The church is not a building or an institution.

It is the people who belong to Jesus Christ.

“Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”
(Ephesians 5:23, NASB 1995)

All who are saved by grace through faith in Christ.

Not by membership.
Not by denomination.
Not by works.

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…”
(1 Corinthians 12:13, NASB 1995)

Christ is the head of the church.

Human leaders—elders and pastors—serve as stewards. Their role is to teach, guide, and care for the church, not to control it.

“Shepherd the flock of God among you… not lording it over those allotted to your charge…”
(1 Peter 5:2–3, NASB 1995)

No person or institution stands between the believer and Christ.

“There is one mediator… Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5, NASB 1995)

Yes.

Questioning is not a sign of weak faith — it is part of biblical discernment.

What Does Scripture Say?

“Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB 1995)

Believers are called to evaluate what they hear in light of Scripture.

What Is the Standard?

The authority is not the person — it is the Word of God.

Even faithful leaders are subject to it.

“Now these were more noble-minded… for they received the word… examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
(Acts 17:11, NASB 1995)

What Does Healthy Questioning Look Like?

It is:

• grounded in Scripture

• respectful in tone

• focused on truth

It seeks understanding — not conflict.

Why Does This Matter?

Leadership is meant to guide, not replace personal responsibility before God.

Faith is not meant to be dependent on a single voice.

Summary

Church leaders should be respected.

But they are not beyond examination.

Truth is confirmed by Scripture — not by position.

No.

Under the New Covenant, believers have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.

“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
(1 Timothy 2:5, NASB 1995)

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace…”
(Hebrews 4:16, NASB 1995)

Because of Christ’s atoning work, the veil has been removed.

(Hebrews 10:19–22)

Access to God is no longer mediated through a human priesthood.

The New Testament describes all believers as a “royal priesthood.”

(1 Peter 2:9, NASB 1995)Spiritual leaders serve important roles.

They:

• teach Scripture

• shepherd the church

• equip believers

(Ephesians 4:11–12)

Their authority is real—but limited.

They serve the message.
They do not control it.

They do not replace Christ or stand as mediators between God and the believer.

Who Has the Authority to Save?

Only Christ.

“And there is salvation in no one else…”
(Acts 4:12, NASB 1995)

Salvation is not given through a particular person, church, or human authority.

It is given through Jesus Christ alone.

How Does a Person Approach God?

Every believer may come directly to God:

• to the Father

• through the Son

• in the power of the Spirit

Access is not restricted by hierarchy.
It is granted by grace.

Summary

You do not need a pastor or priest to approach God or to be saved.

You need Christ.

Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone—not through church attendance.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”
(Acts 16:31, NASB 1995)

No building, service, or institution can save a person.

Believers are encouraged to gather—not to earn salvation, but to grow.

“Not forsaking our own assembling together…”
(Hebrews 10:25, NASB 1995)

Gathering provides:

• Teaching from Scripture

• Encouragement from other believers

• Opportunities for growth

Does Church Attendance Affect Salvation?

No.

Salvation is not maintained or strengthened by attendance.

It rests entirely on the finished work of Christ.

Why Does This Matter?

Many people have been taught that:

• Going to church makes them right with God

• Or not attending puts their salvation at risk

Scripture does not teach this.

The church is not something you attend to be saved.
It is something you are part of because you are saved.

Spiritual abuse is the misuse of spiritual authority to control, pressure, or harm others.

It occurs when leadership moves beyond what Scripture allows and places itself in a position that belongs to Christ.

What Does It Often Look Like?

Spiritual abuse may involve:

• controlling access to truth or to God

• demanding unquestioned loyalty

• using fear, guilt, or pressure to influence behavior

• elevating a person’s authority above Scripture

• discouraging personal understanding or discernment

These patterns go beyond biblical leadership.

What Does Scripture Say About Leadership?

“Shepherd the flock of God… not lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples…”
(1 Peter 5:2–3, NASB 1995)

Biblical leadership is marked by humility, care, and faithfulness to the Word.

What Should Believers Do?

“Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21, NASB 1995)

Believers are called to discernment.

Faith is not meant to be controlled by another person.

Summary

Spiritual authority is meant to guide — not control.

When leadership draws attention to itself or places itself between people and Christ, it has moved beyond its biblical role.

Christ remains the head of the church.
All authority is accountable to Him.

No.

Tithing, as commanded in the Old Testament, was part of Israel’s covenant system.

It supported the temple, the priesthood, and the national life of Israel:

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…”
(Malachi 3:10, NASB 1995)

How Is Giving Described Under the New Covenant?

Under the New Covenant, giving is not commanded as a fixed percentage.

It is described as:

• voluntary

• cheerful

• proportional

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:7, NASB 1995)

Giving flows from gratitude — not obligation.

What Is the Purpose of Giving?

Giving:

• supports ministry

• reflects love

• expresses trust in God’s provision

But it is not a condition of salvation.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works…”
(Ephesians 2:8–9, NASB 1995)

Salvation is not purchased, maintained, or secured by financial contribution.

What About “Robbing God”? (Malachi 3:8–10)

This passage was written to Israel under the Mosaic covenant.

The nation had withheld required tithes that supported the temple and priesthood. Because Israel’s covenant included national blessing and discipline, withholding the tithe carried consequences.

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me…”
(Malachi 3:8, NASB 1995)

This is not a command or warning directed to the New Testament church.

Are Believers Under That System Today?

No.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law.”
(Galatians 3:13, NASB 1995)

Believers are not under the Mosaic covenant.

Yes — but context matters.

Jesus said:

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
(Matthew 18:20 NASB 1995)

This statement appears in a passage about church discipline, accountability, and agreement in prayer (Matthew 18:15–20). It is not presented as a general definition of when God is present.

It does not mean that God is absent when a believer is alone.

Scripture clearly teaches that God is always present with His people:

“I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5 NASB 1995)

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”
(Psalm 139:7 NASB 1995)

Matthew 18:20 emphasizes Christ’s authority and affirming presence when believers gather in His name — meaning under His character, truth, and authority.

It is a reassurance that even small gatherings are not insignificant.

The power of worship does not depend on numbers.
The validity of church discipline does not depend on crowd size.

Christ is present with His people —
whether gathered corporately
or walking faithfully alone.

The promise is not a formula that activates His presence.
It is a confirmation of His authority among those who act in obedience to Him.

This verse is sometimes quoted to suggest that a small prayer meeting becomes powerful only once a minimum number is reached.

That is not the point of the passage.

Christ’s presence is not triggered by attendance count.

He is present with every believer through the indwelling Spirit:

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God…?”
(1 Corinthians 6:19 NASB 1995)

Matthew 18:20 is not establishing a numerical requirement for worship.
It is affirming Christ’s authority and participation when believers gather in agreement under His name.

Whether in a crowded assembly or a quiet room,
the Lord is not absent.

His presence rests not on numbers —
but on His promise.

Politics and faith often intersect — but they are not the same thing.

The church exists to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and shepherd souls.

Jesus said:

“My kingdom is not of this world.”
(John 18:36 NASB 1995)

The mission of the church is spiritual, not partisan.

Inside the Church

Inside the church, Scripture — not party platforms — governs.

Pastors are called to:

“Preach the word.”
(2 Timothy 4:2 NASB 1995)

They must teach what Scripture teaches about justice, truth, human dignity, the sanctity of life, sexual morality, compassion for the poor, and integrity (Micah 6:8; Proverbs 31:8–9).

When political issues overlap with biblical morality, the church should speak clearly from Scripture.

But the church is not commissioned to:

Endorse candidates
Promote party loyalty
Bind consciences where Scripture is silent

The pulpit is not a campaign stage.

Outside the Church

Individual Christians live as citizens within earthly governments.

They may vote.
They may serve in public office.
They may advocate for policies consistent with their convictions.

Yet their ultimate allegiance is higher:

“For our citizenship is in heaven.”
(Philippians 3:20 NASB 1995)

Believers participate in civic life, but they do not confuse political success with kingdom advancement.

The Proper Balance

If the church becomes partisan, the gospel becomes blurred.

If the church refuses to address moral truth, it abandons its responsibility.

The role of politics is limited.

The church proclaims eternal truth.
Governments manage civil order.

Christians may engage politically as citizens.

But the church must remain centered on Christ —
not captured by political identity.

The kingdom of God advances through repentance and faith,
not through legislation or elections.

Some are. Many are not. And some are a mixture of both.

What Holidays Did God Actually Establish?

In the Old Testament, God gave Israel specific holy days, including:

• Passover

• Feast of Unleavened Bread

• Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)

• Feast of Tabernacles

• Day of Atonement

“These are the appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations…”
(Leviticus 23:4, NASB 1995)

These were not cultural traditions.
They were directly instituted by God and carried prophetic meaning pointing to Christ.

What About Christian Holidays Like Christmas and Easter?

These holidays are connected to real, biblical events:

• The birth of Jesus Christ

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ

However:

• Scripture does not command their observance

• Scripture does not establish specific dates for them

• Many traditions surrounding them developed later

They are:

• Biblically rooted in truth

• But not biblically required practices

Are Some Religious Traditions Man-Made?

Yes.

Jesus warned about elevating human tradition to the level of God’s authority:

“Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”
(Matthew 15:9, NASB 1995)

Not everything practiced in religion comes from Scripture.

Are Christians Required to Observe Religious Holidays?

No.

The New Testament makes this clear:

“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.”
(Romans 14:5, NASB 1995)

“Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to… a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day…”
(Colossians 2:16–17, NASB 1995)

Believers are not under obligation to observe religious calendars.

So Should a Christian Celebrate Religious Holidays?

Scripture gives freedom.

A person may observe a day:

• As a way to remember Christ

• As an expression of gratitude

Or choose not to observe it at all.

Neither determines standing with God.

Why Does This Matter?

Many people quietly wonder:

• “Am I doing something wrong if I don’t celebrate this?”

• “Does God expect me to follow religious traditions?”

Scripture points to something far simpler and far more freeing:

Salvation is not tied to:

• Dates

• Rituals

• Traditions

It is found in Christ alone.

Not in the way they are commonly observed today.

What Do We See in the New Testament?

The earliest Christians did not follow a system of religious holidays like those found in many churches today.

Instead, their focus was simple and consistent:

• The teaching of Scripture

• Fellowship with other believers

• Prayer

• Remembering Christ

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
(Acts 2:42, NASB 1995)

Their gatherings centered on Christ Himself, not on a calendar of special days.

Did They Observe Any Regular Day?

Yes.

Believers often gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday), in recognition of the resurrection:

“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread…”
(Acts 20:7, NASB 1995)

But even this was not presented as a required holy day for salvation.

What About Jewish Feasts?

Some early Christians—especially Jewish believers—continued to observe traditional feasts.

However, the apostles made it clear that these were not binding on all believers, particularly Gentiles (Acts 15).

Paul later emphasized that these observances were shadows pointing to Christ:

“…a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day—things which are a mere shadow… but the substance belongs to Christ.”
(Colossians 2:16–17, NASB 1995)

When Did Religious Holidays Develop?

Over time, as the church grew and spread into different cultures:

• Specific days began to be set aside to remember key events

• Traditions formed around those days

• Church structures formalized observances

These developments came after the New Testament period.

Does This Mean Holidays Are Wrong?

Not necessarily.

The issue is not the day itself—
it is whether the day is treated as:

• A requirement from God

• A measure of spiritual standing

• A substitute for a relationship with Christ

What Is the Biblical Emphasis?

The New Testament consistently redirects focus away from external observance and toward Christ:

• Christ is the fulfillment of what the feasts pointed to

• Christ is the center—not the calendar

• Faith in Him—not participation in traditions—defines salvation

Why This Matters

It is easy for structure to slowly replace substance.

What began as remembrance can become expectation.
What was optional can begin to feel required.

Scripture keeps the focus clear:

Your standing with God is not determined by:

• Which days you observe

• Which traditions you follow

It is determined by Christ alone.

Not necessarily.

But it depends on how those traditions are viewed and used.

What Are Church Traditions?

Church traditions can include:

• Holidays and special services

• Liturgies and rituals

• Practices passed down through generations

Some may be meaningful reminders.
Others may simply be inherited habits.

What Did Jesus Say About Tradition?

Jesus warned that tradition can become a problem when it replaces God’s truth:

“Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”
(Mark 7:8, NASB 1995)

The issue is not tradition itself—
it is when tradition is elevated to authority.

When Can Traditions Be Helpful?

Traditions can be beneficial when they:

• Point clearly to Christ

• Help people remember truth

• Do not add requirements to salvation

In these cases, they can serve as tools, not rules.

When Do Traditions Become Harmful?

Traditions become harmful when they are treated as:

• Spiritually required

• Equal to Scripture

• A measure of someone’s faith

At that point, they shift from reminders of truth to replacements for it.

What Is the Biblical Boundary?

Scripture draws a clear line:

Nothing should be added to the gospel.

Salvation is not based on:

• Participation in rituals

• Observance of traditions

• Membership in a system

It is based on Christ alone.

What Should a Believer Do?

A believer has freedom.

They may participate in traditions:

• With understanding

• Without pressure

• Without believing it earns anything with God

Or they may choose not to participate at all.

Why This Matters

Traditions can feel harmless—until they become expectations.

Over time, people may begin to believe:

• “This is what a real Christian does”

• “God expects this from me”

Scripture redirects that thinking.

God does not relate to people through tradition.
He relates to them through Christ.

No one knows the exact date of Jesus’ birth.

December 25 is not given in Scripture.

What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible tells us how Jesus was born and why He came—
but it does not tell us when He was born.

There is no verse that assigns a date or even a specific season.

Why Do People Question a December Birth?

One commonly noted detail is this:

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.”
(Luke 2:8, NASB 1995)

Some suggest this points to a warmer time of year, such as spring or fall.

Others note that flocks could be kept outdoors at different times depending on the region.

The result:

There are reasonable arguments, but no definitive answer.

Could Jesus Have Been Born in the Spring?

Some believe so.

Jesus is called:

“The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
(John 1:29, NASB 1995)

Because His death aligns with Passover in the spring, some see symbolic consistency in a spring birth.

However:

Scripture clearly connects Jesus to Passover in His death, not His birth.

“Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”
(1 Corinthians 5:7, NASB 1995)

So while a spring birth is possible, it is not something the Bible confirms.

Where Did December 25 Come From?

The December date developed later in church history.

It may have been chosen:

• To establish a unified celebration

• To provide a clear time to remember Christ’s birth

• In connection with existing cultural observances

But it is not based on a biblical command.

Does the Date Matter?

Scripture never places importance on the date of Jesus’ birth.

The emphasis is always on:

• Who He is

• Why He came

• What He accomplished

Why This Matters

It is easy to attach spiritual meaning to specific dates.

But the Bible does not connect salvation or truth to a calendar.

Jesus did not come to establish a holiday.

He came to save.

Conclusion

Jesus was truly born.

That is essential.

The exact date is not.

And Scripture leaves it that way—
so the focus remains on Christ, not the calendar.

No.

But it is also not required.

What Does Scripture Say?

Scripture does not command Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ on a specific day.

It also does not forbid setting aside a day to remember Him.

This places Christmas in the category of personal freedom, not spiritual obligation.

What Matters Is the Meaning Behind It

A person may celebrate Christmas:

• As a way to remember the birth of Jesus

• As an expression of gratitude

• As an opportunity to reflect on the gospel

Or a person may choose not to celebrate it at all.

Neither choice determines their standing with God.

What Should Be Avoided?

The concern is not the day itself—
but what the day becomes.

Christmas can become:

• A tradition without understanding

• A cultural expectation mistaken for spiritual requirement

• A distraction from the very Christ it is meant to honor

When that happens, the focus shifts away from truth.

What Does Scripture Emphasize?

“One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.”
(Romans 14:5, NASB 1995)

“Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31, NASB 1995)

The emphasis is not on the calendar—
but on the heart.

Is There Freedom?

Yes.

A believer is free to:

• Celebrate Christmas with a clear focus on Christ

• Participate in traditions without attaching spiritual weight to them

• Or abstain entirely without guilt

Why This Matters

Many people quietly carry pressure around holidays:

• “Am I doing this right?”

• “Does God expect this?”

• “Is this necessary?”

Scripture removes that pressure.

God does not relate to you through a holiday.

He relates to you through Christ.

Conclusion

Celebrating Christmas is not wrong.

But it is not required.

It is a matter of freedom—
not faithfulness.

And whatever is done, it should be done with clarity:

Christ—not the calendar—is what matters.

No.

Santa Claus is not found in the Bible and is not part of the gospel message.

Where Did Santa Claus Come From?

The modern idea of Santa Claus developed over time from a mix of sources, including:

• A historical figure known for generosity

• Cultural traditions

• Folklore and later influences

Today, he is primarily associated with Christmas customs rather than Scripture.

Does Santa Have Any Biblical Role?

No.

The Bible does not mention Santa Claus or connect him to the birth of Jesus.

He is a cultural tradition, not a biblical one.

Is Gift-Giving Biblical?

Yes.

Giving reflects the heart of God:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…”
(John 3:16, NASB 1995)

But Scripture does not tie gift-giving to a figure like Santa.

What Should Be Considered?

Like many traditions, the question is not simply whether something exists—
but what it emphasizes.

Does it:

• Point toward Christ

• Or quietly shift attention away from him?

Is It Wrong to Include Santa in Christmas?

Scripture does not directly address this.

So it becomes a matter of personal conviction.

Some include it as part of cultural celebration.
Others choose to avoid it to keep the focus clearer.

Why This Matters

Traditions can be meaningful—but they can also become the focus.

Over time, it is easy for attention to center on:

• The experience

• The gifts

• The tradition

instead of Christ.

Conclusion

Santa Claus is not biblical.

He is a cultural tradition.

And like all traditions, he should be held lightly—
so that Christ remains central.

No.

Easter, as it is observed by Christians, is centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ—
a clearly biblical event.

What Is Easter About Biblically?

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus:

“He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.”
(Matthew 28:6, NASB 1995)

This is one of the central truths of the gospel.

Unlike many traditions, the event itself is explicitly recorded in Scripture.

Where Does the Confusion Come From?

Some point out that:

• The name “Easter” may have linguistic or cultural origins outside Scripture

• Certain traditions (eggs, rabbits, seasonal symbols) are not found in the Bible

These observations are valid—but they do not define the meaning of Easter.

Are There Non-Biblical Elements Associated with Easter?

Yes.

Over time, cultural traditions have been added, such as:

• Easter eggs

• Rabbits

• Seasonal imagery

These are not biblical, but they are also not the foundation of the holiday.

They are additions—not the source.

What Is the Biblical Connection?

The timing of Easter closely aligns with Passover, which is significant.

Jesus was crucified and resurrected during Passover:

“Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”
(1 Corinthians 5:7, NASB 1995)

This connection is intentional and deeply rooted in Scripture.

So Is Easter Pagan?

The resurrection of Christ is not pagan.

However:

Some cultural elements associated with Easter are not biblical.

This leads to confusion when:

• The focus shifts to tradition

• The meaning becomes unclear

What Should Be the Focus?

The question is not what has been added—
but what is central.

If the focus is:

• The resurrection of Jesus

• The fulfillment of Scripture

• The victory over sin and death

then the foundation is biblical.

Why This Matters

It is easy to take something meaningful
and become distracted by what surrounds it.

The danger is not in recognizing the resurrection—
but in allowing secondary traditions to overshadow it.

Conclusion

Easter, at its core, is not pagan.

It is a remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

But like many traditions, it can become unclear
if the focus shifts away from Him.

Christ—not the customs—is what gives it meaning.

Passover is a biblical feast established by God.
Easter is a later Christian observance centered on the resurrection of Jesus.

They are connected—but not the same.

What Is Passover?

Passover was instituted by God in the Old Testament:

“This day will be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the Lord…”
(Exodus 12:14, NASB 1995)

It commemorates:

• God delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt

• The protection provided by the blood of a lamb

Each household applied the lamb’s blood, and judgment “passed over” them.

How Does Passover Point to Christ?

Passover was not only historical—it was prophetic.

The lamb, the blood, and the deliverance all pointed forward to Jesus.

“Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”
(1 Corinthians 5:7, NASB 1995)

Jesus:

• Was crucified during Passover

• Became the fulfillment of what the lamb represented

What Is Easter?

Easter is the celebration of:

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ

• His victory over sin and death

“He is not here, for He has risen…”
(Matthew 28:6, NASB 1995)

Unlike Passover, Easter is not commanded in Scripture,
but it is centered on a biblical event.

How Are They Connected?

They are directly linked through Christ:

• Passover → Points forward to sacrifice

• Resurrection → Confirms the victory of that sacrifice

Together they show:

• Sin paid for

• Death defeated

Why Are They Observed Differently?

Passover:

• Was given specifically to Israel

• Was part of the Old Covenant

Easter:

• Developed later as a way to remember the resurrection

• Is not commanded, but widely observed

What Does the New Testament Emphasize?

The focus shifts away from observing specific days:

“Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to… a festival…”
(Colossians 2:16–17, NASB 1995)

The emphasis is no longer on the calendar—
but on Christ Himself.

Why This Matters

It is easy to focus on:

• Dates

• Traditions

• Observances

But Scripture consistently points to fulfillment:

The shadow was Passover.
The substance is Christ.

Conclusion

Passover was established by God and pointed forward to Jesus.

Easter reflects the resurrection of Jesus.

They are connected through Him—
but neither the observance nor the calendar defines salvation.

Christ does.