QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (117)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   Recently, I picked up a book entitled, The Seven Powers of Questions, written by Dorothy Leeds.

1.    In the “Foreward,” Tom Hopkins writes:  “Gaining a clear understanding of the value of questions is probably the single most dominant factor in my overall success in business and in life” (p. xi).

2.    On page 1, the opening paragraph contains these words:

 

“Every time you open your mouth to speak you have two options:  Make a        

a statement or ask a question.  Asking questions can change your life.  In              

fact, it is the act of questioning that causes us to go deep inside and examine        

our emotional selves and questioning that causes us to take actions that turn       

our lives around.”

 

B.   Questions are important, especially well-worded, sincere questions.

 

C.   Today is our Questions and Answers Sunday. Even if our answers to your questions are not life-changing, we hope they help you as you live the Christian life.

 

I.             QUESTION #1:  The Origin of Christmas

 

A.   Stated:  What is the origin of Christmas?

 

B.   Answer:

1.    The New Testament records the life of the first century church.  It contains everything we need for life and godliness according to 2 Peter 1:3.

a.    Some believe the New Testament was completed by 70 A.D.

Others believe that the New Testament was completed by 100 A.D.

b.    This means that we have an account of the first 35 to 65 years of the New Testament church recorded for us.

c.    NOTE:  There is not one celebration of Christmas found in the twenty-three books from Acts to Revelation.  There is not even one mention of an event called Christmas in those 23 books.

d.    LESSON:  Since we do not have Bible authority to celebrate Christmas in a religious way, we leave it off as a congregation of the Lord’s people.

e.    ARGUMENT:  The Bible plainly mentions the birth of Christ.  He had to have been born on some date.  What is wrong with celebrating Christmas?

f.     Answer:

1)    Two verses:

a)    When the Lord commissioned the twelve to go into the world, He told them to teach the new coverts something specific.  “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”  If the apostles were to teach only what was commanded, we cannot do more than that.  Christmas is not commanded.  Therefore, I cannot teach that it should be observed.

b)    Colossians 3:17

 

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

 

-      All we do in word or deed must be done in name of, or, by the authority of Jesus Christ.

-      That authority comes from the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

-      We do not find authority for celebrating Christmas anywhere in the Bible.  Therefore, since we have no authority for it, we leave it off.

2)    Those in the denominational world and those in the world may not ever understand this point.  They will think we are legalists and will say we are making mountains out of molehills.  However, in Leviticus 10:1-2, the fire of the Lord slew Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, because they burned incense with an unauthorized fire. 

2.    So, if Christmas is not found in the Bible, where did it come from?

a.    Pope Julius 1 (337-352) is credited for selecting December 25^th as Christmas Day.

b.    There are two possible explanations for the selection of this day.

1)    It is somewhat symbolic because it falls around the winter solstice, that is, the shortest day of the year. 

a)    The day contains less than eight hours of sunlight.  However, from that day forward, light begins to overtake the darkness.

b)    When Jesus was born, the Light entered into the world in order to overtake the darkness.

-      John 1:4

 

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

 

-      John 1:9

 

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

 

2)    There was a Roman festival that was celebrated at this time of year known as Saturnalia. 

a)    It honored the god named Saturn.

b)    It was celebrated on December 17^th, but was later changed to a week of celebration.

c)    There was feasting, gift-giving, and social role reversals.

d)    Christmas made it easier for those converting from paganism to Christianity to deal with having to leave the feast of Satunalia behind.

3.    A final point:  The name Christmas “Christmas literally means “Christ’s Mass.” It comes from Old English Cristes mæsse, referring to the religious service (mass) celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.” (ChatGPT).

 

II.           QUESTION #2:  Old Testament Prophets

 

A.   Stated:  As we study 1^st Kings, there are hundreds of prophets at one time, both godly and ungodly.  Explain more, such as:  How did one become a prophet?  and, how were they called of God to be a prophet?

 

B.   Answer:

1.    We know that there were many prophets who functioned within the nation of Israel.  (Ex., Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord according to 1 Kings 18:4.  When she did, Obadiah hid a hundred prophets, fifty in one cave and fifty in another).

2.    These prophets lived in groups located in various cities of Israel:  Ramah, Bethel, Jericho, and Gilgal (1 Sam. 19:18-24).

3.    They lived in organized groups (2 Kings 6:1-2). 

a.    They were communities of servants of God. 

b.    They are never referred to as schools. 

c.    One commentator referred to them as “community hubs” found throughout Israel.

d.    Many see Samuel as the founder of these companies (See 1 Sam. 10:5).

4.    They are called “the sons of the prophets” (1 Kings 20:35).  The dominant, older prophets like Elijah were mentors to these individuals.

5.    They were men of God (1 Sam. 2:27).

6.    They were called “seers” (1 Sam. 9:9) because they could see events that would happen in the future.

7.    We know of only one specifically anointed for the office, a man named Elisha (1 Kings 19:16).

8.    These men were empowered by the Spirit of God to accomplish their work for the Lord (2 Sam. 23:2; Mic. 3:8).

 

But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD.

 

9.    This power often enabled them to perform miraculous works.

a.    Moses brought the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea.

b.    Elijah multiplied the widow’s flour and oil.

c.    Elisha raised the son of the Shunnamite woman to life.

d.    Others were surrounded by miraculous actions such as Daniel in the lion’s den.

10. These men served several functions within the nation of Israel.

a.    A place for spiritual training.

b.    The preservation of the faith of Israel.

c.    Special missions commanded by God.

d.    Convicted the nation of Israel of sin and charged them to repent.

e.    Told of events to come:  judgment, the Messiah, and the kingdom were dominate themes set forth by them.

 

III.         QUESTION:  A Need at OceanSide

 

A.   Stated:  What will the money over budget be contributed to during the month of December?

 

B.   Answer: 

1.    There are two entrances that stand in need of new doors.

a.    The main entrance

b.    The exit on my right at the front of the building

2.    The main door

a.    We want to purchase a door that has a handicapped equipped threshold.  We have many elderly individuals who use canes, walkers, and scooters who need this improvement.

b.    Too, the right side of the door has a lock that works, but has been improvised in order to lock.

3.    The existing door at the front of the building has rusted out on the bottom due to weather.  Eventually water will seep in and will ruin the carpet.

4.    Scripture:

a.    The Lord has commanded us to assemble on the first day of the week to worship (Acts 20:7; Heb. 10:25).  This command necessitates a gathering place.  This congregation gathers at this building.

b.    Philippians 2:4

 

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

 

1)    As a family of God’s people, we must be concerned for one another.

2)    We are concerned for our older members.  New doors will enable individuals to gather easier and safer.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   We have looked at three different things in this lesson

1.    The origin of Christmas.  It is from man, not of God.

2.    The schools or companies of the prophets of the Old Testament.

3.    The plan for new doors on this building.

 

B.   We need to:

1.    Be warned of the doctrines of man (Matt. 15:9).

2.    Learn about the things of the past (Rom. 15:4)

3.    Be aware of things that are happening within this local congregation (Rom. 12:17).