Halloween, How do you feel about it?

[Andyindauk]

Today at church the topic of the sermon was the Church's Standpoint on Halloween.

I have to say that upon reflection I found myself not fully behind the thrust of the sermon. I tend to veer away from Christian rants that are anti-this or anti-that, I refuse to support anti-gay marriage protests. I think that God wants us to focus on Him and not to fear His enemies. God has a ferocious enemy in Satan, one we're ill-equipped to overcome in our own strength but one we need not worry about because our loving, powerful and protective God has already overcome. Collosians 1 v 16-18 - For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

For me anything that diverts from our orders to preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1 v 23) should be shunned. Let's not be afraid of the occult, rather let's tread on serpents Luke 10:19-20 - Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

One explanation I heard of the origins of Halloween is that the clue is in the name, 'All Hallows Eve'. It's all to do with a gathering by occultists against the Anglican celebration of All Hallows Day. This tells me that Satan is far more scared of our God than the other way around.

Please don't think I'm pro-Halloween, my son as a toddler felt very left out being prevented from dressing up and scrounging toffees from the neighbours. One girl at our church was saying she goes to a Church of England supported school that's running a Halloween party on Thursday - What's that about? I just don't feel we should fear the forces of evil.

I live in Burnley in the UK. In the 17th century in Burnley, Pendle being an occultist or even being suspected or rumoured of one was mortally dangerous. If you're a history buff like me click The Pendle Witches, a famous witch trial in Lancashire A very gory account. If you're ever in the UK a visit to Lancaster jail is really interesting but let's not go back there!

Interested to hear your views and thoughts.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greetings @Andyindauk

Nice to chat with another brother from the UK.

Hell-oween, I don't do it my friend, for all the reasons you mention.

Sadly families are under pressure, shops are full of the stuff and I have never seen as many pumpkins outside and inside supermarkets, commercialised cultism, and all the families do it, because others do it. They are like sheep without a shepherd.

As for churches doing Halloween, let us not forget, the church is the saved souls, the ekklesia, my friend. There are so many church goers, (kuriakon is the church building), they are not saved, not born again, and some are the ministers, vicars call themselves what they may.

I smile when you mention Pendle witches and Lancaster castle, I have been in the castle, I lived only miles from there. I now live on the south coast.

May the good Lord Bless you Andy

Jesus is Lord

 

[Sue D.]

Today at church the topic of the sermon was the Church's Standpoint on Halloween.

I have to say that upon reflection I found myself not fully behind the thrust of the sermon. I tend to veer away from Christian rants that are anti-this or anti-that, I refuse to support anti-gay marriage protests. I think that God wants us to focus on Him and not to fear His enemies. God has a ferocious enemy in Satan, one we're ill-equipped to overcome in our own strength but one we need not worry about because our loving, powerful and protective God has already overcome. Collosians 1 v 16-18 - For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

For me anything that diverts from our orders to preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1 v 23) should be shunned. Let's not be afraid of the occult, rather let's tread on serpents Luke 10:19-20 - Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

One explanation I heard of the origins of Halloween is that the clue is in the name, 'All Hallows Eve'. It's all to do with a gathering by occultists against the Anglican celebration of All Hallows Day. This tells me that Satan is far more scared of our God than the other way around.

Please don't think I'm pro-Halloween, my son as a toddler felt very left out being prevented from dressing up and scrounging toffees from the neighbours. One girl at our church was saying she goes to a Church of England supported school that's running a Halloween party on Thursday - What's that about? I just don't feel we should fear the forces of evil.

I live in Burnley in the UK. In the 17th century in Burnley, Pendle being an occultist or even being suspected or rumoured of one was mortally dangerous. If you're a history buff like me click The Pendle Witches, a famous witch trial in Lancashire A very gory account. If you're ever in the UK a visit to Lancaster jail is really interesting but let's not go back there!

Interested to hear your views and thoughts.

There is the Ephesians 6 passage about putting on the full armor of God. We do it in God's strength.

God's Word warns us about the occult for a very good reason -- because it's out there and needs to be warned Against. There's an evil world all around us. Aren't we supposed to be sharing the Gospel unto salvation with all who will listen? which puts us out amongst the 'world'.

So -- we're supposed to be treading on serpents and trample scorpions -- but how do we do That if we're not out amongst them To do that.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Halloween today is dressing to look frightening and scare other people, nothing like when it was first introduced, a pagan festival of Celtic origin.

The meaning of Halloween being derives from All Hallows Eve, the day before Christian Saints are honoured, All Saints Day.

It is an evil spirit day, or three days it used to cover, where people dress us as, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies. The aim is to frighten and create fear in people, in todays world, particularly the west, it is made to look fun by scaring people, it is without doubt the devil at work, Jesus tells us the exact opposite.

We are to Love one another as He loves us.

Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV)
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

Isaiah 35:4 (NKJV)
Be strong, do not fear...

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

John 14:27 (NKJV)
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV)
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Be encouraged in The Word

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 27:1 (NKJV)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 34:4 (NKJV)
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

FEAR NOT, but pray, in Jesus Name, especially at this time of year, for the vulnerable, the elderly, the lonely and the depressed, that they will be comforted.
Let is look out for our neighbours safety and well being, especially those that could be at risk or are frightened in any way, or by any one. Amen

 

[Sue D.]

These days -- at least around here -- lots of churches have a fall festival evening with safe games and bags of candy and all kinds of cute costumes or no dressing up at all.

It's to give an alternative fun place to be.

In past years there Have been churches presenting 'scenes from hell' regarding halloween. I don't recall the exact name for it -- but it was for that purpose. That hell is nothing to joke about.

Now there's a House of horrors in Austin. Fright night. Apparently lots of people are going out of curiosity. Halloween being as ghoulish as possible.

 

[brighthouse98]

2Tim 1:7 To celebrate fear in any way shape or form is to me an all out abomination ( Proverbs 6:16-18) The day is all about having the ability,and being a doer of anything which has to do with tricking children into thinking that putting on a false witness of any kind is ok. Bearing a false witness, is an abomination as you see in scripture.Being a former real Satanist,having been a member of the Coven,first formed in 1966 by a mad man named Anton La- Vey in San Franscico California,this is the second highest unholy Day! ( The festival of sowers).

Considered to be an expert in this field,and not wanting to go on about what we did on this day,I wish to spare younger ears! For any church in ANY WAY to tell young children that this is harmless and is just a fun thing to do about this day is bearing a false witness! To participate ( 2 Cor 6:14) is giving oneself over to the darkness,to which we as believers should have no part of! And then parents wonder why there children are fearful?

They wonder why there children are having problems in there mindset? Well YOUR the problem!!! Not speaking to any in here,but you understand the point I am looking to make.Evil in its purest sense appears innocent,and may not do harm to the child right away,but in time you will see a great change in there personailty,and in there demenor. I cannot warn you enough how truly evil and harmful this will become!!( Eph 4:27)

And on this day, the enemy Prowls about seeking whom he may devour!( 1 Peter 5:8) Will a loving parent who says they believe upon the Name of Jesus allow such for there own children?? There is so much I could go into,but you have no need to hear it. Just be warned!!!!! I kid you not!! This is just not another day! Many parents have got mad in our Church because our church will have nothing to do with darkness.

But from being deep in the depth of darkness myself before Jesus pulled me out from the pit,( Psalm 40:1-3) I know what I am talking about. BE AWARE!!! When Jesus himself delivered me from 2 demon forces, just like he did with legion( Mark 5:12-20) He gave me certain gifts to help the body of Christ wake up from there sleep!( Rom 13:11-14) If our flesh wins then you lose! There is no peace,from fear!( Phil 4:7-9)

Jesus has not created, nor will he ever create anyone more thankful to him then me!!! I know darkness,I know the enemy personally,and this is why I know my Jesus and his Word! Jesus is Lord! PLEASE!!!!!! Do not find this out the hard way as I did! Rather upon this day,follow in the very will of our blessed Jesus!!! BE AND STAY THANKFUL!!!! ( 1 Thess 5:18) May the words Holy Spirit gave unto me to you this day become fruitful and keep you in Christ Jesus!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Studying the Bible clearly shows satan as the source of evil with regard to the occult and witchcraft .
These evils are all to be shunned by the believer. In OT times occultism was punishable by death.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 2:6

 

[Brother-Paul]

They wonder why there children are having problems in there mindset? Well YOUR the problem!!! Not speaking to any in here,but you understand the point I am looking to make.Evil in its purest sense appears innocent,and may not do harm to the child right away,but in time you will see a great change in there personailty,and in there demenor. I cannot warn you enough how truly evil and harmful this will become!!( Eph 4:27)

The devil always dresses things up and makes them look and sound good.

I have to agree with you regarding, in the purest sense evil things appear innocent, even fun. But long term they do a lot of harm.

Violent films, video games to name just two, kids have been playing video games since the 1960's, first bat and ball games, then Atari and Spectrum games, leading to Xbox and Playstations etc. The innocent bat and ball type games soon became killing games, each one getting more realistic as graphics improved, each getting more violet as time went on. No wonder kids thing and do what they do today, they are radicalised with these things, points for killing, more points for more violent killing, more points for blowing people up, etc, etc.

Kids brought up with parents with guns and knives, seeing killing daily in life, games and films, no wonder there are so many school shootings, no wonder there are so many knifing crimes. Yet people say why?

They are all part of the latter days prophesies, these things were sure to happen, as there is a hardening of hearts, kids disobedient against parents, increase in wickedness etc.

No matter what we do, things will continue to change, prophesy is being fulfilled before our eyes.

 

[A. Christian]

I just witnessed a "minister" tear into a mother because she took her children to another church's trunk or treat event. I can tell you there was nothing loving about this minister's judgement.

My stance is to avoid what most people are doing. So I don't much care for Halloween itself. However, I do find it hypocritical of church people to judge halloween as evil and christmas as good when they both have heavy pagan roots that has been misappropriated by a corrupt catholic church and are today extremely commercialized, christmas more so than halloween as store begin selling decorations before halloween is even over.

 

[Sue D.]

@ A.Christian -- there's No reason for Any pastor to 'tear into a mother' because she took her children to another church's trick or treat event.

There's a Baptist church around the corner from me and every year they have a game/ festival time in the parking lot. Everyone comes dressed up in some cute costume. Lots of the people walked or rode past my house so I could see what they were wearing. Around here it's a costume party with games and small bags of candy.

And I agree -- halloween should be ignored.

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Stores highly commercialize it cause 'we' Do spend money on gifts. But -- in reality -- Christmas is what 'we personally' make it. 'We' are free to read about the birth of the Christ child and exchange gifts because the shephards / wise men brought gifts to the Christ -child.

I really don't care anything about the RCC. If it's the December 25 date that bothers you -- well -- it's the day that our calendar has set aside for it. Does it really matter that much?

I love / greatly enjoy Christmas music.

 

[Andyindauk]

I just witnessed a "minister" tear into a mother because she took her children to another church's trunk or treat event. I can tell you there was nothing loving about this minister's judgement.

My stance is to avoid what most people are doing. So I don't much care for Halloween itself. However, I do find it hypocritical of church people to judge halloween as evil and christmas as good when they both have heavy pagan roots that has been misappropriated by a corrupt catholic church and are today extremely commercialized, christmas more so than halloween as store begin selling decorations before halloween is even over.

This post is what my OP was all about. IMO we Christians sometimes panic and worry about what the opposition is up to. If a football team is leaps and strides ahead at the top of the Premier League, they're not going to lose much sleep worrying about their opponents in the next game. Rather they'll spend time on the training field practising and working on their perceived weaknesses, trying to up their game even further. In the same way, rather than worrying about pathetic occult rituals we need to concentrate upon the defence of our faith and in the words of Napoleon, attack is the best form of defence! We need to evangelise and shine the light in a very dark world.

So if non-believers want to dress their kids up as weirdos and scrounge toffees from the neighbours, they're prerogative. For me I want to share the good news of the Gospel. Jesus loves you and is calling you. He wants to care for you and one day take you into Heaven.

I don't have a problem with celebrating Christmas, I really love some of the old Christmas carols. I only wish that Easter was better celebrated, but that's another post altogether.

 

[Sue D.]

And Maybe the winning team Is going strong Because they are both watching tapes from previous games of both themselves AND the opposing team And out practicing the plays that will Strengthen their team.
Be studying God's Word so that we Can be growing strong in wisdom, knowledge and grace. AND be appreciating the strength of the enemy. Realize just Who the enemy Is.

So IMO -- the 'pathetic occult rituals' need to be realized as being dangerous To mess around with. Those of us with families -- our young kids we Do have control over -- the older kids / teens have a lot more freedom to get to know society at school / jobs. Take time to get to know the teens that your kids hang out with. have Your house be the spot for them to hang out at. And present a good safe drug / alcohol free -- no video game environment.

The 'bubble-wrap' we Can use to protect our young people is God's Word being presented in a positive way. Fun Bible games -- Bible-based word search books -- I've got some. Bible Trivia games.

Monitor the TV programs / movies being watched. They Can be good teaching tools. What does God's Word say about ''whatever" is taking place.

 

[Brother-Paul]

This post is what my OP was all about. IMO we Christians sometimes panic and worry about what the opposition is up to. If a football team is leaps and strides ahead at the top of the Premier League, they're not going to lose much sleep worrying about their opponents in the next game. Rather they'll spend time on the training field practising and working on their perceived weaknesses, trying to up their game even further. In the same way, rather than worrying about pathetic occult rituals we need to concentrate upon the defence of our faith and in the words of Napoleon, attack is the best form of defence! We need to evangelise and shine the light in a very dark world.

So if non-believers want to dress their kids up as weirdos and scrounge toffees from the neighbours, they're prerogative. For me I want to share the good news of the Gospel. Jesus loves you and is calling you. He wants to care for you and one day take you into Heaven.

Agreed brother, the world is blind, due to their sins, but if we are looking at the world we are not looking to Jesus.

The only times we should be looking at the world is to help the widow, the disabled, the poor, the homeless, and to help the Lost souls into the Light by sharing Jesus with them. Even then we should be looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, the Intercessor of all our prayers.

I don't have a problem with celebrating Christmas, I really love some of the old Christmas carols. I only wish that Easter was better celebrated, but that's another post altogether.

The words of most Christmas Carols are scripture based, it is good for us to sing them, it is rejoicing and giving thanks to God, for Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

I love the Christmas Carols also brother, it is a wonderful chance for lost souls to hear The Word, and we should pray when we hear them, at home, at work, at school, whilst shopping, etc.

Sadly the nativity's at schools are not what they used to be, many introduce worldly things that are nothing to do with the birth of our Lord.

You mention brother, you wish that Easter was better celebrated, I understand your reason, but feel I must add, the one time of year that is not popular in the places of worship, is Pentecost, the birth of the Christian Church, the birth of the ekklesia. Sadly people like the lovely story of that first Christmas, even if many don't grasp what the real story is.

Bless you brother.

 

[Brother-Paul]

I just witnessed a "minister" tear into a mother because she took her children to another church's trunk or treat event. I can tell you there was nothing loving about this minister's judgement.

My stance is to avoid what most people are doing. So I don't much care for Halloween itself. However, I do find it hypocritical of church people to judge halloween as evil and christmas as good when they both have heavy pagan roots that has been misappropriated by a corrupt catholic church and are today extremely commercialized, christmas more so than halloween as store begin selling decorations before halloween is even over.

We are told we can tell a tree by it's fruits!

Not knowing the full situation, it would be wrong to say the minister may not be born again, but he may not be saved, he may be another, academic, good speaker (most of the time) but he may not be saved. Also Lord we do not know the situation with the mother of the children, was she a church goer? Was she just wanting her children to go to a trick or treat, there are many church goers, kuriakon goers, (kuriakon the building called church), who are not saved.


Prayer; Father we don't know the full situation here, but there are concerns in our hearts, we pray first for the minister and in his lack of love for the mother and child, we pray he learns from it Lord and seeks forgiveness. We pray also for the mother and her children, all they wanted to do was be part of the halloween party, taking part in the wicked ways of this practice, not knowing anything about it, thinking it is fun, deceived by the enemy of souls, following in the ways of sin, the world and the devil.

Lord we lift each of them to you in prayer, let your light shine upon them, reveal the wicked Halloween practice, reveal their sins. Lord we pray for salvation of the minister, we pray for salvation of the mother and her children, we do so in your most precious and loving Name Lord. In Jesus Name we thank you and Praise you. Amen.

 

[brighthouse98]

LOL Sure I will judge Christmas for you! LOL It is the ONLY DAY where someone other then a person of the world is celebrated!! I do not put up a tree,but as Jesus himself said in Acts 20:35 I follow this instruction. Help those when I can who cannot help themselves,food,etc… As far as my House is concerned we exchange gifts and such on Jan 20!!! LOL Gifts become cheaper a week before this day!! LOL The point is for me and my house Christmas is everyday! ( James 1:22) and always looking for God's goodness!!!( Psalm 27:13)

 

[Brother-Paul]

LOL Sure I will judge Christmas for you! LOL It is the ONLY DAY where someone other then a person of the world is celebrated!! I do not put up a tree,but as Jesus himself said in Acts 20:35 I follow this instruction. Help those when I can who cannot help themselves,food,etc… As far as my House is concerned we exchange gifts and such on Jan 20!!! LOL Gifts become cheaper a week before this day!! LOL The point is for me and my house Christmas is everyday! ( James 1:22) and always looking for God's goodness!!!( Psalm 27:13)

PTL, I say to my wife many times, everyday is Christmas day to me. Amen

Bless you

 

[A. Christian]

LOL Sure I will judge Christmas for you! LOL It is the ONLY DAY where someone other then a person of the world is celebrated!! I do not put up a tree,but as Jesus himself said in Acts 20:35 I follow this instruction. Help those when I can who cannot help themselves,food,etc… As far as my House is concerned we exchange gifts and such on Jan 20!!! LOL Gifts become cheaper a week before this day!! LOL The point is for me and my house Christmas is everyday! ( James 1:22) and always looking for God's goodness!!!( Psalm 27:13)

Someone other than a person of the world is celebrated

Are you talking about Santa? Lol.

I don't care whether a person does Halloween or Christmas or doesn't do them. But it is hypocritical to not apply the standard to Christmas as you would to Halloween in judging them.

 

[Andyindauk]

Someone other than a person of the world is celebrated

Are you talking about Santa? Lol.

I don't care whether a person does Halloween or Christmas or doesn't do them. But it is hypocritical to not apply the standard to Christmas as you would to Halloween in judging them.

I think we all like a celebration. About now in the UK we're celebrating the public execution of a 16th century terrorist who was fighting for the Catholic church against the heresy of the protestant movement. He was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament and so we have massive bonfires and burn an effigy of this man Guy Fawkes and set off fireworks to represent the blowing up Parliament. We call it Guy Fawkes Day.

I think sometimes we can get too hung up about some of these weird celebrations and read too much into them. Me, I like to celebrate what a fantastic God I serve and how amazing it is that He loves me as much as He does and how He saved me from a very nasty ending that I don't even like to think about. Now that's what I call a real excuse for a party!! Lol

I still think Christmas is a wee bit special.

 

[Sue D.]

Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He came into This world to point us to His Father in heaven. AND His Main purpose was to die on the cross / providing our salvation.

I don't see why we Shouldn't celebrate Christmas -- the Birth of the Christ Child.

Yes, Christmas Is Very special. As is Resurrection Day.

As for halloween -- these days we don't take the horrors of witches and worlocks / the covans, etc. seriously. God's Word warns us against those things -- for a Reason. There is a Church of Satan -- they are all over this country.
Back when my husband was in Bible college / maybe seminary -- there was a guy who said that there was a Church of Satan just down the street from the Baptist church he went to. He said it was really eerie seeing that and realizing that Those people not only believed satan existed -- but worshiped Him.

Churches know that kids / parents Are out -- dressed up -- and want to provide a Safe place for them to play their games, etc. Because there was a time and still Is to some extent where there Are the evil people who are waiting for opportunities to cause harm. Some years ago there was the mess with people putting razer blades in apples. Lots of kids ended up in the ER with cut up mouths. And once in a while, kids Would disappear - Years ago a person knew who their neighbors were and people were Good people. Those times have come and Gone.

Lots of preachers have stopped teaching unpopular topics. their congregations want to hear 'feel good' sermons.

Don't 'we' celebrate each other's birthdays' / anniversaries? No one celebrates those 'just any time' especially if you're married and have kids. Those are Special times -- just as the birth of Jesus Christ is a special day.

 

[A. Christian]

I think we all like a celebration. About now in the UK we're celebrating the public execution of a 16th century terrorist who was fighting for the Catholic church against the heresy of the protestant movement. He was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament and so we have massive bonfires and burn an effigy of this man Guy Fawkes and set off fireworks to represent the blowing up Parliament. We call it Guy Fawkes Day.

I think sometimes we can get too hung up about some of these weird celebrations and read too much into them. Me, I like to celebrate what a fantastic God I serve and how amazing it is that He loves me as much as He does and how He saved me from a very nasty ending that I don't even like to think about. Now that's what I call a real excuse for a party!! Lol

I still think Christmas is a wee bit special.

Remember, remember the fifth of November. The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.