragically,thatisbecausetheyhavenotbeenproperlytaught.Andifyoutrytopreachandteach ` againstthepaganismofChristmasbeingbroughtintothesanctuaryofachurch,youwillbemocked L andscornedasbeingaPharisee,alegalistandacheap,stingymiserlytightwad.TheDevilusesthe 8 _grinch_Ԁandthe familiarspirit of theghostofChristmasspasttocondemnChristianswhoreject t$ thepaganismassociatedwiththehedonisticcelebrationofChristmas.IhaveseentheDeviluse d IndependentBaptistpastorsfromthepulpittocondemnthosewhorefusetocelebrateChristmas.In P moderndayChristianity,thepagansymbols,traditions,andpageantryassociatedwithChristmasand <  EasterthatenterthechurchgobeyondprofaningtheholythingsofGodtoabominatingtheholy (! thingsof_God._ԀIwouldreminduscompromisedIndependentBaptiststhattheword Christmas " literallymeans ChristMASS.ItisapurelyRomanCatholicinventionthatcameforthfromthe # cryptsofRomanCatholictheology.TheRomanCatholicMassisahereticaldailyresacrificeofthe # LORDJesusChristonthepaganaltarsofRomanCatholicism.Thenwehavethewords Pharisee $  and legalist.Theyarethehammerthatisusedtocrushthespiritualfingers(oneatatime)ofany %t! whowouldstandagainstcompromise.Phariseeandlegalistare Christiancursewordsthatapostate &`" AmericanChristiansusetopersecuteBiblebelievingChristians.ManyIndependentBaptistsand 'L # fundamentalistswilldenounceyouasanhereticifyouadvocateforholdinganEasteregghunton (8!$ theirpremisesduringtheEasterseason,andrightfullyso.Yet,theywillallowtherankestformsof t)$"% paganismintheirsanctuariesandontheirpremisesduringtheChristmasseason.Whyistherean `*#& inconsistencyanddoublestandardwhenitcomestothepaganismofChristmas?MostSouthern L+#' Baptistchurches,andsomeIndependentBaptistchurches,holdwickedEasteregghuntsontheir 8,$( premisesonEasterSunday.InmanyChristianhomesandIndependentBaptistcongregations, P ChristmasisunwittinglysetupasanidolfromthethirdweekinNovemberthroughJanuary1STof < everyyear.IonceheardanIndependentBaptistpastormocksomefolksfromthepulpitbecausethey (  didnotwanttocelebrateChristmasbecausehesaidtheyweretoocheaptocelebrateChristmas.   ThesecompromisedmockersandscoffersconsiderthemselvestobethestrongerChristiansbecause   theyworshiptheignorancethatisinthem.Godhasachargeforthem.Justbecauseyoudonotknow   somethingdoesnotnecessarilymakeituntrue.Contrivedignorancehasasteepprice.Hosea4:6   says:  t 8  UKUS.,6US.,UK.,mMypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge:Becausethouhastrejected L  knowledge,Iwillalsorejectthee,thatthoushaltbenopriesttome:Seeingthouhast 8  forgottenthelawofthyGod,Iwillalsoforgetthychildren.Hosea4:6t$    WhilemanyIndependentBaptistpastorswillnotallowEasteregghuntsontheirchurchpremises, L  theypromoteanabundanceofChristmasdecorationsduringtheChristmasseasonnotrealizingthe 8  paganismtheyarepromoting.TheyareunwittinglypromotingidolatryandtheBabylonianreligious $  system.Sadly,mostofourIndependentBaptistpastorshavenoteducatedthemselvesonthepagan  connectionsofthepageantryandsymbolsassociatedwithChristmas.Inthecaseofuneducated  ChristianswholackknowledgeinthemattersofChristmasandEaster,ignoranceisnoexcuse.  Again,Godsaidmypeoplearedestroyedforlackofknowledge.UKUS.,US.,UK., Studytoshewthyselfapproved  untoGod,aworkmanthatneedethnottobeashamed,rightlydividingthewordoftruth(2Timothy p 2:15).ThealmostuniversalpopularityoftheChristmasseasoninpaganAmericashouldrunupa \ redflagforaChristian.TheprinciplesofLuke6:26canbeappliedtofestivitiesaswellasfalse H prophets. 4 Thisissueisnotnewforme.IhavesitunderIndependentBaptistpastorsforyearswhoprohibited p  ChristmasdecorationsinthesanctuaryandprohibitedEasteregghuntsonchurchgrounds.#XXXX#XXXXIhave \  heardIndependentBaptistpastorspreachagainstEasteregghuntsonlytohavetheiradultchildren H gohomeimmediatelyfollowingtheEasterserviceandleadegghuntsfortheirchildren.Iusedto 4  teachandpreachagainstChristmasdecorationsbeingdisplayedinthefoyersandsanctuariesof  ! Baptistchurches.Inrecentyears,Ihavenothadaplatformtodoso.#XXXX#XXXXWhengiventheopportunity  " topreachorteach,theHolyGhosthasnotgivenmethelibertyorproddedmetoteachorpreach " againsttheidolatryassociatedwithChristmasandEaster.Thereweremorecriticalissuestodeal # withsuchashellandsalvation.Inthepast,IhavewalkedoutofBaptistchurchesthathadChristmas $  treessetupintheirfoyersandsanctuaries.IfIwerethepastorofachurch,Iwouldprohibit %l! Christmasdecorationsinthechurchnotbecausethosedecorationsmightoffendsomeone(andthey &X" do,butwhocares!?!),butbecausetheyunwittinglypromoteidolatry.Ifyouhavethepridean 'D # arrogancetothinkthatyouarethestrongerChristianbecauseyouareokaywithChristmas (0!$ decorationsinthesanctuary,thenyououghttobestrongenoughtoapplytheprinciplesand l)"% commandmentsof1Corinthians8:413and1Corinthians10:2331#XXXX#XXXXԀinmannerthatensuresthatany X*#& Christianbrotherorsisterisnotoffendedbyyourscripturallyunregulatedliberty!Itisa D+#' commandmentandnotanoption.Youarenotbetterthantheyare.Youjusthavepeerpressureand 0,$( ignoranceonyourside. P Christianlibertyceaseswhereheresyandpaganismbegin.InAlexander_Hislops_Ԁbook TheTwo < BabylonsheidentifiesfivespecificRomanCatholicfestivalsthathavepollutedthechurch.Those (  fiveareChristmasDay,LadyDay,Easter,theNativityofSaintJohn,andtheFeastofthe   Assumption.Ofthosefivepaganfestivals,twoofthemhavetakenholdofapostateBaptistchurches   in20THand21STcenturyAmerica.Beforethe20THand21STcenturyapostasyandheresyinAmerica#XXXX7#XXXX   churches,Baptistpastorswouldhavehada_conniption_Ԁfitifsomeonemerelysuggestedthata   Christmastreeordecorationshouldbeplacedinthesanctuaryofachurch.So,whathaschanged?  t Youguessedit.Godhasnotchanged.ApostateBaptistshaveremovedtheancientlandmark. ` ApostateBaptisthavenotjuststumbledintheirwaysfromtheancientpaths(Jeremiah18:15).They L  haveleaptintocompromiseandapostasy.Satanishavinghiswayinourcompromisedandapostate 8  churches.NowletslookatsomeofthepagantraditionsthatareassociatedwithChristmas. t$  Firstoff,wearenotagainstcelebratingthebirthoftheLORDJesusChrist.However,weare `  opposedtocelebratingthebirthofChristontheverydaythattheancientpaganidolaterscelebrate L  thebirthoftheirpaganmalefalsegods.TheBibledoesnotdirectlystatewhentheLORDJesus 8  Christwasborn.IthinkwecanprovefromtheBiblicalrecordandthefactsofsecularhistorythat $  theLORDJesusChristwasnotbornonDecember25.WebelievehewasconceivedoftheHoly  GhostonoraboutDecember25andthathewasbornonoraboutSeptember29.Therearemany  placesinChristiantheologicalliteraturewherethatisalsoproved.OneofthosesourcesisinChapter  3ofAlexanderHislopswork TheTwo_Babylons_.WealsoseeitdocumentedinAppendix179  ofE.W.Bullingerswork TheCompanionBible. p AfewbriefcommentshereonEasteregghuntsshouldbesufficient.TheEastereggsthatinnocent \ childrenhuntundertheleadershipofwilfullydeceivedadultsarethesymbolsofthesexual H promiscuityandsexualperversionsassociatedwiththeworshipofthevilestofancientmalegods 4 andfemalegoddesses.TheyarespecificallyconnectedtoAstarteandIshtar,butexamplesofthem p  byothernamesaboundinallpaganreligioussystems.EventhecustomofLentispulledinto \  apostateChristianityfromtheBabylonianMysteries.ThepaganEastercelebrationshavenoplace H inBiblebelievingChristianity.TheyareablasphemousabominationtoGodthatcamestraightout 4  ofthepitsofhell.ThatEasterwasalreadybeingcelebratedbythepagansduringthetimeofthe  ! apostlesisclearfromActs12:14wheretheKingJamestranslatorsuniquelyandwiselytranslated  " theGreekword_pascha_ԀasEasterinsteadofpassovertothechagrinofallotherBibletranslations. " Thekeytothetranslationisthe daysofunleavenedbreadinverse3. # ItisnotourintentheretocovereverydetailgiveninHislopsbookconcerningthepurepaganism $  oftheworldscelebrationsofEasterandChristMASS.Ourintentistoshockyouintoreading %l! Hislopsentirebooktitled TheTwo_Babylons_.Ifyoudonothavethetimetoreadtheentirebook, &X" wewouldencourageattheveryleasttoreadpages91113thatdiscussChristmasandEaster. 'D # Hislopsbookisstillavailableasahardcopy,butitisalsoavailableasaPDFfrommanysources (0!$ including: #XXXX4#4/ >.O  5  https://archive.org/search?query=%22The+Two+Babylons%22&tab=all6*.O>  7 l XXXXԀ. l)"% IfyourbringingChristmasdecorationsintothesanctuaryofthechurchoffendsaChristianwhom \* #& youperceivetobeweakerthanyou,orwhoconsidersittobesin,thenwhywillyounotapplythe H+#' principlesof1Corinthians8:413and1Corinthians10:2331#XXXX#XXXXԀandbearthelimitationthathisorher 4,$( perceivedweaknessputsuponyourperceivedliberty?1Corinthians8:12saysthatwhenyoufail P toapplytheprinciplesof1Corinthians8:413#XXXX#XXXXinyourrelationshipswiththoseyouperceivetobe < weakerChristians,thenyousinagainstthatweakerChristian!Thosearenotmywords.Thoseare (  thewordsoftheBible!TheapostlePaulsaidinRomans15:1: Wethenthatarestrongoughttobear   theinfirmitiesoftheweak,andnottopleaseourselves!.!#XXXX#XXXXWerepeat1Corinthians6:5!8which   statesthefollowing:   8  UKUS.,5US.,UK.,/Ispeaktoyourshame.Isitso,thatthereisnotawisemanamongyou?no,notone  t thatshallbeabletojudgebetweenhisbrethren?UKUS.,6US.,UK.,UKUS.,Butbrother_goeth_Ԁtolawwith ` brother,andthatbeforetheunbelievers.US.,UK.,/UKUS.,7US.,UK.,UKUS.,Nowthereforethereisutterlyafaultamong L  you,becauseyegotolawonewithanother.Whydoyenotrathertakewrong?why 8  doyenotrathersufferyourselvestobedefrauded?US.,UK., UKUS.,8US.,UK.,UKUS.,Nay,yedowrong,anddefraud, t$  andthatyourbrethren.1Corinthians6:5!8US.,UK.,K#XXXX#XXXX`    Sobigboyorbiggirlwhywillyenotsuffertheperceivedweaknessofyourbrotherorsisterin 8  Christ?Maybe,justmaybe,youarenotasscripturallystrongasyouneedtobe.Inthecontextthe $  word suffermeanstoallowwithprejudiceorreservation.Formanyyearsnow,Ihavesufferedthe  displayofChristmasdecorationsinIndependentBaptistchurches.ItisanoffensetoGodtheHoly  Ghostthatisinme.IhaveseenIndependentBaptistchurcheswhowillbringeveryformof  ChristmasdecorationintothesanctuaryoftheirchurchesandthenrefusetosingChristmashymns!  Whatiswrongwiththat?Isnotthatabitodd?ThereisatimeofignorancethatGodwinksat,but p whenthatignoranceisremovedthroughpreachingandteaching,Godcommandsustorepentfrom \ theworshipofunknowngods.Forsomeofus,ourunknowngodsareChristmaspageantryand H celebrationsandEasteregghunts.Goddoesnotgiveusthelibertytobringthesepaganfestivities 4 intothesanctuaryofhischurch.WesuggestthatyoulistentothefollowingsermonsbyPastorJames p  KnoxofBibleBaptistChurch,;_Deland_,Florida: \  JamesKnox:TheSantaClausSermon2025#XXXX#XXXX:_Lenght_Ԁ=59Minutes,45Seconds:Thissermonwas 4  preachedinthemidstofBrotherJamesKnoxsbattlewithcancer.Hereisthelink:  ! _4-mo.O  5  https_://_earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com_/_SermonsAndAudio_/_JamesKnox_/JamesKnoxTheSanta " ClausSermon2025.mp36.O,from  7ye Z#XXXX#XXXX # JamesKnox:OldSaintNick#XXXX#XXXX:Length=1Hour,28Minutes,6Seconds:Thissermonhasthesame %l! subjectasTheSantaClausSermon2025#XXXXR#XXXX.Ithasmoredetailinitandattimesisquitehumorous. &X" Hereisthelink: 'D # _40ye.O  5  https_://_earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com_/_SermonsAndAudio_/_JamesKnox_/JamesKnoxOldSaint l)"% Nick.mp36.Ofrom  7ye#XXXX#XXXX X*#& JamesKnox:TheBirthDateOfJesus#XXXXa#XXXX:Length=54Minutes,5Seconds:Thissermonusessecular 0,$( historyandtheBiblicalRecordtoprovethattheLORDJesusChristwasnotbornonDecember25. P Hereisthelink: < _41ye.O  5  https_://_earnestlycontendingforthefaith.com_/_SermonsAndAudio_/_JamesKnox_/JamesKnoxTheBirth   DateOfJesus.mp3#XXXX#XXXXԀ6.O from  7yej 8    #XXXXO #XXXX  #XXXX #