Letters, Questions, and Answers

By Larry R. Lasiter

©

Negative letter From Adearthic, a Wiccan Earth Worshipper:

"I had to laugh when reading your essay." (The Bible, Ancient Myths or Word of God) You wrote,- "Obviously, Utnapishtim represented Noah and Mt Nisir represented Mt. Ararat. The names are different because the Epic of Gilgamesh was written in the Chaldean language and the Biblical account in Hebrew."

Here we have evidence that the Bible is NOT the breathed word of God, and yet you use it to claim that it is. (Chuckle) Our earliest copy of Genesis dates to 598 BC. Even if we ascribe its authorship to Moses (doubtful in itself) that is STILL 750 years AFTER the cuneform was tooled. Clearly, the Gilgamesh Epic is the more accurate version, yet it contains multitudes of gods, and different place names! HA! HA! Cheers, Adearthic

Dear Friend, WARM GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS THE SON! I Hope this email finds you well and in good health. Thank you for writing and giving me an opportunity to address my article and the Bible. I did not mean to give the impression that the Babylonian epic and the Bible account of a worldwide flood were the same documents written in different languages. The Bible teaches that following the flood a large number of people engaged in building a tower which, in their estimation would reach to Heaven. The first century Jewish historian, Josephus, records what had been passed down orally for centuries and says that the tower was built as protection against another worldwide flood, to make a way to avenge God in the event it happened, and Josephus goes on to say that water-proof mortar was used to seal between the stones.

The Bible records, that because of this mentality, God created the many languages we now have today. Thus when the workers could no longer communicate they dispersed taking the flood account with them. Some became great city-empires like the Chaldeans and recorded their account. But it wasn't until after they became a city-nation that they recorded on tablets what they obviously knew previously.

Similarly, that is what happened when Moses recorded the account found in Bible, it is the Israelite account of the flood. It should not matter that it was recorded on a scroll before or after another account, because like the Babylonian epic, it was recorded after Israel became a nation, though it was known before. There are over 80,000 cultures that have stories of an ancient flood, but many were passed down only by oral tradition.

Now, My Friend, concerning the Bible and particularly Christianity. Let me say that I am confident that you have observed that Christianity is not usually a religion that one accepts by careful and thorough study over a lengthy period of time. Unlike people whom I have known who accepted Buddism, Hinduism, Islam, Wicca, etc, Christianity is accepted usually before a real investigation into the Bible.

Curiously, Real Bible study usually begins after the acceptance of Christ. Whereas these other religions are practiced only after a wealth of information has been explored, unless of course you were born in it.In Christianity, dramatic, spontaneous conversion is the norm, not the exception. People who were earlier the same day, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslins, practicers of Wicca, Atheists, Satanists, etc suddenly, and dramatically become Christians. These converts don't even know yet all that the God of their religion requires of them, yet they are already committed and eager to learn. It is a amazing enigma.

The Bible explains in Jesus' own words, "No one can come to me unless the Father call him." John 6:44 Before that moment, it was absolute foolishness to them. There are millions of testimonies from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds,- In a single instant their lives were powerfully changed. In an instant, atheists and those of other religions suddenly become Christians. And the change is so powerful that hundreds of thousands willingly suffer martyrdom each year for their belief in Christianity.

My Friend hear some of their testimonies. WOMAN PRISONER IN SIBERIAN, 1960: "God, accept all my sufferings, my tiredness, my humiliations, my tears, my nostalgia, my being hungry, my suffering of cold, all the bitterness accumulated in my soul. . .Dear Lord, have pity on those who persecute and torture us day and night. Grant them, too, the divine grace of knowing the sweetness and happiness of Your love."

JIM ELLIOT, speared by headhunters, Ecuador, 1956: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

RICHARD WURMBRAND, Romania, 1940-1960: "Without fear we sang in prisons 30 feet beneath the earth. We were terribly hungry, beaten, and tortured. The Communists were good at torturing us. We would say to each other, "The Communists beat us very well, - let us do our work well, Let us sing well."

IVAN MOISEYEV, martyred in U.S.S.R,, 1972: "Angels are transparent. If an angel stands before you with a man behind him, the presence of the angel does not keep you from seeing the man. On the contrary; Looking at a man through an angel makes him more beautiful. I see my torturers through an angel. In that way, even they become lovable."

A Communist officer told a Christian he was beating, "I am almighty, as you suppose your God to be. I can kill you." The Christian answered, "The power is all on my side. I can love you while you torture me to death." (From the book "Jesus Freaks")

IGNATIUS, devoured by wild animals in Rome, 111 AD: "My dear Jesus, my Savior, is so deeply written in my heart, that I feel confident, that if my heart were to be cut open and chopped to pieces, the name of Jesus would be found written on every piece."

RICHARD WURMBRAND, Romania 1940-1960: "While in jail, we sang. Once the director of the prison entered our cell, furious. "I was told that you sing subversive songs here. Let me hear one, " he commanded. We sang these moving words; "O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame bowed down. . ." he listened to the end, then turned and left without saying a word. Later he became a brother in the faith." My Dear Friend, that is my prayer for you, that you too will become a brother in the faith of Jesus Christ, who willingly offered up His sinless life for you and for me. All in order to bring us into communion with Him and the Father in spiritual worship and devotion. He loves His children. I pray that you now are hearing for the first time the call of your Father to come to His Son and receive eternal salvation. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever would believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

My Friend, God loves with an everlasting love, and he draws us near with His lovingkindness. (Jeremiah 31)Come to Him. Pray "Father I confess that I have done wrong things, but I am ready today to commit my life to you, forgive me. I receive the precious sacrifice You gave for me in Jesus and I believe that you are now passing me from death to life, and are inscribing my name in the Lamb's Book of Life. Amen"

Dear Friend, notice also that although you took pleasure in correcting me about my article, even laughing, I was not, and am not offended. I realize fully that I am only a man who finds that he is mistaken at times.

Though, I don't know you, I love you because my Heavenly Father loves you and gave His only Son for you. I would embrace you if you were here.That is the power of the cross of Christianity. The ability to love those who don't love you. It is a comfort and a peace that surpasses the understanding of our intellect. May you come to Christ and receive the missing dimension of your soul, and may God richly bless and keep you always. Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

In December of 1998 we received the following letter from Savchishin Vladimir, an update will follow.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Greetings from Ukraine! My name is Vladimir, I am 34 years old, married, have two children. I work (as) a manager of (a) computer laboratory in college. Recently in my life has taken place the unexpected and surprising event! I was convinced that Jesus Christ, about whom is told in the Bible, (is) alive, he rise from the dead!!!! Now I have my Savior and I am very glad, I want to sing and to dance!! My young friends play on a guitar in our church and on the streets. We want to sing and to play about the God, but we are not professional musicians. We must to play better! We have acoustic and electric guitars, but we need the decent strings. And it is necessary to us to study to play better. There are no professional teachers-guitarists in our town. The videocassettes with lessons and exercises for guitar, CD audio and other educational materials are especially necessary for us. The various musical styles are interesting to us. We ask you for help. If you can and want to help, we shall be very glad to receive the help from you. Sorry, but I cannot to pay because my monthly salary (is) $50. God will bless you completely in new year and ALWAYS! JESUS WILL COME SOON!!!!!Vladimir

From the Editor: We did help Vladimir and the brethren there, about forty in number, by sending them money, vitamins, music instruction books, new strings and various gospel tracts and literature. Recently we received the following update.

Dear Pastor Larry and Family, Greetings to you from Ukraine! I am Vladimir, I hope you remember me. I remember your open-hearted letters and help for musical group from my church. Praise to God.

I received (January 2000) Newsletter from you a day or two ago, THANK YOU! I must to tell you thing I want not to tell but I must. I have pressing need now. This winter was very hard for me and my family. We have very strong economic crisis in Ukraine. I and my wife have work full time but earn only $45 in sum. (And we have 2 childs)

I earned $45 by myself year ago. There is very hard time for 90% of people here. A lot of illnesses, low food, vitamin deficiency. I had a decent health before, but I was sick four times last of half-year. I must to ask for help. May you can give me $40-$45? I could buy vitamins and good food for my family this spring. It will be very essential help for us. If you can to help you can do it by sending guitar strings, for example. I could sell them and buy food and vitamins. Is it possible for you? I thank to the God for this chance. God bless you! Vladimir

P.S. Dear Family, I have overlooked to tell you one remarkable news! Musical group from our church is blessed by God! Their song got in hot three songs in Ukrainian FM radios! It is inconceivable!!! Song ABOUT GOD sounds on FM! Praise to the God! Vladimir

From the Editor: Thanks to the kindness and giving of God’s saints we were able to send a care-package along with over three months salary to these dear brethren in the Ukraine.

Dear Pastor Larry and Church, THANK YOU and PRAISE TO GOD FOR THIS GIFT! HALLELUJAH!!!

God will bless you and your family more and more! Thank you again and pass on my greetings and blessings to your family and brethren. I see His love per you, how it is wonderful!!!! Vladimir

Dear Vladimir, Family and Brethren, It was our pleasure, it is truly better to give than to receive. We cherish the thought that our small congregation has a part in helping you bring Christ to your Ukrainian people. Fantastic news about songs of Christ on Ukrainian radio! Praise God!

QUESTION From North Wales, Britain : "Hi, O.K. I am 14 years old and my homework is to decide whether moral/immoral is different from right/wrong? What do you think about this and any tips will be welcome. I have to give this in on Monday morning, so please email me on Sunday morning at the latest. Thanks, Neha, North Wales, Britain

Warm greetings from Arkansas, USA, the Natural State! (Neha and family are presently Hindus)

Notice this definition of MORALITY from the World Book Dictionary, -"The RIGHT or WRONG of an action.(2) "Doing RIGHT; virtue, - "He ranks very high in both intelligence and MORALITY." (3) "A system of MORALS; set of rules or principles of conduct." (4) "A MORAL lesson or precept: MORAL instruction."

Isn’t it interesting that we humans alone seem to possess a consciousness of right and wrong, moral and immoral? We don’t find this trait in the animal kingdom. Animals don’t seem to be emotionally moved by the pain and suffering they inflict upon another animal, do they? It is clear that animals are simply driven by survival instincts that are devoid of pity or mercy. I remember watching a house cat play with a mouse once. It was "fun" for the cat but "fatal" for the mouse. The cat played with the mouse until the mouse died. The cat wasn’t hungry, nor did it seem to care at all about the horrific suffering it was causing the mouse, -it was just responding to its natural killer instincts of survival. And since it is necessary for some animals to kill and eat to survive, it is perhaps good that they don’t have emotions that would cause them to feel pity for their prey.

On the other hand, humans are very much different, aren’t they? Even the most experienced and skilled hunters feel very bad when they only wound their target instead of delivering a shot that brings a quick and painless death. As humans, we feel pity for the animal if it suffers. Why is that? Why are humans so different than animals in this regard? Because, humans were created in the likeness of God, our Creator. We are like Him in various ways. We resemble Him in appearance, we feel emotions as He does. . .we care.

And like our Creator, we possess creative abilities. Humans have a consciousness that animals do not. Animals do not ponder the same thoughts as humans do, -they never ask the questions,- "What am I?", "Why am I?", "Why do I exist?", "How did all things come into existence?", "What happens when I die?", "Is there a Creator?", "Is there truth?", "Is truth absolute or relative?", "Is it true that there is a right and a wrong?", "How can I know what is right or wrong, moral or immoral?" Animals never feel guilty or wrestle with the thought that they may have done something immoral.

In the animal kingdom, the strong kill the weak, the big kill the small. Animals routinely raid the nests of other animals killing their young. It is the law of the survival of the fittest. In the human kingdom, the strong care for the weak, the big carry the small. The old are cared for in various ways by other caring people. Now, we understand that humans commit atrocities, but note also that most humans are always sickened by them. The recent tragedy in Littleton, Colorado committed by two boys must be viewed in the same light with all the tremendous outflowing of sympathy by many for the victims. If we humans were ruled by the same instincts as animals, we may not have malice, but we would routinely dispose of the old and weak, the strong and dominant would starve the weak and oppressed. We don’t regularly behave this way, the reason? Because humans are endowed with a sense of right and wrong, good and evil, moral and immoral. This sense comes from God, our Creator.

Though we humans have a sense of understanding that here is a definite right and wrong, moral and immoral, we don’t have within ourselves the understanding of just what is right and wrong, moral or immoral. We cannot let our conscience be our guide alone, because we humans can convince ourselves that "anything" can be right or wrong. An Aztec Priest had no troubled conscience as he pulled the beating heart from his sacrificial victim. The ancient pagans offered their babies as burnt offerings to their idols and felt as though they had done the right thing, etc.

The answer to what is right and wrong, moral and immoral is not found in our own minds, but from the mind of man’s Creator who created us for a specific purpose, and has a specific way He wants us to live and interact, it alone is the right and moral way of conduct. God has left humans His instruction manual, it’s called the Bible. It is the written word of God and defines what is right and wrong, moral and immoral. A conscience educated with this word of God can alone be found trustworthy, because our reference points go back to God’s instruction, not man’s, nor cultural. What is right and wrong today is the same as in the beginning.

Remember, Hitler thought he was right, and believed that it was moral to extinguish millions of "undesirables." Just as a child must be taught by their parents what they can do and not do, humans must receive their instruction of what is right and wrong, moral and immoral from a higher, wiser source than himself, which is God. As you Neha are receiving instruction from your teachers, which are a higher and wiser source, we all as humans must receive likewise from God. Our quest for true morality will come from it’s Creator.

Thank you for your swift and detailed response. (a previous letter) I now understand why some Christians observe Shabbat. Your reasons are sound but as a Jew I ask,-wouldn't you agree that Jews have an obligation because of the direct command of G-d to do so, whereas Christians do it because they want to emulate the teachings of Jesus. My theory. Perhaps you would be kind enough to tell me briefly how you personally follow Shabbat in a practical sense. For example in Exodus 35:3 G-d commands" You shall not kindle fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day."
As you can see G-d is short on detail as how to follow this commandment. If you were to observe this law literally it means we would in winter, sit in
the cold eating cold food which obviously takes away from the spirit of the day. So my question is how do Christians interpret this law and where would you derive your answers. Cheers, Gerald

Dear Gerald,

Warm Greetings , good to hear from you again.
I was once asked this question by Sabbatarian Christians living in the Ukraine where it gets quite cold in the winter. To interpret Exodus 35:3 to mean one could not kindle a fire on the Sabbath for any reason would not only present a difficulty for Christians living in the more primitive past, but also for devout Israelites striving to be obedient to God's Word.

According to Jewish sources, this meant kindling a fire for purposes other than for heat and light. It could also conceivably mean not kindling a new fire from scratch, instead of adding wood to existing coals still hot from the previous day. There are people who say that God's commandments cannot be kept and site such Scriptures as Exodus 35:3. (Some in the Ukraine did) Many of the Christian protestant denominations offer this reasoning. Of course this would mean that God gave commandments that He knew could not be obeyed. Yet, profaning Sabbath observance was one of the main transgressions given for Israel being given into the hand of the Assyrians in 721 bce and Judah to the Babylonians in 586 bce. God warned them through His prophets to return to observing the Sabbath to avoid the punishment of defeat and captivity. A just God would not punish a people for breaking a commandment they could not keep.You should know that after 70 years of captivity to Babylon and then the Medes and the Persians, Judah was allowed to start rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the direction of Ezra, Nehemiah, Joshua and Zerubbabel. It was during this time period that very careful consideration was given concerning the breaking of commandments which had led to their captivity. It was during this time period that 65 specific do's and don't's were taught about Sabbath observance. And it was at this time that the name of God was no longer pronounced because of two passages in Leviticus 25.

The wording of these passages can be used to convey two meanings , (1) pronouncing distinctly God's name (2) blaspheming God's name. So when Ezra developed the Hebrew square alphabet, to be safe he inserted the vow points of adonia under the given name of God, YHWH or YHVH. So when the books were read "adonia" meaning "Lord" was read instead of pronouncing distinctly the name of God. My point here is that it is very common for sincere people to swing from one extreme to the other. I have found myself doing this many times. Isaiah 58 instructs us to not do our own pleasure on the Sabbath. But the Sabbath was created for our rest and that we might find pleasure in the Lord. It is a blessed day.
As a Christian I accept the teachings of Jesus on the subject. He reminded them that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath, and that it was right to do good on the Sabbath. Not all Christians observe it alike. Personally, I and my family and congregation do not do any secular activities nor secular work. We have a praise and prayer service Friday evening and all day services on the Sabbath. If I were driving and saw that someone was truly in need such as car trouble or an emergency I would stop and help, because love, which is "outgoing concern" is the fulfillment of the law. I do not watch TV except to briefly check the news, although watching a program or video which would be Biblically educational or spiritually enlightening would be fine if there was time. We use the Sabbath as a time to reflect upon God, His divine character and His Word, as well as good fellowship with likeminded brethren. A holy time which we may free our minds from the world we live in and worship the Lord.
 

According to the apostolic gospel writings, the Jewish religious rulers of Jesus' day accused His disciples of breaking the Sabbath when they picked some grains and ate as they walked through the fields. This was the equivalent of taking an apple or a fig off a tree, it was not servile work,nor was it beginning to harvest. Jesus taught that such interpretations of Sabbath observance was not consistent with the meaning of the day and said that they had made it a burden for the people instead of a joy. Your Friend in the Lord's Service, Larry

This is sister Grace Moses. I thank the Lord for this opportunity he has given me to write to you. Thank you for the love you have for us. We were very happy to be with you at our home in Africa. God bless you and special thanks to pastor Larry for the marriage counseling. Since then I have seen the hand of the Lord in our lives.

Sister Treon and your sons, we are missing to see you, we love you too. We are still serving the Lord although our life in Kenya is tough. God bless you and do not forget that you are the best we have in America. Please pass our greetings to the churches.Grace Moses, Kenya, E. Africa

I greet you and your family in the wonderful Name of our Savior Jesus Christ. We are joyful to receive your letter and greetings you sent to us. I am thankful for the pictures you have sent to us.

To me I give thanks to our God, He has blessed my soul. I see Him in many ways. My husband sends greetings to you and your family. He is thankful for your visit to our home during your work in Africa. I thank the Lord for the prayer that you prayed for his healing for he recovered.

To Mama Sarah, (Treon)I received the greeting and letter you sent to me. It is a great love you have sent. Send my greetings to Mamason, the church. Please tell the women I love them.

To Baba Sarah (Larry) I have great thanks for you and your daughters Sarah and Jen, for the love you showed to my husband. Stay firm in the faith for the Lord is at hand. He will reward the good servants upon His return.Yours in Christ, Josephine, Nakuru, Kenya

Dear Baba Mkubwa, ("Big Daddy" AKA Larry Lasiter)

The church in Naivasha received the package of literature and gifts. Emma, Grace and little Martin thank the church for the toys. Thanks for the money to purchase the bicycle, it will help me spread the gospel. Special thanks to George White for his great offering to help us buy it. Please pass our love and blessings to him. Tell him that God will bless him for caring for us. Really it touched us because he does not know us but came to our need. We miss you and the girls and long to see you again. We need you to send some Sabbath tracts. The church sends their love and greetings.Pastor Duncan, Naivasha, Kenya

We are happy you arrived back in America safely. We thank God for your visit and labors in Nyahururu. We received the package you sent to us. Bless you for the tracts and literature to help us evangelize the gospel of Jesus Christ. My family and church thank you and your church for the wonderful gifts you sent. The little ones are so happy to have toys. God has shown me in the spirit that He is well pleased and is going to bless your church mightily in the things of the spirit. I was disappointed to know that you will not hold more crusades in Africa until 2003, but understand that the cost is great. We are always praying for you and we love you.Pastor Ben Masita, Nyahururu, Kenya

Dear Pastor
I am a Christian and I have raised my family to acknowledge the truth of why we celebrate Christmas. My pastor teaches the same thing that you do and your article "Where Did We Get Christmas?" only confirms his revelation. My questions are as follows: Why do Christians of other denominations not know the truth about this pagan holiday? They read and study the same Bible that we do. Are their eyes closed to the matter? Knowing the truth, not getting into the decoration or anything, is it wrong to give your children gifts on this day? L.Sing

Dear Friend, Warmest of Greetings in the Mighty and Majestic Name of our Heavenly Father and His Glorious Son Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you well and prospering in the love, grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.

I am sure that there are a number of different reasons why Christians observe Christmas. Probably most do understand that the way that it is observed today, along with its symbols date back to ancient pagan times. Even the phrases commonly used such as "Yuletide Greetings" or "Seasonal Greetings" serve as reminders of its ancient past. But most Christians simply do not believe that any of that matters. They believe that the holiday has been "Christianized" and that today it is observed to honor the birth of Christ. Many Christians view this as a "triumph" over paganism. Yes, Christians read the same Bible, but "Christmas" is not specifically mentioned nor forbade in Scripture.

I do not observe Christmas because the Lord did specifically instruct those who lay a claim to godliness to not seek to worship Him in the same way that the pagans worshiped their gods. Deuteronomy 12:29-32, -"When the Lord your God cuts off before you the nations (pagan nations) which you are going to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, BEWARE that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying -"How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?" You shall not behave thus toward the Lord your God...(Verse 32) Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add or take away from it."

I see this Scripture as teaching a principle that we as Christians should follow, that is to not try to "Christianize" a celebration that was created to honor pagan gods which were and still an abomination to the Lord. We cannot truly honor God by worshipping Him in disobedience. King Saul's sacrifice to God was not received because it was offered in disobedience. Saul was commanded to wait for Samuel to do the offering, but when Samuel was delayed and the battle was impending, Saul offered the sacrifice himself. As a result Saul was removed as King and God took His holy spirit from him. When Saul argued with Samuel over the matter Samuel asked,- "Does God desire obedience or sacrifice? Disobedience is as the sin of witchcraft."

Simply put, God cannot use a person who is unfaithful. We are all accountable for what we understand. Not all Christians have the same understanding and God not only knows this, but allows this to be. Christians must faithfully come to have their own personal convictions concerning things such as this. What one Christian believes today may change tomorrow. The point is, devoted Christians are in continual pursuit of God's will for every facet of their lives. As they learn, they make changes. When I was a young adult I observed Christmas, but when I learned of its origin and the meaning of its symbols I stopped. I had no motivation to stop before that because I believed God readily accepted its observance as a Christian holiday.

Let me say here, most Christians are not truly devoted fully to their faith. Most simply "go along to get along." Christmas is an established celebration in America and it is very attractive to most people. There is a difficulty in giving it up even when one comes to understand the truth of it and the truth that God does not wish to be honored by dredging up an ancient demonic relic and stamping the name of Christ on it. They may initially be convicted to change, but they really don't want to. That would mean problems in the family. Many wrestle with the thoughts, "How can I tell my family I am not observing Christmas any more?" "What are my parents and in-laws going to say when I tell them that they cannot give gifts to their grandchildren anymore?" "What will people think about me?" "What about the Christmas parties at school and at work?" "How will the kids take it?" "Will they feel left out and different than the other kids?" So they look around and see the whole Christian world deep into its observance and just put their initial "conviction" aside and "go along to get along." Actually, this shows that they never had a "conviction" only a "Preference." They "preferred" not to celebrate Christmas, but since the world around them does, they do. Where as a "conviction" is such a strong belief that one obeys God and leaves the consequences of that obedience to God.

You asked, "Are their eyes closed to the matter?" Only when one is given an understanding and yet rejects it for carnal or unrighteous reasons. When a Christian does this he is in danger of being given a spirit of strong delusion that would actually cause him to believe a lie. (2 Thes. 2) This usually takes a period of time. God continually convicts their heart yet they desire what is unlawful. In this case the struggle is not against sin, but against what is true and right. Christians have to learn that God wants them to love what He loves and hate what He hates.

In 30 years I have raised 5 children in the Lord. They range in age from 28years to 14 years. The oldest is married and the other four still live in our home. My wife and I have never celebrated Christmas in any way in our home. My children have never received Christmas gifts. I have had relatives attempt to give them a gift a month early saying that it wasn't a "Christmas" gift, but we always refused, because it was really just an early "Christmas" gift. My children nor my wife and I have never felt deprived in any way because of this. We were happy to serve God faithfully according to the understanding He had given to us.

Most people whom I have known who do not fully celebrate Christmas but do provide gifts for their children, did so because they felt a sense of guilt that their children were being deprived. All whom I know who did this through the years lost their children to the world when they grew up. I believe it was because their children saw their parents attempting to "straddle the fence" and did not see any real convictions without apology for having them. I believe it is a serious mistake to say Christmas observance is wrong and yet celebrate it in part by exchanging gifts. If we treat this day differently we are acknowledging its observance in our lives.

God gives His festivals to us for observance, they are listed in Leviticus 23 and re-affirmed in the New Testament. Christians observe these meaningful annual feasts with rich Christ-centered meaning. The Feast of Tabernacles, an eight-day (including Last Great Day) Feast is most enjoyable. There are feast sites one may travel to located all over the world. Those of us who have kept these holy days could not so easily go back to the traditional holidays like Christmas. The children find Tabernacles far superior to that of Christmas observance and look forward to it all year long. Many of our greatest memories are "Feast memories."

I truly hope that I have been helpful to you. I pray that God will richly bless and keep you always in His loving Grace. Your Friend in Christ's Service, Brother Larry

Letter From Italy: Dear Sirs, I’m an Italian Bible believer and a short time ago I became acquainted with your ministry. I’m very much interested to learn more about your history, doctrinal beliefs, activities and publications. As I’m very interested to deepen my doctrinal beliefs, I would like to receive some of your literature (namely booklets and/or tracts) and also your denominational magazine. I’m waiting for you answer and I thank you very much in advance. Sincerely, Massimo Marino, Torre Annunziata, Italy

Letter From India: Dear Beloved in the Lord, the Almighty. Greetings in the name of God and the Father of Heaven! It is a great privilege and pleasure to introduce myself as Pastor and Evangelist in the Church of God and working in this part of our state of Amalapuram. The Lord has introduced me your address in the Ministry. I have been doing the Lord’s work since a long time and lead many soul to the feet of the Lord. In addition to my Evangelistic work I have care for children and their needs which is clothes, food, soaps etc.

Tract distribution is a part of our Ministry. We are widely distributing tracts, booklets, cassettes, etc. We want tracts, tapes, booklets and other materials which you consider useful to my work, if you will kindly supply me. We would like to work with you and fellowship with your ministry if you are willing to consider my work as a part of ministry in our country. We are always praying for your Ministry to go all over the world. May God bless you and hope to get your kind reply. Thanking You, In Jesus Name, N.J. David Raju, Amalapuram, India

"Why would God send the Devil to earth and then create men and women in the very place that He sent His enemy? When He also made eight other planets.

It doesn’t make sense to me. PLEASE HELP ME!"Anonymous

WARM GREETINGS IN THE MAJESTIC NAME OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND HIS GLORIOUS SON JESUS CHRIST! Hope this letter finds you well and prospering in the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior.

Thank you for writing me and sharing with me your thoughts, I appreciate that you have asked me to "please help" you. This reveals an attitude in you that reminds me of a man who said to Jesus,- "I believe! Please help my unbelief!" when Jesus told him he would receive his miracle if only he would believe. That man did receive his miracle because Jesus did help his unbelief.

First let me say that God does not owe us an explanation of why He does things the way He does them. He does expect those who worship Him to believe that He is faithful in all of His judgments. The Apostle Paul asked,- "Who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, "Why did you make me like this" will it?" (Romans 9:20)

God says in His Word that His thoughts are higher than the thoughts of man, even higher than the heavens above the sky. (Isaiah 55:8-9) And Paul says "Who can know the thoughts of God except the spirit of God?" (1 Corinthians 2:11)

So my friend, we know already that as mere humans we are not able to comprehend fully why God does the things as He does.

But the Bible does give a glimpse of the plan of God concerning His creation in man. He made man in His own likeness and gave man a mind and something animals do not possess, a sense of morality, of right and wrong. In contrast, an animal does not feel sympathy for its victim. A cat has no emotional feeling toward a mouse it has caught and toyed with till it died. Man alone asks the questions,- "Who am I?'" "What am I?" "Where did I come from?" "Is there a purpose for my existence?" Man alone ponders where he fits in as he gazes at the vast awesome universe he finds himself living in. Man alone contemplates the existence of a divine Creator. And man alone seeks to know Him, to try to understand Him as you are as evidenced by your question, my friend.

I believe the Bible supports the teaching that in man God is reproducing Himself. True Christians are those who have received the holy spirit (Romans 8) the actual spiritual "seed" of God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ. The Apostle John says that Christians are "children of God" (1 John 3:1) and the Apostle Paul says that the entire creation is eagerly awaiting the revelation of the children of God. (Romans 8:19) John further says that though it has not yet appeared what Christians shall be, when Jesus appears they will be as He is, in glorified spiritual form.

Because man was created to expand the family of God, to become what He is (but lesser in authority of course) to receive awesome power at his glorification, it only stands to reason that God must test him before transforming him into a powerful eternal being. The Bible says that God does not "tempt" anyone but He does "test" them.

Before his fall Satan was a beautiful, honored Cherub named Lucifer. He was an Arch-Angel with great power and authority and when he rebelled against God there was war in heaven. An Arch-Angel is not God. He is only a created spirit being with power, but limited power. And yet when Lucifer rebelled there was war in heaven. How much more devastation could be caused if a glorified, transformed, powerful saint were to rebel against God?

Since his rebellion, God has used Satan, He has allowed him to tempt man in order that He may see who is faithful and worthy of being born into the family of God. Even after the second resurrection, after all those resurrected are given the opportunity to follow God's way, Satan will be loosed to tempt them into rebellion. This is God's way of testing those who lay a claim to godliness.

Like a cup is made to hold a drink and a chair is made to sit in, man was made to be what God is. A cup which will not hold a drink or a chair which will not hold the weight of a person cannot be used for its created purpose. Likewise, man was made "by God" and "for God." Man is a product of creation, made by a supreme Creator, for a specific purpose. Man was not made to serve himself but to serve the purpose of his maker. If he will not lend himself to that purpose he is no more useful to his Creator than a broken cup is to the potter who made it. Both are fit only to be cast aside.

I believe that man had to have something to resist, or overcome in order to develop the character of God. Even in weight training, resistance is what builds strong muscles. God could give man a glorified body, but God wants man to have His character, to be in agreement with His laws and ways. Resisting the Devil and his ways is the weight training for the saints of God which will develop the character of God strong in us.

Before I close, let me say that Satan is not only the accuser of the Saints, but of God. He craftily accuses and draws into question the fairness of God. But I would like to remind you, that the very concept of being fair came from God. The only reason a person has a sense of fairness is because they have received that attribute from their Creator. And it is the Creator who defines fairness not the Devil. The Devil will sometimes bring the thought,- "If God was really fair He would not have let this bad thing happen." One cannot accuse the Creator of Fairness and goodness of not being fair or good. We cannot judge Him by our standards when they are only a reflection of His. A reflection is not the fullness of what is, but only a single-dimensional image of what is. The fulness cannot be comprehended by the mere image.

The famous Professor and Author C.S. Lewis once wrote,- "My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of "just" and "unjust"? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. . .If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning; just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. "Dark" would be without meaning." (Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis)

I hope that I have been of some help. Pray that God will grant you wisdom and understanding and trust always in the faithfulness of the Lord, His mercy nor His love ever fails. Brother Larry

Later Reply: Dear Brother Larry, Thank You, that really makes sense. God Bless you. Anonymous

From Freetown, Sierra Leone, W. Africa: Dear Pastor Larry, The funds you sent were faithfully collected from Western Union in Freetown this morning with members of the church, that is youth ,men ,women and the entire elders. To be candid with you we went on jubilating shouting and praising the name of the lord and we went along the ministry /department of social welfare and I then presented my case to the secretary of state. (a Muslim) She had nothing to do but to issue the permit /license. Immediately after that I came out with a shout that "JESUS IS LORD OVER SIERRA LEONE!" We all jubilated and everybody was dispersed home to go and prepare for EVANGELISM which is my heart beat.

Pastor I will want to say big thank you for this break through because all the time it seems as if we were in Egypt but now our freedom has been restored. I don't know, but maybe God wants to use you as the MOSES of my ministry in Freetown.Thanks may god richly bless you, Thomas Babadie, pastor.

From the Editor: Please pray for this small church of 65 in Sierra Leone. Muslims had come to hold many of the governmental offices and had passed a law disallowing Christian Churches to practice evangelism without a license from the government and affiliation papers from a Ministry office. The license was far too expensive for these poor brethren to pay so when they asked for our help we responded by paying the fee and allowing them to operate under the covering of Points of Truth Ministries.

From Naivasha, Kenya: Brother Larry, Greetings to you in the holy name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. My name is David Kariuki, brother to pastor Joseph Kimani from Nakuru, Kenya. It has been a long time since you have written to me or I to you. It is my joy to say hello to you and to your family. I always wished to write to you and share my personal heart with you for the good hospitality and love you showed to our pastor Kimani when he visited your country. Our pastor has been telling us about you and your dear family and of how you cared for him. For me it was not a light thing, but I heartily appreciate what you did pastor. Please accept my thanks.

We are looking forward by prayer and faith to God for your trip here to Kenya. We always mention you in our daily prayer. Welcome to Kenya pastor Larry and your team, you are most welcome and we love you.

I have moved to another town, Naivasha, to do God’s work there. You will come to know it when you come. Pray for me and the new church here and I look forward to hearing from you soon pastor. write me. Tell my sisters Sarah and Jennifer to write me.I love you and God bless you. Yours in Christ, David Kariuki Njenga, pastor

FROM THE UKRAINE: Question: "Last times" and expectation of returning of Jesus. It is very speculative theme now (in the end of millenium).I have begin to read New Testament carefully and I was amazed by my new finds: first Christians (and Apostles) expected the returning of Jesus during their lives, they thought that He would come back soon!!! Many not clear places in the book become clear if we proceed from such position of Apostles! See Romans- "ALL Israel shall be saved (!!!!)" But generations of Jews died during last centuries! Now I see that Paul expected that Jesus will come back soon during life of his generation!!! Jesus said: For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. But disciples understood these words literally! They expected His returning soon!!! Many other quotes in New Testament shows that they had this expectation? WHY? Why apostles had this illusion? What do you think about it, Larry? I think about it last week and I can't to explain it. It looks as too serious mistake (illusion). May you have articles about it? Or this theme is not "suitable" in Christian theology? God bless you completely!! Vladimir.

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 Dear Vladimir, I have long believed that not only the first Christians but all Christians for all ages have believed that they were living in the last days. This need not worry us nor even surprise us, Jesus said no man knows the day or hour, not even the angels of heaven, only the Father knows. We are told to be ready and faithful at all times. Jesus did tell his disciples what events would occur which would lead up to His return in glory. (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13) It is simply not given to man to know the exact time of the Lord’s return. I believe it is helpful that we do not know but believe it is ever at the very door. It keeps us alert and on guard against the devil’s strategy. Remember, this is not an illusion from the devil but a veiling from our heavenly Father for our own good. And it appears that not even Jesus Himself knows the exact time the Father will send Him back to earth. "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, NOR THE SON, but the FATHER ALONE." (Matthew 24:36)

In your letter you quoted Romans saying "ALL Israel shall be saved." Why does this surprise you? Although this is the day of salvation, it is not the only day of salvation. In fact there are countless numbers of Israelites who have died and await their resurrection. Read the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37. Notice verses 11 and 12,- "Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL; behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off. Therefore prophesy, and say to them, "Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I will OPEN YOUR GRAVES and cause you to come up out of your graves. My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel."

Hebrews chapter 11 tells of many who have lived and died without receiving the gift of the promise but seeing it from afar. These people lived by faith and died in faith, believing that God would someday redeem them from their sins and the curse of the grave by the sacrifice of the promised Seed, Jesus. They did not live to see the birth of Jesus, the Lamb of God who would take away their sins, but they lived righteous lives putting their hope and trust in the God who would deliver His Son as a sacrificial Lamb. Jesus did not die only for those who believed after, but for those who believed without seeing before also. Job asked,- "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait, until my change comes." (Job 14:14) They all will be saved. At the death of Jesus, some of the tombs opened and many of the saints who had "fallen asleep" were raised and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:52-53) These saints were in their tombs awaiting the resurrection from the dead.

If you are saying that Paul was wrong when he said "All Israel will be saved" because it didn’t happen in his time, nor has it happen yet, I believe you are in error. Paul did not believe that Israel would be saved in his day. He knew that Israel, except for a remnant, would be veiled until after the return of Jesus Christ which is why he wrote to the Hebrews saying that there would come a time when God would gather Israel (northern tribes) and Judah back together in their own land and give them a new covenant based upon better promises. (Hebrews 8 and Hebrews 10)

You see, just because generations of Israelites or Jews have died in the last centuries does not mean that they have already been judged and sentenced to the Lake of Fire. They are in their graves awaiting the resurrection. Revelation 20 says that all who have ever lived and not truly known God will be resurrected after the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth. The Books of the Bible will be opened to their understanding and then they will be judged by how they live their lives, some eventually to life and some eventually to death in the Lake of Fire.

Jesus told the unrepentant Israelite cities of Capernaum and Bethsaida that the wicked pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon will rise up at judgment and condemn them for not accepting His Words of salvation. Read, "Is There Hope for the Dead?" at our web site. In Christ’s Service, Brother Larry

Greetings from UKRAINE: Dear Pastor Larry, Greetings from Ukraine! I hope all is well with you and your family. Your last Newsletter (March issue) is very interesting for me, especially your article about "three days and three nights." I want to discover this question to have clear understanding.

But my main question to you is another. One of our brother from our church began to visit meetings of Seven Day Christians. Now we have problems with this our brother. Therefore I ask you about consultation.

He begin to speak that observance of Sabbath is necessary for salvation. When we ask him, "What means speaking observance of Sabbath?" He answered that we must to keep Moses rules about Sabbath. But we know that Christians are not under Moses rules, isn’t it? Therefore we ask him, "What work is prohibited to do at Sabbath? His answer shocked us, "All work, we must do nothing during Sabbath.

We asked "How about nurse a child or patient? To wash? To strike match to heat up food? His answer,- "It is forbidden! We can’t to understand these strange rules. This question is an stumbling stone for our brother now. He worry about his salvation, he thinks he can’t be adopted by God if he does not to keep all the rules about Sabbath. Can you explain this situation? Is these rules usual for all Seven Day Christians worldwide or only in our town? Thank You! God bless you completely!!! SAVCHYSHYN, the UKRAINE

WARM GREETINGS IN THE HOLY NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON!

I am sorry your brother has made Sabbath observance a burden. Jesus said, the Sabbath was made for man, not man made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a blessing not a curse. Jesus was accused of breaking the Sabbath when He healed the sick on that day, but He said that it is right to do good on the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:12) Isaiah 58 says observing the Sabbath is to be a delight, a happy time.

Sabbath-keeping churches do good on this day. They fellowship, assemble for services, visit the sick and elderly, etc. It is not wrong to nurse a child or care for a patient, to wash yourself or prepare your meals. But the Bible says that the Sabbath is holy.

Some think that the Sabbath is only a Command given to Moses but the Sabbath was commanded long before Moses, in the very beginning of time. Notice Genesis 2:3,- "Then God BLESSED the Seventh Day and SANCTIFIED it," To "sanctify" means to "set apart", the Seventh Day was "set apart" for HOLY USE because God blessed it.

When God made Himself known to Israel, He gave them His Way of life, the Ten Commandments. When God gave the Commandment to observe the Sabbath, He told them to "REMEMBER" the Sabbath. "Remember" because God had already given man the Sabbath in the beginning but man had forgotten it.

Christians are not bound to observe the BOOK OF THE COVENANT which God gave Moses in Exodus Chapters 21-23. But we must understand that the BOOK OF THE COVENANT containing 613 laws was ADDED because Israel rejected the Abrahamic Covenant, which included the TEN COMMANDMENTS but not the 613 Laws of the BOOK OF THE COVENANT.

The Apostle Paul said that the BOOK OF THE COVENANT was added because of the sin. (Galatians 3:19) As Christians we are partakers of Abraham's Covenant, a Covenant that was given 430 years before Moses, and are his children born of the Holy Seed of Jesus. (Galatians 3:29) Paul said those who go back to the BOOK OF THE COVENANT are under a curse. (Galatians 3:10) And are cut-off from Christ. (Galatians 5:4) But we must understand that the TEN COMMANDMENTS were given before the BOOK OF THE COVENANT. The TEN COMMANDMENTS were written by the very finger of God into TABLETS OF STONE and placed into the ARK of the COVENANT. The BOOK OF THE COVENANT was written on animal skins and placed on the OUTSIDE of the ARK. So, the TEN COMMANDMENTS are PERMANENT, and the BOOK OF THE COVENANT TEMPORARY.

Jesus said, "Never think that I have come to destroy the LAW or the prophets. I have not come to destroy but to fulfill, and until HEAVEN AND EARTH PASS AWAY not one comma shall pass from the law. . .whoever relaxes a SINGLE ONE OF THESE COMMANDMENTS and TEACHES OTHERS TO will be RANKED LEAST in the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19) My friend, "heaven and earth" has not "passed away", so the Ten Commandments should still be observed.

Notice also that all mankind will be required to observe the Sabbath after the return of Jesus, "For just as the new heavens and the new earth which I make will endure before Me" declares the Lord, "So your Children and your name will endure. And it shall be from new moon to new moon and from SABBATH to SABBATH, ALL MANKIND will come to bow down before Me" says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:22-23)

It is exciting to me to know that I have a weekly APPOINTMENT with my Creator even though I bow before His throne each day in prayer. Notice Leviticus 23:2-4,- "The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, The LORD'S APPOINTED TIMES which you shall proclaim as HOLY CONVOCATIONS, -MY APPOINTED TIMES are these; For six days work may be done; but on the SEVENTH DAY there is a Sabbath of complete rest, a HOLY CONVOCATION. You shall not do any work; it is a Sabbath TO THE LORD in all your dwellings. These are the APPOINTED TIMES OF THE LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them." Notice that the Lord said that the Sabbath was HIS APPOINTED TIME.

My brother, God is very merciful and kind and it is Him that gives knowledge and understanding. We are accountable for what we know and understand. I believe there are many who do not observe the Sabbath because they were never taught to, they are not lost. They are serving God as they understand. None of us have perfect understanding.

But Jesus did say He did not come to destroy the commandments. And we do see that all mankind will worship on the Sabbath after the return of Christ. And we see by the Bible that it was given to man at the beginning.

Finally, John said that "SIN is breaking the Law." (1 John 3:4) This law referred to here is the Ten Commandments. God not not write "NINE" Commandments into Tablets of Stone, but "TEN." Can we, my dear brother erase a commandment of God? Can we open the Ark of the Covenant remove one the the tablets and chisel away the fourth commandment? The answer is, man was not even allowed to touch the Ark much less open it and remove its contents.

John said that we cannot be God's children if we PRACTICE SIN. We cannot break a commandment on a regular basis on purpose and remain a child of God. (1 John 3)

Notice these powerful Scriptures, -"And by this, we know that we have come to know Him, if we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS. The one who says "I have come to know Him" and DOES NOT KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, is a liar and the TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM." (1 John 2:3-4)

"By this we know we love the children of God, when we love God and OBSERVE HIS COMMANDMENTS. For this is the love of God, that we KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS; and His Commandments are not burdensome."(1 John 5:2-3)

"And the dragon (Satan) was enraged with the woman (Church) and went off to make war with the rest of her offspring, WHO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus." (Revelation 12:17)

"Here is the perseverance of the SAINTS -WHO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD and THEIR FAITH IN JESUS." (Revelation 14:12)

Notice that the Saints are identified as those who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus.

Christians are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, but we are to walk according to His Commandments in love. If a Christian understands that he should observe the Ten Commandments, then he should understand that he should observe all Ten of them not just nine.

My dear friend, I was raised in a Sunday keeping church. I grew up worshiping on Sunday. I never even thought about the Sabbath and did not even know that Sunday was not the Seventh day. After I reached my teenage years I lost interest in church and stopped attending services. But at age 19 God called me into a relationship with Him. I began to study the Bible carefully every day and I noticed that Sabbath observe was one of the Ten Commandments. I had heard of the Ten Commandments but had never really thought about the Sabbath Commandment.

Upon study, I realized that Sunday was not the Sabbath day, so I asked some Pastors who said they believed in keeping the commandments why they did not observe the Sabbath. They said that it did not matter which day you worshiped, so I asked, "Why then did God Command that we assemble on the Seventh Day, if it did not matter?" They had no real answer, but said, "It is just tradition." I asked, "Whose tradition, God's or man's?"

Upon further study I saw that Sunday observance did not replace Sabbath observance until 400 years after the death of Jesus, and was instituted by the Roman Catholic Church and the Roman Empire because of hatred for the Jews.

I came to see the Sabbath as a very precious and beautiful thing and was very grateful that God gave me a day to do nothing but good, think only of Him and His way of life and fellowship with His saints.

But we do not worship the day. We do not SERVE the Sabbath, but allow it to serve us.

I have already mailed you the May Newsletter. In it there is an article entitled, "Did Jesus Teach the Ten Commandments?" I think it will be helpful to you.

Please have your friend write to me, and I will explain to him that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, and that the Seventh day churches do not make the Sabbath a burden but a delight.

Greetings from India:

Dear director Larry R. Lasiter. Hearty congratulations in the Name of Jesus Christ. I received your point of truth newsletter. It was a useful wonderful tool for the Gospel. Thank you very much. I kindly request that you continue to send the point of truth. We are doing every Saturday worship. So many people are gathering to our Saturday worship, good singing, . Your tracts are necessary in our Gospel areas. Do you can possible, Please send me more to Grace orphanage children home. You must pray for them. Then next academic year children more children will join in our orphanage home. Their needs. I humbly request you to kindly please consider. Pray for the Grace children’s Orphanage Food, Clothing, and School stationery materials are their Important needs. We are sincerely praying for your prosperity and your ministry. I humbly request that you kindly please pray for us. I am awaiting for your kind reply. . Pastor David, United Church of God, INDIA

Dear Brother David, We have already mailed you and the Orphanage a care package. Hopefully you will have already received it by the time you receive this Newsletter. We had to send it via ship.

Thank you for the selfless work you and your dear wife are doing in serving to provide both the physical and spiritual needs of the brethren, may God bless you richly. Many of the brethren were lovingly involved in putting the package together. And the pleasure is ours dear Brother, it is more "blessed to give than to receive." We will continue sending you the tracts, Newsletters, tapes and literature for use in your ministry. Your Friend in Christ’s Service, Pastor Larry.

I live in Philadelphia, PA and have been studying the scriptures and what it says about the 7 Day Sabbath (Saturday). I came across your website and wanted to request some of your literature that you might think would help answer some of my questions.

I have been raised in a Sunday church all my life and all these concepts about Eating Clean, Feast Days, Sabbath are new to me but I see it in black in white in the bible. I just want to reinforce what I've read with some supporting documentation. As God takes me closer to him I know I'm going to face many questions from my family and friends and I thank God for ministries like yours that can help me give some answers.Thank you and God bless, Carlette

Warm Greetings in the Mighty and Majestic Name of our Heavenly Father and His Glorious Son Jesus, the Christ!

Thanks for writing, I am emailing you along some of our literature on the Sabbath. I have a few sermon tapes that may help you to understand what Laws and Commandments are a part of the Christian Covenant and which are not. I will send them to you. Too many Sabbath Christians have mistakenly embraced much of the Law of Moses (Book of the Covenant given at Sinai), and too many Sunday keepers believe that there is no Law in the Christian Covenant. Both extremes are wrong in my viewpoint.

These tapes will help you see that the Scriptures teach that the Laws "added" at Sinai are not a part of the Abrahamic (Christian) Covenant which was previously ratified. However, there were Laws already in existence before God gave them to Moses at Mt. Sinai.

The entire Ten Commandments can be seen to exist prior to Sinai, so were the Food Laws and the principle of Tithing. So, these Laws were not among those "added because of transgressions" as Paul told the Galatians. It is important that we are properly balanced in our approach because Paul said that if Christians receive circumcision and begin to embrace Sinai they are severing themselves from Christ and are then obligated to keep the "whole Law." Keeping the whole Law would mean extracting "an eye for an eye", "hating our enemies", etc, things which Jesus plainly taught against.