[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Trends for 2025

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World. The United States elected Donald Trump to be its 47th President in a landslide victory. Many see Mr. Trump as a messiah figure, a savior of the country that has gone astray. What might we expect over the next four years? It would do us well to remember two biblical proverbs. The first one is from Proverbs 16:9:

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Yes, a man may have his own agenda, but that is not always the way his future turns out. Often a leader is remembered not for what he planned, but for how he handled circumstances out of his control. This is further spelled out in Proverbs 19:21:

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.

About 75% of Americans believed that the country was going in the wrong direction, and that was reflected in the outcome of the election. So what can Americans, and citizens of this world, expect for 2025 and the years following? Can we know?

The Bible Has the Only Sure Predictions

There are many prognosticators predicting what’s ahead for the coming year and beyond. Some base their predictions on their understanding of geopolitics. Others look into crystal balls. Some claim a spook in the night revealed the future to them. And of course, there is Nostradamus, but a close look at his predictions—and [those] of other famous psychics—show[s] that they are vague and are more backward-looking interpretations by his fervent followers than true predictions. Let me give you an example.

Some enthusiasts say his mention of “the great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt” refers to the moon landing, a significant milestone in human achievement. … People find it easy to understand humans reaching for the stars; therefore, fans love to talk about this (“5 predictions of Nostradamus that are believed to have come true,” Times of India, October 28, 2024).

Then there are wild interpretations of biblical scriptures. Yet, it is from this very source—the book known as the Bible—that we here at Tomorrow’s World turn to know the future course of our world.

On this program, I’ll give you three trends to watch for in 2025 and beyond—straight from the pages of the Bible.

The Bible Prophesies Events Just Before the Return of Christ

On today’s program, we’ll look to the Bible for what it tells us about our near future. While we cannot know the exact timing of most Bible prophecies, we CAN know the general timeframe of what is ahead. And there are a few prophecies that do give specific time markers, and I’ll refer to one of them on today’s program.

But first, let me address a common misunderstanding. Some people erroneously conclude that we can have no idea when Christ will return. They claim that He could come at any time—tonight or a thousand years from now. So, let’s look at Matthew 24:36 and explore the context in which this scripture is given.

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only (Matthew 24:36).

This statement is true, but what is the context in which it is found? Is it not detailed signs that lead up to the end of the age and Christ’s second coming?

Specific Signs of the End-Times in Matthew 24

Notice the beginning of this Olivet Prophecy—Matthew 24:3.

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be [that is, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem]? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Jesus then went on to give signs that would lead up to His return. The idea that we must throw up our hands and have no idea regarding the timing of His return contradicts the context of this chapter.

In the Last Days: False Christianity

Jesus said there would be definite indicators of the end of the age.

Let’s notice what follows, beginning in verses 4 and 5.

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4–5).

A counterfeit Christianity is the first sign that He gave, and I’ll come back to that in a few minutes, but let’s read further from verse 6.

Beginning of Sorrows: Wars and Rumors of War

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars…. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:6–8).

The 20th Century saw two world wars that killed literally tens of millions of precious lives. It also saw a pandemic in 1918 that killed somewhere between 50 and 100 million people. That was a plague that paled COVID! And there have been many famines, floods, and earthquakes. But notice what I left out of verse 6.

See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet (Matthew 24:6).

Luke’s parallel account of this Olivet Prophecy says it this way in chapter 21 and verse 9:

But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately (Luke 21:9).

As any reader of history knows, the last 2,000 years—and even before that—were filled with wars and natural disasters, so what are we to make of these signs?

Parallel End-Time Signs in the Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation is also focused on the end of the age and lays out a framework of end-time events. There we read of a scroll sealed with seven seals that, according to Revelation 5:3-5, only the Lamb of God—that is Jesus Christ—can open.

And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (Revelation 5:3–5).

Four Seals and Four Horsemen of Revelation 6 Match Signs in Matthew 24

When He opens the first four seals, we find the famous four horsemen. The second, third, and fourth riders are easily discerned, and they match up with what Jesus revealed in the Olivet Prophecy. They represent war, famine, and pestilence (or disease epidemics). But what of the first?

Let’s read it in Revelation 6:1–2:

Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Most commentaries say this rider represents Christ or His followers conquering for Christ. They usually link this rider with the returning Christ that we read of in Revelation 19.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True…. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations.… And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:11–16).

But notice that the weapons wielded by these horsemen are different. The King of kings has a figurative sharp sword, coming out of His mouth, but the rider in chapter 6 has a bow in his hand. Why the difference? And what does that have to do with what is ahead for mankind in 2025 and beyond?

I also said I would give you the first trend to watch in 2025 and beyond. Here it is:

Trend #1: Watch for a worldwide revival in counterfeit Christianity

Why? Two riders in the book of Revelation look alike, but have different weapons. One carries a bow—the other, a sharp sword. This is significant.

Leading up to the opening of the seven seals, we learn from chapter 5 and verses 3 to 5 that only the Lamb of God—Jesus Christ—can open the seals.

Each of the four horsemen of Revelation is easy to discern, except the first one—though it appears on the surface to be easy to understand—and that’s the rub. Is that rider Christ? Or is he a close counterfeit? How can we know?

The answer is simple: only Christ, the Lamb of God can open the seals, and when we look to the words of Christ spoken elsewhere, we have the answer.

Trends for 2025 Are the End-Time Signs Jesus Gave

Remember the first sign Jesus gave that leads up to His return? Read it again in Matthew 24:4-5.

“Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name [that is, claiming His authority], saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ [in other words, telling people that Jesus is the Christ] and will deceive many.”

Now notice the comparison between Revelation 6 and Matthew 24.

• In Revelation 6, we read of a rider on a white horse. But in Matthew 24, the first sign that Jesus gave is Christian deception.
• Revelation 6 speaks of a rider who takes peace from the earth. Matthew next talks about wars and rumors of war.
• Revelation 6, a rider on a black horse of famine, and Matthew 24 speaks of famines.  
• In Revelation 6, the last rider is one on a pale horse of pestilence. Matthew 24 next speaks of pestilences.

False Christianity, False Prophet, and Beast of Revelation

Now it should be obvious from this that the first rider in Revelation 6 is a counterfeit Christianity. And that is why our first trend to watch is the revival of a counterfeit Christianity that will take hold of much of the world.

This great false prophet is spoken of in a number of scriptures, but notice this passage in Revelation 13^th chapter, and verses 11 and 13.

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. … He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men (Revelation 13:11-13).

A counterfeit Christianity is not new, but since the four horsemen reflect end-time events, look for a charismatic leader to perform deceptive miracles. He will look like he represents Christ, but he will in fact represent Satan the Devil. He will bring about a revival of apostate Christianity—not new in doctrine, but he will confuse the whole Christian world with enthusiasm, emotion, and deception.

Now, don’t think it can’t happen, because it will. So our first trend to watch going forward is:

Trend #1: Watch for a worldwide revival in counterfeit Christianity.

Trend #2: Conflicts in the Middle East Will Not Stop Until Jesus Returns

The first Trump administration was able to do something no one thought possible. It actually looked like peace would break out in the Middle East due to the Abraham Accords—a series of agreements to normalize relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.

This was the start of a process that continued in the Biden administration, and it looked as though Saudi Arabia and Israel were on the verge of normalizing relations. But then came the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists.

Can the new U.S. President bring peace to that region? The answer is NO—not according to Bible prophecy.

Continuous Attempts to Overthrow Jerusalem (Zechariah 12)

The prophet Zechariah speaks of the opposite of peace, foretelling our very time today when there would be a Jewish state in the area of Jerusalem, and they would be surrounded by hostile neighbors. Notice how remarkably accurate these prophecies are.

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah [that is, the Jews,] and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it (Zechariah 12:2–3).

But how will the Jews fare with their enemies on every side? What does the Bible tell us, that we can see with our own eyes in our daily news? Verse 6:

In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:6).

In a moment, I’ll show you a couple other prophecies about the State of Israel—prophecies that literally leap out of the Bible and onto our news feeds.

Jews Did Not Control Jerusalem for More Than 1,800 Years

I left off in Zechariah 12 where we saw that the Jews would have a country in the Middle East controlling Jerusalem. This was not the case from 135 ad until 1948, and they did not control all of Jerusalem until 1967. That makes Zechariah’s prophecies, given 2,500 years ago, absolutely remarkable. I’ll come back to Zechariah in a moment, but notice a prophecy that is even more ancient, but precisely accurate.

Prophecies in Genesis 49 Are About Jacob’s Descendants “in the Last Days”

The patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had 12 sons. At the end of his life, he foretold what would become of each one as they grew into tribes and nations—not at that time, but more than 3,500 years in the future—at the time of the end of the age.

Notice it in Genesis 49:1:

And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days.”

Were these prophecies the result of a hallucinating old man? Or were they given under the inspiration of God? Let’s read what he said about Judah, the father of the Jews, in the last days, and you be the judge. Verses 8 and 9:

Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s children shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him (Genesis 49:8–9)?

Dear friends, is this not exactly what we see?

Relentless Attacks Against Jerusalem Foretold in Isaiah 29

Here’s another prophecy about the Jews in the book of Isaiah.

The prophecy is addressed to Ariel, and while there is controversy over what the word means, virtually all scholars agree that it is a prophecy regarding the house of Judah (that is, the Jews) and Jerusalem. The early fulfillment was during the time of Assyrian king Sennacherib, but there is clearly an end-time fulfillment. Note how the Jews’ enemies anticipate victory only to wake up and realize it’s a dream.

The multitude of all the nations who fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her fortress, and distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision. It shall even be as when a hungry man dreams, and look—he eats; but he awakes, and his soul is still empty; or as when a thirsty man dreams, and look—he drinks; but he awakes, and indeed he is faint, and his soul still craves: So the multitude of all the nations shall be, who fight against Mount Zion (Isaiah 29:7–8).

Time and again Israel’s enemies see victory slip away from them.

Jerusalem Will Finally Fall Just before the Return of Christ (Zechariah 14)

However, Zechariah reveals that there is a time in the future when the Jews will be overthrown and the Messiah, Jesus Christ, will have to come back and save them. We read of this in Zechariah 14:2–4:

For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city [indicating it’s a divided city] shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east.

No, there will be no peace in that part of the world no matter who is the U.S. President. There may be exuberance over what appears to be peace, but it will not end well, as Paul wrote about the time of the end in 1 Thessalonians 5:3.

For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

Our second trend to watch is:

Trend #2: There will be continuing conflict in the Middle East that will lead to Christ’s return.

Trend #3: Watch for Daily Sacrifices to Begin in Jerusalem

We cannot know the specific time of these biblical prophecies, although as we have seen, easy-to-understand prophecy regarding the Jews and Jerusalem, given 2,000 and even 3,500 years ago, are taking place right now for anyone to see. But I want to give you a third trend to watch, because this one could literally begin at any time.

Daily Sacrifices Must Start Before the Abomination of Desolation Can Occur (Daniel 12)

We find a countdown to the time of Christ’s return in the 12th chapter of Daniel. The prophet wanted to know when the end would come and was told that the visions were sealed until the time of the end. He was then told this in verse 11:

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (Daniel 12:11).

That’s three years and seven months.

I don’t have time to explain the abomination of desolation on this program, but for now, let’s focus on what is easy to understand. For sacrifices to be cut off, they must first begin, and daily sacrifices have not been offered in Jerusalem for the better part of 2,000 years. Therefore trend #3 is: Watch for daily sacrifices to begin in Jerusalem.

Final Countdown Begins 1,290 Days After Sacrifices Stop

This will be a big deal once they begin, because when they are stopped, that will begin a countdown of 1,290 days before Christ steps in to save mankind from self-annihilation. So watch for these three trends in 2025 and beyond:

• Trend #1: Watch for a worldwide revival in counterfeit Christianity.
• Trend #2: There will be continuing conflict in the Middle East that will lead to Christ’s return.
• Trend #3: Watch for daily sacrifices to begin in Jerusalem.

I hope you profited from this video. If you found it helpful and want to learn more, be sure to get your free booklet titled The Middle East in Prophecy by clicking the link in the description or going to TWTV.org/East.

We here at Tomorrow’s World want to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible. So be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell, so you don’t miss another video.

Thanks for watching! See you next time.

[The text below represents an edited version of this Tomorrow’s World telecast.]

What Is Christmas About?

Christmas morning. It’s the highlight of the year for many children in the Western world. They leap out of bed to discover what Santa brought them this year. They bound down the stairs, eager with anticipation, imagining what new toys may be awaiting them.

And then, they see them.

Under the Christmas tree, there they are: neatly stacked presents covered in red and green wrapping, awaiting the children’s discovery of what’s inside. What could be more exciting than this yearly Christmas ritual?

Everyone loves a surprise. And children all over the Western world look forward to the thrilling moment on Christmas Day: The long-awaited instant when the presents are opened.

But does the Christmas-present opening ceremony live up to its billing? Do the presents really fulfill the wishes and dreams of those boys and girls? Or after a few minutes or hours of playing with a new game or doll, does the newness wear off? Or is the disappointment immediate, when an expected electronic game turns out to be pens or pencils? Sadly, all too often, the anticipation of the gift is greater than the real thing.

But think about it, though. Isn’t Christmas in general sort of like a disappointing gift? It’s bright, it’s colorful, attractive, and beckoning. But when you open it up, what’s inside? Is it what you had hoped for?

Let’s answer that question today on Tomorrow’s World, as we unpack the truth about this popular holiday.

Look Beyond Christmas Morning

Welcome to Tomorrow’s World, where we help you make sense of your world through the pages of the Bible.

Christmas is one of the most anticipated holidays of the Western world. For many, it’s a joyous time. And it’s especially fun for children. Millions of boys and girls arise Christmas morning, gleefully expecting to find gifts under the Christmas tree.

One of the most popular parts of Christmas is gift-giving. Everybody likes a present. And maybe that’s what makes Christmas so popular with children.

But just like children can be disheartened when they get socks or a sweater instead of the latest electronic game or a new puppy, Christmas is filled with unpleasant surprises for adults, too. Some are quite shocking.

Surprise #1: Christmas Is Not Christian

Let’s talk about some Christmas surprises in our program today. The first one is (number one) Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

Christmas is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of Christ. And yet, it’s made up of many customs that have their roots in ancient pagan traditions.

As author Desmond Morris wrote in his book Christmas Watching,

“Hardly anything we do during the Christmas festivities has the slightest connection with Christianity, let alone with the arrival of the infant Jesus” (Christmas Watching, p. 2, 1992).

Pagan Origins of Christmas

Simply put, the earliest Christians did not observe Christmas. This is a fact recognized by all reputable sources. Even those who observe this holiday with great fervor recognize this fact.

Notice this statement from The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church. Ireneaus and Tertullian omit it from their lists of feasts; Origen… asserts… that in the Scriptures sinners alone, not saints, celebrate their birthday” (“Christmas,” The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 3, p. 724. 1907).

The early Church never kept Christmas. That’s quite a surprise for some, especially for a holiday which is assumed to be one of the most important in the Christian year.

In 350 AD, Pope Julius proclaimed December 25 to be the date of Christ’s birth. But before that, practically every month of the year had been suggested, by some teacher or another, as the month of Christ’s birth.

This can be found in the book The Pageantry of Christmas on page 10, edited by Stanley Fillmore.

And according to biblical evidence, there’s no way that December 25 could have been the birthday of Christ.

What Portions of the Christmas Story Are in the Bible?

Adam Clarke, the prominent biblical historian from the 19th century, explained in his discussion of Luke 2 that the shepherds and their flocks would have not been in the fields at the end of December, as that was the cold and rainy season in ancient Israel (Clarke’s Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 370. ).

So, the story that countless millions of children are taught each year is absolutely false. Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

Even details of Christ’s birth are jumbled, when told in the Christmas story. For example, the wise men from the East did not visit Jesus as a baby in a manger. Luke 2 describes an angel telling shepherds they would find the newly born Messiah as “a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). But by the time the wise men came to look for the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2), Jesus was already a young child and lived in a house (vv. 9, 11). At the time of the wise men’s visit, Christ would have been close to two years old (v. 16).

Surprise after surprise after surprise. You’d think a fundamental Christian holiday would actually stem from accurate Church history and from the Bible. But when it comes to Christmas, you’d be wrong.

Should Followers of Jesus Christ Love and Practice a Lie?

And what about the myth of Santa Claus? In the English-speaking world, Santa plays a prominent role. How many children go to sleep on Christmas eve, dreaming of the fantastic toys that Santa will bring during his night-time ride through the skies?

Did you grow up believing in Santa? Do you remember the instant you learned Santa wasn’t real? Were you perplexed and even crushed that someone—even your own parents—had lied to you?

It reminds me of a story from a few years back, when a morning disc jockey at Babylon, New York’s WBAB-FM station told his young listeners that there was no Santa Claus. Outraged mothers and fathers complained to the station, and disc jockey John Parise was forced to apologize. And yet, what he had said was true.

What an uncomfortable and even nasty surprise—to find out the people you trusted most had fed you a lie. In an article run by Newsday back on December 23, 2004, professor Cyndy Scheibe pointed out:

“Who tells you Santa Claus is not real? It’s usually someone you don’t know or someone who’s not particularly trustworthy, like your annoying older brother… And who tells you he does exist? People you trust” (“Why Santa Matters”, Newsday, December 23, 2004).

So one ugly surprise about Christmas is that it’s based on myths and legends that have nothing to do with the Bible or the teachings of Christ. Christmas isn’t Christian at all.

But most people think, what’s the big deal? After all, does it really matter where it comes from, as long as we use it to honor Christ? That’s a common question.

Surprise #2: How We Worship God Matters to Him

And that leads us to our second Christmas surprise.

Number two: It matters to God how we worship Him.

Now, you might say, stop right there. I know that the origins of Christmas are a little shady, a little suspect, but does God really care? Stay with me, and let’s see.

How NOT to Worship God

In the time of ancient Israel, when God was first bringing His people out of Egypt, He gave them specific instructions on how to worship Him. The Ten Commandments form the basis of those instructions. But He also gave many other details as well, including the mandate to not worship the true God with pagan practices. Notice one of those instructions, found in Deuteronomy 12:29.

When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed… that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, “How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.” You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way (Deuteronomy 12:29–31).

Notice, God didn’t just tell them, “Don’t worship the pagan gods of those around you.” No, He said, “Do not worship Me, the true God, with the pagan forms of worship of those around you.”

Think about it. That’s exactly what is done today with Christmas. Ancient, pre-Christian symbols and forms used in the name of Jesus Christ. Maybe it is a big deal to God.

Pagan Holidays: The Way of the Gentiles

Later on in Israel’s history, the prophet Jeremiah got more specific. Notice what it says starting in Jeremiah 10:2.

Thus says the Lord: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple” (Jeremiah 10:2–4).

How could it be any more plain? The principle in the Bible is don’t mix the religion of the world with the religion of the true God. It matters to God how we worship Him.

Jesus Said Worship God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24)

Notice what Christ said to the Samaritan woman at the well. By the way, the Samaritans were well known for mixing elements of the true religion with idolatrous practices—exactly what God has expressly forbidden. That’s one reason why the Jews were so antagonistic toward them. Notice, starting in John 4:23:

“The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23–24).

Think about it. How does keeping Christmas qualify as worshiping God in spirit and in truth? Jesus tells us how to worship Him, and the Father, according to truth, as outlined in Scripture.

True Worshipers Obey God

But Jesus goes on further. He explains that just proclaiming His name is not enough. We have to obey His and the Father’s commandments, not the traditions of men. Notice what He told the Pharisees in Matthew 15:3.

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?... Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:3, 7–9).

To put this in the vernacular, Jesus is saying, “Don’t worship Me any way you want, thinking as long as it’s with the name of Jesus it’s ok. It matters to Me how you worship Me.” How can keeping an ancient festival of Saturnalia satisfy what Christ is saying? Especially when we see the early true Church never kept this festival?

Be Courageous: Follow Jesus and Do God’s Will

We need to seek not our own reasoning, but God’s will. What does God want, not what our friends do, or what our parents or grandparents taught us. We can’t be afraid of upsetting those around us. Some will not like it if we fearlessly follow the truth. But whom are we seeking to please? The world, or our Savior?

Many are shocked to read some of the actual words of Christ, such as in Matthew 10, starting in verse 34. Read it with me.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:34–38).

Step Out in Faith

In other words, it’s difficult to really obey God in this world, because so many are going the opposite way. But if you’re watching this program, and if you’re seeking the truth, and you’re understanding what you’re hearing, you can step out on faith. You can determine in your heart, “I’m going to follow the truth no matter what. I will open this Book and find out what God is really telling me to do.”

So be courageous. Step out on faith. Determine to really seek Him and obey Him, and He will bless you for it. It matters to God how we worship Him.

Replace Pagan Holidays and Traditions

But if we are to not keep ancient idolatrous rituals in honor of Christ, what days ARE we to keep?

Surprise #3: Christian Holy Days in the Bible

In this segment, let’s unwrap the third Christmas surprise.

Number three: The Bible reveals holy days Christians are to keep.

What are they? They can be found listed in your Bible. You may have heard of some of them. But you might have assumed that they’re Jewish. It also may come as a surprise that they can be found in the New Testament.

The New Testament Christians of the first century understood and observed these days. So, what are they?

Passover Is for Christians

First comes the New Testament Passover. It occurs in the springtime, usually in early April. Passover reminds us that Jesus fulfilled the role of the Lamb of God slain for our sins. That’s why Passover is important to Christians. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:7,

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.

In other words, the Christian Passover is the crucial first step in the plan of God, in bringing redemption to sinning mankind. And Passover was kept by the early Christians, even the Gentile Christians.

Feast of Unleavened Bread: Commanded in the New Testament

Next, we find the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It follows right after Passover. The Feast of Unleavened Bread teaches us that we must change and grow. Christ’s sacrifice sets us free, but we can’t continue in sin. We have to resist sin and learn a new way of life, with God’s help. As Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 5:8,

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Pentecost: Also Called Feast of Firstfruits and Feast of Weeks

The third holy day in the lineup of God’s New Testament holy day calendar is the Feast of Firstfruits. In New Testament times it was called Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth.” Pentecost occurred in late May to mid-June.

In the Middle East, in the holy land, this was the time of the beginning of the wheat harvest. For Christians in the New Testament, Pentecost was the day in 31 AD when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early Church. That’s found in Acts 2:1.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting (Acts 2:1–2).

This was the beginning of the New Testament Church of God. It began the “firstfruits” of salvation. The bigger harvest occurred later at the end of the summer. So, what we learn from this feast day is that God is not calling everyone today, only a small group of firstfruits, the early harvest. The rest will have their chance later.

New Testament Holy Days for Christians to Celebrate

Have you ever heard about the New Testament Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and Pentecost? Are you aware that New Testament Christians should be keeping these days? That might come as a surprise to you. But instead of Christmas and other traditional holidays, these are the biblical holy days that Christians are to keep.

Feast of Trumpets: End-Time Prophecy and the Return of Jesus Christ

The next holy day, or feast day, is called the Feast of Trumpets. The Feast of Trumpets occurs in late September or early October in the Roman calendar. It prophetically represents the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. He will come to earth a second time.

Only this time, He will come in power and glory, during a time of war, misery, and destruction here on earth. Find out more about it through our telecast entitled, “What Is the Feast of Trumpets?”

Atonement Pictures Satan Being Locked Up

After the Feast of Trumpets comes the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement also occurs in late September or early to mid-October. It represents humanity being purified from sin. And it represents the source of that sin, the devil, being taken away.

The Day of Atonement was still held in high esteem by New Testament Christians in the first century, as we find in Acts 27:7. In this passage, Luke detailed the journeys of Paul and his traveling companions as they sailed on the Mediterranean Sea. We read this:

“We sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them” (Acts 27:7–9).

In the New International Version, it translates it this way:

“By now it was after the Day of Atonement” (Acts 27:9, NIV).

How are we to understand this? Well, the Day of Atonement took place in late September or early to mid-October. After that time, sailing on the Mediterranean was stormy and dangerous. But the writer, Luke, used the Day of Atonement as a marker of time that his audience would be familiar with, even Gentile Christians. Why would they care about the Day of Atonement, unless they were actually keeping it years after the Church was founded in 31 AD?

The Feast of Tabernacles Pictures the Millennium

The next biblical feast day is the Feast of Tabernacles. In short, the Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day period that usually falls in early to late October, foreshadowing 1,000 years of peace, prosperity, and abundance on earth.

This is still in the future, but it is coming soon. Jesus Christ will personally reign on this earth. And all humanity—those who survive the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord—will enjoy the blessings and benefits of living under the rule of Jesus Christ.

The Last Great Day: The Second Resurrection and Great White Throne Judgment

That brings us to the last feast day of God’s biblical holy days.

This is called the Last Great Day. It follows on the heels of the Feast of Tabernacles and represents the time of the general resurrection. This is the time when the great masses of unsaved billions will be raised to life again and have a genuine chance for salvation. This day is for them. It’s after the 1000-year millennium.

Their understanding will be opened, God’s Spirit will be made available to them, and they’ll be offered eternal life.

Choose God’s Holy Days Instead of Pagan Holidays

Those are the holy days found in your New Testament. In contrast to Christmas, Easter and other traditional holidays, these are the holy days that are found in the Bible—and were kept by the early New Testament Church. And so, they should be kept by Christians today.

That might be a surprise to you. But check it out for yourself. Don’t believe us, believe your own Bible.

Follow Jesus’ Instructions

In 1 Kings 18:21, we read the famous account of the prophet Elijah and his showdown with the prophets of Baal. It says:

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (1 Kings 18:2).

Live by Every Word of God—the Bible

God is delivering the same message to us today. God wants us to reject the world’s traditions that only have the veneer of the name of Christ. And He instructs us to keep the biblical holy days that He made holy. He commands us to worship Him in spirit and in truth with other sincere Christians who are discovering this precious truth as well. We hope and pray that includes you.

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