SHOULD A CHRISTIAN CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN?

SHOULD A CHRISTAIN CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN?

INTRO! Some years ago when the Harry Potter books were being made into movies, people wanted me to address the subject from the Pulpit.  In so doing, I addressed Halloween and Harry Potter.  This is from my public address (sermon), along with a few additional thoughts.

“TO THE PURE ALL THINGS ARE PURE”

Every year at Halloween people ask me, “Is it alright to celebrate Halloween?”  And every year I tell people the same thing: “To the pure all things are pure.”  What I mean by that is, if you have a problem with it, “Don’t,” if you don’t have a problem with it, “Do it and have fun.”  Personally I have no problem with Halloween.  Here’s why:

ILLUSTRATION:  Now that I look back on it, this is somewhat surprising.  Remember I grew up “Pilgrim Holiness.”  As “Holiness,” practically everything was wrong except going to church – yet we were allowed to celebrate Halloween.  And celebrate it we did!  We’d go out with pillowcases, fill them up, come home, empty them, and go out again.  Afterwards, those of us who went out together would compare our goodies and even trade for our favorite candies.  Never once, not for a moment, did any of us think we were honoring Satan by going “trick or treat.”  Why?  We never even thought of it as Satan’s day, it was a time for us to have good clean fun and get all kinds of goodies. 

I still remember the Halloween parties where we would get prizes for the best costume.  The person who remained unidentified for the longest time won the ultimate prize.  How clearly I remember Bob Westcott – we were all night trying to figure out who was under that outfit.  Finally, somebody recognized the boots – Bobby boy won first place. 

When Sheryl and I directed the Youth group at Mt Pleasant Church we would run a Scare Mare at Halloween.  Hundreds of kids came through.  The last room was a funeral parlor.  By then they’d be scared to death.  We’d give the plan of salvation.  We had hundred’s of “decisions.”  How many “disciples” was another story.  We would say afterwards, “Just because you scare the hell out of people doesn’t mean you put them in heaven.”

WHAT AM I SAYING?  If you want Halloween to be an evil holiday, then most likely for you it will be.  If you want Halloween to be a time of clean, wholesome fun – it will be.  “To the pure all things are pure.”  

1 Cor. 8:4-6 tells us:

    [4] So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. [5] For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"), [6] yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

IN OTHER WORDS Paul is saying, “I could eat food offered to idols and it would never bother me, because I know idols are nothing.  Only God is God.”  Again, “to the pure all things are pure.”

HARRY POTTER

I must be honest, I have not read any of the Harry Potter books, nor have I seen the movie.  One prominent southern Baptist pastor called Harry’s world “dangerous, evil and perverted.”  Charles Colson, whom I have come to respect and trust, says of Harry and his friends: “they develop courage, loyalty and a willingness to sacrifice for one another – even at the risk of their lives, not bad lessons in a self-centered world.” 

Again, when it comes to Harry Potter, my counsel is “to the pure all things are pure.” 

NOTE!  Since writing my above thoughts I have seen two of the Potter movies, and still concur with Charles Colson.  Recently (Oct 2007), although not stated in her novels, Howling (the author), when asked why Dumbledore, master wizard and Headmaster of Hogwarts, never seems to find “true love," responded, “Dumbledore is gay." 

Howling never says if she approves or disapproves of Dumbledore’s sexual persuasion – just that he is “gay.”  Sadly, that’s how the world sees “homosexuality” – it’s apart of our world and we need to accept it as such.  They do not understand righteousness, be it heterosexual or homosexual.  Do I look on this latest news (development) with favor?  Absolutely not!  Sin is never pure even if its intent is pure. 

THE HISTORY AND CUSTOMS OF HALLOWEEN
Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? And how did this peculiar custom originate?  Is it, as some claim, a kind of demon worship?  Or is it just a harmless vestige of some ancient pagan ritual?
The word itself, "Halloween," actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, "All Hollows Day" (or "All Saints Day"), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New year.
Irish immigrants fleeing their country’s potato famine brought the custom of Halloween to America in the 1840’s.  At that time, the favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.
The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated not with the Irish Celts, but with a ninth-century European custom called “souling.” On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers, could expedite a soul's passage to heaven.
So, although some cults may have adopted Halloween as their favorite "holiday," the day itself did not grow out of evil practices. It grew out of the rituals of Celts celebrating a new year, and out of Medieval prayer rituals of Europeans. And today, even many churches have Halloween parties or pumpkin carving events for the kids. After all, the day itself is only as evil as one cares to make it.

© 1995-2002 by Jerry Wilson  References: Charles Panati, Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, 1987; and Dr. Joseph Gahagan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Personal letter, 1997

IS THE CHRISTMAS TREE A HEATHAN CUSTOM?

If you do any research at all on what we know today as “the Christmas tree,” inevitably you will come across an article saying that the Christmas tree is a pagan tradition, and therefore as true believers it is wrong to put up a Christmas tree. 

Most of you, actually I would hope it would be all of you, would say, “Pastor that’s ridiculous!”  Why?  Because to you the Christmas tree is a symbol representing the season of our Saviour’s birth.  Even if it were pagan, which it is not, it would not be pagan to you.  Why?  “To the pure all things are pure.”

REFLECTIONS ON MINISTRY AND STRAIGHTLINE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

This past Sunday Pastor Tyrone Reeves and Straightline Church celebrated one full decade of faithful service to the Kingdom.  I was blessed and honored to fill the pulpit of Straightline’s Church on this very special day.  The theme for the weekend was “Behold I do a new thing,” which was my text.  Strange how you go into a service with a plan and then God changes the arrangement and content of the plan.  LOL!  The Spirit brought to the sermon a number of illustrations relational to Straightline’s present situation and their future.  It was so amazing, actually “wonderful – beyond understanding, absolutely and thoroughly miraculous in every way.” 

Sheryl and I have been in the ministry now for over 38 years.  We have watched people come and go, ministries start and fold, pastors come and go, men and women called into full-time service in the local church and mission field.  Absolutely beautiful to behold!  I wish I did not have to say this, but in more cases than not far too many who come to a church or alongside of a Senior Pastor do so with an agenda, and when that agenda is not met they are gone.  It’s simply the way of life.  But then there are those, both in the pew and leadership, who have no agenda other than, “Pastor, this is my home, my place of service, whatever you want me to do if I can do it let me know – I’m here.”  And through thick and thin they are there – present, serving, praying, giving and available. 

When Throne felt called to pastor a church in his hometown he said, “Pastor, this is what I believe God is saying to me.  However, you are my covering and I will not leave without your approval and blessing.”  A rare and precious moment!  One of integrity!  It is a cherishable moment for any Senior Pastor.  Tyrone and Omega are a true treasure in the Kingdom.  We are blessed to know them.

Here’s an eternal truth: God is not going to judge a man solely on what he accomplishes or doesn’t accomplish.  Granted all of us have been given gifts and abilities for bringing Him pleasure, and we will give an account of how we used those talents for Him here on earth.  With that said, the far bigger picture is motive: why and for whom did we use our talents?  Did we serve God with integrity or did we crush others on the way to success?  Were we so concerned about our agenda that the feelings of others and the unity of the Kingdom were sacrificed?  This is the far bigger and more eternal picture. 

Personally as I have observed life and ministry “motive” is central to “love.”  They are one and the same.  God’s motives are pure because He is “holy, love and faithful.”  The apostle Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 13:

² And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. ⁴ Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, ⁵ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, ⁶ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. ⁹ For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; ¹⁰ but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. ¹¹ When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. ¹² For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. ¹³ But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (NASB77) 

With this in mind, may ‘my’ prayer, may ‘our’ prayer be: “Lord, search my heart and purge any wicked way in me for Your glory and the well-being of others and myself.” 

WHY NO REVIVAL

I don’t blog often, but when I do it is something truly pressing upon my heart.  In this instance, the article below, which found its origin as an email to my Dear eSermon Friends, came out of a conversation with friends.  We were discussing the continued drifting of America from the God of the Bible, the lack of influence the church has upon our culture, and an overall distain for the things of God. The result of which is this blog. In fact, it was the basis for our prayer time this week at IMP (If My People).  

Revival!  Doesn't it seem strange that as a Nation we have more mega-churches than ever in America's history, and yet, in my observation, the Church at large has less influence than anytime in my lifetime.  In fact, the media portrays the Church as a joke, less than 8% of people 30 and under even go to church — of any kind, and the government looks at Church as a nuisance (we're in the way of their controlling socialistic agendas).  Furthermore, clergy are portrayed as weak effeminate men who have no true identity let alone a grip on what life is all about.  

Why?  Why is the church powerless to change our culture? Could it be that: 

1) Most churches are prayer-less.  (It is prayer that moves the arm of God.)  James 5:16

2) When we do pray we are not heard because we have compromised "holiness?"  ("Without holiness no man shall see the LORD.")  Hebrews 12:14

3) There is sin in our individual lives and our faith-community at large?  2 Chronicles 7:14 & 1 John 1:9  

(Personally, I know that over the past few months God has been dealing with me about things — some of which are good, but not best — to put away anything that stands in the way of becoming more like Him and accomplishing what it is He's called me to do.  (He doesn't do it all at once. LOL! And that's a good thing.)  

These things could be harmless: hobbies, sports, shopping, TV, a relationship, too busy in or out of Church, work … even family.  What stands in the way of YOU and GOD?  I have found that putting away good things but not beneficial things (in God's book) can often be quite painful. 

1 Cor 10:23

4) To satisfy a culture that continually speaks of tolerance (as long as you agree with it) and says God's Word (the Bible) and its "rules for life" are antiquated.  Why don't churches with 10K plus memberships and national exposure speak out on issues such as: abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, racial equality — on all fronts, unfair taxation, and the mistreatment of the poor?  

1 Corinthians 6; 1 Tim 1; Matt 11:5; Nu 25:10

Are we afraid of offending someone?  How about offending God?  By saying nothing about these grievous sins do we not then by omission commit sin ourselves.  As the late Chuck Colson said, "Who then speaks for God?"  Believe me, most in history that spoke for God were not all that popular and many lost their lives for doing so.   

Are we at that time in history when the true church will be forced underground?  Even give up their lives for what they believe?  As you know, I am "pre-wrath" and not "pre-trib" in my view of last days events.  What happens when the church is truly persecuted — even unto death — will people be able to give their lives up for Christ.  Why will the Western World not have to face what the "believer" — Old and New Testaments — had to face throughout history? Even the God Man was not exempt.

Indeed, we need a REVIVAL.  Well, enough of my ranting. Although, they are true and good rantings. :-)  

Blessings.  Keep looking up! 

PB

Pastor Bruce

Loyalty is a man's best friend. Josh 1:5Hello Pastor

THE DEATH OF THE SEQUOIA TREE VISION

A few months back I wrote and asked that we pray for the Sequoia tree just north east of the East Lobby entrance – it was not looking good.  I know that sounds weird, but follow me.  My desire was – since we could not put a steeple on the roof of the church (maximum height in Washington TWP is 65’), we would plant a Sequoia tree that would grow 150 to 200 feet.  We would then light the tree so that it could be seen from miles away.  A type of lighthouse if you please.  The facts have revealed that even if we are able to keep the tree alive (Longwood Gardens has four Sequoias), it will never reach more than 40’ – it’s the New Jersey climate.  There is a reason why Sequoia’s reach 250 feet in southern California.  LOL! 

So, as Bill Gothard so profoundly taught, there is life in the death of a vision.  e.g.: Abraham – no child at the age of 99 (God gives Abe and Sarah, Isaac), Joseph – sold into slavery and imprisoned (God makes Joseph prime minister of Egypt and he literally saves the known world), etc.  In other words, we have a vision and God lets it die so that He can bring it to pass in glorious fashion.  

Longwood’s suggestion: Plant a Red Oak: it’s native to NJ, our state tree, and can reach heights over 125’.  Now, my Yahoo search tells me a Red Oak is too wide to place where the Sequoia is now located.  Anyone have a suggestion for a tree that reaches to the sky that’s relatively narrow and VERY tall?  God we’re calling on You!  And, as in the past, You have more often than not worked through ‘man’.  (Oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Ray Groff for making every human effort possible to keep Mr Sequoia alive.)  Can't wait to see what God has in mind -- for He will bring His word to pass.