DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THESE PEOPLE

From time to time, I have met Christians who tells me that God requires of me as a follower of Jesus Christ to observe Jewish dates and festivities, keeping rules, including the Sabbath law. They seem to believe that keeping these Old Testament feast traditions and laws elevates their Christian walk. 

Many of them are very zealous, prideful and arrogant in their quest to convince you to get on board with this belief system.

Yet, the Bible says in the New Testament:

“In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.” Romans 14:5 NLT

“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.  For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ Himself is that reality.” Colossians 2:16-17 NLT

This is because of what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ did for us, as is written:

“For Christ Himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in His own body on the cross, He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations.” Ephesians 2:14-15 NLT

The same warning from the apostle Paul to the Galatians also count for us today! Remember, after coming to faith in Christ, Paul completely stopped following Jewish laws! So, do not be deceived!

“So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once moreto the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? You are trying to earn favor with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. I fear for you. Perhaps all my hard work with you was for nothing. Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles—free from those laws.”  Galatians 4:9-12 NLT

THEY ARE LYING TO US AGAIN

In the Old Testament Bible Book of Esther, it relates the story of a young Hebrew woman in Persia, born as Hadassah but known as Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and thwarts genocide of her people, the Jews. The story forms the core of the Festival of Purim that is been celebrated by the Jews around the world to this day.

Many false teachers and prophets in the Christian church today are saying that believers ought to celebrate this significant day of the Festival or feast of Purim in order to just like Esther have their trials turned into victory and their tears into cheers. But is that really so? Of course NOT!!!

True born-again Christian believers have no business celebrating any Old Testament Jewish festival or feast to get any blessing! Why? 

Because the Bible says in the New Testament:

“So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for NOT celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ Himself is that reality.” Colossians 2:16-17 NLT

“He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations.” Ephesians 2:15 NLT

Just another lie from the office of the church!

DID JESUS CHRIST CELEBRATE HANUKKAH?

There is a false teaching circulating around this time of year, saying that Christians are supposed to celebrate the holiday feast of Hanukkah, remembering and celebrating God’s miracles.

Hanukkah, or the Festival of Dedication, was a yearly event celebrating the dedication of the Temple after Antiochus IV Epiphanes defiled it in 167 BC. The revolt under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus was the most recent deliverance in the history of the Jews. Hanukkah was not one of the feasts God commanded the Jews to celebrate, but it was popular among the people.

The Bible Scripture used to support that Jesus so-called celebrated Hanukkah, comes from John chapter 10 verses 22 and 23, where it says:

“It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade.” John 10:22-23 NLT

Jesus was not there to celebrate Hanukkah, but was walking around! Jesus was at the Temple for a time debating with the Pharisees, and then He left! (See John 10:24-38)

Therefore, to think that Jesus celebrated Hanukkah can absolutely not be proven scripturally!

And besides this, the Scriptures do say: “Don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for NOT celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths.” Colossians 2:16 NLT