The following is from Joe Kovacs book, "Shocked by the bible"
� 2010 WorldNetDaily
"Easter" is such a pretty-sounding word, isn't it?
It instantly makes many people think of a variety of joyous images such as springtime, sunshine, blooming flowers, pretty dresses and bonnets, colored eggs, cute baby chicks and adorable, little bunny rabbits.
It also brings to mind for countless millions the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave.
They say this is the holiest time of the year, because yes, the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ, is alive on His heavenly throne after spending three days and three nights completely dead.
I could not agree more with people becoming aware of the story of Jesus' death and return to life. It shows us the path to becoming born into the actual Family of God, as the Bible indicates many sons and daughters will be brought to glory as the immortal "children of God."
But brace yourself, because there's a very dark side to this centuries-old tradition, and it has to do with the famous Ten Commandments of God.
The very first commandment of the Big Ten is perhaps one of the most overlooked in everyday life.
In just eight words, it states: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)
Sounds simple enough. Christians would never put another god in front of the true God who made the universe � right?
Wrong.
Most Christians, whether knowingly or unknowingly, violate this very first commandment of God each year by placing before God the actual name of a pagan goddess of fertility and the dawn.
In case you haven't figured it out by now, her name is � believe it or not � "Easter."
That's correct, folks. The word Easter is actually the name of an ancient, heathen goddess who represents fertility, springtime and the dawn.
Some of her symbols are flowers, bunnies, eggs, the sun and the moon. Who'da thunk?
In different languages and through a variety of cultures, the name of this deity � who in reality does not even exist � is spelled different ways, including Ishtar, Astarte, Ostara, Eostre and Eastre.
Even in the Bible itself, many of God's own chosen people actually followed the customs of numerous Easter goddesses, with her name spelled in the King James Bible as "Ashtaroth" and "Ashtoreth."
For those who have never seen Easter in this light before, take a look at what Scripture itself has to say. I'm adding emphasis with the modern word in parentheses so you can see what God is really telling you:
"And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth (Easter)." (Judges 2:13)
"And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and If you don't believe me, go ahead and Google it. Or simply open up an encyclopedia or a dictionary to probe the pagan origins. Feel free to ask your preacher. An honest one will have to admit it.
"And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth (Easter) from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines." (1 Samuel 7:3)
"And they cried unto the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth (Easter)" (1 Samuel 12:10)
"For Solomon went after Ashtoreth (Easter) the goddess of the Zidonians" (1 Kings 11:5)
"And the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Ashtoreth (Easter) the abomination of the Zidonians ..." (2 Kings 23:13)
While Easter may sound like a pretty word, just look again in that list above at some of the terms God associates with Easter and her customs: "corruption," "sin," "abomination" and "evil."
And here's a Bible newsflash for you. We're not even supposed to be saying the E-word.
Crack open your own Bible and read it for yourself:
"Make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth." (Exodus 23:13)
Certainly, Christians today who celebrate Easter don't do so with the intention of worshipping another god besides the true God, and I'm not saying or even implying that. But the fact of the matter is many are bringing the name of a pagan, nonexistent goddess before Him, violating the very first commandment.
Additionally, it's more than just the name that bothers God. He specifically warned His people not to worship Him using heathen customs:
"Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, 'How do these nations serve their gods? We will do the same.' You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates." (Deuteronomy 12:30-31, NIV)
Perhaps if the springtime holiday were called "Hitler Sunday" or even "Satan Sunday" instead of Easter, people might have an easier time understanding the problem of attaching evil to God. Would people decorate swastikas instead of eggs and hold goose-stepping contests, all the while claiming such customs were now Christianized?
For those who might wonder why the King James Bible mentions Easter in Acts 12:4, keep in mind the Bible was not initially written in English. The word in its original language of Greek is "Pascha," meaning "Passover" and translated as Passover in every other instance, some 28 times. Bibles published since 1611 have corrected this glaring error.
Ladies and gentlemen, it's way past time to dump all this fertility-goddess nonsense when it comes to honoring the true Creator.
Enough with the name of Easter, the coloring of eggs, the Easter egg hunts, baby bunnies and fluffy little chicks. These are all symbols of reproduction which have been associated with the heathen fertility goddess for millennia now.
The apostles did not find a basket of eggs or a chocolate bunny rabbit in Jesus' empty tomb, and they certainly didn't go Easter-egg-hunting while spreading the good news of the kingdom of God.
The maker of all things, Jesus Christ, is offering all of us a spectacular, glorious future as an immortal child of God who will be judging angels and the citizens of the world, reigning alongside Him for eternity.
God not only wants to be worshipped in spirit and in truth, but He wants absolutely nothing to do with this phony baloney goddess.
Is it really worth offending your Maker for the pretty-sounding, colorful lie of the nonexistent, evil chick called Easter?
One thing you folks sure are sensitive when someone asks why you think you are saved.
I'm sorry but I don't agree with any of what you expound concerning a person's salvation. There is not one instance in scripture where a person was offend if someone asked why they think they are saved. I have had hundreds of people ask me that question and not once did I ever find it offensive, but rather it gave me a chance to give my testimony. I will never be ashamed of the hope that is within me.
Luke 9:26 �For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Matthew 7:20 �Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
None of us can know where a person is spiritually unless we ask and if that person get offended then something has to be wrong.
My life is an open book when it comes to showing forth Christ. Only if my flesh got in the way would I be offended if someone asked me if I am saved or not.
We are told not to lay hands suddenly on no man. 1Tim.5:22
But we are told to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21
The reason we should ask people if they are save or not is because there are far more false doctrines out there in regards to salvation than there is of truth and if they are saved then we are to try and have fellowship with them instead of being offended.
Now I have given my position where I'm at spiritually and this is no reflecting on anyone here. I have had to add this for it seems some here are overly sensitive concerning certain areas and what a sad mess that is.
Gary
To give an example many people think part of being saved is to be water baptized or they can not be saved. Many sectarian doctrines combine grace with fleshly ordinances that nullify grace and that person is headed for hell.
1 John 4:6 �We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1 Corinthians 2:15 �But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
I will never apologize for having concern for a person's salvation for that is one reason the Lord leaves his people here. Its to spread the word.
You quoted the scripture yourself, "Matthew 7:20 �Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Of all the members of this site that post on these forums, can you not see by Cattleman's fruits that he is a believer?! I mean, really?! I'm sorry sir, but I've got to call you out on this one. It seems with every post you write, you are trying to spread discontent. What does that say about your fruits? Are you showing any love, which I was taught by reading those words written in red? I'll tell you how you come across to me... If I had a question about something in the Bible, I would not ask you, I would not seek your advice, if you gave it I would thank you for it but would not heed it. This all comes from your fruitless behaviors.
Garrett is right on the money!! Everything he said I agree with!! And Dennis too!! We are all supposed to be Christian adults...it's about time everyone start acting like it. Love your brothers and sisters, and put the pride away!!
dear jude, jf, ky and dg,,,, thank you all very much for stickin up for the ole boy.. its deeply appreciated.. and dg you bet i will be the first to tell ya i sure aint perfect.. hehe
One more thing to Gary... Back off Cattleman, he's my friend and I don't appreciate you talking to him that way.
Where's the Admin?!?!
Is it just me, or does it seem like they've been markedly absent lately? I mean, aren't they supposed to monitor these forums? Members are calling other members names and questioning salvation, being disrespectful and worldly, talking about fleshly things and where are they? Isn't this site supposed to be Christian based, not secular? I know it's free and all that, but I'd rather pay and not have to worry about being invaded by all this stuff. Is it not enough to be proud of being the best Christian dating site? Are they more concerned with keeping the controversial threads going so more people will log in? Is that why we're having to deal with all the racey adds now? Does it all boil down to money?
Just in case I get banned for this, I've enjoyed gettingto know many of you on here! I'll keep praying for everyone!! If I get banned, so be it. Things are getting out of control so they need to be addressed. If they're not going to be addressed, maybe I don't want to be a part of it anymore.
dear gary,,, i been tryin to be patient and wait for the calvary.. but im beginnin to feel alot like custers last stand and wonderin where the calvary is.. hehe
i really dont need the calvary backin me up for me personally.. as i have GOD on my side..
youre makin like now you was just concerned of my salvation.. and when first confronted you even made like you wasnt really questionin my salvation.. you told an untruth there gary .. as you turned right around and asked me how come i thought i was saved.. so you WERE questionin my salvation..
lets first take a look back at your words to me gary and the verses you used to personally attack me with.. your implications to me personally here..
your words here gary
Cattleman, you are using your natural mind instead of going to God's word to see what He says.
first off i beg to differ.. i believe i did go to GODS word to see what HE said..
the first commandment i believe gave me reason to believe what i believed..
as i said before i believe the name should be changed to summin besides easter.... but.....
EXODUS 20:3-5 3 you shall have no other gods before ME.
4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image-any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; 5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
now to me if you say JESUS cant have this day or that day for us to worship HIM and celebrate HIM.. because its some other religions gods or goddesses day then isnt that in essence putting another god or goddess before GOD?
i mean you wont let GOD have the day and worship HIM because its special to someone elses god or goddess...
i put no other gods or goddesses before my GOD... i dont have any others matter of fact... i only have GOD ..
and i dont bow down to any other gods eithe ... i only bow down and worship and serve one GOD... the GOD the FATHER of the bible.. and GOD the SON of the bible JESUS CHRIST.... so if im worshipin on a day and i dont care what day it is, i am only worshipin the ONE AND ONLY GOD..
then you uses these verses
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
That is God's instruction on how to understand his word, if you are saved.
1 John 4:5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
The reason we can't God by assuming as you done in the above reply is because of Romans 8:7. I hope this will help you.
me here
let me give us all romans 8:7 since you wouldnt even write it down for us..
romans 8:7 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
my words here
if youre gonna use scripture to say to a man hes not of GOD ,,least use it in its proper setting
if youll look at
1 corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
who is we gary ? we is me too.... yes ole cattle has recieved not the spirit of the world but the SPIRIT who is from GOD..
then lets look at 1 john 4:5 and 6 whos it speakin of?
well ill show you who
1 john 4:2-4 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
ya see gary its speakin of those who are not of GOD as to those who cant hear..
i dont think anyone here has ever heard me not confess that JESUS CHRIST has come in the flesh..
so lets go back and look at the insults you used to me..
you question and imply im not saved ...
then you tell me i dont study, i dont have the HOLY SPIRIT , im not of GOD
i am of the world and that i am an emnity to GOD... this was said by using scripture for you to explain to me why i dont believe same as you..
you should be ashamed of yourself to use the word as a falsehood against another brother .. all them things you were layin out there to me were false against me in that post...
i am saved therefore i am of GOD... after insultin me as you did by sayin all them things pointed right at me then you dont deserve an answer for your so called concern..
your words here
None of us can know where a person is spiritually unless we ask and if that person get offended then something has to be wrong.
mine here
youre right gary summins wrong.. you judged me and insulted me as unsaved before you asked me was i saved..
you also stated that its a wonderful testimony..
well if youd read my profile my full testimony is right there. for all to see...
maybe you should of read that before you accuse me of not bein of GOD .... though im not sure it would matter to you..
OK, I'll bite. Please any of you show me from God's word where I have spread discontent?
That I would love to read. Don't worry I won't accuse anyone of hurting my feelings or telling you that you are not playing fair or that you are not playing by the rules. I don't have a thin skin. If you can show me from scripture anything I have said that's wrong I'll be the first to admit I was wrong.
As many of you as want please give your two cents worth.
It's not really that you're "wrong" Gary....it's that everyone is at a different point in their walk with God and you are not allowed to judge salvation or motives unless it's open sin that is blatantly against God. God knows the best plan to save people, and maybe he's just feeding them as much as they can handle while they're growing in the truth. If God blasted us with it all at once we would be a little shriveled and sobbing mass of unworthy dust...
"... and maybe he's just feeding them as much as they can handle while they're growing in the truth. If God blasted us with it all at once we would be a little shriveled and sobbing mass of unworthy dust..."
:ROFL: There's actually a LOT of truth behind that... THAT'S the funny part. lol
dear gary,, when you call my name and question and imply i am unsaved and not of GOD... then these verses here apply.. ole cattle
exodus 20:16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
romans 10:6 But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, "Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, " Who will descend into the abyss? " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
