OceanSide church of Christ

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Holidays or Holydays (Part 2)
by: Dalton Gilreath

I.                How do I treat these holidays?

A.    It is important we don’t just celebrate holidays because the world does

                                                    i.     We are to be different from the world not conformed to it (Rom 12:1-2)

                                                   ii.     When I do things because my neighbor does I can get into trouble (Rom 14:23)

B.    I cannot establish my own thoughts of right and wrong (Rom 10:3)

                                                    i.     When I don’t prove all things I am no better than those Israelites

                                                   ii.     It is the same principle as adding or taking away from worship (Col 2:23)

C.    I can’t do it for the wrong reason but I also can’t bind where God hasn’t bound

                                                    i.     I can’t call something unclean God hasn’t (Acts 10:14-15)

                                                   ii.     We have freedom in Christ and should not create boundaries God does not (1 Cor 3:21-23)

II.              How do others view it?

A.    All things are lawful but not everything is “expedient” (1 Cor 10:23)

                                                    i.     We must not use our freedoms in a way to discourage others

                                                   ii.     I must be careful of what is wise and what is unwise with decisions about holidays

                                                 iii.     We get to discern what is good and what is not based upon God’s word (Heb 5:14)

1.     For example, it would be fine to have a tree, presents, decorations, etc for Christmas

2.     But if my brother is offended I don’t need to invite him over or rub it in his face that I disagree (Rom 14)

                                                 iv.     Other things would not be wise

1.     Nativity scene in the yard

2.     Dressing up like Satan, witches, etc on Halloween

3.     Singing Christmas carols about Christ’s birth

4.     Having a special Easter service

5.     Anything that gives the wrong impression that I may be turning a holiday into a holyday

III.            Finally, consider what we teach about these holidays as well

A.    We must speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11)

B.    Some holidays, like Christmas, teach false Bible facts

                                                    i.     The Bible does not say there were three wise men (Matt 2:11)

                                                   ii.     The Bible does not say the star was in the east (Matt 2:2)

                                                 iii.     The Bible does not say when Jesus was born

C.    Be careful not to teach false doctrine around these holidays as well