The early church of Galatia
The Essenes of the early centuries
Laocedia during the 4th century
Novgorod in the 15th century, and later in the 19th century
China today?
Meeting with a recently baptized friend yesterday, we were looking over a Chinese Bible when I came accross a word I wasn’t sure of. My friend could not translate the word directly but explained that it was the festival celebrating the parting of the Red Sea by Moses (K’riat Yam Suf), i.e. part of the Passover celebrations
She then went on to tell me excitedly how once a year, her friends (a group of Chinese Christians that she knows) celebrate this festival by going out into the suburbs of Beijing and crossing a river there that has a small dam. Hence they cross the river, water at either side, and recreate the flight of the Hebrews from Egypt
They then, on the other side, have a special meal of “manna” (specially made sweet foods) to remember the deliverance of the Israelites by the hand of God
I couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy about this. I must say that the girl was was revealed God’s grace and so came to the Christian faith through this group of people, so I surely cannot say anything bad about the fruits of their faith. She was drawn to them, and then God, through their kindness. All the glory to God for this.
And yet…
I have met many Christians in this city, from countries all over the world, who pray to “Father God”, who do not celebrate Pentecost, the Ascension (or sometimes even know what they are), and in short worship differently to me in almost every way, from practice to language used. Again I will say, for my own benefit, that I should be measuring the fruits. Does it matter that these people never seem to pray directly to Christ, or the Holy Spirit, and only ever ask the Father “in your Son Jesus Christ’s name” as long as they show love?
I don’t know, except that while a few Chinese people may enjoy celebrating as the Jews do, most certainly do not. They see no need for Chinese people to follow a foreign religion, with foreign customs, based on the history of a foreign people. Christ is for all, and the Christian religion is for all. Whatever name you call them, the Christian festivals are universal and for all, because the events they celebrate are eternal.
At the Passover God delivered the Jews, at Easter God saved all mankind. I know which event needs to be remembered more.
