[JeffAtlanta]

I have read the Bible from cover to cover and have never seen this. Was this a "personal revelation"?

Maybe you should read it again. Consider, the prophets of the Old Testament for example. Did they love the Lord or did they serve him just because they were forced?

How about John the Baptist? Did he love to spread the gospel or was it just a chore that performed. The list goes on and on. You couldn't stop Paul to stop spreading the word after his conversion. The list goes on and on.

Contrast this will the many evil leaders that chronicled in the Old Testament. Many of them did exactly what they were "obligated" to do but not one thing more. The God of the bible is not stupid - he saw through this attempt at lip service.

[j_k_l]

"Maybe you should read it again. Consider, the prophets of the Old Testament for example."

Did the prophets of the Old Testament go to "church"? Did they hangout in the temple? Nope.

How about John the Baptist? Nope.

My problem with your statement is that someone can love God and never enter a church. The whole church concept as we know it today is man contrived. We are told to not forsake the gathering of believers. I can do that at my house, their house or even Starbucks for that matter. It has nothing to do with my love for God.

This thread is rather silly. First, December 25th is most likely not the day Jesus was born. We really don't know. If someone chooses to mark his birthday that day by going to a building with a bunch of other people and singing some songs, that is great. If someone chooses to gather with their family and celebrate that way, who is to say that is wrong?

[A2J]

Consider, the prophets of the Old Testament for example.

There's your problem.