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Ok Blain I've let you slide a few times but not on this one. Just because your niece dresses up for a pagan Godless event does not make it right. Why do people quickly defend what they do knowing its wrong. halloween is evil demonic filled with death and deception all that partake of it are deceived.nothing good about it period. You wanna give candy fine but don't base it on a pagan ritual my goodness. I guess you think watching vampire diaries and the walking dead is ok too? That is a question.
P
How can you hear the Lord Blain if you are always talking and hearing only Blain?. CC is a public site many foolish comments come by way of unlearned zealous believers and others come with wisdom and great teachings here. If you don't think the Lord can use any post to correct you then why post? No one can make you believe what you don't want to believe but here is an ah ha moment for you Your enemy and mine the devil can sure as heck influence your thoughts using familiar things you like that is the way deception works.Evil is evil any way you look at it unless you don't want to see it as evil then it becomes ok!!
A
In Australia kids dress up in fancy dress and go door to door seeking candy. I have no idea why. I don't buy candy and I don't participate in it.
People spend years teaching their kids .. do not take candy from strangers!!!! then they make a holiday out of doing just that. makes no sense to me. I put a sign up on my door that we don't participate in trick or treating.
I also don't watch movies that would be considered horror or fantasy. Im just not interested.
People spend years teaching their kids .. do not take candy from strangers!!!! then they make a holiday out of doing just that. makes no sense to me. I put a sign up on my door that we don't participate in trick or treating.
I also don't watch movies that would be considered horror or fantasy. Im just not interested.
God knows full well the human condition as Jesus became man in order to save the world and those in it from the sin that they allowed to creep into their life's in the pursuit of the empty promises of the devil. "Come now, let us reason together.." says the Lord.".Line upon line, precept upon precept, a little here, a little there." I hope that is a 'double-stuffed' Oreo you are eating with that glass of ice cold milk. Whole milk too and not skim milk, with ice.
P
I buy and eat Halloween candy and watch scary movies on Halloween night. Does that mean I'm performing a satanic ritual? I think not.. 
Jeremiah 4:14 NLT How long will you harbor your evil thoughts.
Deuteronomy 15:9 NIV Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought.
Matthew 9:4 NIV Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your mind?
Romans 13:14 NIV Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Romans 12:2 KJV And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
Prov 27:3 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eate, and drinke, sayth he to thee, but his heart is not with thee.
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I talk to donkeys everyday! Metaphor. Yet I do also realize the truth even from a donkey! Here is some interesting reading.
"For Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft," 1 Sam. 15:23,
WITCHCRAFT - SATANISM
Witches are for Halloween or for superstitious primitives in seventeenth century Salem. That seems to be the "modern" outlook sophisticated skepticism and a knowing smile when it comes to witchcraft.
And yet Time's recent cover story would indicate that witchcraft is not a thing of the past. Satan is not dead. Young people by the thousands are probing seriously the mysteries of "the other side," from seances to Satan worship. Leading universities report over-enrolled courses on witchcraft . . . occult book sales have doubled in three years . . . most American high schools have their campus "witches and warlocks" . . . And occasionally the headlines shatter our complacency with the terror of Manson-style violence.
Halloween is celebrated by children in the United States. This issue is becoming debatable inside of Christian circles because of the rise of the occult in America.
Witchcraft-Satanism revivals and their obvious tie with pagan holiday causes Christians to question if the church should participate in Halloween.
Children are in costumes and masks with Halloween pumpkins of 'Jack O' Lanterns' name for (Will Wisps) an ancient symbol of a damned soul, too long considered harmless fun, and innocent pranks.
Halloween is celebrated masquerading as Church fund-raising bazaars decorated with black cats and witches; skeletons, scarecrows, haunted houses, bats, vampires and dummies in coffins. It should not be integrated with the holiness of the scared house of God. It's wicked and brings curses, (Deut. 11-36, 28.)
Some see it as evil and will have nothing to do with the celebration; others as harmless fun partake fully: costume parties, Halloween decorations and 'trick-or-treat. Still others try to find a "middle" approach, allowing trick-or-treat and masquerades, but as "Bible characters" instead of demonic and occult figures.
Some Churches are now seeing the influence of its fruit. One cannot deny the occult-metaphysical nature of Halloween is not in line with the Christian in character. Despite this clear contrast, Christians defend their complicity in the holiday asserting their "liberty" in Christ from the bondages of "legalism," declaring it is only innocent fun! God never gave us liberty to engage ourselves in evil!
"Learn not the way of the heathen . . . for the customs of the people are vain," (Jeremiah 10:2-3).
"And what concord hath Christ with Belial or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," (II Corinthians 6:15-17).
THE SPIRIT WORLD
The Bible clearly teaches that there is both a natural, material world as well as an invisible and spiritual world. The domain of physical human beings is the physical world, whereas the "heavenlies" are people or occupied by spirit beings. Among these spirit beings there are two classes, the good and the evil.
In the Scriptures, both holy and unholy spirit beings are designated as angels (Revelation 12:7). Unusually the unholy angels are referred to as demons, translated in the King James Version as devils.
They are called seraphim, cherubim, angels, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, (Ephesians 6:12), thrones, dominions (Colossians 1:16), fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4), spirits in prison (I Peter 3:18-20), demons, seducing spirits (I Timothy 4:1).
There are an "innumerable company of angels", (Hebrews 12:22). They are referred to as "mighty angels" but they are not almighty (2 Thessalonians 1:7). One angel destroyed 185,000 of the Assyrian army in a night (2 Kings 19:35),. One angel rolled away the stone from the tomb of Jesus and one angel will bind Satan and cast him into the "bottomless pit". They are glorious beings according to Luke 9:26 and they seem to posses great knowledge but they are not omniscient -- all know. The angels are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister (serve) for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:13-14). They are also responsible for 'taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
The chief of the fallen angels is an archangel who has at least forty names given in Scripture. Some are proper names, others are descriptive. For example, in Revelation 12:10 he is called the "accuser of the brethren". He is called "that old Serpent", (Revelation 20:2), indicating his guile, Lucifer, "Son of the Morning", (Isaiah 14:12), his title when he fell. Devil means "accuser or slanderer", and it is of Greek origin (Revelation 12:9). Satan means "adversary or resister", and is of Hebrew origin; "Apollon", means "destroyer", the term " Dragon". speaks of his power. He is also called "Prince of devils." (Matthew 9:34), "Prince of this world", (John 12:31), "Belial", is implied to be his title in II Corinthians 6:15. In II Kings 1: 2, 6, 16, he is referred to as "Beelzebub", implying a prince of demons. As Dr. Lewis S. Chafer says, "In power, prominence and importance, Satan appears in the Bible second only to the Trinity."
Two of his most powerful names are:
" The prince of the power of the air", (Ephesians 2:2) and " the god of this world", (age) (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Satan's origin is shrouded in mystery. There are two passages of Scripture to explain his origin. Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:12-17.
Dr. Chafer points out the "Demon influence, like their activity, is prompted by two motives: both to hinder the purpose of God for humanity, and to extend the authority of Satan. They therefore, at the command of their king, willingly cooperate in all his God-dishonoring undertakings. This influence is exercised both to mislead the unsaved and to wage an increasing war against the believer," (Eph. 6:12).
Derek Prince writes, "Today, by divine providence, the veils of convention and carnality are once again being drawn aside, and the church of Jesus Christ is being confronted by the same manifest opposition of demon power that confronted the church of the New Testament. In these circumstances, the church must once again explore the resources of authority and power made available to her through the truth of the Scripture, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the Name and the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The Bible warns: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," (I Peter 5:8).
He is after you, your family and your children!
THE BATTLE TODAY
No one can dabble in the occult and come away unshackled. It is not harmless games and fun. Occult involvement whether done innocently or not, is disobedience to God's Word. When people ignore God's warning and enter a forbidden realm, they witness spiritual phenomenons. The Devil does have supernatural power. However, everything he does for people, he requires payment. The result of occult involvement causes oppression, depression, confusion, delusion, and physical ailments of all sorts. We are warned not to be ignorant of Satan's devices in (II Corinthians 2:11).
Playing with the occult has become very attractive to Americans. Every where you go, you will witness occult activity. It is blatant. Psychic and astrologers are using 900 numbers. Occult themes are being worked into many television programs. Talk shows are featuring astrologers, divinatory, clairvoyants, scientologists, Satanists, witches, psychics, crystal gazers, dream analysis, yoga, reincarnations, hypnotists, fortune-tellers, spiritualists, parapsychologists, numerologists and New Agers. Even Disney World is deeply involved in the promotion of the occult.
"Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds," 2 John 7.
Michael Harper writes these encouraging words: "These wicked beings can suggest evil, but cannot coerce the will of another creature. They may spread snares and device to ruin the children of God, but cannot compel any other being to comply with their designs, nor can they employ God's creation other than as He decrees. They have never been able to defeat God, and actually God uses them as instruments to correct the erring Saints. See Luke 22:31-32; I Corinthians 5:5; I Timothy 1:20.
Someone has remarked that Satan is like a monkey wrench which the Lord uses to tighten up loose nuts! Be of good cheer, saints of God! Satan is severely limited and all his bluster and bluff about "all power" is sham. Our God is still on the throne and He rules! Hallelujah! Remember you choose to participate with the wiles of the devil. You are also called to educate your children concerning his games. "Success for the Christian will depend in a large measure on recognizing the work of the devil and knowing how to defeat and expel him from every situation..." says Michael Harper.
ALL HALLOWS EVE
Halloween or ALL HALLOWS' EVE, was originally a festival of fire for the dead and the powers of darkness. It is the evening of 31 October, the night before the Christian festival of Hallows' or ALL SAINTS DAY.
All Hallows' Day commemorates the saints and martyrs, and was first introduced in the 7th century. Its date was changed from May 13 to November 1 in the following century, probably to make it coincide with and Christianize a pagan festival of the dead. All Souls' Day in the Roman Catholic calendar is November 2. It is marked by prayers for the souls of the dead.
Before the coming of Christianity, the pagan Celts in northern Europe held two great fire festivals each year, Beltane on the eve of May 1 and Samhain on the eve of November 1 to mark the beginning of summer and winter. These dates have no connection with the equinoxes or solstices, or with sowing and reaping, but seem to date from very early times when Celtic society depended heavily on cattle for subsistence. Samhain marked the beginning of winter and was the time when the cattle were brought in from pasture to spend the winter under cover. It was also the beginning of a new year. Because the Celtic day started at sunset, and ran to the following sunset. The festival began on the eve of November 1.
Bonfires on high hills were a blatant feature of The Old Halloween rites, though in England they have been gradually transferred to November 5 to mark the arrest of Guy Fawkes. In the 1860's a traveler in Scotland counted 30 fires on the hilltops between Dunkeld and Aberfeldy, each with a circle of people dancing round. Down to the end of the 19th century, fires blazed on the hills in Lancashire on the eve of All Hallows. In north Wales every family built a bond fire and each person threw into the ashes a white stone which he had previously marked. Prayers were said round the fire and next morning if a stone was missing, it was thought that its owner would die before he saw another Halloween. The same belief existed in the Scottish Highlands and many forms of fortune telling were a traditional feature of Halloween - probably because it was the Celtic New Year's Day and so a suitable time for predicting the events of the coming years.
In Aberdeenshire and Buchan in the 19th century, boys collecting fuel for the bonfire would ask for 'peat' to burn the witches. When the fire was lit, the boys danced round it shouting "Fire! Fire! Burn the witches." When the fire died down, the ashes were scattered and when the last spark had gone out, the cry went up into the ominous darkness. "The devil takes the hindmost" and they all ran for their lives. In Wales 'the cropped black sow' would take the hindmost.
All Hallows' Eve was a night when the dead stalked the countryside. Offerings of food and drink were put out for the ghosts. They passed by to the west always, the direction of the dying sun at sunset.
The fairies could also be seen moving from one fairy hill to another with the music of bells and elf horns. They were sometimes identified with the dead.
Darker and colder creatures still roamed through the night on Halloween - demons and hobgoblins, witches who straddled broomsticks or shank bones, flew in the sieve or eggshells, or rode on coal-black horses. The fires helped to keep them off and at Balmoral in Queen Victoria's time the effigy of a hideous old witch was ceremoniously burned on a bonfire at Halloween.
The guisers went from house to house, singing and dancing. Their bloodcurdling masks and grotesque costumes may have been meant to keep evil at bay or, more likely, were some visible representations of the ghosts and goblins that lurked in the night. The masks have now been transferred to the children who, in the United States, visit the neighbors for the food-offerings which once belonged to the dead - or play tricks akin to the legendary destructiveness of witches and imps abroad on this night.
"When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abomination of those nations," (Deut. 18-9).
MASKS
A very popular Halloween custom is the wearing of masks, (false faces) such as, witches masks, devil masks, cat masks, bat masks, monster masks, and the list goes on. People hide behind all sorts of 'masks.' Some hide behind 'hats' and still others, including many of today's youth, and others, hides behind dark sunglasses.
From earliest times, people all over the world have worn masks for all sorts of reasons . . . droughts, epidemics, or other disasters. They hoped that the demons who had brought the disaster would see the mask and think they were demons, too, and be frightened off. In imaginative primitive societies, a mask was more than a means of changing one's appearance; it was a link with the world of the spirits, a channel by which men could tap the forces of the supernatural. The wearing of a mask was believed to change a man's identity and personalities, for the assumed appearance was believed to affect the wearer's inner nature and to assimilate it to that of the being represented by the mask.
During the middle ages, witches often put on masks or smeared their faces with soot and paint. People of nobility attending a witch's Sabbath would always arrive 'masked.'
Masks can be divided into two categories, the religious and the profane. Masks are worn by the dancers in the religious ceremonies of West African Tribes. The theater of ancient Greece is an example of the secular use of the mask. The use of the masks enabled actors to double and triple the number of parts they could play during any one performance.
Protection against supernatural dangers is a function of masks worn in certain ritual situations, such as at funerals. This is done 'in order to avoid recognition by the souls of the dead.' Masks are sometimes worn by 'warriors' to symbolize a superior power by identifying themselves with this force. While there are civilizations where the mask plays an important role in ritual activities, there are regions of the world where the wearing of a mask is unknown.
Masks are worn in some initiation ceremonies of certain organizations. The wearer of the mask partakes of the power of the divinity or spirit which the mask symbolizes. Thus, the wearer of the mask is believed to be elevated above the common mass of the uninitiated.
PAGANISM OCCULT
History traces to the ancient religion of the Druid, a religion so evil that Rome forbad its practice. The American Peoples Encyclopedia explains, "The origin of Halloween customs antedate Christianity. The Druids (members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gual) Festival of Samhain. It was a night of ghosts and faeries, in which bonfires were built and futures were foretold and witches rode through the sky."
Superstitions linking cats with reincarnation made them special objects of notice on Halloween. Numerous legends surrounded the holiday, but two significant things supposedly occurred on that night:
First, it was believed that the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruits and nuts. If not placated villagers, feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property. This the origin of our present day Trick-or-treat! In a custom born out of superstition, and pagan superstition at that!
Also, it's a blasphemous perversion of the Christian belief in the Resurrection, in a glorified, immortal body. In Druidism, the dead are raised as horrifying creatures of the night, hideous monsters, decaying skeletons, vampires, etc., they received not glorified bodies but grotesque ones; not immortal bodies but inhuman ones.
Second, Samhain was the supreme night of Demonic jubilation. This was a celebration of the beginning of 'Winter and Darkness,' as day light grew noticeably shorter, and night lengthier. The hoards of hell would roam the earth in a wild celebration of darkness and death, all in honor of Samhain! The poor mortal forced to travel on such a night! The only thing the superstitious people knew to do to protect themselves on such an occasion was to masquerade as one of the demonic hoard, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among them! This is the origin of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, orgres, and other demonic creatures.
"For Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft," 1 Sam. 15:23,
WITCHCRAFT - SATANISM
Witches are for Halloween or for superstitious primitives in seventeenth century Salem. That seems to be the "modern" outlook sophisticated skepticism and a knowing smile when it comes to witchcraft.
And yet Time's recent cover story would indicate that witchcraft is not a thing of the past. Satan is not dead. Young people by the thousands are probing seriously the mysteries of "the other side," from seances to Satan worship. Leading universities report over-enrolled courses on witchcraft . . . occult book sales have doubled in three years . . . most American high schools have their campus "witches and warlocks" . . . And occasionally the headlines shatter our complacency with the terror of Manson-style violence.
Halloween is celebrated by children in the United States. This issue is becoming debatable inside of Christian circles because of the rise of the occult in America.
Witchcraft-Satanism revivals and their obvious tie with pagan holiday causes Christians to question if the church should participate in Halloween.
Children are in costumes and masks with Halloween pumpkins of 'Jack O' Lanterns' name for (Will Wisps) an ancient symbol of a damned soul, too long considered harmless fun, and innocent pranks.
Halloween is celebrated masquerading as Church fund-raising bazaars decorated with black cats and witches; skeletons, scarecrows, haunted houses, bats, vampires and dummies in coffins. It should not be integrated with the holiness of the scared house of God. It's wicked and brings curses, (Deut. 11-36, 28.)
Some see it as evil and will have nothing to do with the celebration; others as harmless fun partake fully: costume parties, Halloween decorations and 'trick-or-treat. Still others try to find a "middle" approach, allowing trick-or-treat and masquerades, but as "Bible characters" instead of demonic and occult figures.
Some Churches are now seeing the influence of its fruit. One cannot deny the occult-metaphysical nature of Halloween is not in line with the Christian in character. Despite this clear contrast, Christians defend their complicity in the holiday asserting their "liberty" in Christ from the bondages of "legalism," declaring it is only innocent fun! God never gave us liberty to engage ourselves in evil!
"Learn not the way of the heathen . . . for the customs of the people are vain," (Jeremiah 10:2-3).
"And what concord hath Christ with Belial or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate," (II Corinthians 6:15-17).
THE SPIRIT WORLD
The Bible clearly teaches that there is both a natural, material world as well as an invisible and spiritual world. The domain of physical human beings is the physical world, whereas the "heavenlies" are people or occupied by spirit beings. Among these spirit beings there are two classes, the good and the evil.
In the Scriptures, both holy and unholy spirit beings are designated as angels (Revelation 12:7). Unusually the unholy angels are referred to as demons, translated in the King James Version as devils.
They are called seraphim, cherubim, angels, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, (Ephesians 6:12), thrones, dominions (Colossians 1:16), fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4), spirits in prison (I Peter 3:18-20), demons, seducing spirits (I Timothy 4:1).
There are an "innumerable company of angels", (Hebrews 12:22). They are referred to as "mighty angels" but they are not almighty (2 Thessalonians 1:7). One angel destroyed 185,000 of the Assyrian army in a night (2 Kings 19:35),. One angel rolled away the stone from the tomb of Jesus and one angel will bind Satan and cast him into the "bottomless pit". They are glorious beings according to Luke 9:26 and they seem to posses great knowledge but they are not omniscient -- all know. The angels are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister (serve) for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:13-14). They are also responsible for 'taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ' (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).
The chief of the fallen angels is an archangel who has at least forty names given in Scripture. Some are proper names, others are descriptive. For example, in Revelation 12:10 he is called the "accuser of the brethren". He is called "that old Serpent", (Revelation 20:2), indicating his guile, Lucifer, "Son of the Morning", (Isaiah 14:12), his title when he fell. Devil means "accuser or slanderer", and it is of Greek origin (Revelation 12:9). Satan means "adversary or resister", and is of Hebrew origin; "Apollon", means "destroyer", the term " Dragon". speaks of his power. He is also called "Prince of devils." (Matthew 9:34), "Prince of this world", (John 12:31), "Belial", is implied to be his title in II Corinthians 6:15. In II Kings 1: 2, 6, 16, he is referred to as "Beelzebub", implying a prince of demons. As Dr. Lewis S. Chafer says, "In power, prominence and importance, Satan appears in the Bible second only to the Trinity."
Two of his most powerful names are:
" The prince of the power of the air", (Ephesians 2:2) and " the god of this world", (age) (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Satan's origin is shrouded in mystery. There are two passages of Scripture to explain his origin. Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:12-17.
Dr. Chafer points out the "Demon influence, like their activity, is prompted by two motives: both to hinder the purpose of God for humanity, and to extend the authority of Satan. They therefore, at the command of their king, willingly cooperate in all his God-dishonoring undertakings. This influence is exercised both to mislead the unsaved and to wage an increasing war against the believer," (Eph. 6:12).
Derek Prince writes, "Today, by divine providence, the veils of convention and carnality are once again being drawn aside, and the church of Jesus Christ is being confronted by the same manifest opposition of demon power that confronted the church of the New Testament. In these circumstances, the church must once again explore the resources of authority and power made available to her through the truth of the Scripture, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the Name and the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ."
The Bible warns: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," (I Peter 5:8).
He is after you, your family and your children!
THE BATTLE TODAY
No one can dabble in the occult and come away unshackled. It is not harmless games and fun. Occult involvement whether done innocently or not, is disobedience to God's Word. When people ignore God's warning and enter a forbidden realm, they witness spiritual phenomenons. The Devil does have supernatural power. However, everything he does for people, he requires payment. The result of occult involvement causes oppression, depression, confusion, delusion, and physical ailments of all sorts. We are warned not to be ignorant of Satan's devices in (II Corinthians 2:11).
Playing with the occult has become very attractive to Americans. Every where you go, you will witness occult activity. It is blatant. Psychic and astrologers are using 900 numbers. Occult themes are being worked into many television programs. Talk shows are featuring astrologers, divinatory, clairvoyants, scientologists, Satanists, witches, psychics, crystal gazers, dream analysis, yoga, reincarnations, hypnotists, fortune-tellers, spiritualists, parapsychologists, numerologists and New Agers. Even Disney World is deeply involved in the promotion of the occult.
"Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds," 2 John 7.
Michael Harper writes these encouraging words: "These wicked beings can suggest evil, but cannot coerce the will of another creature. They may spread snares and device to ruin the children of God, but cannot compel any other being to comply with their designs, nor can they employ God's creation other than as He decrees. They have never been able to defeat God, and actually God uses them as instruments to correct the erring Saints. See Luke 22:31-32; I Corinthians 5:5; I Timothy 1:20.
Someone has remarked that Satan is like a monkey wrench which the Lord uses to tighten up loose nuts! Be of good cheer, saints of God! Satan is severely limited and all his bluster and bluff about "all power" is sham. Our God is still on the throne and He rules! Hallelujah! Remember you choose to participate with the wiles of the devil. You are also called to educate your children concerning his games. "Success for the Christian will depend in a large measure on recognizing the work of the devil and knowing how to defeat and expel him from every situation..." says Michael Harper.
ALL HALLOWS EVE
Halloween or ALL HALLOWS' EVE, was originally a festival of fire for the dead and the powers of darkness. It is the evening of 31 October, the night before the Christian festival of Hallows' or ALL SAINTS DAY.
All Hallows' Day commemorates the saints and martyrs, and was first introduced in the 7th century. Its date was changed from May 13 to November 1 in the following century, probably to make it coincide with and Christianize a pagan festival of the dead. All Souls' Day in the Roman Catholic calendar is November 2. It is marked by prayers for the souls of the dead.
Before the coming of Christianity, the pagan Celts in northern Europe held two great fire festivals each year, Beltane on the eve of May 1 and Samhain on the eve of November 1 to mark the beginning of summer and winter. These dates have no connection with the equinoxes or solstices, or with sowing and reaping, but seem to date from very early times when Celtic society depended heavily on cattle for subsistence. Samhain marked the beginning of winter and was the time when the cattle were brought in from pasture to spend the winter under cover. It was also the beginning of a new year. Because the Celtic day started at sunset, and ran to the following sunset. The festival began on the eve of November 1.
Bonfires on high hills were a blatant feature of The Old Halloween rites, though in England they have been gradually transferred to November 5 to mark the arrest of Guy Fawkes. In the 1860's a traveler in Scotland counted 30 fires on the hilltops between Dunkeld and Aberfeldy, each with a circle of people dancing round. Down to the end of the 19th century, fires blazed on the hills in Lancashire on the eve of All Hallows. In north Wales every family built a bond fire and each person threw into the ashes a white stone which he had previously marked. Prayers were said round the fire and next morning if a stone was missing, it was thought that its owner would die before he saw another Halloween. The same belief existed in the Scottish Highlands and many forms of fortune telling were a traditional feature of Halloween - probably because it was the Celtic New Year's Day and so a suitable time for predicting the events of the coming years.
In Aberdeenshire and Buchan in the 19th century, boys collecting fuel for the bonfire would ask for 'peat' to burn the witches. When the fire was lit, the boys danced round it shouting "Fire! Fire! Burn the witches." When the fire died down, the ashes were scattered and when the last spark had gone out, the cry went up into the ominous darkness. "The devil takes the hindmost" and they all ran for their lives. In Wales 'the cropped black sow' would take the hindmost.
All Hallows' Eve was a night when the dead stalked the countryside. Offerings of food and drink were put out for the ghosts. They passed by to the west always, the direction of the dying sun at sunset.
The fairies could also be seen moving from one fairy hill to another with the music of bells and elf horns. They were sometimes identified with the dead.
Darker and colder creatures still roamed through the night on Halloween - demons and hobgoblins, witches who straddled broomsticks or shank bones, flew in the sieve or eggshells, or rode on coal-black horses. The fires helped to keep them off and at Balmoral in Queen Victoria's time the effigy of a hideous old witch was ceremoniously burned on a bonfire at Halloween.
The guisers went from house to house, singing and dancing. Their bloodcurdling masks and grotesque costumes may have been meant to keep evil at bay or, more likely, were some visible representations of the ghosts and goblins that lurked in the night. The masks have now been transferred to the children who, in the United States, visit the neighbors for the food-offerings which once belonged to the dead - or play tricks akin to the legendary destructiveness of witches and imps abroad on this night.
"When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abomination of those nations," (Deut. 18-9).
MASKS
A very popular Halloween custom is the wearing of masks, (false faces) such as, witches masks, devil masks, cat masks, bat masks, monster masks, and the list goes on. People hide behind all sorts of 'masks.' Some hide behind 'hats' and still others, including many of today's youth, and others, hides behind dark sunglasses.
From earliest times, people all over the world have worn masks for all sorts of reasons . . . droughts, epidemics, or other disasters. They hoped that the demons who had brought the disaster would see the mask and think they were demons, too, and be frightened off. In imaginative primitive societies, a mask was more than a means of changing one's appearance; it was a link with the world of the spirits, a channel by which men could tap the forces of the supernatural. The wearing of a mask was believed to change a man's identity and personalities, for the assumed appearance was believed to affect the wearer's inner nature and to assimilate it to that of the being represented by the mask.
During the middle ages, witches often put on masks or smeared their faces with soot and paint. People of nobility attending a witch's Sabbath would always arrive 'masked.'
Masks can be divided into two categories, the religious and the profane. Masks are worn by the dancers in the religious ceremonies of West African Tribes. The theater of ancient Greece is an example of the secular use of the mask. The use of the masks enabled actors to double and triple the number of parts they could play during any one performance.
Protection against supernatural dangers is a function of masks worn in certain ritual situations, such as at funerals. This is done 'in order to avoid recognition by the souls of the dead.' Masks are sometimes worn by 'warriors' to symbolize a superior power by identifying themselves with this force. While there are civilizations where the mask plays an important role in ritual activities, there are regions of the world where the wearing of a mask is unknown.
Masks are worn in some initiation ceremonies of certain organizations. The wearer of the mask partakes of the power of the divinity or spirit which the mask symbolizes. Thus, the wearer of the mask is believed to be elevated above the common mass of the uninitiated.
PAGANISM OCCULT
History traces to the ancient religion of the Druid, a religion so evil that Rome forbad its practice. The American Peoples Encyclopedia explains, "The origin of Halloween customs antedate Christianity. The Druids (members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gual) Festival of Samhain. It was a night of ghosts and faeries, in which bonfires were built and futures were foretold and witches rode through the sky."
Superstitions linking cats with reincarnation made them special objects of notice on Halloween. Numerous legends surrounded the holiday, but two significant things supposedly occurred on that night:
First, it was believed that the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruits and nuts. If not placated villagers, feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property. This the origin of our present day Trick-or-treat! In a custom born out of superstition, and pagan superstition at that!
Also, it's a blasphemous perversion of the Christian belief in the Resurrection, in a glorified, immortal body. In Druidism, the dead are raised as horrifying creatures of the night, hideous monsters, decaying skeletons, vampires, etc., they received not glorified bodies but grotesque ones; not immortal bodies but inhuman ones.
Second, Samhain was the supreme night of Demonic jubilation. This was a celebration of the beginning of 'Winter and Darkness,' as day light grew noticeably shorter, and night lengthier. The hoards of hell would roam the earth in a wild celebration of darkness and death, all in honor of Samhain! The poor mortal forced to travel on such a night! The only thing the superstitious people knew to do to protect themselves on such an occasion was to masquerade as one of the demonic hoard, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among them! This is the origin of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, orgres, and other demonic creatures.
J
Hello, what is halloween anyway, as a public forum we express our point, but it shouldn't go further, like personal attacks on other's views. I apologize if any*judgmental*attitudes towards another were done. WE are all individual, and the Holy Spirit*doesn't*give up on us, as we grow in him. WE could all be heathen at times, wearing masks, and carrying around bags, wanting the things of the world, wearing a mask, and hiding from the Lord, in a spiritual sense. Let everyone share their thoughts, but don't give a foothold to the devil, by attacking other's. So being on CC for a while, is not a long while enough, we learn, we learn not to pass judgement on another, as in condemnation. To express our beliefs I don't see nothing wrong with that. Justifying one's self, also is pride. So let's just all get a grip on this with wisdom, and no I don't eat Oreo's, their too good, can't just have one, so I was jk. In time, we mature, and learn things, so their could be deeper spiritual issues hiding behind masks then wearing them physically. Adam hide behind a tree, or trees, everyone hides, when there is fear, under the spiritual mask, perfect love cast it out, or off of us.*Judging*wont' do that. Hope there's no hard feelings.
J
That's a lot of information. Thank you. Churches allow a lot today. Imagine Jesus's days. He would not allow this, neither does Israel. I don't know what*other*countries do this but the U.S. But this is good reading, for those who are not sure which way to go as new christians. Thank you for this read. It is good to print. I left a church where this is a big event, and the younger group go to the night clubs, and mingle with the world, and they do other things, homosexuality has also entered into that church. There is no difference then, if you want to be in the world, that's your choice, but Rev. says, either you hot or cold, but lukewarm will not be accepted, he spits them out from his mouth. If you allow things in, then many other things will come in like a flood, the choice I made I left a wordly church. Period.*
I left a church where this is a big event, and the younger group go to the night clubs, and mingle with the world, and they do other things, homosexuality has also entered into that church. There is no difference then, if you want to be in the world, that's your choice, but Rev. says, either you hot or cold, but lukewarm will not be accepted, he spits them out from his mouth. If you allow things in, then many other things will come in like a flood, the choice I made I left a wordly church. Period.*
J
This festival came into existence with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain on that times, people has the tradition to wear the*Halloween*costumes*for the defense from ghosts. During the 8[SUP]th[/SUP]*century, Pope Gregory III dedicated the first November to all the saints and martyrs and honors them on this day. And this day was given the name*All Saints’ Dayhaving some Samhain traditions. The evening before was known as the All Hallows’ Eve which later on turned into Halloween. This festival has got the much popularity around the world. Currently*Halloween is celebrated*in varied number of countries in the world.