Thursday, November 25, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
What Will You do for Christ this Fall?
~~~
I started to write this article exactly one year ago to the day. I don’t know why I never finished it, but today, on its anniversary, I have finally completed it and am now posting it. I pray you can find something edifying within its paragraphs.
~~~
Fall. It’s not official for a few more days, but the leaves are showing it. The crops are starting to yellow. Something in the air heralds the coming of fall. Harvest season. When the leaves change their dress and fly over the fields to play with the wind. The songbirds become scarce and the chirping crickets multiply. Everything changes this time of year; sights and smells. For most of us feelings of nostalgia emerge, for our country’s past or pleasant memories of Thanksgivings gone by; a time of giving thanks to God, for whatever our hearts may recall or, if nothing else, for this wonderful, blessed time of year. Though, we are not the only ones who give thanks to a “higher power.”
Fall is also a time when the spiders emerge to weave their intricate webs, the moths come out in their numbers, the crows roost in the dying trees at night in their murders, and, according to some, the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin.
Of course, such images as spiders and crows may bring thoughts of witches and cauldrons, moths may make one think of musty old libraries filled with sorcerer’s grimories and alchemical equipment. And all this may make you think of that favorite holiday of candy-loving boys and girls everywhere: Halloween.
Many Christians think it quite the thing to do when Halloween rolls ‘round to simply sit in their homes and avoid the evils of the day (and night). Others may think the holiday to be nothing more than innocent fun and embrace it. I am now here to say that, in light of our duties as vessels of Christ, I do not believe that either is the appropriate course of action.
To start off, I want to show you the origins of Halloween, and illustrate why embracing this holiday as harmless would not please Christ, then talk to you about why I believe the second most popular stand on the day, which is to ignore it, might not be most pleasing to Him either.
What follows is an excerpt from an article by minister, CEO, and author, Thomas R. Horn on the origins of Halloween:
“…offerings were made to Hecate because she was thought to govern haunted places where evil or murderous activity occured. Such areas where violence or lechery had a history were believed to be magnets of malevolent spirits, something like ‘haunted houses,’ and if one wanted to get along with the resident apparitions they needed to make oblations to the ruler of the darkness--Hecate. Hecate's familiar (the night owl) announced the acceptance of the oblations, and those who gathered on the eve of the full moon perceived the spooky sound of the creature as a good omen. Statues of the goddess bearing the triple-face of a dog, a snake, and a horse, overshadowed the dark rituals when they were performed at the crossing of three roads. At midnight, Hecate's devotees left food offerings at the intersection for the goddess ('Hecate's Supper'), and, once deposited, quickly exited without turning around or looking back. Sometimes the offerings consisted of honey cakes and chicken hearts, and at other time's puppies, honey, and female black lambs were slaughtered for the goddess and her strigae…
“…The connection between ancient paganism and the modern customs and costumes of Halloween is easy to trace. The Hecatian myths adopted by Celtic occultists continue in pop culture, in symbolism and tradition in the following ways:
* People visiting neighborhood homes on Halloween night represent the dead in search of food (the treat).
* Masks of devils and hobgoblins represent evil spirits seeking mischief (the trick).
* Those who pass out candy represent the homes visited by the dead, or may also represent worried individuals seeking to appease Hecate and other nighttime terrors.
* The Jack-O-Lantern (will-o-the-wisp, fox fire, fairy fire, etc.) is, according to some histories, a wandering soul stuck between heaven and hell. Others claim the Druids left Jack-O-Lanterns on doorsteps to ward off evil spirits. Another legend about a drunk named Jack who made a deal with the devil claims to be the true origin of the Jack-O-Lantern myth. [I would add that Celtic peoples carved faces into vegetables to trick evil spirits – Joe.]
“The list goes on but I'm afraid the bottom line is this: Whatever you make of such history, most children who wear masks and pursue sweets on Halloween night do not understand, or care about, the symbolism."
Not very pleasant origins, are they? The Roman Catholic Church, when coming to a new land and converting its peoples, has had a history of adopting paganism to appease the people around them. Big mistake. In Deuteronomy 18 we read “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 (v. 9).” Many think of this verse and others like it and conclude that we should stay away from anything that has to do with Halloween. A good point, but the manner in which some go about doing this may be such that they pass up opportunities to serve Christ on this most evil of days.
Some take the stance of avoiding absolutely everything about it. They turn down invitations to Halloween parties, and most of all turn out their porch light and lock the doors. But think of this: how many children, teenagers, and their parents show up on a Christian’s door step asking for something—almost anything—in droves? Not many; probably almost none, and probably almost never. But Christ has told us to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Our back yards are indeed part of “all the world.”
Think instead what it would be like if zealous Christians left their porch lights on for a change, opened their doors, and gave out tracts and the like to the dozens of unsaved fathers, mothers, teens and children walking to their doorsteps! The Disciples and Apostles dealt with real magicians and real devil worshipers, and were surrounded by real paganism and real satanic temples. Did they hide inside and turn out the lights, or did they go and preach the good news of Jesus?
So, this Halloween, are you going to let Satan run rampant and steal souls by the dozens, or are you going to pass out a little bit of candy and a whole lot of Jesus this fall?
[Check out the vintage 1901 postcard at the beginning of this post. Click to enlarge.]
God bless!
I started to write this article exactly one year ago to the day. I don’t know why I never finished it, but today, on its anniversary, I have finally completed it and am now posting it. I pray you can find something edifying within its paragraphs.
~~~
Fall. It’s not official for a few more days, but the leaves are showing it. The crops are starting to yellow. Something in the air heralds the coming of fall. Harvest season. When the leaves change their dress and fly over the fields to play with the wind. The songbirds become scarce and the chirping crickets multiply. Everything changes this time of year; sights and smells. For most of us feelings of nostalgia emerge, for our country’s past or pleasant memories of Thanksgivings gone by; a time of giving thanks to God, for whatever our hearts may recall or, if nothing else, for this wonderful, blessed time of year. Though, we are not the only ones who give thanks to a “higher power.”
Fall is also a time when the spiders emerge to weave their intricate webs, the moths come out in their numbers, the crows roost in the dying trees at night in their murders, and, according to some, the veil between the living and the dead becomes thin.
Of course, such images as spiders and crows may bring thoughts of witches and cauldrons, moths may make one think of musty old libraries filled with sorcerer’s grimories and alchemical equipment. And all this may make you think of that favorite holiday of candy-loving boys and girls everywhere: Halloween.
Many Christians think it quite the thing to do when Halloween rolls ‘round to simply sit in their homes and avoid the evils of the day (and night). Others may think the holiday to be nothing more than innocent fun and embrace it. I am now here to say that, in light of our duties as vessels of Christ, I do not believe that either is the appropriate course of action.
To start off, I want to show you the origins of Halloween, and illustrate why embracing this holiday as harmless would not please Christ, then talk to you about why I believe the second most popular stand on the day, which is to ignore it, might not be most pleasing to Him either.
What follows is an excerpt from an article by minister, CEO, and author, Thomas R. Horn on the origins of Halloween:
“…offerings were made to Hecate because she was thought to govern haunted places where evil or murderous activity occured. Such areas where violence or lechery had a history were believed to be magnets of malevolent spirits, something like ‘haunted houses,’ and if one wanted to get along with the resident apparitions they needed to make oblations to the ruler of the darkness--Hecate. Hecate's familiar (the night owl) announced the acceptance of the oblations, and those who gathered on the eve of the full moon perceived the spooky sound of the creature as a good omen. Statues of the goddess bearing the triple-face of a dog, a snake, and a horse, overshadowed the dark rituals when they were performed at the crossing of three roads. At midnight, Hecate's devotees left food offerings at the intersection for the goddess ('Hecate's Supper'), and, once deposited, quickly exited without turning around or looking back. Sometimes the offerings consisted of honey cakes and chicken hearts, and at other time's puppies, honey, and female black lambs were slaughtered for the goddess and her strigae…
“…The connection between ancient paganism and the modern customs and costumes of Halloween is easy to trace. The Hecatian myths adopted by Celtic occultists continue in pop culture, in symbolism and tradition in the following ways:
* People visiting neighborhood homes on Halloween night represent the dead in search of food (the treat).
* Masks of devils and hobgoblins represent evil spirits seeking mischief (the trick).
* Those who pass out candy represent the homes visited by the dead, or may also represent worried individuals seeking to appease Hecate and other nighttime terrors.
* The Jack-O-Lantern (will-o-the-wisp, fox fire, fairy fire, etc.) is, according to some histories, a wandering soul stuck between heaven and hell. Others claim the Druids left Jack-O-Lanterns on doorsteps to ward off evil spirits. Another legend about a drunk named Jack who made a deal with the devil claims to be the true origin of the Jack-O-Lantern myth. [I would add that Celtic peoples carved faces into vegetables to trick evil spirits – Joe.]
“The list goes on but I'm afraid the bottom line is this: Whatever you make of such history, most children who wear masks and pursue sweets on Halloween night do not understand, or care about, the symbolism."
Not very pleasant origins, are they? The Roman Catholic Church, when coming to a new land and converting its peoples, has had a history of adopting paganism to appease the people around them. Big mistake. In Deuteronomy 18 we read “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 (v. 9).” Many think of this verse and others like it and conclude that we should stay away from anything that has to do with Halloween. A good point, but the manner in which some go about doing this may be such that they pass up opportunities to serve Christ on this most evil of days.
Some take the stance of avoiding absolutely everything about it. They turn down invitations to Halloween parties, and most of all turn out their porch light and lock the doors. But think of this: how many children, teenagers, and their parents show up on a Christian’s door step asking for something—almost anything—in droves? Not many; probably almost none, and probably almost never. But Christ has told us to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Our back yards are indeed part of “all the world.”
Think instead what it would be like if zealous Christians left their porch lights on for a change, opened their doors, and gave out tracts and the like to the dozens of unsaved fathers, mothers, teens and children walking to their doorsteps! The Disciples and Apostles dealt with real magicians and real devil worshipers, and were surrounded by real paganism and real satanic temples. Did they hide inside and turn out the lights, or did they go and preach the good news of Jesus?
So, this Halloween, are you going to let Satan run rampant and steal souls by the dozens, or are you going to pass out a little bit of candy and a whole lot of Jesus this fall?
[Check out the vintage 1901 postcard at the beginning of this post. Click to enlarge.]
God bless!
<><
Saturday, June 26, 2010
This generation...as told by Proverbs.
Tell me if this doesn't sound like this current generation:
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
"There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
"The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
"The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:11-17
"There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
"There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
"There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
"There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
"The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:
"The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.
"The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it." Proverbs 30:11-17
Can the moon "smite" you?
“The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:6
That is the very question I asked when I read this verse. Can the moon “smite” you? Maybe we won’t really understand exactly what this verse is meaning, but it is interesting to speculate.
We all know that the sun can be quite brutal, but what about the moon? It just reflects the sun’s light, right? Well we all probably also know that the moon affects the tides. No moon, no Earth. If the moon affects things like gravity and the tides can it affect people?
Most people say no. Most people, however, are incredibly closed minded. Closed minded, that is, in the sense that they are incredibly arrogant and think they know everything, not that being open minded is always a good thing.
Anyhoo, I suppose most of us are also aware of full moons being associated with werewolves, and that witches and occultists pay close attention to the phases of the moon; but I recently found an article talking about the effects the moon can have on humans, not that most “respectable scientists” would care to admit any of it.
Firstly, it talks about a study that found murder rates in one particular city stayed fairly steady in the more usual phases of the moon, but rose sharply around the full moon and new moon phases. To be sure, they tested more than just that city. Sure enough, their research seemed to conclude that murder rates rose around the full and new moon. It goes on to point out that even in medieval England they noticed this, and I’m sure that people in less arrogant societies than our modern world have known this as well (as evidenced by the “legends” surrounding it).
Another interesting thing I read in this article was about a study of 1,000 tonsillectomies that 82% of bleeding crises that happened after surgery were around the full moon phase.
Just think of this evidence, and then think of all the legends and monsters and witches. It does indeed seem that the moon can smite you.
Though this all sounds a bit bleak. Here are some positive verses that talk about the moon:
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.” Psalm 8:3
“They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.” Psalm 72:5
“In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.” Psalm 72:7
“It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalm 89:37
God bless!
<><
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Drunk in the "spirit"...?
“Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.” Isaiah 29:9
Many Christians may have heard of being drunk in the “Spirit” before, especially those who are familiar with the beliefs of certain branches of Pentecostal churches. Before I say much more, I have been a member of an Assembly of God church for a couple of years, though I recently left it (not because of anything they preached, it was just time). I am glad that our pastor did not really support such things as being drunk in the “Spirit” because if he did my friend and I would have left much sooner.
Now, the idea with being drunk in the “Spirit” is that you are so filled with the Holy Spirit that you act as though you are drunk, and display all of the sings of being drunk. Many who support such activity will reference a passage from the New Testament when the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost and everyone mocked them saying that they must be drunk:
“Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” Acts 2:13
They say “See, they were drunk in the Spirit!” but is this really the case? Let’s look at a couple of videos of a man who is an abnormally large proponent of being drunk in the “Spirit.” His name is John Crowder and is supported (or at the very least was) by such organizations as The International House of Prayer, or IHOP, in Kansas City:
John Crowder and others who support being drunk in the “Spirit” also seem to support being “High on the Holy Ghost” as being another form of “drunk in the Spirit”:
Obviously this man is a blasphemous and irreverent moron, and many people who support “Holy Drunkenness” would say that he is a little over the top, but it they still claim to get drunk and high on the “Spirit” just like him. So…do they have any form of biblical support for such things?
As stated earlier, many proponents will say that Acts 2 is evidence of the people being drunk in the “Spirit.” When the Holy Spirit came down and filled them, they all heard each other in their own languages. These people have just been filled with the very Spirit of God, and were seeing amazing things happening. I would imagine they were quite happy, and thrilled. Imagine how they must have looked, how amazed they must have been, how they all would have reacted to hearing everyone from different nations speak in their own language. Does that mean they were drunk? No. I can imagine people mocking them and saying that they were. Sure. But look at what Peter says in response to these insults:
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
“For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;” Acts 2:14-16
Look at those above videos. Look up videos yourself. These people can barely form coherent sentences. Peter stood up and said “Hey, we’re not drunk!” and quoted Scripture for the next 20+ verses. If he was drunk could he speak so well? The Bible then says:
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37
I don’t think they were touched by the inane drunken babbling of someone who was acting like John Crowder. (Peter goes on with his speech for several more verses). John Crowder can barely speak when he is behind a podium.
Here is a biblical description of being drunk:
“who hath contentions? who hath babbling?... Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
“They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Proverbs 23:39, 34-35
The Bible frequently talks about drunkards as stumbling about and losing control of themselves.
God says that He has given us a spirit of discipline and a sound mind. Why would His presence take that away from us? Proponents of being drunk in the “Spirit” can describe it in as many favorable terms as they like, but they do not have any biblical evidence for it. The Bible says:
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
What does the Bible say about the conduct inside the churches of the saints (specifically when it comes to spiritual things)?
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” 1 Corinthians 14:40
Those videos display nothing but loss of self control and confusion; nothing is peaceful about those people. One more video:
God is the author of peace, not drunkenness and confusion.
The next question is whether or not people involved with this are demon possessed. I would have to say no. I don’t believe that a Christian can actually become possessed by a demon, and I know that there are real Christians that have experienced being drunk in the “Spirit.” Maybe not possessed, but definitely influenced. Demonic possession is different than demonic influence.Possession is when a demon takes over a person’s body and causes them to do things, such as inflict harm, or uses the person’s vocal cords to speak, sometimes without even moving their mouth.
Demonic influence can be anything from sinful thoughts, to keeping one in bondage, and addictions, and…”holy laughter” and “holy drunkenness” as well. Based on the Bible and other evidence, we know that demons cause many diseases, such as epilepsy and cancer. Christians can have cancer. I think this is similar
Therefore, because God is the author of peace, not confusion, and that God gave us a spirit of discipline and a sound mind, that church is supposed to be orderly, and that there is absolutely no evidence that being drunk in the “Spirit” is biblical but much evidence that drunkenness is sin and goes against the aforementioned biblical points, I conclude that “holy highs” and “holy drunkenness” are false experiences perpetrated by the devil and his demons.
Stay in His True Spirit, and God bless.
<><
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Test
The following is a kind of test I made a long time ago. It is a test to use before you choose a movie to watch, a book to read, or a game to play. I can't honestly say that I have always followed it and heeded the scriptures it cites, but I have tried.
The Test
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31
How can you know what a good or bad entertainment choice is? First, read these verses:
"Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9
"...hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:21-22
"...hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil." I Thessalonians 5:21-22
"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness..." Isaiah 5:20
Remind yourself that,
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..." Psalm 101:3Alright, now go through these two simple steps:
- Think on These Things -
The Bible tells us exactly the types of things we should dwell on as Christians:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Ask yourself if what you are considering is:
True
Honest
Just
Pure
Lovely
Of Good Report (Admirable)
Virtuous
Praise (to God or Praiseworthy)
- The Fruits of the Spirit -
Look at the fruits of the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit are the things that those who have been born again will display in every aspect of their life. Memorize them, mark them in your Bible, or write them down: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22, 23).
Does what your considering reflect any of these? Are you displaying them when taking part in this activity?
Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering (Patience)
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance (Self-Control)
If you are honest with yourself, and God, it should not take long to know if whether the things you are dwelling upon are of the Lord, or of the Adversary.
God bless!
<><
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Think of America While You Read This
1The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite. 2God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. 3The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. 4He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. 7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. 8But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. 9What do ye imagine against the LORD? he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time. 10For while they be folden together as thorns, and while they are drunken as drunkards, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. 11There is one come out of thee, that imagineth evil against the LORD, a wicked counsellor. 12Thus saith the LORD; Though they be quiet, and likewise many, yet thus shall they be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more. 13For now will I break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. 14And the LORD hath given a commandment concerning thee, that no more of thy name be sown: out of the house of thy gods will I cut off the graven image and the molten image: I will make thy grave; for thou art vile. 15Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off. (Nahum 1, King James Version)
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