As agents of the devil's lies, the Jehovah Witnesses still are out there preaching their false gospel. Many nice people have bought into the lies, many unsuspectingly, and are even today out proselytizing those who do not know THE truth. Quoting their misinterpreted Bible, the New World Translation. Avoid it. And many well meaning Christians, when they encounter them, argue and debate with them in contradiction to what 2 John tells us to do with them. Were you argued into heaven, or was it by the Holy Spirit? Don't you know that all you have to do is compete in an argument and they have won? So when the latest pair-even sent out in pairs like the disciples, showed up in my driveway Saturday, I cut them off immediately. I am nice and kind to them, fruits of the spirit that should be in us, but address them simply with one basic question-Is Jesus Christ deity? Is He God like the Bible says? These two young men emphatically said no, then tried to explain-I cut them off. I will not listen to their lies. To their deception. do not give the devil a foothold. I told them by denying Jesus as God, they were going to hell-and it was their choice. Jesus died so they didn't have to, and God loves them-the reason Jesus came in the first place! To seek and save those that are lost! I assured them that I loved and cared for them too, and it makes me sad when someone believes a lie and chooses it over the truth. For I wish no one to go to hell. As I wished them both Merry Christmas, and we shook hands, the older one turned to me and said, "you know he wasn't even born on December 25th." As if that statement would absolve him from any sin. But my answer, a factual statement, could still be seen on their faces as they looked back.
Funny we know Lincoln's Gettysburg address, the address of Santa is the North Pole, but we know very little about where Jesus was born. In a stable, laid in a feeding trough, wrapped in burial clothes. The Bible never mentions the date of Jesus birth. We choose to celebrate it when we do. No one is exactly sure of the date, but it can be tied down pretty close to another season. So I asked these two who advertise themselves as studiers of God's word, "how can you base something of God based on something of man? Are you willing to bet your eternal destiny on a date chosen by man, rather than the facts provided by God?" I don't know if anyone had asked them that before. Read THE Bible, I advised, and ask God to show you the truth via His spirit. I know that will stick with them-and I pray the Holy Spirit is talking to them right now. The shocked look on their faces-almost that of fear, tells me that the Spirit is already at work. No coincidence they showed up that Saturday morning in my driveway.
The truth is we are all going to hell. It is the good news, aka the gospel, that you don't have to. It is your choice. Jesus gives you the only way out. Admit you are a sinner, repent, believe with your heart, and confess with your mouth Jesus as savior, and you are saved. No courses, tests, memberships, book tours, or pay per view event-trust God. Have you ever prayed that prayer?
I find it interesting little information is given about Jesus' birth in the Bible. It is only when studied, the truth is revealed by God to us. He kept it simple, like the gospel, for we get easily confused. We get more swept up in the event rather than the person. And it is all about Jesus. We know Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but not the name of the inn. Was it a chain, or mom and pop motel? Was there a bellhop? Never mentioned either. Valet parking? What was the innkeepers name? Were they admitted by some student going to college? Who happened to be working Christmas-and he just didn't know it. Did they have a reservation? Did they get a AAA rate? Did they have to show ID? Were they offered a complimentary cup of coffee? Did they visit the gift shop? Imagine what those postcards would be worth today. The animals are not identified in the stable, and who were the wise men? Who knows how many there were, the song incorrectly names three, the Bible never says. So much to know, but so little told. And so much incorrectly assumed. Maybe the lack of information helps us keep Jesus the main thing. And keeps us seeking. As it should. I could easily see a chain of motels named after the inn in question. I have stayed at Route 66 motels that aren't even on Route 66. Some you couldn't even see the famous road from. "Stay where Jesus was born-a nationwide chain." Neglecting the one who was born that night. Maybe even have a special "Savior's Birth Room," at a premium price. Animals extra. Make it the special "birth package." comes with a free continental style breakfast. Bet that would be booked on His birthday. And not being sure of the date would allow premium rates on other days. Maybe Christmas week, or month or ... all at a premium rate. All the hoopla, but never knowing the truth. "I slept where Jesus was born," would show up on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and hats. Just like many have slept in old inns back east, where George Washington was supposed to have slept. And in Memphis where they have a king, and a shrine called Graceland. "Thank you, thank you very much."As for me, I rather rest in His eternal arms. Although I have slept in places named after George. Let's stop and thank God right now that He protected His son from all that. That's love.
Christians need to remind a dying world that it is THE TRUTH that sets you free-not some religious lies by some well meaning employee of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There is no salvation in their lies. Love them, but don't engage them. Obey the scripture, just love them. Their knowledge is based on lies, and no matter how any times repeated it doesn't convert into the truth.
So as we celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25th, seek Him as the wise men did. Ask Him for the gift He offers 365 days a year, His love via eternal life. Trust Him and Him only. The liars and deceivers are out there, lying in wait as vicious wolves to keep you from heaven. Avoid the lies, seek truth. Don't let them take away who we celebrate.
I will pray for these two young men, for their salvation. They are the reason Jesus died. There is only one question I wish I had asked them. In the song Silent Night, three people are mentioned in one verse. "Round yon virgin, mother, and child." Three people. I wonder if these two know what a round yon virgin is? Or who she was? Do you?
More importantly do you know Jesus? Might just change the whole way you celebrate Christmas. Merry Christmas Jesus! Happy Birthday, too!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com