Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Date: December 18, 2017 02:29AM
Before and after leaving TLWF, I researched the origins of Christmas many times. I came to the conclusion it was not as simple as “Babylon Mystery Religion” would lead us to believe. It really is a mixture of many things, including Christianity, paganism, tradition, materialism, and family – but so is life. Apparently there is still enough of Christ in Christmas to offend some - so it's not a complete loss. :) In TLWF, I think we strained at a gnat and swallowed a camel. The idea was that God’s people did not forsake Him and worship other gods. We didn’t celebrate Christmas but allowed a human to take God’s place. The outcome was the same as if we did worship other gods – as well as the damage.
Here is where the teachings of Jesus provide such health and safety. Much of the “warfare” we experienced in TLWF came from opening our spirits to the occult, and thinking it was God. When you close the openness, much of what we were fearful of becomes a moot point. Christmas stops being a time of oppression. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. Darkness is actually afraid of the light.
Some holiday thoughts as we get together with family and friends:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Perhaps a little contrast to the judgment and exclusiveness advocated by TLWF) “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” “Honor your father and mother.”