By: Rob McKenzie

Rob McKenzie — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:45:47 +0000

In reply to Timothy Joseph. Tim, thanks for the comments, they are greatly appreciated!

By: Timothy Joseph

Timothy Joseph — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 14:31:57 +0000

First, thanks for your ministry! Second, I am not sure that celebrating a special day, like Christmas or Easter diminishes the weekly celebration of these same events. Third, the celebration of lent , particularly, Ash Wednesday is an entirely different matter. It is not the setting aside of special time to fast, granted real fasting occurs seldom, that is problematic, but the idea that an external rite, not commissioned in scripture, can be given mediating status. The movement towards lent in Reformed and Evangelical Churches is further evidence of our new found infatuation with Catholic mysticism.
Fourth, on Paul and his participating in the Temple purification, it appears that he is doing exactly as he claimed, becoming all things for the hope of bringing others to Christ. It is significant that even though he is participating in a temple ritual that neither Paul or James give the event saving worth. As a Messianic believer, I celebrate Shavuot, Passover, Hanukkah, yet not as a Jew, but instead their fulfillment in Jesus, our Messiah. Of course all of these days are most fully completed each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. I would not and cannot bind these on other believers, yet like Paul’s purification, these events are an opportunity to reach unbelieving Jews for Christ and to help fellow believers see how even these festivals foreshadowed Jesus. If we raise the Name above every other name; He will draw those whom have been chosen before the foundation of the world.

Tim

Comments on: The Church and Religious Practices

By: Rob McKenzie

By: Timothy Joseph