Greetings,
So another Gregorian calendar year has slipped by. At this time of year when we are in the long stretch between the end of one set of Holy Day observances and the beginning of another (the true beginning of a calendar year), the world around us is heavily caught up in the cleverly blended religious system the god of this world has set up. The attractiveness of this system is quite deliberate as it is meant to appeal to both the pagan and Christian mind alike. This worldly influence on God’s people is subtle and strong. It is a great blessing to know God’s truth, but that knowledge is constantly under pressure in an effort to cause God’s people to compromise. That ongoing story is laid out in detail in the life of the ancient Israelites. For example, the Spirit of the Lord inspired Ezekiel to record, “And you shall know that I am the Lord; for you have not walked in My statutes nor executed My judgments, but have done according to the customs of the Gentiles which are all around you” Ezekiel 11:12.
The New Testament Church was constantly encouraged and warned in regard to holding fast to the truth. Paul wrote to Titus, “…not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth” Titus 1:14. Commandments of men were usually presented in a syncretistic manner. That is, the combining or reconciling of differing beliefs. Mixing truth with error. All the belief surrounding Christmas and New Years celebrations is a powerful example of syncretism. It is a very successful attempt by Satan’s false church to gain control over people in the name of religion. Nimrod, his mother/wife Semiramis and the Babylonian Mystery religion are at the heart of these “end of year” celebrations. God’s attitude toward such activities is clear – “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles … for the customs of the people are futile” Jeremiah 10:2-3.
Is the line drawn by God’s truth perfectly clear in our minds? The pressure to blur that line is constant so we must regularly remind ourselves of the instruction in God’s law. “… take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which he hates they have done to their gods … whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it” Deuteronomy 12:30-32.
During the discussion between Christ and the Samaritan woman at a well, Christ pointed out the importance of the true water of life. “But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” John 4:23-24. Be thankful for the truth God has given to us and be diligent to protect that truth within our minds.
Services this Sabbath will originate from Concord CA with the sermon patched in from Duarte.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
