Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but THE WORD OF OUR GOD ENDURES FOREVER.”
The BIBLE is:
LIGHT -- Psalm 119:105,
FIRE -- Jeremiah 23:29,
SEED -- Luke 8:11,
BREAD -- Dueteronomy 8:3,
MILK -- 1 Peter 2:2,
HONEY -- Psalms 19:7,
MEAT -- Hebrews 5:14,
GOLD -- Psalm 19:10,
SWORD -- Hebrews 4:12,
HAMMER -- Jeremiah 23:29,
As I walk upon the shore
I think of all
Who walked here before
Some came in laughter
Others in tears
Over generations
And many years.
Men and women
Young and old
Would come to find peace
In the sunset of gold
They came to find peace
from worldly strife
They would come to find peace
From that thing we call life.
As the waves break
Upon the sand
I wish that I could take
A trip to the far off
Peaceful sunset land.
author unknown
PSALM 23:
"Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER, today I calmly WALK THROUGH with you what ever may come my way.
This morning, I have willingly picked up my cross in preparation for any and all sorrows or joys you may allow to come my way.
Though trials may come I want to steadily advance with you WALKING THROUGH it all by my side.
Thank you Lord, I truly do recall the many times you have WALKED THROUGH shadows of darknesses that were punching at me and often knocking me down as fear tried to overtake me -- the auto accidents, the illnesses, the griefs, the regrets, and also my lonely and lost times I forgot you or couldn't accept or trust your love to lead me in righteousness!
Lead on now this day Lord, though there may be plots of evil or wolfs prowling and trying to devour me, I know from past victories that the protection of your staff will drive them away and we will walk together tending others (lost or hurt) and adding others who want to come along to join your flock.
It will be a good day because we won't be stopped along the way by any enemies, dangers, or fears -- WE SIMPLY WILL WALK THROUGH ONE MORE LOVELY DAY TOGETHER. AMEN
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, 'There, she is gone'
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me - not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, 'There, she is gone,'
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, 'Here she comes!'
And that is dying...
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
"Let everyone who names the Name" Paul said, avoid iniquity.
Is Halloween a celebration of iniquity?
This is an article put it together from a variety of article and various writers.
"2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this
inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the
name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Someone once said, “For a Christian to celebrate Halloween would be as proper as a
Holocaust survivor trying to celebrate Hitler’s birthday”. Yet so many believers continue
to do so without considering what they are doing. Excited children masquerading as
witches, ghosts, goblins, skeletons, demons, and other grotesque characters skipping
through the neighborhood knocking one doors changing “trick or treat” while holding out
a sack in which one is to drop a piece of candy or other goodies…the party at school, or
church, or Sunday School where they bob for apples, tell fortunes, or go through
“haunted houses”…decorations of jack-o-lanterns, witches on brooms and black cats
with arched backs…IT’S “HALLOWEEN” – one of the strangest days of the year.
The word evokes a number of responses. Every year as October rolls around, there are
those that look forward to it with excitement and those that cringe and wish it weren’t
there. Some argue violently against it, some yawn because they’ve heard it all before,
may just look the other way and go ahead with it. Some view it as an abomination,
while many others view it as a harmless tradition. What is Halloween, or Samhain?
What does it represent? And, what should the Christian think about it, if anything?
Where did this fast growing American tradition come from? History provides the
answers. Though it was the Roman Catholic church who designated the October 31st
date as All Hallow’s Eve, or “eve of the holy one’s day,” in prelude to their November 1st
All Saints’ Day, it was earlier pagan peoples who gave the annual holiday the sinister
meaning and traditions it still holds.
“The American celebration rests upon Scottish and Irish fold customs which can be
traced in direct line from pre-Christian times. Although Halloween has become a night
of rollicking fun, superstitious spells, and eerie games which people take only half
seriously, its beginning were quite otherwise. The earliest Halloween celebrations were
held by the Druids in honor of Samhain, Lord of the dead, whose festival fell on
November 1st.”
“It was a Druidic belief that on the eve of this festival, Saman (Shamhain), Lord of death,
called together the wicked souls (spirits) that within the past 12 months had been
condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.”
Many think Halloween is simply a child’s celebration, a night of fun. Those who grew up
participating in it probably never thought about it any further than the fun of dressing up
and going door to door to fill their bags with treats. The World Book Encyclopedia says
much more the same thing when it states, “Halloween is a festival that takes place on
October 31st. In the United States, children wear costumes on Halloween and go trick-or-
treating. Many carry jack-o-lanterns carved out of pumpkins. At Halloween parties,
people enjoy such activities as fortune-telling, hearing stories about ghosts and witches
and bobbing for apples.”
“The druids, an order of priests in ancient Gaul and Britain,
believed that on Halloween, ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches, and elves came out to harm
people. They thought the cat was sacred and believed that cats had once been human
beings but were changed as a punishment for evil deeds. From these Druidic beliefs
came the present-day use of witches, ghosts, and cats in Halloween festivities.
“Halloween was the night for the universal walking about of all sorts of spirits,
fairies, and ghosts, all of whom had liberty on that night.”
The pagans believed that on one night of the year the souls of the dead returned
to their original homes. “There was a prevailing belief among all nations that at death
the souls of good men were taken possession of by good spirits and carried to paradise,
but the souls of wicked men were left to wander in the space between the earth and
moon, or consigned to the unseen world. These wandering spirits were in the habit of
haunting the living…but there were means by which these ghosts might be exorcised.”
To exorcise these ghosts, that is, to free yourself from their supposed evil sway,
you would have to set out food – give the demons a treat – and proved shelter for them
during the night. If they were satisfied with your treat, it was believed they would leave
you in peace. If food and shelter were not provided, or if they were not satisfied, these
spirits, it was believed, would “trick” you by casting an evil spell on you and cause
havoc.
SO WHERE DID EACH ELEMENT OF
HALLOWEEN COME FROM?
TRICK OR TREAT.
“The modern custom of ‘Trick-or-Treat’ began in Ireland hundreds
of years ago. A group of farmers went from house to house begging food for the village
Halloween festivities in the name of their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to
generous donors, and threats were made against those who would not give.”
Thus these ancient pagan traditions continue today as youngsters, masquerading as ghosts,
skeletons, and demons go “trick-or-treating” – begging in a sense for food while
promising to refrain from evil deeds.
OCTOBER 31ST. “It was the Celts who set the date of October 31st as their New Year's
Eve and who originally intended it as a celebration of everything wicked, evil and dead.
Also, during their celebration they would gather around a community bonfire and offer
as sacrifices their animals, their crops, and sometimes themselves. And wearing
costumes made from head and parts of other animals, they would also tell one
another’s fortunes for the coming year.
“The celebration remained much the same after the Romans conquered the Celts
and the Romans conquered the Celts around 43 A.D. The Romans did, however, add a
ceremony honoring their goddess of fruit and trees and thus the association with apples
and the custom of bobbing for them.”
JACK-O-LANTERN. The lighted pumpkin face or “Jack-O-Lantern” is an ancient
symbol of a damned soul. “Jack-O-Lanterns were named for a man called Jack, who
could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wonder in darkness with
his lantern until Judgment Day.”
“Fearful of spooks…folks began hollowing out turnips and pumpkins and placing
lighted candles inside to scare evil spirits from the house.”
HALLOWEEN CHRISTIANIZED. Since Halloween is unmistakably pagan in its origin
and practice, how did the professing church come to accept and keep such a day?
Again history provides the answer. Ever since the time of Constantine, who
made Catholicism the state religion, the Roman emperors realized how essential it was
to have a unified empire, where as many as possible would be of one mind. The civil
and religious leaders saw how important it was for the sake of unity to allow only one
religion with in the Roman domain.
A stringent state policy was implemented to force all non-Christians to accept the
state religion. The condition for “conversion,” of course made it easy for the pagan
population of Rome and elsewhere to “accept” ‘Christianity.’ Since “acceptance” of
‘Christianity’ was made simple, refusal was made difficult. This plan resulted in large
numbers of the heathen population within the empire to flock to the membership of the
church. These people brought with them many pagan practices and celebrations,
Halloween merely being one of them.
How could the church deal with this problem? The church realized that to
excommunicate these pagans would only reduce the membership of the church. This
they were unwilling to do. The church had also learned in past times that it was not
possible to force the people into discarding all their heathen practices and adopting
Roman ones.
There remained only one other way. It was reasoned that if a pagan practice or
festival could not be forbidden, let it be “Christianized.” Let the recently converted
pagans keep certain of their heathen festivals, such as Halloween or All Saint’s Day –
but label it “Christian.” Of course they were asked not to pray to their ancient pagan
gods on this day. They would now use this day to commemorate the death of “saints.”
“In the A.D. 800’s the (Catholic) church established All Saints Day on November
1st so that people could continue a festival they had celebrated before becoming
Christians. The mass that was said on this day was called ALL-HALLOW-MAS. The
evening before became know as All Hallow e’en or Halloween…It means hallowed or
holy evening.”
“The celebration of Halloween is a survival of ancient pagan beliefs. When the
early (Catholic) church was unable to stop pagan practices, it accepted them and gave
them a religious tune.”
SO WHAT IS
HALLOWEEN TODAY
Most of the ancient symbols and traditions of Halloween still exist today. Youngsters
still dress in costume and go trick-or-treating: begging in a sense, for food while
promising to refrain from evil deeds. And, too, they still light their candles, although
much smaller than a torch, and place them inside their pumpkins.
“It is the one night of they ear in which a child experiences the emotion of fear,
fantasy and mystery.”
In advising on what to do on Halloween, THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BOOK
ON ENTERTAINMENT says: “Orange, black and red, the devil’s colors associated with
Halloween and this scheme should be carried out as far as possible…Have paper
streamers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling, or if you would like to have something
less usual, you could make a giant spider web with black and orange strings, or in
narrow strips of crepe paper coming from the four corners of the room, complete with a
large spider-one of the devil’s followers.”
IS THERE AN INCONSISTENCY AMONG
PROFESSING CHRISTIANS?
Bible-believing Christians cringe and shutter at the thought of Satan worship and occult
rites. But how many of these same people will dress their children as witches, ghosts,
skeletons, or devils and send them out to “trick-or treat”? How many smile approvingly
at the church or Sunday School and youth organizations that have Halloween parties
and sponsor “haunted house” activities?
Can any Christian give any scriptural-or even logical reason for participation in,
or approval of that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil-worship,
witchcraft and Romanism?
ARE GOD’S PEOPLE GOVERNED
BY THE SCRIPTURES?
The 18th chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, (v. 10-13) very explicitly forbids Christians to have anything to do with witchcraft (Lev. 19:31), spiritism, or the demonic. In verse 10 of that Chapter we read: “ There shall not be found among you anyone that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire (this has reference to the worship of the pagan God Moloch which was state worship), or that useth divination (a false and pagan counterpart of prophecy; the art or act of foretelling secret knowledge, especially of the future, or an observer of times (astrology), or an enchanter, (to cast under a spell; charm; enrapture; to chant (magic words), or a witch (divinations in connection with the worship of idolatrous and demoniacal power), or a charmer (a fabricator of material charms or amulets to be worn especially around the neck, as a charm against evil or injury), or a consulter with evil spirits (an inquirer by a familiar spirit), or a wizard (a false prophet, especially a conjurer. One who summons a devil by oath, incantation or magic spell), or a necromancer (one who in one form or another seeks to find information by consulting the dead). “Thou shalt not learn to do after their abominations…” (Deut. 18:9). “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 19:31).
It is obvious that the elements, symbols, and traditions of the Halloween
observance with its emphasis upon goblins and demons, witches and skeletons, ghosts
and apparitions rising from cemeteries constitute a dabbling with the very things, which
Scripture forbids to God’s people and an open invitation to demonic activity.
It is at this point that many will say, “But we don’t worship demons on Halloween.
It doesn’t mean the same thing today as it did in the past. It’s now just a harmless,
innocent time of fun for the children and the young people.”
Yet, history clearly shows that Halloween is unmistakably a “religious” (pagan
and Roman) holiday. Religion is the adoration, obedience, and service rendered to the
object of one’s worship. It presupposes profession, practice, or observance of whatever
belief and practice – in this case Halloween – as required by some superior authority. It
is indisputably clear that Halloween is NOT commanded or sanctioned by Jehovah God
– the true Christian’s Superior, Authority – in the Scriptures.
“Abstain form all appearances of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). “And many that believed came and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before men” (Acts 19:18-19). “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
DOES HALLOWEEN SUPPORT WITCHCRAFT
WHOSE CELEBRATION IS IT???
“Witches have eight major festivals throughout the year. Four are the solar festivals:
one at both equinoxes, and one at both solstices. The other four occur almost mid-point
between the solar festivals; the most famous of these are Samhain (Halloween to nonwitches)
and Beltane (May Day). Samhain, or Halloween, is the beginning of our new
year, and is the time when we can most effectively communicate with the dead.”
A little history is in order. The Dictionary of the Occult and Paranormal states simply,
“Originally a pagan festival of darkness, fire, and death, All Hallows’ Eve was celebrated
by the Celts of Northern Europe…Halloween was also an important date for the witches
calendar.”
Pagan…darkness…death…an important date for the witch's calendar. These words are
clear and graphic, but let’s search for a little more detail.
The encyclopedia, Man, Myth, and Magic, puts it this way, “All Hallows’ Eve, or
Halloween, was originally a festival of fire, the dead, and the powers of darkness. It’s
the evening of October 31st, the night before the Christian festival of All Hallows’ Day.
All Hallows’ Day commemorates the saints and martyrs, and was first introduced in the
seventh century. Its date was changed from May 13th to November 1st in the following
century, probably to make it coincide with and Christianize a pagan festival of the dead.
All Souls Day in the Roman Catholic calendar is November 2nd. Prayers for the souls of
the dead mark it. It is only in recent times that Halloween has been reduced to minor
jollification for the children.”
“Before the coming of Christianity, the pagan Celts in Northern Europe held two great
fire festivals each year – Beltane on the eve of May 1st and Samhain on the eve of
November 1st – to mark the beginning of summer and winter.”
Please note the sentence, “It is only in recent times that Halloween has been reduced to
a minor jollification for the children.” Most of those who argue for this “event,” argue that
it is simply a “harmless tradition for children.” Few realize what it has always been, and
that the origin of this “tradition” is something still alive today. It did not descend to us as
something grounded in a myth from the past. Nearly every feature of it can be traced
directly to practices from the past or to some still practiced today. Halloween has never symbolized something “good” that was perhaps “perverted”; its symbols and practices are rooted directly in paganism, darkness, evil, death, and the occult.
WHAT HALLOWEEN REPRESENTS:
The Druids were pagan priests of an old Celtic religion. Druids are mentioned by
name in thirty references in Greek and Roman writers between the second century B.C.
and the fourth century A.D. They were a barbaric order, dreaded or their power and
bloodthirstiness. They certainly appear as lawgivers, and as being extremely
concerned with animal and human sacrifices.
They were, of course, the sole interpreters of religion…they determined all disputes by a
final and unalterable decision, and had the power of inflicting the punishment of death.
And, indeed, their altars streamed with the blood of human victims. Holocausts of men,
women, and children, enclosed in large sacks of wickerwork, were sometimes sacrificed
as burnt offerings to their superstition, which were, at the same time, intended to
enhance the consideration of the priests, who were an ambitious race delighting in
blood.
It has been held by some that the Druids were the builders of England’s Stonehenge. In
fact, “…it is still commonly thought that the Druids built the place as a sun-worshipping
temple and site for human sacrifice. Many eighteenth and nineteenth century authors
continue to accept this explanation.”
However, archeological evidence seems to make clear that the structure had existed
over 1,000 years before the Druids. It is apparent that they used this site for their
ceremonies but normally preferred forest groves. There appears to be evidence that
they used the giant stone carvings to determine the best day to appease the God or
gods of their mystery practices. That day was October 31st. Samhain (The Lord of the
Dead) is said to have called up the evil spirits of those that had died during the previous
year. The inhabitants of the local countryside would cringe in fear as these demonic
rituals took place. Irene Park, a former witch, presents her version of what followed:
“…The Druids in Ireland would go through the neighborhoods and countryside on
the eve of October 31st to collect offerings for Satan. They would carry lanterns,
bags for money, and canes with very sharp points on the ends (currently known
as leprechaun staffs, good luck horns, or fairies’ wands). At each house, they
would demand a specified amount. If the household would not or could not give
the offering (penance or treat), the Druid would use his cane to castrate the male
human or one of their prize animals.”
Another version of the proceedings of the evening is that as the spirits of the dead were
released, they sought their old dwelling places and stalked the countryside's. Offerings
of food and drink were put outside to protect the homes and possessions of the family.
Bonfires were lit to keep the ghosts and demons away. It was from these beginnings
that what is celebrated today originated. There are many other versions and customs:
some are fact, some are fantasy, and these vary from country to country. Against this
backdrop we can see where our “celebration” began.
Please note in the following quotations a similarity in each:
“The guisers went from house to house, singing and dancing. Their
bloodcurdling masks and grotesque costumes may have been meant to keep evil
at bay, or more likely, were a visible representation of the ghosts and goblins that
lurked in the night. These masks have now been transferred to the children who,
in the United States, visit neighbors for the food offering which once belonged to
the dead – or play tricks akin to the legendary destructiveness of witches and
imps abroad on the night.”
“It is interesting to note that much of the original folklore of Halloween has been
preserved in the modern traditions: the goblins, jack-o-lanterns, children’s parties,
begging for gifts, et cetera, which all had their origin in the ancient celebration of All
Hallows’ Eve.”
Perhaps an illustration would clarify the point. Should we dress up our children for
church with swastika earrings? Why not dress them up in little nazi uniforms and let
them have a new celebration where they go from door to door looking for Jews in
hiding? That would be the height of offensiveness. It would be awful, repulsive, and
unthinkable. Why? Because we know that the terrible treatment of the Jews in World
War II was a frightening reality and that the holocaust was an indescribable evil. Surely
no one in his right mind would conceive of such a tasteless and disgusting thing as
dressing children up with symbols that represent evil. Why, then, do some still persist in dressing little ones up as representations of what God condemns? Witches, wizards, black cats, jack-o-lanterns – are all visible reminders of that which is abominable to God. The practices of the Druids, their horrible sacrificing of people, the
witches, the occultists, and all of their trappings were and are an unholy thing still being
practiced in various parts of the world. The true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should be as far removed from this “tradition” as possible.
SUMMING IT UP:
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Sadly enough, the biggest opposition to what has been said invariably comes from within professing Christendom. The witches, the occultists, and the secular sources all
freely call it like it is. Note the following quotation from a contemporary witch. “Most of
Christianity’s holy days have their basis in pagan ritual. I get myself into a lot of hot
water when I remind American Christians of that fact. No matter, it’s true. But the level
of tolerance is rising.”
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8). If we believe God’s Word, then witchcraft is something that exists and is hated by God. It is an abomination. All occult practices are, and they are under the divine condemnation and wrath of the eternal God. Should the redeemed of God, His children, have anything to do with that which presents Satan? Should children who “are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3) be dressed up like witches and ghosts and goblins in light of God’s displeasure? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” The Amplified Bible puts it this way, “Abstain from evil – shrink from it and keep
aloof from it – in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.”
The true child of God should be identified with the pure and holy Jesus Christ. With
“love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
(Galatians 5:22-23), not with the powers of darkness and evil. The witch, earlier in this
article, clearly states that it’s their holiday, their celebration. History bears that out.
Christians, have nothing to do with this. It can only be dishonoring to the name of our
Lord.
Q: “What is your perspective of Halloween?
A: There are a number of reasons why I think it is unwise for Christian parents to permit
their children to go door-to-door collecting candy on Halloween. First of all, dressing up
like witches, ghosts, or goblins is incompatible with a Christian’s testimony.
Furthermore, many of the customs of Halloween are associated with the worst kinds of
pagan beliefs and ceremonies; they are usually centered on sinister things such as
demons, witchcraft, and superstition.
If we as Christian parents simply disregard the unchristian aspects of such practices as
mere fantasy or superstition and then encourage our children to participate in them, we
run the risk of communicating the message that the spiritual battle waged by the rulers
of darkness (Ephesians 6:10) is not to be taken seriously.
Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic harvest celebration. The superstitious
Celts believed that demons, ghosts, and hobgoblins roamed free in the dark and barren
days of winter, and the end of October was the onset of that season. Their celebrations
grew out of their superstitions, and they have been passed down to the present day,
along with other pagan and satanic beliefs.
John MacArthur
Another reason I don’t advise parents to permit their children to celebrate Halloween by dressing up and going door to door is the issue of safety. The possibility of a child being struck by an automobile, kidnapped, poisoned, or otherwise injured is greater than on any other night of the year. Still, I think it is wise for parents to give their children a creative alternative to celebrating Halloween. They shouldn’t feel like they’ve missed something because they are Christians. Our family likes to spend Halloween together. We plan special activities that are more fun for the kids than begging candy. In the past, we have all gone out together for ice cream, or we might stay home and have a special evening together doing something just for them. That way when the children face the inevitable pressure of talking with their friends about what they did on Halloween, they can share their faith in positive terms, rather than having to speak of what they can’t do because of their parents’ Christian faith.
HALLOWEEN
WHO ARE WE TO BE LIKE AS CHRISTIANS?
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (KJV)
I Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. (KJV)
WHAT SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE?
2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (KJV)
WHAT ARE WE TO AVOID ANY CONTACT WITH?
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you (any one) that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer, 12 For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. (KJV)
SHOULD WE
BEWARE OF HALLOWEEN?
There are some Christians who believe Halloween activities are harmless
and innocent fun for their children. What they may not know is its roots are firmly
planted in paganism and occultism. In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of
Samhain (the Lord of the Dead) was observed on Oct. 31. Huge bonfires were set to
attract evil spirits and keep them away from homes. The souls of the dead were said to
revisit their homes along with all kinds of demons, witches, and sinister characters. The
Druids at Stonehenge in England performed mass human sacrifices. The Celts believed
that by watching the victims die in the fire, they would be able to see signs of the future.
The ancient symbol of the jack-o-lantern actually represents a damned soul. It was
named after a notorious man named Jack, who supposedly tricked the devil after
making a binding contract with him.
How did the Roman Catholic Church come to accept such a day so rooted in
paganism? It comes on the eve of The Catholic Church's All Saint's Day (Nov. 1), a day
Rome established as a counter holiday to Halloween. As the Catholic Church absorbed
the Celts into the Church, they were allowed to bring in all their pagan customs and
traditions.
Today Halloween is the highest of all celebrations for Satan worshippers, witches and
the occult. Christians need to be warned so they can take heed and obey the Word of
God. The apostle Paul wrote, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but
instead expose them" (Eph. 5:11). "Abstain from all appearances of evil" (1 Thes. 5:22).
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
HALLOWEEN
On All Saints Day, it is a Hungarian custom (as in many countries) to go the cemetery
and place candles and flowers on the grave of a loved one. Many village and city
cemeteries are lit up with candles in the night and can be seen from a mile away.
The Truth About Halloween (by Robert McCurry, Maranatha Baptist Watchman), 10/81.
Halloween Through Twenty Centuries by Ralph Linton, p.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., Vol. 12, pp. 857-858.
World Book Encyclopedia, 1959 ed., p. 3245-6.
Highland Superstitions, Alexander Macgregor, p. 44.
Folklore, James Napier, p. 11.
Holidays of Legend, Mildred H. Arthur, p. 87.
World Book Encyclopedia, quoted in Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Associated Press. Oct. 16, 1977.Ibid.
World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 ed., Vol. 9, p. 24-25.
The Book of Festival Holidays, Marqueite Ickis, pp. 125-6.
World Book Encyclopedia.
Holidays of Legend, p. 87.
The Book of Festival Holidays, pp. 125-6.
Good Housekeeping Book of Entertainment, p. 168.
Jeff Pollard, The Evangelist/1984
Jeff Pollard, The Evangelist, 10/84, p. 23.
Ibid. p. 25.
John MacArthur
Gendron Newsletter.
Missionary Paul Held 11/3/97 e-mail
hd:users:elishajohnwilliamcareybarnett:desktop:apo apologetics and church history:apo study guides:apo-21_should i celebratehalloween_991020we.doc 8/8/11
The SHOCKING Truth About HALLOWEEN (Origin of Halloween)
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.
Don't just treat the "symptoms" of evil---get at the spiritual root!
The Robesons reveal 16 demons mentioned by name in Scripture; how to bind them by identifying their "fruit"; and how to cast them out according to Matthew 18:18.
Be freed from Satan's shackles and reach the world for Christ! 179 pages,
Table of Contents
Introduction ...........................................................................9
1. Spirit of Divination ...................................................................................... 18
14. Spirit of Antichrist .....................................................................................146
15. Spirit of Error ............................................................................................152
16. Spirit of Death ...........................................................................................159
17. Additional Advice for Spiritual Warfare ...................................................167
End Notes ........................................................................................................177
About the Robesons .........................................................................................179
Publisher's Description
How to Wage Spiritual Warfare in the Last Days An important spiritual law was revealed by Jesus in Luke 11:21–22 and Matthew 12:29, "How can one enter into a strongman’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strongman? And then he will spoil his house." Now, instead of "binding" symptoms, we can attack the sixteen strongmen or demonic spirits mentioned by name in the Bible! If God names them, they are real, and He has given us dominion over them through the Name of Jesus! In easy to understand language this book…
Teaches how to zero in on and quickly identify the strongman in every situation
Illustrates each strongman by a tree showing the fruits or symptoms for quick identification
Instructs how to bind the enemy and loose the power of God according to Matthew 18:18
Provides instant recognition when and where Satan is attacking our lives and the lives of those around us
Shows that God wants us to be free from Satan’s hassles so that we can reach this world for Christ.
Strongman's His Name...What's His Game offers a scriptural, balanced, and uplifting approach to present-day spiritual warfare.
Author Bio
Dr. Jerry Robeson (1938–1999) and his wife, Dr. Carol Robeson (1939–2016), were missionaries to Latin America for twenty years. They ministered in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Jamaica, Mexico, and Chile. They specialized in open-air crusades that were held every night in an area of the city where a new church was needed. One crusade church in Costa Rica, for example, had more than ten thousand people in attendance.
The Robesons maintained an active television and radio ministry. They produced and directed more than twelve hundred Christian television programs in Latin America and the United States, and many hundreds of radio broadcasts. They also appeared as guests on television programs all over the United States. They coauthored Strongman’s His Name, What’s His Game? and Strongman’s His Name…II.
Jerry and Carol graduated from Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington, and Vision International University in San Diego, California, where they each earned a Ph.D. in Theology in 1996. They had two daughters.
Until 1999, the Robesons were both very active in teaching seminars in the United States and Latin America. After Jerry went to the Lord, Carol continued on with their ministry of seminars and retreats.
Spirit of Divination - Acts 16:16-18 Manifestations - Fortuneteller-Soothsayer, Warlock-Satanist-Witch- Wiccan-Druid-Pagan, Stargazer-Zodiac, Horoscopes, Rebellion, Hypnotist-Enchanter, Drugs (Greek. - Pharmakos), Waterwitching/Divination, Magic Scriptures: (Acts 16:16-18; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 2:6; Exodus 22:18; Isaiah 47:13; Leviticus 19:26; Jeremiah 10:2; 1 Samuel 15:23; Deuteronomy 18:11; Isaiah 19:3; Galatians 5:20; Revelaion 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; Hosea 4:12; Exodus 7:11; 8:7; 9:11) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21 "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20 According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: the Spirit of Divination Loose: The Holy Spirit and Gifts, 1 Corinthians 12:7-12 Familiar Spirit Manifestations - Necromancer, Medium, Peeping and Muttering, Yoga, Clairvoyant, Spiritist, Drugs (Greek. - Pharmakos), Passive Mind- Dreamers, False Prophecy Scriptures: (Deuteronomy 18:11; 1 Chronicles 10:13; 1 Samuel 28; Isaiah 8:19; 29:4; 59:3; Jeremiah 29:8; 1 Samuel 28:7,8; Galatians 5:20; Revelations 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Familiar Spirits Loose: Holy Spirit and Gifts, 1 Corinthians 12:9-12 Spirit of Jealousy Manifestations - Murder, Revenge-Spite, Anger-Rage, Jealousy, Hatred, Cruelty, Strife, Contention, Competition, Envy, Cause Divisions Scriptures: (Genesis 4:4-6; 37:3,4,8; Proverbs 6:34; 10:12; 13:10; 14:16-17,29-30; 22:24-25; 27:4; 29:22-23; Numbers 5:14,30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Song of Solomon 8:6; Galatians 5:19) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of jealousy Loose: Love of God, 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 5:2 Lying Spirit Manifestations - Strong Deceptions, Flattery, Superstitions, Religious Bondages, False Prophecy, Accusations, Slander, Gossip, Lies, False Teachers Scriptures: (2 Chronicles 18:22; Psalms 31:18; 78:36; Proverbs 6:16- 19; 10:18; 20:19; 26:28; 29:5; Jeremiah 23:16-17; 27:9,10; Matthew 7:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-13; 1 Timothy 4:7; 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16; 2 Peter; 1 John 3-5; Revelation 12:10) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Lying Spirit Loose: Spirit of Truth, (Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit and The Word of God) John 4:23-24; 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 17:17; 1 John 3:24-4:6 Perverse Spirit Manifestations - Broken Spirit, Evil Actions, Atheist, Abortion, Child Abuse, Filthy Mind, Doctrinal Error, Sex Perversions, Twisting The Word, Foolish, Chronic Worrier, Contentions, Incest, Pornography Scriptures: (Exodus 20:13; 21:22-25; Proverbs 1:22; 2:12; 14:2; 15:4; 17:20,23; 19:1,3; 23:33; Isaiah 19:14; Acts 13:10; Romans 1:17-32; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Timothy 6:4,5; 2 Timothy 3:2,7-8; Titus 3:11,11; 2 Peter 2:14) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Perverse Spirit Loose: God's Spirit; Pureness, Holiness, Zechariah 12:10; Hebrews 10:29; 12:14 Spirit of Haughtiness Manifestations - Arrogant-Smug, Pride, Idleness, Scornful, Strife, Obstinate, Self-Deception, Contentious, Self-Righteous, Rebellion, Rejection of God Scriptures: (1 Samuel 15:23; 2 Samuel 22:8; Proverbs 1:22; 3:34; 6:16,17; 10:4; 13:10; 16:18,19; 21:24; 24:9; 28:25; 29:1,8; Jeremiah 43:2; 48:29; 49:16; Isaiah 2:11,17; 5:15; 16:6; Ezekiel 16:49-50; Daniel 5:20; Obadiah 1:3; Luke 18:11,12) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Haughtiness Loose: Humble and Contrite Spirit, Proverbs 16:19; Romans 1:4 Spirit of Heaviness Manifestations - Excessive Mourning, Sorrow-Grief, Insomnia, Self- Pity, Rejection, Broken-Heart, Despair-Dejection-Hopelessness, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Inner Hurts-Torn Spirit, Heaviness Scriptures: (Isaiah 61:3; Luke 4:18; Nehemiah 2:2; Proverbs 15:13; Psalms 69:20; Proverbs 12:18; 15:3,13; 18:14; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 61:3; Mark 9; Luke 4:18; Proverbs 18:14; 26:22) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Heaviness Loose: Comforter, Garment of Praise, Oil of Joy, John 15:26; Isaiah 61:3 Spirit of Whoredoms Manifestations - Unfaithfulness/Adultery, Spirit-Soul-or-Body Prostitution, Chronic Dissatisfaction, Love of Money, Fornication, Idolatry, Excessive Appetite, Worldliness Scriptures: (Ezekiel 16:15,28; Proverbs 5:1-14; Galatians 5:19; Deuteronomy 23:17-18; Ezekiel 16:28; Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:7- 14; Hosea 4:13-19; Judges 2:17; Ezekiel 16; Leviticus 17:7; 1 Corinthians 6:13-16; Philipians 3:19; James 4:4) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Whoredoms Loose: Spirit of God: Pure Spirit, Holiness, Commitment, Insatiable Ever Increasing Hunger for more of God Spirit and Presence, Ephesians 3:16; John 3:34; 14:12 Spirit of Infirmity Manifestations - Bent Body-Spine, Impotent-Frail-Lame, Asthma-Hay Fever-Allergies, Arthritis, Weakness, Lingering Disorders, Oppression, Cancer Scriptures: (Luke 13:11; John 5:5; Acts 3:2; 4:9; Acts 10:38) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Infirmity Loose: Spirit of life and gifts of healing, Romans 8:2; 1 Corinthians 12:9 Deaf and Dumb Spirit Manifestations - Dumb-Mute, Crying, Drown, Tearing, Blindness, Mental Illness, Ear Problems, Suicidal, Foaming At The Mouth, Seizures/Epilepsy, Burn, Gnashing Of Teeth, Pining Away Prostration Scriptures: (Matthew 9:32,33; 12:22; 15:30-31; 17:15; Mark 5:5; 9:18,22,25-26,39; Luke 9:39) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Deaf and Dumb Spirit Loose: Resurrection Life and Gifts OF Healing, Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 12:9 Spirit of Bondage Manifestations - Fears, Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Cigarettes, Food, Etcetera…), Fear of Death, Captivity to Satan, Servant of Corruption, Compulsive Sin, Bondage to Sin Scriptures: (Romans 6:16; 7:23; 8:15; 2 Peter 2:19; Hebrews 2:14-15; Luke 8:23; John 8:34; Acts 8:23; Proverbs 5:2; 2 Timothy 2:26) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Bondage Loose: Liberty, Spirit of Adoption, Romans 8:15 Spirit of Fear Manifestations - Fears-Phobias, Heart Attacks, Torment-Horror, Fear of Man, Nightmares-Terrors, Anxiety-Stress, Fear of Death, Untrusting- Doubt Scriptures: (Isaiah 13:7-8; 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalms 55:4-5; 1 John 4:18; Luke 21:26; John 14:1,27; Proverbs 29:25; Jeremiah 1:8; 17-19; Ezekiel 2:6-7; 3:9; Psalms 91:5-6; Isaiah 54:14; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 8:26; Revelation 21:8) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Fear Loose: Love, Power, and A Sound Mind; Perfect Love casts our all fear, 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18 Seducing Spirits Manifestations - Hypocritical Lies, Seared Conscience, Attractions- Fascinations by false prophets, signs and wonders, Deception, Wandering from the Truth, Fascination with evil ways objects or persons, Seducers-Enticers Scriptures: (1 Timothy 4:1; Proverbs 12:22; James 1:14; Mark 13:22; Romans 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 2:18-26; Deuteronomy 13:6-8; 2 Timothy 3:13; Proverbs 1:10; 12:26; 2 Timothy 3:13) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Seducing Spirits Loose: Holy Spirit - Truth, John 16:13 Spirit of Anti-Christ Manifestations - Denies Deity of Christ, Denies Atonement, Against Christ and His Teaching, Humanism, Worldly Speech and Actions, Teachers of Heresies, Anti-Christian, Deceiver, Lawlessness Scriptures: (1 John 2:18,19; 4:3,5; 2 John 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:4,3- 12; Revelation 13:7) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Anti-Christ Loose: Spirit of Truth, 1 John 4:6 Spirit of Error Manifestations - Error, Unsubmissive, False Doctrines, Unteachable, Servant of Corruption, Contentions, Defensive/Argumentative (defend "Gods revelations" to them personally), New-Age Movement Scriptures: (Proverbs 14:22; 1 John 4:6; 2 Peter 3:16-17; Proverbs 29:1; 1 Timothy 6:20-21; 2 Timothy 4:3,1-4; Titus 3:10; 1 John 4:1-6; Proverbs 10:17; 12:1; 13:18; 15:10,12,32; 2 Peter 2:19; James 3:16; 2 Thessalonians; 2 Peter 2:10) Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Error Loose: Spirit of Truth, 1 John 4:6; Psalm 51:10
According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18
Bind: Spirit of Error
Loose: Spirit of Truth, 1 John 4:6; Psalm 51:10 Spirit of Death Manifestations - Suicide Attempts Roots… "The Works of the Flesh," Galatians 5:19-21. "By their fruits you will know all men," Matthew 7:20. According to Matthew 6:10; 11:12; 12:29; 16:18; 18:18; 28:18 Bind: Spirit of Death Loose: Spirit of life, love, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost
The book can be purchased online through Christian Book Distributors.
The Bible teaches about poverty and its effects on people. To write or speak
about a spirit of poverty does not fall into the arena of prosperity teaching. A
spirit of poverty has nothing to do with how much anyone owns, what they eat or
wear. A spirit of poverty can oppress, and not infrequently does, wealthy people.
Many people below the "poverty level" are not oppressed by this spirit. It has
nothing to do with wealth or lack of it. It is related to greed and fear of loss.
Spirit of povertycan be defined as a demonic spirit empowered by iniquity and sin in the areas of giving and receiving. It operates generationally through iniquity, therefore it is a familiar (or family-line) spirit. This spirit is related to Belial, the destroyer, described in Psalm 18:4 and 2 Corinthians 6:15. A spirit of poverty is a condition in a person, a people, and / or a land. Manifestations: LAZINESS -- Proverbs 6:11; 10:4; 13:18; 14:23; 19:15; 24:30- 34. GREED -- Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13; Matthew 6:24; 13:22; Mark 10:22; Luke 15:13; 16:13; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 3:3; 6:10, 17; James 5:2-3; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Peter 5:2 LOOTING, STEALING -- Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:11; Deuteronomy 5:19; Proverbs 13:11; Luke 3:14; Ephesians 4:28 CONCEALING SIN -- Proverbs 28:13 LACK OF GENEROSITY -- Proverbs 11:26; 28:22; Ecclesiastes 5:13 WHAT DEFEATS / DESTROYS A SPIRIT OF POVERTY LOOK TO TRUE SOURCE -- Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Proverbs 22:4; Psalm 23:1; 34:9 GIVING TO THE LORD -- Proverbs 3:9; Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 6:31-33; 1 Corinthians 16:2 God does not need our monies -- Romans 11:35; Giving releases resources) GIVING TO THE POOR -- Proverbs 19:17; 28:27 HARD WORK -- Proverbs 21:5; 27:23-27; 28:19 GENEROSITY -- Psalm 112:5; Proverbs 11:24-25; 22:9; Mark 12:44; Luke 6:38; 21:4; 2 Corinthians 8:2, 9; 1 Timothy 6:18 OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD -- Deuteronomy 5:33; 28:1-6; 29:9; 30:9- 10; Joshua 1:8; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalm 1:3; 128:2; Proverbs 3:2; 13:21; 16:20; 17:20; 19:8; 21:21; 28:13, 25
Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others. ************************************************************************************************************
