Christians, tell your children there is no Santa Claus

[Ovedya]

I posted this earlier, not sure who saw it. Thought it might bear repeating...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the trend I see here at Worthy, in almost every subject. Someone brings a clear admonishment from the Word of God and they get jumped on by others as "holier than thou". I think each of us needs to stop and think..."Why am I getting so upset at this wise counsel from the WORD OF GOD?" Normally, I know in my life, when advise from the Word of God is presented and it upsets me it is because I have been convicted of my sin and do not want to listen to the TRUTH. I would tend to believe that is true in every Christian's life. So before you start to kill the messenger why not try listening to the message. Because, no matter how it is presented it is still words from our MIGHTY GOD.

It's simple. People are being jumped on as being "holier than thou" for their approach.

People get angry when others call them "liars".

I have a question for you. When you witness, do you say: "If you believe in God, you will live eternally in the warmth of his heavens." Or do you say: "Pfft. If you don't believe in God you'll burn in Hell." I guarantee that people will listen to the first example, and run from the second.

It's all about approach.

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach. We are all Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Please, stick to the topic, and stay away from the strawman arguments. If what is being said is bothering you so much, you don't have to answer or even read the posts... The choice is yours whether or not you come into this thread. No one is forcing you to read, believe or adhere to what is being said.

You know what? That's just ridiculous. You know just as well as I do that ones approach to any situation, issue, argument can be the make-or-break.

It's quite evident that we aren't going to be able to sit down and have a fair discussion on the issue because half the crowd here isn't willing to be honest with themselves.

Oooh, good point. If we're not being honest with ourselves, isn't that like...lying? Or at the very least, isn't it deception?

[Ovedya]

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach.

I believe it does, as evidenced in the verses in my signature.

I didn't say it doesn't, I said it SHOULD not. We should understand that admonishment from a brother would be coming from the Lord our God, and try to listen. Especially when the Word is presented. Remember, Ovedya, God's Word never returns to Him empty.

I agree with that. But like so many things, it's the delivery that often counts as much as the content.

[Emily~Anne]

You know what? That's just ridiculous. You know just as well as I do that ones approach to any situation, issue, argument can be the make-or-break.

It's quite evident that we aren't going to be able to sit down and have a fair discussion on the issue because half the crowd here isn't willing to be honest with themselves.

Half the crowd is unable to back up their reasoning with any scripture.

[sierra21]

I posted this earlier, not sure who saw it. Thought it might bear repeating...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the trend I see here at Worthy, in almost every subject. Someone brings a clear admonishment from the Word of God and they get jumped on by others as "holier than thou". I think each of us needs to stop and think..."Why am I getting so upset at this wise counsel from the WORD OF GOD?" Normally, I know in my life, when advise from the Word of God is presented and it upsets me it is because I have been convicted of my sin and do not want to listen to the TRUTH. I would tend to believe that is true in every Christian's life. So before you start to kill the messenger why not try listening to the message. Because, no matter how it is presented it is still words from our MIGHTY GOD.

It's simple. People are being jumped on as being "holier than thou" for their approach.

People get angry when others call them "liars".

I have a question for you. When you witness, do you say: "If you believe in God, you will live eternally in the warmth of his heavens." Or do you say: "Pfft. If you don't believe in God you'll burn in Hell." I guarantee that people will listen to the first example, and run from the second.

It's all about approach.

And it was approached with an abundance of scripture unlike the side in favor of not telling our children Santa is not real.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Scripture isn't what anyone was bothered by. We can all sit down and agree that lying is a sin. The disagreement is whether or not people are actually lying to their children about Santa. I think more than a few people have given fair arguements to show that they aren't in fact, lying to their children.

Yet, they continue to be called "liars" time and time again.

And since it appears no one is really taking the time to read Oveyda's posts- I suggest you do. And read his signature.

[Guest Biblicist]

It's quite evident that we aren't going to be able to sit down and have a fair discussion on the issue because half the crowd here isn't willing to be honest with themselves.

I would say I agree with that statement.

Honesty with other's starts with honesty with oneself.

[sierra21]

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach.

I believe it does, as evidenced in the verses in my signature.

I didn't say it doesn't, I said it SHOULD not. We should understand that admonishment from a brother would be coming from the Lord our God, and try to listen. Especially when the Word is presented. Remember, Ovedya, God's Word never returns to Him empty.

Okay, so now we're playing games with grammer.

[Guest Biblicist]

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach.

I believe it does, as evidenced in the verses in my signature.

I didn't say it doesn't, I said it SHOULD not. We should understand that admonishment from a brother would be coming from the Lord our God, and try to listen. Especially when the Word is presented. Remember, Ovedya, God's Word never returns to Him empty.

I agree with that. But like so many things, it's the delivery that often counts as much as the content.

So far I have not seen any problem with the delivery of God's word...and if there is a problem with it the MODS should be notified.

[Vickilynn]

Oooh, good point. If we're not being honest with ourselves, isn't that like...lying? Or at the very least, isn't it deception?

Shalom Sierra and Ovedya,

This false accusation is a "good point'? Ovedya, you a Moderator? Come on. I'm so surprised at your responses.

What about saying we are "not being honest with ourselves" is right, truthful or a good point?

You see, we have shown Scripture after Scripture proving that telling children Santa is real is not right. You all have not produced ONE Scripture that says it is OK to lie and deceive children.

So, because we stand on G-d's Word, unwavering in the face of being called names and all sorts, and yet another false accusation is thrown and a Moderator says it's a "Good point'?

Please then, prove by Scripture that we are not being honest with ourselves or anyone else. We are standing on Scripture. What is not being honest about that?

Please prove your allegation. Please back it up with facts.

Please, prove by Scripture that telling children that Santa is real, or allowing them to believe this lie is G-d's way.

Please, just back it up with Scripture.

That's what this is all about ...G-d's way or man's way.

[sweetycakes]

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach.

I believe it does, as evidenced in the verses in my signature.

I didn't say it doesn't, I said it SHOULD not. We should understand that admonishment from a brother would be coming from the Lord our God, and try to listen. Especially when the Word is presented. Remember, Ovedya, God's Word never returns to Him empty.

I agree with that. But like so many things, it's the delivery that often counts as much as the content.

So far I have not seen any problem with the delivery of God's word...and if there is a problem with it the MODS should be notified.

Ovedya IS a mod

Now, can we please keep this civilized, folks?

[Guest Biblicist]

As CHRISTIANS, it should not matter what the approach.

I believe it does, as evidenced in the verses in my signature.

I didn't say it doesn't, I said it SHOULD not. We should understand that admonishment from a brother would be coming from the Lord our God, and try to listen. Especially when the Word is presented. Remember, Ovedya, God's Word never returns to Him empty.

Okay, so now we're playing games with grammer.

Maybe that's the problem, some people are unable to understand grammer. If things are read the way they are written instead of assuming what is written there would be less confusion.

This will be my last respose to you Sierra, since you are obviously doing your best to draw me into a debate about something other than the topic at hand.