Last Sunday a message was delivered by the pastor who brought forth a strong word of warning and correction that came from one of the Old Testament prophets. The warning was thought provoking. Prophets were to warn and correct the people and hopefully that resulted in their repentance which ended up being encouraging.
Excerpt from the message: The people were unfaithful; not listening to God, they ignored the Word. There was a warning and calling to hear, respond and repent. Just as the prophets of old would warn the people of their sin, the warning is for the church today.
There is a major problem in the body of Christ (church) today.
Many worldly influences have invaded the house of God, and the horn is being blown. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ (Isaiah 56:7, Matthew 21:13). The pharisees (religious leaders) were cheating the people in the temple (house of God/church).
Wikipedia- In Mark 12:40[11] and Luke 20:47,[12] Jesus accuses the Temple authorities of thieving and, in this instance, names poor widows as their victims, going on to provide evidence of this in Mark 12:42[13] and Luke 21:2.[14] Dove sellers were selling doves to be sacrificed by the poor, specifically by women, who could not afford grander sacrifices.
Some may say, nobody is robbing or stealing in God’s house. Oh’ yes they are! They are taking from the people; making them feel obligated to bless them, and because they are loyal to these leaders, they subject themselves to giving; some can’t even afford it. This is where I would love to see others think about what Jesus would do.
WWJD- King, yet He humbled Himself. Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:6-8).
I genuinely believe that we still should consider What Would Jesus Do. After all Jesus is our example on how to live our lives. On that note, before you honor anybody, always honor Jesus our King, who deserves all honor, praises and glory. When it comes to Jesus celebrating His birthday, you won’t find it in the Bible. The writer on the internet explains it clearly.
Internet - He pre-existed before all things, and hence for Him, there was no need to celebrate birthday being the eternal and everlasting God. In addition, there is no reference in the Bible that says Jesus celebrated His birthday. His humanity had a beginning point at the time of His birth but He was divine and God always and will always be.
Me- Yet He did live as a human being on the earth for thirty three years.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying that we should not wish well wishes on others’ anniversaries and anniversaries. What I am saying is this: Were special days set apart and celebrated for Jesus Christ, our Servant/Leader? Were special times or events set apart for the leaders who were sent to serve the people? But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant (Matthew 23:12).
Be careful and watch out! You are making and idol or god when you are honoring someone above the Lord God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You should not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. My name is Jealous (Exodus 20:3, 5).
Certain celebrations took place among the gentiles. Example: Herod, a pagan (unsaved king) celebrated his birthday. But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod (Matthew 14:6). Internet: Interestingly, there is no hint in the Bible or early writings that Jesus, the apostles, or any true Christians ever celebrated birthdays.
Did Early Christians Celebrate Birthdays? NO, only the Pagans did! www.1stcenturychristian.com/Birthdays.html
What did Jesus our King come to do? He came to serve, not to be served. Whoever has a problem with this, please take it to God; it’s His Word.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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