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WHAT'S HAPPENING?
FOR THE DATE, TIME, AND LINKS
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RUSSELL SANDERS
12-21-2020
THE CHRISTMAS SERIES – PART 2
THE ORIGIN OF DECEMBER 25th AS CHRISTMAS – PART 1
This series will cover two broad categories. First, we will see how the current celebration of a December 25th Christmas holiday came into being and the pagan roots of the celebration. Second, we will learn of it from scripture and understanding of its Jewish roots. We must not allow the pagan features to turn us aside from truly celebrating the birth of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ (Anointed One).
The early church held no holiday celebration of Christ’s birth for nearly 300 years. The celebration only began in the fourth century A.D. The early church had five cities that were the powers of administration. By the fourth century Rome had gained preeminence, as the others faded, since the Roman Empire was the ruling power. For most of those first three centuries, Christians were heavily persecuted.
About 303 A.D., Constantine became the new Emperor of Rome. In 312-313 A.D. he converted from paganism to Christianity. In his zeal he made moves to consolidate the Christian faith around Rome and to establish uniform doctrines and practices.
In 325A.D. (fourth century) Constantine called all the prominent Christian leaders to the city of Nicaea for a council. It was at this council that Roman Church doctrine was codified in the “Nicene Creed” (and later revised). It was also at this council that Christian holidays known as Christmas and Easter were first established, both of which incorporated pagan features into the Christian Celebration.
As we dig into “Christmas” origins tomorrow, do not allow its combination of Christianity and paganism turn you aside from celebrating Christmas. We “chew the fat and spit out the bones” as we celebrate God’s gift of love to the world.
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HELEN SANDERS
12-21-2020
BODY PIERCIING
There is much debate among Christians as to whether body piercing or tattooing is something that a Christian should do. I have heard both sides of it. I have seen people with no tattoos or piercings be very harsh and pharisaically legalistic against those that have both, and I have seen people with both tattoos and body piercings that love the Lord with all their heart. I choose not to condemn those that have done both.
There is a body piercing that goes way beyond any body piercing that we could imagine. There is a scripture in Zechariah 12:10 that says, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born.” This scripture is quoted in John 19:37: “And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they have pierced.”
This scripture was partially fulfilled in John, when Jesus was crucified, and it will be fulfilled completely when Jesus comes again. It is mentioned in Revelation 1:7, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
This body piercing was an absolute necessity to fulfill scripture. Without Jesus’ taking the piercing there would be no fulfillment of scripture. There is no debate in this “body piercing.” It was done for all mankind.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and as such we must choose to take care of our bodies where the Holy Spirit lives. We can’t undo tattoos that were already there before Holy Spirit moved in, but I believe we should really pray about adding anything to our bodies whether tattoos or piercings that would devalue our temples. Will it cause us to not be Christians? No, but it may hinder our testimony. I would say use everything that was done in your past as a testimony to the Lord’s work in your life. Let your life reflect Jesus and reflect the piercings that he took rather than having it be all about you. Your choice. I have family members with tattoos, and I do not condemn them. I love them unconditionally.
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The Seven Prayer Mountains |
For those of you that missed Russell's excellent series on the Seven Prayer Mountains click the link below to read them all on our website. It is under the Title "The Seven Prayer Mountains". It lists all 11 of the articles which you can read individually
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Order now and receive before Christmas!
OUR CHILDREN'S BOOK
The Trail to Trouble
by Helen Sanders
When Jason and his friend Sean go down a trail without permission and get lost, they learn a lesson the hard way.
This children's 30-page paperback story book teaches children character traits like listening, obeying Mom and Dad, and praying.
A great gift for any young child or grandchild.
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only $9.95 which includes S&H (U.S.)
For shipping outside the continental U.S. please contact us.
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Sunday - 12-20-2020 -----CHURCH ON THE NET
Laying the Foundation - the Principles to build your Christian life on Part 1
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EQUIPPING THE SAINTS -
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00 p.m. EST
Teaching from: 12-18-2020
The proper way to deal with offenses and forgiveness
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REVELATION BIBLE STUDY
Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. EST
This week ( December 22) is Session 25 - chapters 18
The Fall of Babylon
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Session 80
The Doctrine of Laying of Hands
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The Coronavirus origin and the cover-up
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Chick-Fil-A
Are they using hidden subliminal messages?
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TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION - |
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Who was the the smallest U.S. President at only 5'4" and around 100 pounds??
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YESTERDAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION
Who was the only President to get married in the White House?
The correct answer is:
Grover Cleveland
33.3% answered correctly with
Grover Cleveland
66.7% answered incorrectly with
William Henry Harrison
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Answers must be in by 6 p.m. to be counted in the poll
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Click on the links below to read news
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Have you put up Christmas decorations this year?
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YESTERDAY'S SURVEY:
When do you open Christmas gifts?
75% answered:
Christmas Day
25% answered;
Both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
We do not share these surveys with any one. They are for your enjoyment only.
All poll answers must be submitted by 6:00 p.m to be included in the next day results
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TEACHING AND EQUIPPING THE SAINTS THROUGH:
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers
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Apostle Pat Murray
12-17-2020
Today you may be encountering some really serious obstacles or perhaps there’s some decisions that must be made in your life. Why don’t you pause for a moment and ask our all knowing, all seeing and loving Father God for His strength and His wisdom? As you do this He will in turn guide you, protect you and He’ll give you sufficient strength for the journey that lies just ahead. God bless each of you as you pray and seek His will; Believing in your heart that because of Jesus your Lord, your Savior, your promise keeper, miracle worker, peace speaker, way maker and your light in the darkest day...That something good is going to happen in you, to you, through you and for you...Today and for all of your tomorrows. Just just trust Him.
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What man other than Jesus, caused people to be healed by just his shadow passing over them??
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YESTERDAY'S
BIBLE QUIZ QUESTION:
How many loves and fishes did the boy give Jesus that fed the multitudes?
The Correct answer is:
Five loaves and two fish
100% got it right with
Five Loaves and two fish
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Answers must be in before 6 p.m. to be counted in the poll
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SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
And by the hands of the apostle were many signs and wonders wrought among the people (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch....
Acts 5:12 KJV
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TODAY'S BIBLE TRIVIA QUIZ |
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What was the name of the man that hated Queen Esther's Uncle and wanted to put him to death?
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ
According to John 3:16 Jesus is the only "-------" son of the Father?
The correct answer is:
Begotten
100% answered correctly with:
Begotten
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Your answers must be in by 6 p.m. of any given day to be counted in calculating the answers.
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this ministry can help them.
Call for an interview.
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