Volume. XXI, No. 21
Sunday, 19 November 2006


A DISGUISED SATANIC HOLIDAY- Halloween (Part 2)


What does the Bible say about Halloween?

     What does the Bible say about occultic events like Halloween? The word of God warns us solemnly against dabbling with the occult like consulting witches, the stars gazers or astrologers or those who read horoscopes, spiritists or necromancers  in consultation with dead, (i.e. Halloween has to do with the dead) with mediums, bomohs and neo paganistic worship,  that is prevalent today.

 

Exodus 22:18, You shall not let a witch live.

Deut. 18:10-12, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…"

 

     The Bible  clearly admonishes us about occultic practices like necromancy, astrology, spirits consultation, and witches and condemns not only the practice but also the people who are involved in it. (Isa 47:12,13, Jer 27:9, Gal 5:20 .and Rev 21:8)..As Christians, we are to have nothing to do with the occult. Tarot Cards, yoga, horoscopes astrology, contacting the dead, séances, lucky charms, talisman, amulets and diabolical supernatural powers. There are all anti biblical and diabolical and can harm a Christian's effective witness and fellowship with God and open the Christian to demonic oppression and even satanic entanglement for some (Jas 4:7,8). Most Christians should know this and make an effort to avoid all these unedifying activities. But some are still ensnared by these ancient pagan connections and present occultic connections (as seen in churches and kindergarten who organized Halloween parties and trick and treats for the children) and need to be delivered from this bondage and slavery of the evil one (1Thess 5;21,22).

 

Can the Christian celebrate Halloween?
     The Christian as commanded by our Lord (2 Cor 6:14-18, Lev 19:27-31, Jer 27:9, Isa 47:12,13) is to be separated from evil and is not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that uplifts the occult. To do so is to contradict God’s word, dabble in demonic spirits, and invite entanglement with satanic forces and judgment from God. If a Halloween celebration is centered on demons, devils, spirits, etc., I would say don't have anything to do with it.

     On the other hand, some have said that it isn't wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying 'Trick or Treat".  It's just fun for the kids.” The answer to that is found in 1 Cor 6:9-12 and 1 Cor 10:23,31 which tells us all things are lawful but all things are nor profitable nor expedient according to God‘s will for us and it is either edifying nor glorifying to God. This is a very clear matter that it is totally forbidden for us to participate in.

     It is a proven historical fact that Halloween has pagan origins, therefore a Christian who wants to honour and please God should not follow the world in dressing up our kids in malevolent costumes and go door-to-door and just have fun on Halloween. On another note, for conscience’s (not just yours but others as well) sake and our obedience to God, one should not as a Christian friend stumble others by our participation in it (1 Cor 8:13).

 

Conclusion

By and large, the world today is greatly exposed to the occult and not aware of its grave perils to their souls eternally. It is like playing with fire or a venomous snake and scorpions and not knowing the serious consequences that it can have on us. Today’s society, night spots and even some of the churches have become so desensitized to the subtle and insidious invasion of the occult and the diabolical holiday of Halloween that many secular (and even Christian) kindergartens and preschools has even embraced as a fun time of parties and games for the children's and Christian parents have unwittingly or knowingly embraced it and encouraged their children to   participate in this malevolent entertainment as well.

     Though some Halloween fans say the occasion is only harmless fantasy or fun, and Halloween is perceived as a child's fun holiday, but many are oblivious that there is a darker side to it. We need to pray for wisdom and courage to stand up to  the pressures of friends and neighbours and even some school teachers, notwithstanding the fun  and  parties and costume selection for our children, and dutifully seek out the will of God and obey it and honestly examine the issue before God. We need to make a clear stand against it and before it adversely affects our children and our family or Christian school or church that they are in. Believers are to be discerning and to separate ourselves from the corruption of sin and evil for the devil is a roaring lion seeking any that he may devour in these last days and not be contaminated and compromised with the devil in this diabolical celebration which is an affront and abomination to the most holy God.


More Lively Hope

 

Announcements

Shorter Catechism Question72: What is forbidden in the seventh commandment? The seventh commandment forbiddeth all unchaste thoughts, words, and actions.

 

Please pray for health & God’s healing: Ps Ki, Rev George & Sis Nan van Buuren, Rev Peter Clements, Rev David Koo, Rev Timothy Tow, Dr S H Tow, Preacher Zhang, Dn Yaw Chiew Tan; Bros S Dhamarlingam, Makoto Kobayashi, Raphael Ng’s father, & Winston Selvanayagam; Sisters Sheila George, Myung Ki, Alice Lee’s father, Aranka Rejtoe, Chrisanthi Selvanayagam, Juanita Tong, Susan Veradi, & Giok Yeo’s sister-in-law; Auntie Oei & others in affliction. "Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (Ps 124:8).

 

Please pray for – a) Cambodia Missions - Rev & Mrs  David Koo & ministry in Sihanoukville; b) Laos Missions - Bro S Dhamarlingam; c) Pastors & believers in India & Pakistan; d) Sketch n’ Tell Ministry - Bro H S Lim; e) Journey Mercies -  Dn Tony & Sis Sally Law (Hobart); Dn David Yeo (Adl), Bro Jason Tan & Sisters Juanita Tong (Perth), Shu Jun Liew, Charlotte Lin (S’pore) & others travelling this week; f) High School, Yr 12 (Daniel Ki), & Uni students - end of year examinations; g) More rain - to end the drought in Australia; h) Farmers - in their distress and difficulties; i) Ebenezer BPC (Melb) - building fund; j) Garage Sale & Food Fair - organisers, and for safety, good attendance & success; k) Persecuted brethren - in Islamic countries.

 

Praise and Thank God for – a) BSAG Prayer Meeting & Bible Study; Ladies’ Fellowship Prayer Meeting & YAF Bible Study; b) Journey mercies - Dn David Yeo (China); Bro Elton, Sis Michiko Law & Jasper (Adl); Sisters Sheila George & Shilsha Ninian (India), Vanesssa Tan (S’pore), Helen & Kelly Won (Seoul) & others who had travelled; d) Answered prayers - Rain over the past week; e) Sisters Helen & Kelly Won - their faithfulness and contribution to Hope Church over the past 6 years.

 

Sunday School Teachers: 2 required. Please see Dn Edwin D’Mello or one of the teachers.

 

Condolences to Rev George for the home going of his brother.  May the Lord keep him and comfort him during this difficult time.

 

Looking Ahead: BP National Youth Camp, 28 Nov - 2 Dec, Perth, WA.

 

Looking Ahead: Christmas Carols Night & Special items on Sat, 9 Dec 2006, 7:30pm at Concordia College Chapel. Please invite your family & friends to join us.

 

 

 

© Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
14 Bedford Square, Colonel Light Gardens, South Australia 5041