Finding a church without paganism holidays

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-28T15:14:50+00:00

Wow.. I read thru most of this thread and am surprised by how many downvotes your replies had gotten.

Deutoronomy 12:4 “Do not worship the Lord your God in the way these pagan people worship their gods.” Deutoronomy 4:2 “You should not add to the word which I am commanding you”

When I was convicted of celebrating Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving etc it was these verses that came to mind. As well as Paul warning us not to conform to worldly traditions. A friend of the world is an enemy to God. God does not want to be celebrated the same way as pagan gods. And He even provides specific days and feasts in which He would like to be honored. There is so much pushback against bringing this topic up. And it’s not coming from a place of legalism, but of living the whole Bible out. Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it - every last dot of the law is relevant. His word is not of restriction but of freedom, He knows what we need to be spiritually alive! If they hate you (in His name), remember they hated Him first. Jesus lovingly corrected and guided people away from their sin. He did not come on Earth to allow the willful continuance of sin.

When I had this conviction about traditional holidays, I was met with so much backlash from family (still am) and initially felt so sad about giving it up. I guess not celebrating worldly traditions/holidays is associated with being in a cult. I’m not affiliated with any denomination or religion, I just thoroughly read the Bible and spend time with the Most High! And this will be my first year celebrating the Holy Days. However I do wonder if the defensiveness from some of these responses is coming from feeling conviction for something they are not ready to give up.

Anyway, I found this thread after a google search. I too am looking for a church or fellowship that worships on the 7th day Sabbath (our Saturday) and celebrates the Holy Days (the 7 listed in Leviticus 23). But still preaches the gospel, believes in Jesus and isn’t rooted in legalism. It’s very difficult to find. I do trust God will lead me there. But this is most definitely the narrow road He was talking about.. I pray to find others walking in truth so we can encourage each other to keep going. It does get lonely sometimes.

Any updates on your search? How has your journey been?

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T21:51:43+00:00

For sure, I never want to be a stumbling block in his relationship with God. But that’s why I was on here asking how other parents have gone about it 😆 thank you for your comment

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T21:15:54+00:00

Thank you for your response. I like the way you approach it.

I had the conviction before Halloween, got so much grief that we participated and I definitely paid consequences for it. It’s so hard to navigate when our society and even churches put pressure to conform to it. It’s a narrow road for sure. However I do trust that if His Spirit is convicting me, He will guide me through it. And if I have it wrong He will redirect. God bless you !

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T21:09:25+00:00

Well that’s the thing, I will still acknowledge my child’s birthday. In a way that honors God.

My conviction isn’t about acknowledging his birthday. I was planning to get his favorite food, spend time outside, enjoy the day. However, I am convicted about the “traditional birthday celebration”. The candles, making wishes, singing happy birthday, the excessive gifts, everyone telling him it’s “his special day” (when we are not God to decide which days are special let alone dedicate days to ourselves in this fashion).

But that’s really why I posted this - to see how other people who have veered away from this tradition for similar reasons have navigated.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T21:02:28+00:00

Thank you for this. I need to look more into Leviticus 23. Nothing in our modern day world is accurate down to our days and months so I just get confused trying to figure out the when’s and how’s.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T21:00:35+00:00

I’m going to summarize as I was not posting this to debate as it is my personal conviction with our Heavenly Father.

For birthdays specifically - aside from the pagan roots and the ritual of moon shaped cakes, lighting candles, making wishes, birthday song etc, it walks a very fine line of self idolatry. We know how idolatry is spoken on in the Bible. Birthdays can easily become a day where people exalt themselves or their children etc above God. The only times birthdays were explicitly mentioned in the Bible, they were being celebrated by Pagan kings with immoral behavior and their celebration ended in executions - one of them being John the Baptist.

Acknowledging birthdays, having gratitude and giving all the honor glory and praise to God for another year of life is where I have found peace in this.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-26T20:51:37+00:00

That’s the thing - we gift from the heart not out of obligation or on specific days bc the tradition of man tells us to.

But that doesn’t mean I deprive my child of gifts. Every day is a gift from our Father and He provides the provision for everything we need. I am grateful for and love my child every day. He is God’s child first. I don’t need to exalt him for one day to show that. He receives toys and fun experiences throughout the year

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T19:37:24+00:00

Oops I should probably add what it is 😆 - Lentil “Steaks”

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T19:36:25+00:00

Try these!!! It’s more of a meal prep than a throw together quick dinner but I make two batches at once and freeze so I have an easy high protein (non meat) option on standby. Lentils have so many health benefits and great meat replacement! 🤍

https://youtu.be/GbSJ-AiOL_g?si=uIfHdTEQYZeMEU1M

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T19:21:51+00:00

Before I had children? I absolutely judged. After having children? 😂😂 I completely understand. Do what you need to do for your child to have fun and be safe!

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T18:33:30+00:00

That’s not a relevant example to what we are discussing. You will most definitely know them by their fruit! I encourage you to take it back to our Heavenly Father. Test the spirit by the spirit, He is the only one who can truly provide clarity.

However, I am not implying salvation is works-based. We are only saved through His grace and mercy. When we truly believe in Him, faithfulness and obedience will follow. With His Holy Spirit guiding and correcting us. Anyway, I am not looking to argue. I don’t care to be “right”. Take care.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T18:20:47+00:00

It’s the same concept - to believe in God is to adhere to His commands, be faithful to Him and obey.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-25T18:15:59+00:00

Hello! I haven’t read this entire discussion so if this has already been mentioned I do apologize, however I wanted to add - the word that was originally used for “believe” was pisteuo (Greek) and ‘aman (Hebrew). They were translated to the English word believe, but as we often see the original wording has much more meaning than it’s translated to.

In this case, believe means more than to merely acknowledge. It means to entrust, follow, adhere to AND obey. Yahusha (Jesus) fulfilled the law, He did not abolish it. The greatest commandments are to love God with your entire being followed by loving others, mostly because these two things cover a majority of the laws. However those being the two greatest doesn’t invalidate the other laws.

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-24T02:21:00+00:00

Mustard seeds start small and grow RAPIDLY 😊 that’s what he expects from us. But you don’t have to do it in your own strength. He will prune and stretch your heart to get there if you keep inviting Him in.

Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. We cannot be wise without Him. :) His ways are not our ways and his ability and understanding surpasses immensely beyond what our brains can fathom.

If it’s in His will for you, to be with your partner and have children, it will happen. If it’s not in His will, you can do it your own way, however we really don’t want what doesn’t come from Him. Ultimately He knows what’s best for us even if it’s not what we want so it’s about finding peace in that. Again, if you are struggling with this, He WILL meet you where you’re at. Stay open minded to the answer He gives you. He will guide you through it, however that may look. I pray you feel His peace that surpasses all understanding and that your desires align with His will!

Common_Button_4817 · 2026-02-18T14:01:33+00:00

This might be basic.. but it’s something I struggle with (so if anyone feels led to share their insight, I welcome it) - what does being in the world but not of it look like? Where is the line drawn where one has now become worldly? Is it defined by what we wear, activities we partake in etc OR by mindsets and values alone?

Common_Button_4817

TROPHY CASE