Speaker: Mike Phelps Date: 2/10/24 With the origins of Valentine's Day well understood and with the popularity of the holiday, a question often arises: should a Christian celebrate Valentine's Day? As God created love and is love, God clearly desires that we love one another. But is the holiday's focus one we should encourage? What should the Christian's view be towards syncretism? After bringing His people out of Egypt, God knew they would come into a new land with other nations around them who also had their own gods. So, the eternal God gave specific instructions on what His holy people were to do. Is this instruction relevant to how a Christian should approach Valentine's Day? Please Note: Additional messages given in the SF Bay Area congregation may be searched by date, presenter name &/or title at https://www.ucg.org/sermons/all?group=San%20Francisco%20Bay%20Area,%20CA

Mike Phelps

Pastor, United Church of God

Michael Phelps and his wife Laura, and daughter Kelsey, attend the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint Michigan congregations, where Michael serves as pastor.  Michael and Laura both grew up in the Church of God.  They attended Ambassador University in Big Sandy for two years (1994-96) then returned home to complete their Bachelor's Degrees.  Michael enjoys serving in the local congregations as well as with the pre-teen and teen camp programs.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and running.