1. Psalm 89:5-7 NKJV
And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.

2. Past and Present Holy Days: Sabbath, Lord’s Day, & Christmas

3. 5. Why? Sabbath Deut. 5:15; Ex. 31:17 Lord’s Day
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day,. . . (Rev. 1:10 NKJV)
Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, ... (Mark 16:9 NKJV)
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together… (Acts 20:7 NKJV)
On the first day of every week each one of you is to… (1 Cor. 16:2 NASB)
A. S
1. Deut. 5:15 God’s memorial of Israel’s departure from Egypt
2. Ex. 31:17 a sign between God and Israel and a memorial that God rested after creation
B. LD
1. The only day that is given attention by the HS in NT is a day of the week (not d of month or year)---Mt, Mk, Lk (also Acts), Jn, and Paul all give significance to the fdow. (put verses on chart)
2. Jesus’ resurr is among the most unique events of His life (few resurr, no other involved in their own resurr!)
3. The LD is a memorial of the Lord’s resurrection
a. “The Bible doesn’t say that”—nor does it say the LD is fdow but both are implied by all that is said
b. the LS is a memorial of the Lord’s death but eating the LS is not the “main event” of the Lord’s Day---His resurrection is.
c. When Xians think “As long as I eat the LS on LD, that’s all that really matters,” they haven’t learned the “why” of the LD and we must patiently teach them.
d. When we skip/leave the assembly for other activities, we skip/leave the memorial of Jesus’ resurr (AM, PM)
C. Xmas
1. A yearly memorial of Jesus’ birth that began in the 300s by the authority of a civil leader and an unqualified bishop.
2. If we believe that Scripture “thoroughly equips us,” then we are thoroughly equipped for our service to God without any annual holy day.

4. 5. Why?
Sabbath Deut. 5:15; Ex. 31:17 Lord’s Day Rev. 1:10; Mk. 16:9; Acts 20:7 Christmas
“the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.” (Oxford Dictionary)
A. S
1. Deut. 5:15 God’s memorial of Israel’s departure from Egypt
2. Ex. 31:17 a sign between God and Israel and a memorial that God rested after creation
B. LD
1. The only day that is given attention by the HS in NT is a day of the week (not d of month or year)---Mt, Mk, Lk (also Acts), Jn, and Paul all give significance to the fdow. (put verses on chart)
2. Jesus’ resurr is among the most unique events of His life (few resurr, no other involved in their own resurr!)
3. The LD is a memorial of the Lord’s resurrection
a. “The Bible doesn’t say that”—nor does it say the LD is fdow but both are implied by all that is said
b. the LS is a memorial of the Lord’s death but eating the LS is not the “main event” of the Lord’s Day---His resurrection is.
c. When Xians think “As long as I eat the LS on LD, that’s all that really matters,” they haven’t learned the “why” of the LD and we must patiently teach them.
d. When we skip/leave the assembly for other activities, we skip/leave the memorial of Jesus’ resurr (AM, PM)
C. Xmas
1. A yearly memorial of Jesus’ birth that began in the 300s by the authority of a civil leader and an unqualified bishop.
2. If we believe that Scripture “thoroughly equips us,” then we are thoroughly equipped for our service to God without any annual holy day.

5. 6. Today practiced by Sabbath
“vision focused on the significance of the seventh-day Sabbath” Ellen White
V. Today practiced by
A. In our last lesson we noticed who practiced these things in the past—notice who does so today.
B. Sabbath
1. Modern Judaism, which respects the writings of their “Rabbis” as much as the law and prophets—similar to the Pharisees whom Jesus rebuked in Matt. 15.
2. Ellen White claimed to have a “vision focused on the significance of the seventh-day Sabbath” and as a result, co-founded the SDA.
3. Col. 2:16 God is not glorified by keeping a day that was a sign within a covenant that has ended.
C. LD
1. Christians and all churches with their candlestick (Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7).
2. Practiced by many religious groups who, often do not know or teach “why.”
a. Sunday as a day of worship has been so culturally accepted by religious people that many people and groups of ppl do not know why---its just what we’ve always done and is subject to change (ask your friends).
3. Practiced by many religious groups who, without realizing it, diminish it
a. by claiming “there’s no command to assemble every fdow” (so, if on vacation, camping—no problem)
b. by elevating other days alongside the LD
i. what is the view of the LD and Xmas, that you have seen? (see quotes on chart)
ii. an appearance of wisdom but produces false humility and is of Col. 2:23
(A) puts a man-made day in an equal-higher position than the Lord’s Day (a day God declared)—humility?
(B) this causes all sorts of conflicts (Xmas on LD), so man must invent his own solutions—no value against...
(C) it does not train people to submit to Christ and understand value of LD but has the opposite effect.
D. Xmas
1. Practically every religious group identifying themselves with Jesus in any way (Cath, Prot, non/all-denom), causing our society to believe it is acceptable to God.
2. Many churches claiming to be of Christ have fully embraced Christmas (notice signs as you drive around town), while others are drifting there by wanting no specific teachings against it (I am thankful you do) which results in children being easily deceived by the parts of it which have an appearance of wisdom (Col. 2:23).
“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,” (Colossians 2:16 NKJV)

6. 6. Today practiced by Sabbath Lord’s Day Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7
V. Today practiced by
A. In our last lesson we noticed who practiced these things in the past—notice who does so today.
B. Sabbath
1. Modern Judaism, which respects the writings of their “Rabbis” as much as the law and prophets—similar to the Pharisees whom Jesus rebuked in Matt. 15.
2. Ellen White claimed to have a “vision focused on the significance of the seventh-day Sabbath” and as a result, co-founded the SDA.
3. Col. 2:16 God is not glorified by keeping a day that was a sign within a covenant that has ended.
C. LD
1. Christians and all churches with their candlestick (Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7).
2. Practiced by many religious groups who, often do not know or teach “why.”
a. Sunday as a day of worship has been so culturally accepted by religious people that many people and groups of ppl do not know why---its just what we’ve always done and is subject to change (ask your friends).
3. Practiced by many religious groups who, without realizing it, diminish it
a. by claiming “there’s no command to assemble every fdow” (so, if on vacation, camping—no problem)
b. by elevating other days alongside the LD
i. what is the view of the LD and Xmas, that you have seen? (see quotes on chart)
ii. an appearance of wisdom but produces false humility and is of Col. 2:23
(A) puts a man-made day in an equal-higher position than the Lord’s Day (a day God declared)—humility?
(B) this causes all sorts of conflicts (Xmas on LD), so man must invent his own solutions—no value against...
(C) it does not train people to submit to Christ and understand value of LD but has the opposite effect.
D. Xmas
1. Practically every religious group identifying themselves with Jesus in any way (Cath, Prot, non/all-denom), causing our society to believe it is acceptable to God.
2. Many churches claiming to be of Christ have fully embraced Christmas (notice signs as you drive around town), while others are drifting there by wanting no specific teachings against it (I am thankful you do) which results in children being easily deceived by the parts of it which have an appearance of wisdom (Col. 2:23).

7. The Lord’s Day & Christmas
"On Christmas Day, we have one service, whether it's Sunday or not," said Fields, the vice rector. "This allows the majority of our staff to take off.“
Neartown Church is among those not meeting on Christmas Day…"We just thought it would be easier on families to not gather on Christmas," said pastor Russell Cravens.

8. The Lord’s Day & Christmas
“I honestly can't believe I even have to argue this case it is so overwhelmingly in keeping with what the Bible teaches. And I am not talking about just any Sunday anyway--- I am talking about Christmas Sunday.”

9. 6. Today practiced by
Sabbath Lord’s Day Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7 Christmas
These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:23 NKJV)
V. Today practiced by
A. In our last lesson we noticed who practiced these things in the past—notice who does so today.
B. Sabbath
1. Modern Judaism, which respects the writings of their “Rabbis” as much as the law and prophets—similar to the Pharisees whom Jesus rebuked in Matt. 15.
2. Ellen White claimed to have a “vision focused on the significance of the seventh-day Sabbath” and as a result, co-founded the SDA.
3. Col. 2:16 God is not glorified by keeping a day that was a sign within a covenant that has ended.
C. LD
1. Christians and all churches with their candlestick (Rev. 1:10; Acts 20:7).
2. Practiced by many religious groups who, often do not know or teach “why.”
a. Sunday as a day of worship has been so culturally accepted by religious people that many people and groups of ppl do not know why---its just what we’ve always done and is subject to change (ask your friends).
3. Practiced by many religious groups who, without realizing it, diminish it
a. by claiming “there’s no command to assemble every fdow” (so, if on vacation, camping—no problem)
b. by elevating other days alongside the LD
i. what is the view of the LD and Xmas, that you have seen? (see quotes on chart)
ii. an appearance of wisdom but produces false humility and is of Col. 2:23
(A) puts a man-made day in an equal-higher position than the Lord’s Day (a day God declared)—humility?
(B) this causes all sorts of conflicts (Xmas on LD), so man must invent his own solutions—no value against...
(C) it does not train people to submit to Christ and understand value of LD but has the opposite effect.
D. Xmas
1. Practically every religious group identifying themselves with Jesus in any way (Cath, Prot, non/all-denom), causing our society to believe it is acceptable to God.
2. Many churches claiming to be of Christ have fully embraced Christmas (notice signs as you drive around town), while others are drifting there by wanting no specific teachings against it (I am thankful you do) which results in children being easily deceived by the parts of it which have an appearance of wisdom (Col. 2:23).

10. 7. God’s View of These Today
Sabbath Rom. 14:5-6, 22 Lord’s Day
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together… (Acts 20:7 NKJV)
…when you come together as a church... (1 Cor. 11:18 NKJV)
On the first day of every week... (1 Cor. 16:2 NASB)
VII. God’s view of these today
A. S Rom. 14:5-6, 22 may be privately practiced
1. God does not change, but His expectations have---in the OT, faithfulness to God included Sabbath.
2. one person...in his own mind (not a church)
3. have it to yourself no billboards, flyers, websites declaring it to be a day for the Church (= all saints)
4. if chosen today, must avoid causing confusion and make it clear that this is only a private decision.
a. a Jew or former SDA may have set this day aside all their life and it may be hard to immediately stop and to privately continue is not sinful.
b. Saying “I celebrate the Sabbath” would cause confusion because what that meant in the old cov and what it means now are two very different things.
c. to have my yard decorated with Sabbath sayings or send Sabbath cards would cause similar confusion.
B. LD
1. Once we know what the Lord’s Day is, we realize it is a day involving public practice by assembling.
2. disciples assembled = came together as a church, on the fd of every wk (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:18; 16:1-2)
3. With God’s view of the LD, my priorities for the day are made for me.
C. Xmas
1. We know, and share, God’s view of Jesus’ birth, but what of an annual Christian festival...?
2. Rom. 14:5-6, 22 Annually remembering Jesus’ birth can be privately done but that not = “Xian holiday.”
a. What would have it to yourself mean if a Xian in his own mind remembered Jesus’ birth today?
b. Do you see the confusion in saying “I remember Jesus’ birth on Christmas” (// “I remember the Sabbath”)
c. Would a nativity scene in my front yard send the message that this is my personal day or that I annually celebrate Jesus’ birth as a Xian festival? (not hypothetical)
d. the family and cultural fun-practices also fits the things described here (tree-gifts-lights or not)
3. Does Xmas fit Col. 2:20, 23?
a. The teachings of men produce self-imposed religion and false humility and are of no... = Xmas?
b. Where did the teaching that “Christmas is an annual Christian festival in memory of. . .” begin—teaching of Christ, His apostles, man? Truly “self-imposed” religion (NASB self-made religion)
c. Since it helps people remember Jesus’ birth, is it really of no value against. . .?
i. this is all the thought many people give to it—it has an appearance of wisdom
ii. often distorts the facts of Jesus’ birth, causing them to find meaning in events that did not happen
iii. being based on human tradition, it distorts God’s plan for the leadership of His Church and churches
iv. doesn’t stop with Xmas, also Advent, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter + beheading of John, Passover, Feast of Fools, Feast of Seven Fishes, Feast of circumcision of Jesus if celebrating Xmas adds spiritual strength, why not these and others?

11. 7. God’s View of These Today
Sabbath Lord’s Day Christmas Rom. 14:5-6, 22
…according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (Colossians 2:22-23 NKJV)
Advent Passover
Lent Feast of Fools
Palm Sunday Feast of Seven Fishes
Easter Beheading of John
Feast of circumcision of Jesus
Matt. 7:21
VII. God’s view of these today
A. S Rom. 14:5-6, 22 may be privately practiced
B. LD
1. Once we know what the Lord’s Day is, we realize it is a day involving public practice by assembling.
2. disciples assembled = came together as a church, on the fd of every wk (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:18; 16:1-2)
3. With God’s view of the LD, my priorities for the day are made for me.
C. Xmas
1. We know, and share, God’s view of Jesus’ birth, but what of an annual Christian festival...?
2. Rom. 14:5-6, 22 Annually remembering Jesus’ birth can be privately done but that not = “Xian holiday.”
a. What would have it to yourself mean if a Xian in his own mind remembered Jesus’ birth today?
b. Do you see the confusion in saying “I remember Jesus’ birth on Christmas” (// “I remember the Sabbath”)
c. Would a nativity scene in my front yard send the message that this is my personal day or that I annually celebrate Jesus’ birth as a Xian festival? (not hypothetical)
d. the family and cultural fun-practices also fits the things described here (tree-gifts-lights or not)
3. Does Xmas fit Col. 2:20, 23?
a. The teachings of men produce self-imposed religion and false humility and are of no... = Xmas?
b. Where did the teaching that “Christmas is an annual Christian festival in memory of. . .” begin—teaching of Christ, His apostles, man? Truly “self-imposed” religion (NASB self-made religion)
c. Since it helps people remember Jesus’ birth, is it really of no value against. . .?
i. this is all the thought many people give to it—it has an appearance of wisdom
ii. often distorts the facts of Jesus’ birth, causing them to find meaning in events that did not happen
iii. being based on human tradition, it distorts God’s plan for the leadership of His Church and churches
iv. doesn’t stop with Xmas, also Advent, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter + beheading of John, Passover, Feast of Fools, Feast of Seven Fishes, Feast of circumcision of Jesus if celebrating Xmas adds spiritual strength, why not these and others?

12. Past and Present Holy Days: Sabbath, Lord’s Day, & Christmas

13. “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”
Hear The Gospel (Rom. 10:17)
Believe In Christ (Jn. 8:24)
Repent Of Sins (Acts 2:38)
Confess Christ (Rom. 10:10)
Be Baptized (I Pet. 3:21)
For The Erring Child:
Repent (Acts 8:22), Confess (I Jn. 1:9),
Pray (Acts 8:22)