Chapter Six

The Christmas Spirit:

Angelic or Demonic?

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If we embrace the spirit of Christmas,

what spirit are we embracing?

Just what is the Christmas spirit? Is it joyous? Is it jolly? Does it bring out the best in people, good will and peace? Let's take an honest look at some rather familiar, albeit unpleasant, scenarios.

The Shopping, The Mall, and The Traffic

Every year, friends, family, and even casual acquaintances tell us how lucky we are that we don't celebrate Christmas! They dread the shopping, and who can blame them? How many times have grown women all but get into a knock‑down, drag‑out fight over the last item on the shelf or racing to be first in line. People bark at the poor cashiers, make terrible scenes, and then get in their cars ‑ angry! They drive off in a huff and straight into a traffic jam. If they can manage to keep their minds on the road instead of their fury, just maybe they'll avoid one of the many accidents in the Christmas rush. But horns are blaring, vulgar gestures and inaudible rantings are shooting like arrows from one vehicle to another. Did you see "Peace on earth and mercy mild" here? We didn't.

In another sad commentary, how do many people pay for all these gifts they can't afford, but by going into debt with their charge cards? Then, in addition to the debt, they pay high interest charges all year long. Others, who may already be in deep financial trouble even before the holidays, purchase gifts on charge cards, knowing they will soon file for bankruptcy. "Do not steal" Christ reminds us in Luke 12:20 ‑ the eighth commandment. Some people stoop, in desperation, to the out‑and‑out theft of toys for their children. Where is the Christmas Spirit in these acts?

Then there are the get‑togethers and gift exchanges with people we just don't like or get along with very well. We feel like hypocrites. That assessment is accurate. We can't wait till the party's over, even before it's begun. Will certain family members be able to keep a civil tongue? After a few eggnogs or glasses of champagne, inhibitions fall and tongues start wagging. Family gatherings sometimes end in tears, or worse ‑ there are always a few accounts of family fights while someone is in the process of carving the Christmas ham.

"This is a little extreme, don't you think? We don't have drunkenness or fights, much less murder in our house," you say indignantly! No? Are you sure? How many people unknowingly murder at Christmas? It is true, as Hebrews 9:28 and 10:10 clearly show, that Christ died once for all, so that we could be recon­ciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18‑20). But how, then, can you participate in such sinful practices, works of the flesh, and idolatry and not "spiritually" murder Christ? Is it not ironic to celebrate his birth by requiring his death?

Picture this: A person enters a hospital nursery and sings "Happy Birthday" to a newborn baby, then proceeds to thrust a knife into the helpless and innocent child. The world would be aghast and outraged! Those same people who could not tolerate such obvious evil, don't put much thought into their own holiday plans ‑ whether they are pure and godly or not! The Christmas party at work is often a miserable example of sleazy conduct: drunkenness, even leading to sexual immorality. Is this the Christmas spirit?

A boyfriend or girlfriend tries to figure out the perfect gift and decides on Christmas Eve in a hotel room for an exciting night of fornication. Is this the Christmas Spirit? We once knew a man who said he was ready to break up with his girlfriend, but he sure wouldn't do it before Christmas! Was it because he didn't want to ruin her holidays? NO ‑ not really! He wanted the beautiful pair of snow skis she had bought him for Christmas. He wanted to get the skis first before he dropped her! Now there's the Christmas Spirit!

These are but a few of the unfortunate but not so uncommon examples of hypocrisy, stealing, drunkenness, wicked plans, adultery, fornication, party‑spirit, unbridled tongue and yes, murder. As Hebrews 6:4‑6 reads, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened ... And have tasted the good word of God ... If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame." Murder is not so uncommon after all; our sins are the nails which crucified our Lord, Jesus Christ!

If Christ is really the center and purpose of the holiday season, then surely the Christmas spirit should be evident in the tithes and offerings to the various churches. People should feel such gratitude for the gift of Christ, that they want to give something back by supporting their "house of worship." Sadly though, churches of all denominations suffer great financial hardship during the Christmas season. It is the time when people give the least. Financially strapped from fulfilling all their holiday dreams, the Christmas Spirit is reflected in that most churches are financially abandoned, like a fatherless child. "I have no gift to bring, ba rum pa ta tum…”

"But, lots of people give money, food, clothing and toys to poor families so that they may also experience the joy of Christmas. This is certainly following the words of Christ in Matthew 25:35‑40, which state that when you feed and clothe and otherwise care for the least of the brethren, it is as though you did these things for Christ." This time you're sure you've won the argument for keeping Christmas! Well, of course, some good will come from feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. But, it's too bad people don't continue the charity all year.

Let's closely examine what really happens. At Christmas time, people get a little nervous and feel a lot of guilt about things like giving to charity and going to church faithfully ‑ Well okay, Christmas and Easter. They then decide to make up for the whole year, so that they "look good" before God and men. Do good! Be recognized! Feel good about yourself' That's the ticket! Good deeds are seldom anonymous. That "Christmas charity" is in the paper, on the television and radio news, with stories and pictures of glowing philanthropists basking in the praise they receive (plus the tax deduction). Is this what Christ meant? For the purpose of self‑examination and furthering your spiritual growth, try doing a good deed for someone and then don't tell a single soul! You may find yourself embarrassed if it's a difficult secret to keep. The Holy Spirit of God works quite differently than the Christmas spirit of this world.

Let's read Matthew 6:1‑4,

"Take heed that ye do not your alms (charitable deeds) before men, to be seen of them: otherwise Ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee (telling everyone of the wonderful things you've done!), as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

The words of Christ are plain enough! If you can't resist declaring your own charitable deed, then you are guilty of soliciting vain glory! Your priority and your purpose is self‑serving. When you are given a benevolent opportunity, why should you desire recognition? Instead of seeking praise from others, we should be praising God for inspiring us and giving us the ability to serve another human being.

The examples of the Christmas spirit in this section reveal the lack of Christ‑like attitudes and actions. Instead, they reveal the spirit of carnality. "Christmas is the joy of giving," cleverly disguises Satan's attempt to have us exalt ourselves ‑ rather than look to Christ's example of humble generosity.

Satan's Deliberate Deceit

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Satan could never deceive the world with customs that contained obvious evils. Christmas is therefore filled with seemingly wonderful and exciting customs. In this way Satan is transformed into an angel of light (II Corinthians 11:14). Satan is entirely dedicated to the effort of deceiving the very elect (Matthew 24:24). Few people are suspicious of a holiday which bears the name of Christ. Neither do most people seem to notice Satan's success in depicting Christ as either a helpless little baby or dead (hopeless) on a cross. He does not want our focus to be on an Almighty Savior who is "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16) and Who is "alive for evermore" (Revelation 1:18).

This is not the Christ the world pictures. Notice: "The assimilation of Christ into the sun god, as sun of righteousness, was widespread in the fourth century and was furthered by Constantine's legislation on Sunday, which is not unrelated to the fact that the sun god was the tutelar [guardian /protector] divinity of his family" (A History of The Christian Church: Revised ‑ Walker, Section 13 pages 154‑155) However, in this so‑called modem age, the Babylonian Mystery Religion is forgotten history and is one of Satan's best kept secrets. His intent is to keep mankind from having an eternal relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ. "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). So good is this deception that it is certain that many missionaries attempting to do a noble work would be shocked to realize they did not bring Christianity to the world, but instead they have affixed Christ's name on the superstitions of the Babylonian Mystery Religion.

Chapter Seven

Our Forefathers Knew Better!

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There is no doubt that our forefathers understood the Christmas festivities for what they truly are. They realized the seriousness of the abridgment of God's commands concerning the worshipping of idols. Their practices and the laws on their books are a testimony which have been preserved for us in historical writings and law books. Christmas had become a rowdy, frivolous excuse for abandoning good sense and behavior. It had no ground in true Christianity. In fact such practices mock Jesus Christ by abandoning the principals that He taught and propagating the exact things He denounced.

"The Calvinists (in England) declared that observing Christ's birthday was a human invention. They disapproved of it not only because of [its pagan origin but also because of] the excesses to which too many Christmas celebrants went." When the Puritans came to power in 1642, the Calvinists preached strongly against Xmas observance, rightly calling it a heathen practice. They continued to preach strongly against it until as recent as the early part of this present century. "They asserted that Christ would not have approved of it, for it merely furnished excuse for wrong doing. England's Parliament outlawed Christmas along with Easter in 1643. This comes to us from Mayme R. Krythe's book, All About Christmas. She adds, "Town criers went around and called out loudly so that all might hear, 'No Christmas! No Christmas!'"

From the New International Encyclopedia we gather insight into the Scotch Presbyterian and English Nonconformists who "generally rejected all religious observance of the day as a 'human invention' and savouring too much of 'papistry.'"

In 1659, thirteen years after England outlawed Christmas, the Puritans of Massachusetts (whom we know as pilgrims) passed a law outlawing the observance of Christmas, in what was to become the United States. That law remained on the books for some time. It read: "Whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like either by forbearing of labour, feasting, or in any other way, shall be fined 5 shillings." Even after the holiday again became lawful, the Puritans still insisted on calling Christmas 'Superstitious Man's Idol Day' or 'The Old Heathen's Festivity Day."

Alfred C. Hottes, whom we have already quoted, gives us a peek into the thoughts of our early colonists, "The Quakers near Philadelphia were not given to observing holidays, and in New England the whole idea of Christmas was frowned upon." He goes on to say that "the Puritans were bitterly opposed to it, but being in the minority, their practices were not liked by their fellow citizens." However, Robert H. Schauffler, in his book, Christmas tells us that when Puritanism was on the rise the very existence of Christmas was threatened. Later, Collier's Encyclopedia credits the large wave of Irish and German immigrants in the 19th century for importing a renewed enthusiasm for the feast into the United States.

Many books have been filled with examples and histories of the development of and the fight against keeping Christmas in the United States and Britain. Following Christ has never been the motivation behind the keeping of Christmas. Our forefathers knew it. And now so do you.

Put Christ Back Into Christmas?

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Don't be deceived. It's impossible! Christmas is a borrowed heirloom that was practiced by pagan heathens thousands of years before Christ was born. It was taken from the heathen scene to be injected into an apostate "Christianity" some 300 years after Jesus ascended into heaven. Christ was never in the festival, nor has He ever condoned it!

Chapter Eight

God Issues a Strong Warning

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Many centuries ago, God issued a strong warning to Israel about inquiring after and serving heathen gods. We repeat it here because of its importance. "Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them after that they be destroyed from before thee: and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which He hateth, have they done unto their gods.... What things soever I command you observe to do it: Thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it" (Deuteronomy 12:30‑32). We would be foolish to ignore such an admonition!

Jesus told his apostles to go to the people of all nations "teaching them to do all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19‑20). In John 13:15 Jesus tells us, "for I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." In Leviticus 23, we find the holy days that God commanded to be kept forever. Christ and his apostles observed these holy days, and so did the early New Testament Church. Christ kept the Passover with the apostles (John 13). He preached at the Feast of Tabernacles and on the Last Great Day (John 7).

Even after the death of Christ, the epistles of Paul showed us that the early church continued to observe these annual holy days. Check these examples: I Corinthians 5, "Therefore let us keep the feast" (of Unleavened Bread); Acts 2:1, "Now when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place." This is the record of the New Testament Church being founded on one of God's holy days!; Acts 20:16, "[Paul] was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost."; I Corinthians 16:8, "But I will tarry in Ephesus unto Pentecost."; I Corinthians 11:26, gives directions concerning the true Passover. Jesus says, "You proclaim the Lord's death till He comes."; Acts 27:9, Paul says, "the fast was already over," speaking about Atonement; in Acts 18:21 he says, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem." Nowhere in all the Scriptures will you find any command by Jesus to observe his birth, or Christmas. Actually, he commands us to observe his death, by keeping the Passover, as shown in Matthew 26:26‑30, and John 13:1‑17. Mankind has forgotten the holy days of God, choosing to worship with the ancient festivals of their former gods.

As history reveals, Catholicism gradually infiltrated what had been the true churches of God. A few realized they must flee from the doctrine of Balaam (Acts 5:29); others thought it would be possible to remain within their congregations and privately keep the truth. They did try for a while ‑ but, how can one sit at both the table of the Lord and the table of demons (I Corinthians 10:14‑22)? In due time, most of them fell prey to the apostate teachers, forgetting the knowledge of the Lord and embracing the doctrine of doom (II Peter 2:15‑22)! Those who had courageously followed the Lamb (Revelation 14:4), soon became a very small and persecuted minority. The church of Rome sought to exterminate the few who remained loyal to God, and succeeded in the martyrdom of many. People don't like being told that their religion is wrong, especially those who have set themselves in exalted religious positions. But God's promise is to those who repent and endure. You can read about that in God's letters to the churches in the book of Revelation, chapters two and three.

Do We Honor God?

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Once we put away the false practices and traditions of the Christian professing world, then we can learn about the true plan of God. His plan is wonderfully illustrated, through the knowledge of His true scriptural Holy Days and commandments to bring us His spiritual knowledge. His true Holy Days are virtually unknown to those who think that they know the Lord and Savior. Remember, the only name by which we are saved is the name Jesus Christ! It is not realistic to think we can ignore what He says and still have the knowledge that comes from what He teaches.

Please reader, don't be among those who, with all good intentions, come to Christ expecting his praise and eternal life, only to hear Christ declare (as God warns in Matthew 7:23), "1 NEVER KNEW YOU. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"

Let's do the right thing and take Christ OUT of Christmas ‑ actually ‑ in reality ‑ Xmas! Xmas and a host of other holidays have come directly from paganism, but the annual Holy Days of Leviticus 23 have come directly from God. Let's forsake the pagan holidays of the world and observe the true holy days laid out for us by God.

Chapter Nine

The Next Step:

More Courage! More Study!

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What we have tried to accomplish in this booklet is to help those who question commonly practiced religious customs. In the quest for true worship of the true God our Father and Christ our only Savior, you have by now become disillusioned with Xmas. Still, you may not be completely convinced, and we hope you will further research the subject. We applaud you for not taking our word, or any man's word; but do as the Bereans did in Acts 17:10-11 ‑ prove all things whether they be so.

We have, for this purpose, quoted excerpts from many publications so that you would know where more detailed information could be found. A word of warning must be given. The authors have noticed, in the last few years, the unsettling practice of changing history! That is to say, newer encyclopedias have removed many of the unpleasant origins of holidays that are supposedly Christian and replaced them with inoffensive, sweet or attractive beginnings. The best thing we can advise is to go down in the basement and drag out those old, dusty boxes with that old set you've been told to believe is "out‑of‑date" and "useless." (You may find old encyclopedias at library sales, used book stores, or your local flea market ‑ Cheap!)

But, even with the information you have received here, you may say, "The pagan origins don't bother me! I think it's great that Christianity has been able to cross cultural bounds and incorporate the customs of different peoples' beliefs to unite people around the world. No other religion does this. It helps people to draw near to Christ. You must receive Christ to be saved!"

It certainly is true that through Christ alone we may be saved (John 14:6). But, is any form and all manner of worship acceptable to God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son? Does the end justify the means? Can you ever reach that destination by taking any road that suits you? As you may recall, Cain thought that God ought to accept and even appreciate his offering. Worshipping God in the way of Cain seemed sufficient to Cain. But notice what the New Testament says about "the way of Cain": (Jude 11) "Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain." Regardless of how Cain felt, his ways were unrighteous before God (I John 3:12 and Genesis 4:7).

If "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," as Shakespeare said, then the more ominous is also true. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf. It will devour you! If your worship includes all of the rites of Baal, whom do you serve? It doesn't matter what name you place on the celebration (Christmas); it's still Baal you serve! If you celebrate the feasts of other gods instead of the Feasts of the Lord, how can you say that you worship God or know Jesus? Is it your desire merely to appear religious or do you desire to worship in spirit and truth? Leviticus 23:2: "The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts." Once again, let's look to the Bible to lead us into all truth (John 17:17).

In Deuteronomy 12:2‑4, we learn that the will of God, for each of us personally, is that we must completely destroy the images, altars, names and ways of other gods in our lives. In verse 8 we read, "Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes." Continuing in verse 30, "enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? Even so I will do likewise.

Many will attempt, at this point, to reason that God was only talking to the Israelites ‑ not us! But this is simply not so; in Galatians 3:29 it is written, "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Even more to the heart of the matter, I Corinthians 10: 11 speaks specifically of the Old Testament as examples for us. Read carefully and see what God says, "Now all these things were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." Similarly, in II Timothy 3:16‑17 we find, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, and for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Furthermore, the apostle Paul makes it absolutely clear, "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than. He?" (I Corinthians 10:20‑22).

Does Christ change his mind? Hebrews 13:8 leaves no guess work: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." I Peter 4:1‑3 leaves no doubt as to our instruction. We must live for the will of God, not continuing in our former way of life (practicing the will of the Gentiles), which included abominable idolatries!

Now that you've learned that just because something is found in the Old Testament, doesn't mean it should be thrown out along with the garbage, let's turn back to Deuteronomy 30:17‑20: "But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish. . . . I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life."

Please focus in on God's message for you. Loving the Lord is obeying Him and cleaving to His ways! This is restated in I John 5:3! His ways are life! What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment? "THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT AND THE SECOND IS LIKE UNTO IT, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. " (Matthew 22:37‑40).

Chapter Ten

Conclusion: Repentance!

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It may seem difficult to the point of dread, the very thought of explaining to so many people that you can no longer partake of the Xmas festivities. "Maybe it will be easier if I put it off until next year," you may consider. But James 4:13‑17 says, " Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, 'If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." This scripture explains the danger of procrastination. None of us knows how long we shall live. You could die tomorrow. More importantly, we must realize one thing: planned future repentance, is nothing less than deliberate, present rebellion!

"As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." (Revelation 3:19) Harsh words indeed, but sometimes the truth is both painful and ugly ‑ the truth, that is, concerning our human nature. God's truth is beautiful and brings great joy! As Luke 15:7&10 plainly reveal, there is tremendous joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than there would be over ninety‑nine which don't need to repent. Be encouraged! The Spirit of God will strengthen you in your Christian walk! Pray that God directs your steps and you will surely be blessed, in that you will know Him!

" For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long‑suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Colossians 1:9‑13).

A List of Myths, Fables and Lies

Perpetuated by the Counterfeit Christmas Story

1.               The Celebration of Christmas is Biblical

2.               The Place of Christ's Birth May Not Have Been in Bethlehem

3.               The Number and Occupation of the "Wise Men" That Brought Gifts to Jesus

4.               The Date Of Christ's Birth is the 25th of December

5.               The Yule Logs

6.               Twelve Nights of the Yuletide Season

7.               Kissing Under the Mistletoe for Luck

8.               The Christmas Tree and Ornaments

9.               The Bible is Not the Ultimate Authority On God's Will

10.            Drinking Parties Somehow Honor the Birth of Our Savior

11.             Exchanging Gifts Imitates the Gifts of the Wise Men to Christ

12.             Three Kings of the Orient Brought Gifts to the Infant Jesus

13.             Santa Claus and All the Lies Associated With Him

Lives at the North Pole

Elves To Do All His Work

Knows All Children

Knows Who Does Bad or Good

Flies Around the World Delivering Gifts To All the Children In One Night

Eats Treats At Each House

Goes Up and Down the Chimney

Flying Reindeer

Magic Sleigh

14.           Mary, as Christ's Mother, is Worthy of Worship

15.           Mary Remained a Virgin

16.           Mary is Perfect and Sinless and Ascended to Heaven Without Dying

17.           We Can Put Christ "Back Into Christmas"

18.           The Motives For and the Sources Behind the Celebration of Christmas

19.           THE BIGGEST LIE OF ALL:

THE LIE THAT SAYS WE CAN WORSHIP IN ANY

DECEITFUL, SELF RIGHTEOUS, SELF‑SERVING OR PAGAN

WAY WE CHOOSE AND GOD WILL ACCEPT IT AS HONORING

HIM!

• If you believe any of these lies, we suggest you read this booklet and read THE Book, the source for the truth, the Holy Bible.

For further study, on this and other subjects concerning Christianity and Biblical

doctrine, request these additional booklets:

When Was Jesus Christ Born?

Is it possible for us to know when He was born?

Statement of Beliefs

of the

Christian Biblical Church of God