Celebrating Easter?

[cleanfreak]

OF course NOT. It is the day we mark the risen Lord and the empty tomb.
What it meant to some other culture makes do difference to me.

 

[Elijah674]

OF course NOT. It is the day we mark the risen Lord and the empty tomb.
What it meant to some other culture makes do difference to me.

But, you are talking of [you], not what God DOCUMENTS. You have made your free/will decision in the 'Record Books' as seen in Eccl. 12:13-14 + manny broadway ones! And that is your & their God allowed privalige as you say.

Never mind what Christ says, huh? Nor what He warn against in Jer. 17:5.
And His Words of Mark 7:7.. of 'Howbeit [IN VAIN] do they Worship Me, teaching for [doctrines] the commandments of men.

But whatever, huh? Eccl. 1:9-10 & Eccl. 3:15

--Elijah

PS: And by the bunny thing + gathering easter eggs, huh?

 

[Pizzaguy]

Never mind what Christ says, huh?

Go ahead, insult away - the mods have given me a secret weapon against all of the insults, condescending comments and offensive diatribe on this site. That includes you.

PS: And by the bunny thing + gathering easter eggs, huh?

Is that a mathematical statement?

 

[precepts]

Take a deep breath & just remember that it will ALL BE OVER SOON ENOUGH!

[16] For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. Obadiah 1:16

--Elijah

AND

Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa 5:21 Woe unto [them that are] wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isa 5:22 Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
Isa 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!

 

[Theofilus]

As I wave thru all the dust flying, I need to ask the following:

Is Easter still considered a pagan holiday to the Christian today?

OF course NOT. It is the day we mark the risen Lord and the empty tomb.
What it meant to some other culture makes do difference to me.

I have to disagree. Everyone knows the story about the golden calf, but there's a part of it many people don't realize, since most Bibles have changed the text.

And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received it at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, and made it a molten calf: and they said, These are thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To-morrow shall be a feast to Jehovah. (Ex. 32:1-5 ASV)​

The golden calf is often associated with Apis, the Egyptian bull-god, but that's not what it represented to the Israelites. They were using it to worship YHWH, the God who lead them out of Egypt. They were worshipping the right God, but in a way that He had forbidden. But, as we all know, it's what's in our hearts that matters to God, right? Well, their hearts were in the right place, but what was God's response?

And Jehovah said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. (Ex. 32:9-10 ASV)​

It seems that God doesn't like us using Pagan customs and rituals to worhsip Him. Here's another example.

And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. (I Sam. 5:3-5 KJV)​

According to the information I've been able to find, this incident happened sometime around the middle of the 11th century BC.

In the same day also will I punish all those that leap on the threshold, which fill their masters' houses with violence and deceit. (Zeph. 1:9 KJV)​

Zephaniah lived in the 7th century BC, about 400 years after the incident with Dagon. At that time, Israelites were practicing what started out as a Pagan custom. Most probably gave no thought at all to the origins of jumping over thresholds. Yet, God still didn't want them doing it, even after 4 centuries had passed. It would seem from this that wrong is wrong, no matter how long people do it. If it was wrong 2000 years ago, then it's still wrong today. If it was Pagan in the first century, it's still Pagan today. God specifically told His people:

The LORD your God will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, “How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.†You must not worship the LORD your God in their way. (Deu. 12:29-31 NIV)​

God says that we are not to use Pagan rituals to worship Him. There is no question about the origin of things like the Easter bunny, Easter eggs or a number of other things associated with Easter as well as Christmas. These things were originally Pagan, and God tells us not to use these things to worship Him. As we can see from the incident with Dagon, it doesn't matter how long people have been doing it. It was wrong of the church to mix these Pagan celebrations with the worship of YHWH, and it's still wrong today.

 

[cyberjosh]

Considering easter is a pagan holiday,no I don't celebrate it.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate their birthday or christmas either. However, lest we fall into legalism one must realize that Christians are free to set days of celebration or special observance for themselves (Romans 14) as long as they are not violating one of God's commandments on that day. Having a birthday once a year doesn't give you license to go get drunk on that day "just for fun", for example.

Also the Jews created their own holiday that was not in the law of Moses: Purim. They did it to celebrate their survival under the reign of the Persian Empire after queen Esther exposed a plot by Haman to destroy the Jews. Jesus in the Gospel of John attended the festival of Purim in Jerusalem over 400 years later. There's nothing wrong with human traditions as long at they do not violate God's commands or put a stumbling block before others (which is what Jesus' issue was with the Pharisees).

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[cyberjosh]

Where is it written that all Christians believe the bible is true?

Jesus said you would not be able to believe him if you do not believe Moses. Would Moses be among those you doubt? Also Jesus said that for some people Moses' words will be their judge on the last day. What are your feelings about that?

God Bless,

~Josh

 

[Igor]

Well if we can't have a day to celebrate our Lord's rising from the dead, just because some pagan culture did something else on that day, then why not take it all the way. How can we do many of the other things that Christians do? Pagans pray to false gods just like we pray to the Father. So I guess we shouldn't pray any more? Pagans offer sacrifices to their false gods. So I guess the Israelites of the OT were wrong in offering sacrifices? Pagans use music in worshiping their gods, so we must stop all music in our worship services too? (You think I'm being ridiculous? I've seen some "Christians" say they refuse to worship if there is music.) Speaking of worship... pagans worship their false gods. So we should stop worshiping God as well?

I mean, really, if you are going to say that we can't celebrate Christ's rising from the dead just because the particular day of the year was also used at one time by pagans, is it really such a stretch of the imagination to also say we shouldn't do the above things and more? Extremism only causes problems and detracts from God's message!

Easter eggs and the rabbit? Really now, are there any rational Christians who actually try to connect the two with Christ? I can remember one Easter morning my dad was teaching me how to write my ages. I was 4. Then I asked him why we had Easter eggs and an Easter bunny, since this was the day Jesus came back to life? See, even at 4 years old, raised in a house where my mom took me kicking and screaming to church most Sundays, but didn't do much else, I still knew the difference.

Sure, we aren't supposed to worship God in the wrong ways. But I doubt that this means we can never do anything just for fun. At least where I live, I don't know anyone that thinks having a Easter egg hunt has anything at all to do with worshiping God. It's no different than a game of monopoly or hide and seek. Or should we avoid those as well?

 

[precepts]

I learned this lesson long time ago:

Job 11:2 Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
Pro 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips [is] wise.
Ecc 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.
Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there are] also [divers] vanities: but fear thou God.

 

[Elijah674]

Jesus said you would not be able to believe him if you do not believe Moses. Would Moses be among those you doubt? Also Jesus said that for some people Moses' words will be their judge on the last day. What are your feelings about that?

God Bless,

~Josh

Hi, what has that got to do with the bondage of easter's 'feast days' that apostate Israel were keeping??? Gal. 4:9-10?? And the inspiration that you quoted, what chapter was that???

--Elijah

PS: By the way, yout new attire looks great, did you get that for cellebrating easter?????;)

 

[Theofilus]

Well if we can't have a day to celebrate our Lord's rising from the dead, just because some pagan culture did something else on that day, then why not take it all the way.

More often than not, Easter is on the exact same day as the biblical Feast of First Fruits. First Fruits forshadowed Christ's ressurrection, and was the day on which he rose from the grave. It is, therefore, the most logical day to celebrate his resurrection. The date isn't the problem. The problem is in how we celebrate. What do egg-laying rabbits have to do with Jesus' death and resurrection? Nothing at all. But they have everything to do with ancient fertility celebrations.

How can we do many of the other things that Christians do? Pagans pray to false gods just like we pray to the Father. So I guess we shouldn't pray any more? Pagans offer sacrifices to their false gods. So I guess the Israelites of the OT were wrong in offering sacrifices? Pagans use music in worshiping their gods, so we must stop all music in our worship services too? (You think I'm being ridiculous?

Yes, I do.

I've seen some "Christians" say they refuse to worship if there is music.)

Is what we do or refuse to do based on the Bible or on what Pagans do? I've heard of the type of groups you mention, but the fact is that they're actually refusing to do something that the Bible commands us to do - worship God with music.

Speaking of worship... pagans worship their false gods. So we should stop worshiping God as well?

Back to ridiculous again.

I mean, really, if you are going to say that we can't celebrate Christ's rising from the dead just because the particular day of the year was also used at one time by pagans, is it really such a stretch of the imagination to also say we shouldn't do the above things and more? Extremism only causes problems and detracts from God's message!

I don't know how far you can stretch your imagination, but I never said that we couldn't celebrate Christ's resurrection. I just said we shouldn't be celebrating ancient fertility festivals. Not the same thing at all. I would appreciate it if you and others would address what I actually say and not put words in my mouth.

Easter eggs and the rabbit? Really now, are there any rational Christians who actually try to connect the two with Christ? I can remember one Easter morning my dad was teaching me how to write my ages. I was 4. Then I asked him why we had Easter eggs and an Easter bunny, since this was the day Jesus came back to life? See, even at 4 years old, raised in a house where my mom took me kicking and screaming to church most Sundays, but didn't do much else, I still knew the difference.

Yes, and most 4 year olds also know how to count to three, but that doesn't keep most Christians from claiming that there are three days and three nights from Friday eveinging to Sunday morning. Many churches and even more individual Christians have Easter egg hunts and decorate using bunnies and other Pagan symbols.

Sure, we aren't supposed to worship God in the wrong ways. But I doubt that this means we can never do anything just for fun.

Again, please don't put words in my mouth. Btw, did you notice that in the story of the golden calf, it says they stood up to play? Fun is good, but it does matter how we have fun.

At least where I live, I don't know anyone that thinks having a Easter egg hunt has anything at all to do with worshiping God. It's no different than a game of monopoly or hide and seek. Or should we avoid those as well?

Good for you. The churches I've been to, both in America and here in Iceland all claim that the egg is a symbol of new life and therefor is connected with the resurrection. The justify the Easter bunny and other things in similar ways.

 

[Pizzaguy]

(Ex. 32:1-5 ASV)
(Ex. 32:9-10 ASV)
​

(I Sam. 5:3-5 )
(Zeph. 1:9 KJV)
(Deu. 12:29-31 NIV)

Theo:

Do you see what I see?

All OT references. I don't know if you noticed, but when Christ died, God's relationship and the way He interacts with us changed.

While there is much to be learned from the OT, we do not live under the old law anymore.

I see no problem with Easter.

 

[Elijah674]

Go ahead, insult away - the mods have given me a secret weapon against all of the insults, condescending comments and offensive diatribe on this site. That includes you.


Is that a mathematical statement?

First off: NO INSULT was intended! If fact, 'i' enjoy your postings. 'i' think that I was agreeing to your 'post'?? And the scripture used in my post was Inspiration, was it not??

--Elijah

 

[Theofilus]

Theo:

Do you see what I see?

All OT references. I don't know if you noticed, but when Christ died, God's relationship and the way He interacts with us changed.

I see no problem with Easter.

Here's another OT reference for you:

For I am the LORD, I change not (Mal. 3:6 KJV)​

God doesn't change. If He said something was wrong or sinful 3000 years ago, then He hasn't changed His mind about it. He hasn't changed at all since Moses lead the people out of Egypt. He told them not to use Pagan customs to worship Him. When do you think that became acceptable? If those verses I quoted earlier are no longer valid, does that mean we can use idolotry to woship God?

 

[cleanfreak]

Here's another OT reference for you:

For I am the LORD, I change not (Mal. 3:6 KJV)​

God doesn't change. If He said something was wrong or sinful 3000 years ago, then He hasn't changed His mind about it. He hasn't changed at all since Moses lead the people out of Egypt. He told them not to use Pagan customs to worship Him. When do you think that became acceptable? If those verses I quoted earlier are no longer valid, does that mean we can use idolotry to woship God?

You have great points Theo, but using your way of thinking, we should still stone disobedient children and put them out of the city gate as in Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

please enlighten me.

 

[Pizzaguy]

Here's another OT reference for you:

For I am the LORD, I change not (Mal. 3:6 KJV)
​

God does not change, but the way in which He interacts with us OBVIOUSLY changed when Christ died. Have YOU offered a lamb on an alter lately?

If those verses I quoted earlier are no longer valid, does that mean we can use idolotry to woship God?

They are valid, we can learn from them, but we don't live under that old law anymore. And I DO think there is some idolatry in the church today, but I don't want to be specific as it will only cause division here.

 

[Pizzaguy]

You have great points Theo, but using your way of thinking, we should still stone disobedient children and put them out of the city gate as in Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

please enlighten me.

Again, this is what I am getting at...

 

[Pizzaguy]

First off: NO INSULT was intended! If fact, 'i' enjoy your postings. 'i' think that I was agreeing to your 'post'?? And the scripture used in my post was Inspiration, was it not??

--Elijah

I took offense to the thing about ignoring what Christ says. But since you didn't mean it that way, it is fine.

 

[Elijah674]

You have great points Theo, but using your way of thinking, we should still stone disobedient children and put them out of the city gate as in Deuteronomy 21:18-21.

please enlighten me.

And this is the N.T. side, huh!

Heb.12
[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

And on your question? When Christ went back to heaven He documents your answer to your above question in Matt. 18:17-18. That was why Christ sent Saul the ex/killere to His (Christs) Church in Acts 9.

And in chapter 18 you read Christs Words, that to 'BIND' meant to accept in baptism, or it meant to sentence to Last day Execution. And that these duties did indeed bind in heaven. But while Christ was on earth as God/Christ (not Son yet) in the O.T., He was His own Theorcracy. (Government)

And this was all given to Christ's Church Fold on condition of Obedience as seen in Rev. 2:5 + Rev. 3:16 + Rev. 3:9 + Matt. 23:38!

--Elijah

 

[cleanfreak]

And this is the N.T. side, huh!

Heb.12
[8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
[9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

And on your question? When Christ went back to heaven He documents your answer to your above question in Matt. 18:17-18. That was why Christ sent Saul the ex/killere to His (Christs) Church in Acts 9.

And in chapter 18 you read Christs Words, that to 'BIND' meant to accept in baptism, or it meant to sentence to Last day Execution. And that these duties did indeed bind in heaven. But while Christ was on earth as God/Christ (not Son yet) in the O.T., He was His own Theorcracy. (Government)

And this was all given to Christ's Church Fold on condition of Obedience as seen in Rev. 2:5 + Rev. 3:16 + Rev. 3:9 + Matt. 23:38!

--Elijah

great points Elijah.....and in no way do I want to get in a debate with you as I have read several of post and I am in awe of them. Maybe I need to ask the question(s) more directly. A simple answer will hopefully ensue.

Do you have children?
If yes, have they ever been disobedient?

If yes, did you stone them till death?

If yes, what was your sentence?