Every year during the past few years or so, along with March 17 (Saint Patrick’s Day) in honor of our Protestant heritage against the antichrist Roman Catholic Church, we celebrate “The 12th,” an Orange Day celebration commemorating William of Orange’s stand against the Roman Catholics on July 12, 1690, where he defeated the antichrist Roman Catholic forces at the Battle of the Boyne (see the “Antichrist” section on our “Soul Info” page regarding our belief that the Pope and Roman Catholic Church are the Antichrist and religious system of Antichrist).
It’s a time a fellowship and fun for the group here, and we enjoy gathering in all of our orange regalia….
This year, we started by singing several of the Psalms we are learning from our psalter:
And then it was time to eat!
Here’s the main dish table (you’ll notice the color scheme 🙂 ):
And then desserts and drinks (and the color scheme here too!):
Here are the men and some young ones enjoying the meal with good conversation:
And the women and the other young ones too:
And then children had some play time outside:
We are thankful to the Lord for all of His provisions; for granting His word to be available to us in our native tongue; for this time of peace where we are not killed by antichrist for having a Bible in our own language; for all of the Protestants of the past and their stands — including to death — against antichrist — the Pope and the Roman Church — may we stand against antichrist equally as faithful; and for the opportunity to gather in Christ’s name as brethren.
— David
I really don't understand why this is act of war is being celebrated when christianity is suppose to be about forgiveness and peace…After all the religion that is being protested against is not preventing your church from practicing your faith….
rob,
Christianity quite frankly involves a lot of "war" — "war" against our sin, Satan and the world. We are to mortify our flesh (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5), battle against spiritual darkness (Eph 6:2), and separate from the world (Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:15 and many others).
You say the religion we're protesting isn't stopping us from practicing our faith. It may not be now in physical warfare, but antichrist and its father Satan have worked tirelessly from within to bring Protestantism back into the Roman fold, and has been quite successful; and by God'g graces we will stand against antichrist's doctrines, traditions and evil ways.
While the Pope may not be directly stopping us in this time epoch, say what you said to all of the martyrs that were killed by the antichrist Roman Catholic Church. Read the Foxe's Book of Martyrs link I posted, and then try commenting again. The fact a Protestant physically countered the physical, lethal aggressions of anitchrist is not necessarily counter-Christian. When Christ returns as King, in the end, he will cast into the everlasting lake of fire antichrist and Satan in destruction — very war-like.
— David
I think I have to agree, we dont even celebrate Christmas because its a pagan holiday. I certainly cant imagine celebrating war, but maybe that's because we are Anabaptist and pacifists?? I do agree the Catholic Church is anti-Christ.
If this Orange, had stood and faced the forces in a Christlike manner, humbly, meekly as the early Christians faced the Romans I sure could see it a day remembering, however "Romans 12:17-21(KJV)
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
It's a shame, I had enjoyed your blog, however I cannot in good conscience follow this non-christian like manner.
Maria.
Hi Maria,
While we are non-violent, we are not pacifists, although I respect your decision regarding that.
The verses you quote are aimed more at personal avenging and interactions. There are times when God raises up righteous civil magistrates to protect His people — see the entire Old Testament as an example. And I suspect it's a joyful time for persecuted people when there is a time of peace for them instead of, say, being forced by the forces of antichrist to march to death with the heads of their children suspended around their necks (History of the Waldenses, Chapter 13). This doesn't mean we are pro-war per se, or that we are "celebrating war" here, but we can be thankful to God when He conquers His enemies (including when He uses the human means He has put in place), as Christ will finally when He returns, "to judge and make war" (Rev 19:11).
— David
Thanks for your explanation…I still don't understand the connection that was made about events that took place in the past and the relationship of present day Catholics to those events…Also how come all the animus is directed towards Catholics? At least they preach the New Testament and read out of the same bible…How come other religions faiths aren't mentioned?
rob,
If I believe the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope of Rome are *the* antichrist of the Bible, which I do, has the antichrist suddenly not become the antichrist over time? While other false religions are certainly anti-Christ (against the true Christ), and we stand in opposition to them, *the* antichrist is the blasphemous whore that is drunken with the blood of the saints (Rev 17:6); so for her blasphemies, in the name of Christ, against the the One I love (Christ), and for her atrocities against my brethren (whom I love) throughout the Church age, why wouldn't I stand vehemently against her?
Also, the Catholics don't have the same Bible — they have their own version.
— David
Thanks again for your explanation…I disagree with the analysis unless you believe in reincarnation…I do believe the Catholic Church has evolved over time and the present day pope Benedict is well known for his outreach towards other religions and protestant denominations…I think its a stretch to put the blame and stain of history on present day Catholics since they weren't born then..Although I disagree I respect the dedication and sincere christian practices and authentic adherence to biblical principles…that will continue to inspire me..
rob,
As I stated, the antichrist isn't going to suddenly not become the antichrist anymore; so if it was then, it is now. The Roman Catholic antichrist is simply using a different tactic, which is how Satan works — coming as a roaring lion in persecutions or as an angel of light in deception; and they (the Roman Catholic Church and Satan) have done an excellent job of deceiving, permeating their false doctrine into the Protestant churches, which has led to their basically total apostasy from true, orthodox doctrine and living separated from the world — the Roman Catholic Church has taught her daughters well (Rev 17:5). As for reaching out to other religions to seek harmony, if the Roman Catholic Church is truly Christian, then they are proceeding counter to Scripture, for what fellowship does Christ have with Belial (2 Cor 6:14-15)? The problem is that the Roman Catholic Church *is* in fellowship with Belial, so it would make sense they would like to join in unity with other false religions instead of declaring the truth about and making a stand against them.
I don't see where I blamed any specific Catholic for the sins of their fathers, other than the Pope; and reincarnation has nothing to do with it — while this Pope may not have committed outward atrocities himself (that we might be aware of), as head of the antichrist religion, he is that man of sin, no matter when he lives.
— David