1. Nadab and Abihu Lev. 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.

2. Severely Punished – Why? 1.Act of willful disobedience. 2.Committed by those who knew better. 3.Position of great influence. 4.Disobedience in connection with worship. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Cor. 10:11). For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Rom. 15:4).

3. New Testament Church Established by Christ – Mt. 16:18 Penitent believers, baptized & added – Acts 2:47 Met in local assemblies to worship God Sang, Prayed, Gave, Lord’s Supper, & Edified by Gospel Preaching Worked Together Taught Gospel to Lost, Edified, Helped Needy Saints All done under guidance of the apostles. Gospel fully revealed – 2 Pet. 1:3 For the Glory of God – Eph. 3:21

4. 250-300 A.D. BirthBaptismDeath Epiphany (Appearing) January 6th Date Wise Men Came To See Jesus Signified End of the Christmas Season ManGod & ManMan

5. 350 A.D. - Christians competed with the false concept of Epiphany by celebrating it as the birth of Christ, not the baptism of Christ. Later changed the day in order not to give the first group encouragement. Dec. 25 th was eventually selected. Used because it was the same day the pagans worshipped the sun and the sun god Mithra. 500 A.D. – Mid-night masses observed. As Catholic power increased—pagan legends & customs were added in order to “convert” them. Birth & Growth of Christmas

6. Honoring Saint Nicholas of Myra was transferred from Dec. 6 th to Dec. 25th German pagans sacrificed to Odin’s Oak—Boniface suggested adorning a fir tree to honor Christ. Green – Life through Winter Red – Blood of Christ

7. 1200 A.D. - Nativity scenes began