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What are the facts on Halloween? As far as celebrating.
First, we should recognize that Halloween is indeed rooted in the ancient Celtic feast of Samhain (sah-ween). The Druids believed that on the eve of Samhain the veil between the present world and the world beyond was pierced, releasing demons, witches, and hobgoblins en masse to harass the living. In order to make themselves immune from attack, people disguised themselves as witches, devils, and ghouls; attempted to ward off evil spirits by carving grotesque faces on gourds illuminated with candles; and placated the spirits with a variety of treats.
Furthermore, we can learn a lot from how the early Christians responded to Halloween. October 31st, the eve prior to All Saints Day was designated as a spiritually edifying holiday (holy day) on which to proclaim the supremacy of the Gospel over the superstition of ghosts. Thus, “all Hallows Eve,” from which the word "Halloween" is derived, was an attempt on the part of Christianity to overwhelm the tradition of ghouls with the truth of the Gospel.
Finally, although Halloween is, once again, predominately pagan there is a silver lining. Like our forefathers, we can choose to celebrate “all Hallows Eve” by focusing on heroes of the faith - those who, like Martin Luther, were willing to stand for truth no matter what the cost.
As Christians it would be best to focus more on glorifying God during that time than glorifying things of this world. Gratefully, there are many alternatives these days to celebrating Halloween in the way that most non-christians celebrate.
In the end, the trick is to treat Halloween as a strategic opportunity to educate others about God rather than a time of satanic oppression.
Published on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 7:14 PM MDT
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You mentioned the "3 A" as reason for divorce. Does emotional and verbal abuse qualify as justification for divorce?
The question is what does emotional and verbal abuse mean to you? If your spouse yells at you once in a while, or doesn’t tell you they love you for a period of time; then that is a issue needing to be worked on, not abuse. If they are demeaning who you are on a daily basis, calling you names as a routine and causing your opinion of yourself to diminish then that would be different. Controlling your decisions and activity could also be abuse.
We at times, as we are growing in our understanding of the Lord Jesus, still make poor decisions on how we handle conflict with our spouses and talk to them inappropriately that could translate into verbal and emotion abuse. Though in reality it isn’t abuse, it is not walking in the full freedom of our Christianity. We need to learn to deal with conflict and confrontation without allowing our own emotions taking over as the basis of handling things. If we prefer one another then we will deal with them in kindness.
Published on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 3:11 PM MDT
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How do I deal with my child’s interest in homosexuality?
There is no parental manual that anyone could ever make up that can teach you how to be the “best parent” in every situation. The best manual that a parent could ever follow and ingrain in their children is the Bible. All of the principles and values that God has laid out in the Bible can and will be profitable in the long run of their children’s life no matter if they go their “own way.”
In Proverbs 22:6 in the New Living Translation the Bible says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” So whether they grow and for them Christianity is just a religion and not a relationship; there is no need to stress and worry because of the seeds that have been planted from training. God has called the parents to be spiritual guiders and leaders for the children to steer them and show them what is right and what is wrong according to God’s will and calling for their lives.
The important thing that your daughter needs to know is that she is not valuing the fact that God bought her with a high price (1 Cor. 6:20) and so God wants her to honor her body by keeping her body pure and holy for any kind of sexual sin (1 Cor. 6:18). Homosexuality would be considered a sexual sin (1 Cor. 6:9) that God says anyone who practices that lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of heaven. She needs to know that God has made her specifically for a purpose and eventually if she wants a relationship He will give her a godly man to help her relationship with God.
As her parents, do not feel like you have failed. It is critical that you tell her that you guys love her and that God loves her, but love means that you help people out of their situation and not enable them. Just as God did for us by offering us salvation. Stay encouraged while encouraging her that she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14).
God bless
Published on Sunday, October 30, 2011 @ 6:10 PM MDT
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Fear vs Preperation
On one Sunday Pastor Steve talked a bit about how he didn't take Y2K seriously (I didn't either as I work in the Telecom sector and knew the work that had taken place in advance to make sure nothing did happen). I do agree that at times there can be a lot of fear mongering over various events or proposed events and that nothing and no amount of material preparations will save you when the second coming arrives. However, there are a great deal of things that can and do happen that I believe it is prudent to plan/prepare for. There are plenty of man made and natural disasters that can and do take place and I believe that it is our duty to our families to take steps to prepare against those things. I do not want my family at the mercy of some bureaucrat or to be standing on a bridge waiting for help when I could have just planned a bit and laid back supplies, materials and made plans for their needs instead of relying on friends, neighbors or especially the government to provide for us. True there are times you must rely on the generosity of others, but should I not heed the Word: "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." Proverbs 27:12. Am I wrong? Should I just have faith that God will provide? Is my faith weak?
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First of all, it is important to distinguish between y2k and natural disasters. Many of us know, firsthand, the devastation that can be caused through natural disasters. Planning to protect you and your loved ones against them is a wise thing to do. Also, there is a difference between fear and preparation. The reason was singled out the "y2k" scare is that it was totally unfounded. We should always prepare ourselves to be able to respond to circumstances, but we can't allow situations in life to cause us to live in fear.
Published on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 @ 3:07 PM MDT
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What does God think about birth control? I ask because, in the Bible it says to be fruitful and multiply?
Yes you have to have 25 kids! Just kidding! Well I assume you are married and want to use birth control. The bible also says in Luke 14:28 "count the cost" that means plan, prepare, weigh the decisions for your future. You know it is pretty expensive to raise kids and some of us can barely afford to raise one child. If having kids is not in your heart right now and you want to wait, yes birth control is fine.
Published on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 @ 10:56 AM MDT
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