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.
I have heard it stated here a few times that Satan controls the world . Its a statements that drives me nuts , just in the colossal effect of what is said .
Now if Satan really did rule , there would be no life left , birds , trees , mice , everything would be gone . Plainly , Satan is Anti-Life.
Halloween , Satan likes to make good things seem bad , on every level . Let us look at the Catholic church. Scripture states , you can tell a person by thier fruits , or a religious group .
If we are to condemn the Catholics for what we do not understand , then we only condemn ourselves .
And if we judge based on what you hear by so many , then you make a fool of yourself before God .
The same goes for Catholics who think the same of thier Protestant brothers and sisters .
All these things God will hold each of us accountable for .
But if we learn to forgive , and be forgiven , in love . Then our sins will be forgiven
What does this have to do with Halloween.
Halloween should be seen as a celebration . Think of all our family , friends neighbors who have passed on ahead of us .
And if you worry obout someones location after death , pray for them .
Do you believe in a "" Last Judgement ""
Let us think about this , if your life is predetermined whether or not you go to Heaven or Hell based on if you say Jesus is Lord . Then the Scripture already defies you . Look at the thief on the cross , did he ever say , Jesus is Lord , quote , unquote .. No , yet his heart said that in his compassion for Jesus .
And did Elijah or Enoch ever say , Jesus is Lord . Niether did .
So what allows them Heaven ??? It was thier Love of God . It is because in pure love , you will find Jesus .
A person who dies , is not gone . And in your love for them , you , "" YES , YOU "" bring Jesus to them in your gift of prayer .
The Grace of God goes beyond those who breath air .
So let us celebrate those who have passed on , let us celebrate , living in Jesus
