The holiday arguments are loud, but the center is quiet and clear: the kingdom of God is not about eating, drinking, or a date on the calendar. We wade into the Christmas debates with receipts, Scripture, and pastoral wisdom, showing how to keep your conscience clean and your love strong without slipping into legalism or compromise.
We start by dismantling the common claims about December 25. Drawing from early church voices like Hippolytus, Tertullian, and Julius Africanus, we show how Christians honored the Incarnation long before Nicaea and long before Sol Invictus was linked to that day. From there, we tackle the “Jeremiah 10 bans Christmas trees” meme and explain why the text targets carved idols, not living room decor. History, context, and hermeneutics matter—and they free us from recycled internet myths.
Then we turn to the heart work: Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8–10. Some believers celebrate; others refrain. Both can honor Christ. The stronger brother yields freedom for love; the weaker brother is protected, not mocked. We explore how to hear the Spirit in gray areas, where to draw bright lines against real evil, and how to avoid making private convictions into universal laws. Along the way we address correction vs forbearance, forgiveness that protects our witness, and hard questions about marriage, suffering, and boundaries. The throughline is simple: present your body as a living sacrifice, let the Word discern your motives, and let your practices—holiday or otherwise—flow from a life saturated with Jesus.
If you’re ready to trade outrage for wisdom and fear for freedom, press play. And if this conversation helps you walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review to help others find the show.
Blood & Oil Podcast is filmed and recorded by Pastor Jesse LaForce and Zane Wheeler in California, with Terrence Theodore on video call from the East Coast. A variety of guests will join us as we discuss modern events through a biblical lens, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Thanks to all of our supporters, and Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him in this way. We hope you have enjoyed this episode and pray for blessings upon your day.
