November 2nd 2014
Is The Celebration Of Halloween Something That Christians Should Do?
1Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Is the celebration of Halloween something that Christians should do? This question has been raised by many professing Christians, and there is disagreement about this issue. Some churches have events they sponsor on Halloween that are more Christian-like than dressing up like the undead or in some way honoring mere human beings either still living or dead. Some say it is just letting their children, and maybe themselves, wear a costume and go trick or treating. Well if you are now expecting to get the correct answer in this commentary, sorry! It seems the intent of each individual comes into question on this issue. I believe what people do on this night is related more to their intent than on their true belief system!
The selected verses for this commentary start off with this statement written by Paul. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” What has the Holy Spirit told you about how you should participate in this annual ritual? A later line in this instruction from Paul to Timothy makes me wonder if we are not for sure in these “later times.” Paul wrote, “They forbid people to marry.” Many people today, both inside and outside of the church, are deciding to not get married, but instead just live together. Isn’t it interesting that same sex couples are fighting for their “right” to get married, and people who are allowed by law to marry are fighting not to “have to get married?”
Paul is reminding the professing Christians who attended the church in Ephesus how they thought before they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1-2) Do you remember how you thought before you became a professing Christian? Do YOU really think differently than you did before you accepted the grace of Jesus Christ? YOU were dead! Are you now living as an undead person, or are you alive through Jesus Christ?
Halloween is just one night, but your salvation is forever! Today when you awoke you started the next day of the rest of your life. No one is guaranteed that there will be another tomorrow in this lifetime, however, everyone who follows Jesus Christ is guaranteed an unlimited number of tomorrows. Now that is an offer no one should refuse. If you have not accepted the unlimited grace Jesus offered, today could be your last chance! Now that is truly a scary thought for this Halloween day and night. Whatever you decide to do on this special day is up to you, just think of it as a fun day, and let your Spirit be the guide!
Read what John wrote about this guarantee of eternal life, and dwell on what Jesus did for you tonight and then listen for the voice of Jesus to direct your actions for this day and night. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30) Notice that no ghost or goblin can snatch you away from the salvation you have accepted from Jesus Christ.
Changing the subject a bit to love of those still living, maybe you know someone who would be treated by your love when you call them, or even visit them on this special night. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:8-10) I like the part where it says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” Also it is inspiring to think how we may take part in, administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Trick or treat could be a time to surprise someone who is a shut-in on this day.
It troubles me to see our society succumbing in many areas of evil spirit control not only on Halloween but every day, as we see more and more movies and television shows dealing with some form of undead beings, and in most cases portraying them as the good guys. In our world today we are being taught that human beings are just a higher form of an animal, not what the Bible teaches about us being a special creation, as we have an immortal soul that was created in the image and likeness of God.
Is your worldly wisdom based on Jesus Christ or is it instead based on the amassed knowledge of mankind? Paul gives us a warning about this way of thinking. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) Is you wisdom based on God’s power, or is it centered on the amassed knowledge on men?
Do you believe that the fulfilled prophesies in the Bible prove it to be a work and the Word of God? Or do you believe it was just written by some men? When Paul was a prisoner and in chains he addressed King Agrippa, and ask him if he believed in the profits, as found in the Bible. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:27-29)
As Paul wrote, “I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Have you been persuaded to become a Christian? Remember that tonight, and then, go and enjoy Halloween in a way that would somehow honor Jesus Christ. That would make Him happy!
For what it is worth, Happy Halloween!
1Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Is the celebration of Halloween something that Christians should do? This question has been raised by many professing Christians, and there is disagreement about this issue. Some churches have events they sponsor on Halloween that are more Christian-like than dressing up like the undead or in some way honoring mere human beings either still living or dead. Some say it is just letting their children, and maybe themselves, wear a costume and go trick or treating. Well if you are now expecting to get the correct answer in this commentary, sorry! It seems the intent of each individual comes into question on this issue. I believe what people do on this night is related more to their intent than on their true belief system!
The selected verses for this commentary start off with this statement written by Paul. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” What has the Holy Spirit told you about how you should participate in this annual ritual? A later line in this instruction from Paul to Timothy makes me wonder if we are not for sure in these “later times.” Paul wrote, “They forbid people to marry.” Many people today, both inside and outside of the church, are deciding to not get married, but instead just live together. Isn’t it interesting that same sex couples are fighting for their “right” to get married, and people who are allowed by law to marry are fighting not to “have to get married?”
Paul is reminding the professing Christians who attended the church in Ephesus how they thought before they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1-2) Do you remember how you thought before you became a professing Christian? Do YOU really think differently than you did before you accepted the grace of Jesus Christ? YOU were dead! Are you now living as an undead person, or are you alive through Jesus Christ?
Halloween is just one night, but your salvation is forever! Today when you awoke you started the next day of the rest of your life. No one is guaranteed that there will be another tomorrow in this lifetime, however, everyone who follows Jesus Christ is guaranteed an unlimited number of tomorrows. Now that is an offer no one should refuse. If you have not accepted the unlimited grace Jesus offered, today could be your last chance! Now that is truly a scary thought for this Halloween day and night. Whatever you decide to do on this special day is up to you, just think of it as a fun day, and let your Spirit be the guide!
Read what John wrote about this guarantee of eternal life, and dwell on what Jesus did for you tonight and then listen for the voice of Jesus to direct your actions for this day and night. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no-one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no-one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30) Notice that no ghost or goblin can snatch you away from the salvation you have accepted from Jesus Christ.
Changing the subject a bit to love of those still living, maybe you know someone who would be treated by your love when you call them, or even visit them on this special night. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:8-10) I like the part where it says, “Love covers over a multitude of sins.” Also it is inspiring to think how we may take part in, administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Trick or treat could be a time to surprise someone who is a shut-in on this day.
It troubles me to see our society succumbing in many areas of evil spirit control not only on Halloween but every day, as we see more and more movies and television shows dealing with some form of undead beings, and in most cases portraying them as the good guys. In our world today we are being taught that human beings are just a higher form of an animal, not what the Bible teaches about us being a special creation, as we have an immortal soul that was created in the image and likeness of God.
Is your worldly wisdom based on Jesus Christ or is it instead based on the amassed knowledge of mankind? Paul gives us a warning about this way of thinking. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) Is you wisdom based on God’s power, or is it centered on the amassed knowledge on men?
Do you believe that the fulfilled prophesies in the Bible prove it to be a work and the Word of God? Or do you believe it was just written by some men? When Paul was a prisoner and in chains he addressed King Agrippa, and ask him if he believed in the profits, as found in the Bible. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:27-29)
As Paul wrote, “I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Have you been persuaded to become a Christian? Remember that tonight, and then, go and enjoy Halloween in a way that would somehow honor Jesus Christ. That would make Him happy!
For what it is worth, Happy Halloween!
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