Christians and Halloween

By Stephen Piersall
Deliverance Ministry, Central NY

I thought I would take on the subject of Halloween since it is coming up. I had received in the mail some great articles and rather than me try to say it, I am going to use articles from Kristine McGuire and Bill Sudduth and give them full credit as they are saying it better then I could:

Kristine McGuire who writes a blog “Kristine Remixed” wrote the following two articles. 

http://kristinemcguire.com/

Trick or Treat? Article One:

Because of my background in the occult, I am asked to share my opinion on a variety of related topics. In addition, every October finds me receiving many questions on how a Christian parent should respond to our cultures favorite spooky holiday – Halloween. What I have observed over the last few years is this. When it comes to Halloween, there are (generally speaking) two major camps within the church on the issue:

Those who celebrate the day in some form (traditionally or by offering an alternative harvest celebration).

Those who vehemently oppose any observance or activity. But I've discovered there is a growing third group (including some who used to be in one of the first two). These people tend to be:

§  Those who have listened to arguments from both sides but are kind of at a loss as to how to proceed. 

§  Parents who took their kids to alternative events at their church as youngsters who are now facing teenagers wanting to make their own decision about Halloween. 

§  "Empty Nesters" who are tired of all the shenanigans of the day but have grandchildren to consider.

I'll be honest. My personal position on Halloween has changed a little, even since I wrote a chapter on the subject for my book, “Escaping the Cauldron” http://kristinemcguire.com/escaping-the-cauldron-book/. While I still believe it's a great opportunity to be salt and light to our neighbors (we should be doing so every day anyway), I will no longer participate in Halloween observance (including Trunk or Treat – which has looked less like the alternative it's meant to be for years as far as I've seen).

What I will be doing this October 31st. And let's face it. There are plenty of harvest festivals to enjoy throughout the month if I really want to go to one without connecting to Halloween. BUT that's what God's been speaking to me for several months now. I'm not going to tell you what to do or how your family should deal with Halloween, trick-or-treating, and the like. However, if you are struggling with how to handle this issue you might want to take this into consideration. If you have a "gut feeling" or "spiritual red flag" or some other "spiritual check" when it comes to Halloween (any part of it) you have the answer you seek. If God has been poking at you, it's important to respond to Him with obedience. How that plays out is for you to determine but I imagine it's finding something completely"other" to do.

Finally, allow me to add this caveat to one more group who tends to fall through the cracks of this debate (because most of the time the focus is on children and trick-or-treating). For anyone intrigued or drawn by the fright factor (ghost hunting programs, horror novels, haunted houses) or dabbling in other forms of occultism (Ouija boards, divination, psychics, mediums, etc.) Halloween is the penultimateboo-fest. You truly need to step away, especially if you believe yourself to be a Christian. Find something else to do (not to mention stop feeding those occult interests every other day of the year as well).

Why? While for many October 31st is simply a secular holiday, a night of fun (re: what I wrote above), there are many others who take the spiritual reality of the day seriously. The ancients believed October 31st was a time between times. A day when the "veil" between our world and the spirit realm is at it's most thin. Five years past renouncing all of my occult activities (and abilities), I believe this is very true. Seeking an "experience" through ghost hunting on Halloween (which a lot of people do now), or simply opening your mind (and spirit) to fear through what you see, hear, or do is risky, but this day seems to be even more so. And those spiritual doors (once opened) can be very difficult to close. Even if you do not personally see the effects of dabbling (or actual practice) within your ownlife, there is a real possibility your descendants will. Now, I'm not saying all this to freak you out ("For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT) but to encourage you. The Lord is calling people into freedom from the occult deception running rampant in our culture today. He is declaring what the world considers spooky "fun" or a form of "spiritual enlightenment" to be a lie. So look to God for the truth, repent, follow Him. He will set you free.

There is a group on Facebook  called "I Hate Halloween" (remember – some vehemently oppose the day). One of the moderators (all former occultists) wrote something recently which I think sums up what I'm trying to communicate: "If we are to be wholehearted followers of Christ, we have to be willing to give Him everything! If we aren't willing to give up a little "fun" for God, what kind of Christians are we?"

  

Trick or Treat? Article Two:

Halloween is happening. Every day there are more aisles filled with candy and all the trappings associated with the day. Parties are planned. Even a number of television programs will have some kind of Halloween theme. So now what?

Some people choose to close the curtains, turn off the light, and ignore the doorbell. Others post signs saying they do not celebrate Halloween. Now, I do respect the decision these Christians have made and their reasoning. However, I can't help but think the wrong message is being promoted. In my opinion,(and that's all it is) there are positive approaches people can take while choosing not to participate in Halloween which perhaps presents a message which will resonate in a deeper way.

– Host a prayer meeting or worship night.

– Have a Reformation Day party.

– Enjoy dinner and a family movie (and invite some friends to join you).

There are also ways to be an effective witness if you do choose to open your door to children hollering, "Trick-or-Treat!" as well.

– Be the neighbor who shines light (literally – create a cheerful, inviting doorway or porch) on what is considered a dark, spooky night.

– Play uplifting contemporary Christian or praise and worship music which people can hear when you open the door.

– Offer the best candy along with a Pocket Sized Gospel of John and a winsome tract explaining the gospel.

– Talk to your neighbors (especially if you do not interact much the rest of the year). Offer parents coffee or hot cider, especially if the evening is cold. Let people see Christ shining through you. Several years ago, a friend shared with me how the pumpkin luminaries her family creates every year for their doorstep provided a light in the dark for a little girl. I recorded the story last year (with my friend's permission). I would love to share the story with you again.

My point is this. While there are some dark things, which take place on Halloween, I can assure you these same things will occur any other day within the year as well. However, JESUS CHRIST has overcome the world. The enemy is defeated. Every day belongs to God. We are meant to honor the Lord with our words and actions. Let us fulfill the call God places on all Christians to engage the people in our sphere of influence for HIM — especially on Halloween.

Go On this site and see how you can obtain her new book “Escaping the Cauldron” http://kristinemcguire.com/escaping-the-cauldron-book/

Bill Sudduth - Righteous Acts Ministries - Trick or Treat - Should We.

    

There are many controversial subjects in the church today and Halloween is no exception. As Christians, we are called to glorify God in all we do! How then as Christians do we embrace such activities? Who receives glory and honor on Halloween? Does our Lord and savior Jesus Christ; or does Satan? The book of Isaiah, chapter 14, verses 12 through 15 tell of Satan's fall from heaven andincludes the (I wills.) This is a well-known section of scripture, which clearly demonstrates Satan's desire and intent to receive the praises of men, to make himself as God. I'll ask you again, who receives glory and honor and the praises of men on Halloween night? I think it's no coincidence that Halloween today and its origin have the same key ingredient, that ingredient is compromise. 

In 43 AD, the Romans conquered these Celtic lands and soon mixed and mingled their beliefs and customs with that of the Celtics. When the Romans Adopted Christianity as the state religion the Catholic Church rapidly spread throughout Europe and the British Isles. The church converted the Celts but had great difficulty bringing an end to their customs and festivals. So the Catholic Church, under the direction of Pope Boniface IV decided to make a compromise. They replaced this old harvest festival with a new one called "All Saints Day”, November 1st. The problem was the Celts continued to celebrate the Harvest festival as they always did, and by the 1500's you could no longer distinguish between the two. All Saints Day had become All Hallows Day, and hallows eve became Halloween. Halloween was brought to America by Irish immigrants in the early to mid-1800's. In 1921, Anoka, Minnesota celebrated the first citywide Halloween festival. New York started celebrationsin 1923 and Los Angeles in 1925. We now celebrate it as a nation, with literally millions of dollars spent annually to glorify Satan, death and hell. 

The devil has done an excellent job in recent years desensitizing our culture, this nation and the church to all kinds of witchcraft and occult practices. The origins of Halloween are tied to pagan festivals at the transition of nature and seasons. Oddly enough, that is some of the same terminology and reasoning used by modem day witches and wiccan's. Halloween is a Holy day or actually an un-holy day for these people who practice witchcraft and sorcery. I believe it is no coincidence that witch covens across this nation seek power from Satan on this most un-holy day. I truly believe the many and varied reports that Satan is worshiped on Halloween through rites, rituals and ceremonies with every kind of debauchery. I believe all Christians should not only refrain from involving themselves with Halloween activities but they should help educate others in doing the same! I also would encourage the church not to compromise (again) and have costume events at churches but instead, educate our young people. We can have an alternative event, but have a truly Christian event. It is time the church "Come out from among them and be separate”.

Blessings,

Bill Sudduth
Righteous Acts Ministries
www.ramministry.org

God Really, Really Hates Ghosts

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

¹The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,²"Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones.³I myself will set my face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given one of his children to Molech, to make my sanctuary unclean and to profane my holy name.

⁴And if the people of the land do at all close their eyes to that man when he gives one of his children to Molech, and do not put him to death,⁵then I will set my face against that man and against his clan and will cut them off from among their people, him and all who follow him in whoring after Molech.⁶If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.


The same God, who created the universe, uttered the words above. As Creator, He has the authority to hate and be angry with whatever/whoever He wants…always in keeping with His just character. In verses 1-5 the Lord tells His covenant community that He detests the practice of child sacrifice to Molech. He hates it so much that He declares that it is a capital crime. I read this text in my personal devotion today, and it is what comes next that particularly struck me. In v.4 the Lord says that if the people fail to put the perpetrator to death, then He will cut his life short. How terrifying it would be to have the Lord set His face against a person and pledge to cut him off—which is simply another way of saying to “kill” someone. When the Jews were circumcised, the foreskin was cut off as a sign of blessing and curse—as members of God’s holy covenant community, they would be blessed if they believed and obeyed, and they would be cursed if they were disobedient. On the cross, Jesus became The Circumcised One—cut off from the Father. From the context, it is clear that the Lord would Himself kill the practitioner of child sacrifice to Molech. Does that not indicate how much He hates that practice?

However, the Lord’s pledge to avenge unpunished wrongdoing does not end there (and this is key)—in v. 6 God Almighty states that He will personally kill people for two other sins if the covenant community does not follow through with the death penalty. Along with killing one’s own child by sacrificing them to Molech, Yahweh says that seeking after mediums and necromancers will result in He Himself killing that person (if they are not properly dealt with judicially). THAT is what leapt off the page this morning when I read it…God promised that He would kill anyone who committed those three sins—that is how much He hates them. As I showed in an earlier post, there are gradations to sins seriousness…and God has revealed three that top the list.

Notice that it is not the mediums and necromancers who are singled out for His special wrath (though surely that is implied), but the people who seek them out. What does that mean for today? Since there is not a theocracy anymore, then the death penalty has been discontinued in the New Testament for being involved with mediums and attempting to traffic with the dead. (there is a distinction between sin and crime). What does carry over from the Old Testament to today is this principle: the Holy God has particular revulsion for mediumistic activity as well as any practice that involves seeking the dead. Here is what truly frightens me—all the folks actively investigating the spirit realm, are the objects of His special displeasure and wrath. Rom.1:18 explicitly says that God’s wrath is currently being poured out from heaven upon those who suppress the truth, and then fall into dark practices. God is immutable (unchanging), so if He actively punished those who sought mediums as well as interaction with the dead, then there is every reason to believe that is still the case.

Every square inch of the Old Testament is applicable to today, and has up to the second relevance…THE CHALLENGE IS KNOWING HOW IT IS APPLICABLE. Just because the sacrificial system has been abrogated by the once-for-all sacrifice of the Messiah, that does not mean that all the various sacrifices have no purpose for today. Each one highlights an essential aspect of Christ’s atonement, and helps us to understand the many splendored wonder of the cross. There is both continuity and dis-continuity. Similarly, the death penalty has been discontinued, but certainly God’s resolute anger towards, and special punishment of, mediums and spiritism flows with continuity into our era…especially in light of the reality of Rom.1:18ff. Why does God accent the particular repugnance of these three sins? As Creator He can pull rank and not answer that—I really think it is important that we understand God can do what He wants with or without our approval. Nevertheless, the fact that all three sins lead one into direct contact with the demonic is certainly something that sheds light on the situation. Intentional contact with the spirit realm is exceedingly dangerous, and angers God mightily.

Since God created the world, then He has the authority to hate and punish how He wishes (God does love everyone, and forgiveness is available to all who embrace the gospel).According to God, all those who mess with alleged ghosts are spiritually whoring (v. 6). Can God still hurt people? He most certainly can and does…and He has said He will severely punish all who mess with mediums and ghosts. Yes, God expresses more grace in the New Covenant, but that does not abrogate or do away with the continuity of basic principles from Old to New Testament. God really, really hates the notion of ghosts…do you?

How to Tell a Fake Medium from a True Empath

By Lisa Grace

A medium or an empath is someone who for some reason can sense or the hidden supernatural world. In time, with all the scientific break throughs we’ve had in detection everyone may be able to do this in the near future.

It seems differences in temperature (which we can see through heat vision goggles) Electro Magnetic field sensors, and goggles that allow you to see light waves that are invisible to our human eyes; we can begin to “see” what is there.

Now, how do you tell a fake from a real one?

It doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter who is a fake empath or a real one because the information they may get from supernatural creatures posing as dead love ones, is of no use to you. The only information they can give you is to lead you astray.

If God wants you to know something other than what is given in His word, the Holy Scriptures, you will know. If it is a contradiction to His word, you can be assured it was given to you through an entity posing as His emissary (a good angel or ghost of someone we loved.)

It doesn’t matter who is a fake empath or a real one, because we are not to consult them. (Refer back to my article on Communicating With the Dead.)

It doesn’t matter who is fake or real, because they can easily be led astray, too. The only difference is, the real ones know there is a supernatural world.

Everything we need to know about the supernatural world is:

• We are at war with the entities stuck on this earth.
• They will possess or attach to us or other objects in our homes if given the chance.
• They want to destroy us through trickery, deception, or actions people do when they are possessed.
• If you think you have them in your home, drive them out for good.

An empath can be helpful in detecting if they are there, or what objects have them attached. But for communication? NO.



Next article I’ll discuss in detail who can drive them out permanently and under what circumstances they can be permanently driven out. It’s not always possible.

Issue 91 – Never Mock God & Top 10 Favorite Horror Movies

By Kirby Robinson

October 27, 2008 was the original air date for Paranormal State's most controversial case. For the past four years the debate over how real or fake that "I Am Six" episode was still hasn't calmed down.

Now, after an exclusive investigation involving a team of reporters and investigators, the hidden truth will come to light.

This book contains many facts that those involved with that show don't want you to know. The final pages expose a secret that even over the past few days they have tried to keep from the public. Never Mock God – An Unauthorized Investigation into the "I Am Six" Case will be offered in eBook format at Amazon, B&N and Smashwords.

We hope to have it available by October 27th, but, if not, to paraphrase Orson Welles from his wine-selling days: "we will sell no book before its time…"

And, as it'll be Halloween in exactly one week, I’d like to share my Top 10 Favorite Horror movies with you.

10] Return of the Living Dead Part II, 1988 – A campy yet at times very frightening take on zombie movies. This movie is as good as anything we’ve ever done in this century when it comes to portraying the living dead!

9] The Exorcism of Emily Rose, 2005 – Probably the best film to present what it feels like to be possessed by a demon. Even more frightening because it’s based on a true story.

8] Dracula, 1931 – This black and white movie starring Bela Lugosi might be dated. It might not have the special effects, and the script might be a little bit lame at times. But on a dark and stormy night with the lights out, a bowl of popcorn, and a cold root beer, it can still give you the creeps.

7] Alien, 1979 and Aliens, 1986 – The tagline for the first one is “In space no one can hear you scream.” And if you watch this alone no one in your house will hear you scream. Get the director’s cut if you can and both Alien movies keep the shocks coming!

6] Halloween, 1978 and Halloween II, 1981 – The original Halloween, in my opinion, is nonetheless the best slasher movie. And the unique thing about the second one is the beginning is actually the end of the original. Michael is still a guy you wouldn’t want to run into on Halloween night.

5] The Haunting, 1963 – It may not have the shock value that the others have but it’s one of the best portrayals of what a sensitive really goes through.

4] 13 Ghosts, 1960 – The special effects may be outdated but its unique take on the afterlife still gives me chills.

3] The Exorcist [The Version You’ve Never Seen], 1973 – Yes, that’s how it’s now titled and if you’ve not seen this version with four new scenes and a longer running time, this movie is even scarier than the original version.

2] The Shining, 1980 – As good if not better than the Stephen King book it’s based on. Shows a very accurate look into being a sensitive as well as how demons seduce individuals into becoming possessed.

1] Dominion: Prequel to the Exorcist, 2005 – This is a film that many have never seen or even heard about. It’s what leads to the foundation of the Exorcist that would come later. Not a special effects extravaganza, but highly accurate when it comes to the confrontation between the exorcist and the demon.

Honorable Mention: Paranormal Activity movies 1-3 [and the fourth when it's available on Netflix/DVD.

Any of these movies I would highly recommend especially this time of year!

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Dalai Lama Speaks at William and Mary Hall

October 10, 2012, By Rusty Carter, editor@vagazette.com

WILLIAMSBURG – Like a man dispensing advice and humor to his grandchildren, the 14th Dalai Lama took a crowd of 8,200 people on a journey Wednesday afternoon at William and Mary Hall, covering a range of topics that meandered from green eye shadow, and ugly wives, to 9/11 and the end of the world.

The spiritual leader of the Buddhist world spoke for just over 45 minutes, delivering folksy, simple wisdom.

His reaction to a standing ovation that grew louder when he donned a William & Mary visor? "So, sit down."

He greeted his audience as brothers and sisters, noting that "fundamentally, we are the same beings."

The lecture centered on compassion, cautioning that many of man's problems are self-created.

"There's too much emphasis on the secondary level of differences in religion, differences in race, in color, in nationality. If I say Buddhism is better, my attitude creates a barrier.

"Nobody wants problems. Even those able to handle problems, this person wishes for less problems. No one is thinking, 'I want more serious problems to handle.' That's foolish thinking."

The Dalai Lama suggested there is a new reality to the world, discounting the idea that history repeats itself. "We have to find a new way of thinking, new approaches to problems. We must study the reality."

To that end, he felt the United States was too quick to rely on force, noting that "unexpected consequences often happen."

He recalled meeting former President George W. Bush. "I really love him. He's a nice person ... on a human level. Some of his policies, I have reservations about."

That led into an explanation of compassion. The Dalai Lama recalled attending a conference in Delhi, India that dealt with health care. "No one asked religion or nationality. They took care of the sick as human beings.

"We're the same. We're born the same. We die the same. Our reproduction is the same."

He said that animals show compassion for their own, as mothers care for their young. Humans, however, have the ability to extend companion to enemies. "Only humans have that compassion. If we extend that compassion to our enemies, maybe one day they will become good friends."

The Dalai Lama sprinkled humor into his lecture at regular intervals. While talking about compassion, he spoke of a group of Cubans he once met. "They said they prayed to God to please bring [Fidel] Castro to heaven as soon as possible. They didn't like him as a leader, but they wanted a good ending."

Talking about young adults, the Dalai Lama noted that young ladies "spend lots of money on cosmetics. They put this green color on," waving his hand in front of his face and just above his eyes. "It looks very strange."

That served as a metaphor to talk about inner beauty and lasting relationships. With it came another story.

"In the '60s in India, one Tibetan, his wife was not ... attractive." Laughter spread throughout the hall. "I told him that his wife was not that attractive. He said 'attractive no, but inner beauty is very good.' I had no further argument."

Responding to pre-submitted questions from students, the Dalai Lama took on a few more serious topics.

Asked about how people of diverse religions can work and live together, he talked about speaking at a 9/11 commemoration a year after the terrorist attacks.

"Because of one act by one group of people, to characterize the whole Muslim religion as bad is totally wrong," he said.

He noted that Buddhists suffered greatly under Muslim rule in India. "The past is the past," he added.

To a question about the use of technology in today's world, the Dalai Lama said he went two years without "opening his television." When a young visitor asked how he passed the time, he said "Mostly, I think. I meditate about life, about the world. I analyze."

The Dalai Lama recalled a question from one person about the prediction based on a Mayan calendar that the world will end this December. The person wanted to know if he believed it was true.

"I said, 'No.' Buddha's teachings are supposed to last 5,000 years. It's only been 2,500 so there's at least another 2,500 years to go."

Paranormal Headlines -- Monday, October 22, 2012

By Kirby Robinson

More wacky paranormal headlines…

If you run out of UFO theories get in a gun battle with police!

http://www.thelocal.de/society/20121018-45629.html

And then stockpile weapons:

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=613224&CategoryId=14092

Seeking enlightenment shouldn't kill you:

http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201210/india-syndrome-death-enlightenment?printable=true&utm_source=General+Users&utm_campaign=bd8f527de5-c%3AOm+Says+-+Saturday%2C+October+6%2C+2012+d%3A10-05&utm_medium=email#ixzz28W93afzk

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Paranormal Headlines -- Sunday, October 21, 2012

By Kirby Robinson

Here are a few paranormal headlines that caught my eye and should give you something to think about.

The status of our forthcoming book, "Never Mock God: An Unauthorized Investigation into Paranormal State's 'I Am Six' Case" is going through final edits. It should be out before Halloween.

Seeking justice for victims of the Salem Witch Trials

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57527042/relative-fighting-to-get-conn-to-clear-witches/

Voodoo is alive and well in New York City

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2213796/Shannon-Taggart-Machetes-trances-wild-dances-Fascinating-photos-shed-light-VOODOO-rituals.html

If the Second Coming has already taken place, no one told me

http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/6418/christian_media_battle_over_controversial_figure/

Psychics can talk to the dead until a scientist walks into the room

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/blog/2012/oct/16/psychics-prove-powers-scientific-test?newsfeed=true

Keep current and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/eyeonparanormal

EARN EXTRA MONEY! If you have a website, forum or blog you can set up an Amazon Associates Affiliate Program link and sell the Kindle version of INVESTIGATING PARANORMAL STATE, PARANORMAL STATE EXPOSED and PARANORMAL TEACHINGS: THE BEST OF SHEDDING SOME LIGHT and earn money. You can also sell other books and products that Amazon offers. Here's the link https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/