Will you allow your children to participate?

[Eccl12and13]

In just over two weeks the 2nd most popular 'holiday'? season will be upon us. My question is this: Will you allow your children, or even yourselves, to participate in MAN'S Halloween tradition?

Or how about looking at it this way; Do you think God would condone such a practice, knowing that it's origin is something He said we should not do? Do you think He would be ok with it?

Or here is one even better yet.... For those that believe Christ could return at any day, what if His return happened on Halloween? Would you be proud of what you and your children were participating in, or would you be ashamed and trying to hide? Do you think the Lord would be pleased with your actions? Do you think there is anything you could dress up as that would "be ok" with the Lord? After all...if anyone knows the true origins of the holiday, it would be the Lord!

Let's read a few verses;

Deuteronomy 18
[9] 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.

God Himself tells us not to do the abominations of the other nations.

Deut.12
[30] Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

Now of course these words were spoken to the nation of Israel. But were God's commandments ONLY for the Israelites? Of course not! God's commandments was for ALL that choose to follow the true and living God. Do you believe God would only advise His chosen not to follow other gods? Even before the flood God warned the nations not to follow other gods. Let's read....

Josh.24
[2] And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
[3] And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.
[14] Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Above we can clearly read that even before Moses...God had laws and commandments against serving idol gods.

And were His laws only for the nation of Israel when they came on the scene? Let's read.....

Lev.18
[26] Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Lev.19
[34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Lev.20
[2] Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.


God's laws were NOT only for the nation of Israel. Anyone that decided to follow the true and living God was to receive the same blessings AND punishments as the nation of Israel. God's laws are for all. Let's read what God tells us in the NT. Notice His words does not change for those that are under the new covenant.


1 John 5
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.

God says to hold on to that which is good.

God tell us to avoid anything that may even appear to be evil.


Romans 12
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Paul tells us to abhor evil.


2 Corinthians 6
[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] 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.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

God tells us to separate ourselves from the customs of the world. What fellowship should you have with things once associated with idols and with darkness? Just how does the sinner tell that there is a Christian walking among them on Oct. 31st if BOTH are dressed up, knocking on doors and asking for candy?

Are not these the same commandments given by God in the OT? Are these not the same warnings given to the strangers that desired to follow the true and living God?

Now I'm sure some will say, "Well...What's the harm? It's for the kids. Let them have some fun."

Well.....let's read what Jesus says about those that love their children more that obeying God....

Matt.10
[37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.


As for me and my household......? Let's go back to the OT;


Josh.24
[15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.



Just something to think about!





.

 

[SemperFidelis07]

Regardless of its origins, I see it as just a fun holiday for kids. When I was a kid, I'd dress up in costumes and go trick or treating and to Halloween parties when I was a teenager and I still kept a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. My wife and I decorated our front yard for Halloween and we'll be giving out candy.

 

[mule]

Halloween is just a day of fun. To the pure all things are pure.
If you think it is some day of evil stay away I see it as a day of fun and costumes and lots of great candy. If I had children I would let them enjoy the fun.

 

[Eccl12and13]

"...Regardless of its origins, I see it as just a fun holiday for kids."

"...I see it as a day of fun and costumes..."


Not trying to change minds here. That's not my job. My job has already been done when I posted this topic. Only God can change minds.

And speaking of God.....


The reasoning should not be how WE see it, but how does God see it! For it will be Him that judge based on our deeds.


Just something to consider!



.

 

[hermanodaniel]

ALTHOUGH I DON"T HAVE CHILDREN THE ANSWER IS A BIG NO! AS I AM AWARE OF THE HISTORY OF THIS PAGAN HOLIDAY.
THE BIBLE SAYS CLEARLY THE FOLLOWING: 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

21 PROVE ALL THINGS;HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD.

22 ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL. <<<< (SELF-EXPLANATORY)

 

[Abiding]

Yes, i might get me a pillow case and go out myself. Candy...yumm.
To bad i dont have dental insurance. But i promise to brush

 

[Nautilus]

I already have plans of going to two or three halloween parties including one which always happens to be the largest halloween party in the area, and I have a costume for all of them. There honestly is nothing different with doing it on oct 27th or 0ct 31st or anyone other day of the year. A costume party is the same thing as a halloween party.

 

[Dude653]

Halloween is just a day of fun. To the pure all things are pure.
All things?? That's a bit of a stretch isn't it?

 

[WolfInOxHide]

From a third party perspective, I'm sure I wear my boogie man costume and trick people out of their candy all year long.

 

[Dude653]

Halloween promotes tooth decay

 

[Abiding]

Halloween promotes tooth decay

well i know your patiently waiting to beat up on Santa.
Dont worry bro it wont be long

 

[Dude653]

I guess i'm undecided on this one. On one side, halloween is a pagan holiday, on the other side, giving a kid some candy is not going to send him to hell. Many people feel that haloween celebrates things that God is not pleased with, and i suppose the do have a valid point. Others believe that is is harmless fun for kids. This point seems valid as well..so...I can't decide.....

 

[babyboyblue]

In just over two weeks the 2nd most popular 'holiday'? season will be upon us. My question is this: Will you allow your children, or even yourselves, to participate in MAN'S Halloween tradition?

Or how about looking at it this way; Do you think God would condone such a practice, knowing that it's origin is something He said we should not do? Do you think He would be ok with it?

...
Just something to think about!


.

Here's how I see it;

1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Which part of Halloween brings glory to God? Satan has blinded people to think these things are harmless but the truth is, they're not.

 

[feedm3]

In just over two weeks the 2nd most popular 'holiday'? season will be upon us. My question is this: Will you allow your children, or even yourselves, to participate in MAN'S Halloween tradition?

Or how about looking at it this way; Do you think God would condone such a practice, knowing that it's origin is something He said we should not do? Do you think He would be ok with it?

Or here is one even better yet.... For those that believe Christ could return at any day, what if His return happened on Halloween? Would you be proud of what you and your children were participating in, or would you be ashamed and trying to hide? Do you think the Lord would be pleased with your actions? Do you think there is anything you could dress up as that would "be ok" with the Lord? After all...if anyone knows the true origins of the holiday, it would be the Lord!

Let's read a few verses;

Deuteronomy 18
[9] 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.

God Himself tells us not to do the abominations of the other nations.

Deut.12
[30] Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

Now of course these words were spoken to the nation of Israel. But were God's commandments ONLY for the Israelites? Of course not! God's commandments was for ALL that choose to follow the true and living God. Do you believe God would only advise His chosen not to follow other gods? Even before the flood God warned the nations not to follow other gods. Let's read....

Josh.24
[2] And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
[3] And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.
[14] Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

Above we can clearly read that even before Moses...God had laws and commandments against serving idol gods.

And were His laws only for the nation of Israel when they came on the scene? Let's read.....

Lev.18
[26] Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you:

Lev.19
[34] But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Lev.20
[2] Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones.


God's laws were NOT only for the nation of Israel. Anyone that decided to follow the true and living God was to receive the same blessings AND punishments as the nation of Israel. God's laws are for all. Let's read what God tells us in the NT. Notice His words does not change for those that are under the new covenant.


1 John 5
[21] Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.

God says to hold on to that which is good.

God tell us to avoid anything that may even appear to be evil.


Romans 12
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Paul tells us to abhor evil.


2 Corinthians 6
[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
[15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
[16] 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.
[17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

God tells us to separate ourselves from the customs of the world. What fellowship should you have with things once associated with idols and with darkness? Just how does the sinner tell that there is a Christian walking among them on Oct. 31st if BOTH are dressed up, knocking on doors and asking for candy?

Are not these the same commandments given by God in the OT? Are these not the same warnings given to the strangers that desired to follow the true and living God?

Now I'm sure some will say, "Well...What's the harm? It's for the kids. Let them have some fun."

Well.....let's read what Jesus says about those that love their children more that obeying God....

Matt.10
[37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.


As for me and my household......? Let's go back to the OT;


Josh.24
[15] And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.



Just something to think about!





.

What do you think about Christmas, Easter ?

 

[feedm3]

I Cor 8 teaches us the answer to the question if it is right or wrong: This is concerning the eating of foods offered to Idols. Some may say that has nothing to do with holidays, but the principles are the same, I will try to explain it.

1. Somethings are wrong for some, and not others:
1Co 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1Co 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. <----For those who know idols are nothing, and are eating the food without any fear of sin, because he knows the Idol is nothing, and is not taking part of the original worship in which the food was offered, therefore he is not sinning by doing so.

1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1Co 8:7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. <----Though some may view it, with it's origin in mind, knowing that the food has been offered to the idol, therefore do not want to eat it because they feel by eating the food, they are taking part in something evil.

So which is right? The one who eats, knowing he is not taking part of idolatry, or the one who refrains, due to his not being able to eat in all good conscience?

The answer is, both. One who feels he can eat the food without taking part, is not sinning for doing so. The other who refrains is not sinning by refraining.

Notice:
It becomes sin, when one who eats, does it as a stumbling block for the one who is weak in conscience.
Like saying, "you dont understand an Idol is nothing, look at me tear up this steak offered to an idol"

This is sinful, because the one who sees the other eating, may act and do the same, even with his conscience telling him not to.

1Co 8:8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.
1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
1Co 8:10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; <-----Sin for the one with knowledge to do something that caused his brother to stumble

1Co 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
1Co 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. <----sin for the weaker to do what he thought was wrong:

1Co 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

This does not mean, a person can hold everyone hostage to what he feels as wrong:
Because:


2. Binding the NON-Observance of matters of liberty, is just as wrong as binding their observance

Rom 14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.

So neither, can bind this matter of liberty upon the other.

How does this fit into Halloween?
Because the arguments of it's origin, is why many believe it is wrong.

But, just as the origin of the food was offered to an idol at one time, it did not mean a Christian could not eat.

So to say it is wrong because it is pagan would be a matter of personal opinion, just as with the food, and the one who believes this should not participate in such, while he believes it's wrong.

The one who knows their is nothing to pagan religion, and knows he is not celebrating anything to do with that, and is having fun with candy, should not be judged by the person who believes it's wrong. Rom 14:3

Yet the one who does participate, should not despise him that believes it's wrong, and provoke him, by telling him how many Halloween parties your going to, just to show you do participate. Rom 14:3

Because you dont want to be a stumbling block, and you dont want this brother to participate in something he believes is wrong. Yet he should not bind that on others who do, because it is a matter of liberty. I Cor 8:9

 

[Abiding]

 

[cookie39]

Remember, there was certain kinds of meats that God allowed the children of Israel to eat and some he did not.......... Unclean meats was what was being offered to false gods........ it is not the cooked meat that God is talking about, it is the Animal itself that was being offered to false gods. God also said if we pray over these meats which came from unclean animals God will bless it......... remember the bible say" there is no meat unclean within itself" many nation that did not know God was use to eating these animals who they people also offered to there false gods. So what the Lord is saying in Cor. is that although you was raised to eat these animals, as long as you know that I am the Only True and Living God, and you pray over these animals, eating in faith you will be ok with him.

God is not saying we can go sit down in " the church of Satan" and after they just slaughter a goat in honor and worship of the devil, we can just eat in faith and know that Satan is not the real God, and eat till our hearts are content............ All God did was speak throughout the bible against the worship and service a false gods and their religions................

AS the Bible say, " what is a moment of pleasure for a life time of hell" ?..... Since when has Satan been the source of the entertaining of the children of God?

Since when have holy men found the devil's work pleasurable? ............ Ask yourself, Since when has the devil told God that man's tradicition s are for man to keep cause he gave them to them in their falling wicked state............ Since when can we take black magic or magic of any kind, sorcery, witchcraft, astrology....... everything God has called an abomination, everything that give praise and honor to the devil..... since when has God ordained this to be entertaining to His children......... Jesus shed His Holy pure Blood, not that we can serve the devil with a pure conscience. But with a pure heart and reverence to God, turn away from the tradicitions of man which make void the commandments of God. God has warned us about this. God is not talking about pacific meats, but animals.

 

[cookie39]

It is truly sad, and dishearten. when people tell God what they can and cannot do because how it makes them feel in the flesh. How dare God tell anyone that they can't do anything they grew up doing..... no matter how or where it came from........... if it entertain them, hey..... don't stop it....... if it is so much fun...... heck, why not. no matter what God have to say about the things that are evil and not to bring them into your house unless you be consumed by it: which will bring a curse upon your house hold.................. As the Lord said, for those who choose to believe the lies of the devil............ he will send strong delusion that they will continue to believe a lie........................ In times past God winked and the foolishness of man............. but after what His Son, His only Righteous Son has done........ man will be without excuses.

 

[loveme1]

No i will not.

Much more pleasure in abstaining from "worldly" days than participating.

 

[feedm3]

Remember, there was certain kinds of meats that God allowed the children of Israel to eat and some he did not.......... Unclean meats was what was being offered to false gods........ it is not the cooked meat that God is talking about, it is the Animal itself that was being offered to false gods. God also said if we pray over these meats which came from unclean animals God will bless it......... remember the bible say" there is no meat unclean within itself" many nation that did not know God was use to eating these animals who they people also offered to there false gods. So what the Lord is saying in Cor. is that although you was raised to eat these animals, as long as you know that I am the Only True and Living God, and you pray over these animals, eating in faith you will be ok with him.

There were definantly certain food they could and could not eat in the OT. But the NT tells us we can eat any meat as long as it's received with thanksgiving, I know you already said that pretty much.

However, the message in Cor was not about clean and unclean meat. THe main reason for them not eating some meats in teh OT, is becuase GOd said they were unclean. Did not always had anything to do with idols.

The message was about the role our consceince plays in sin/or not sinning, and of the attitude those with knowlege should have toward the weaker.

The prinaple in COr 8, was to show those who felt it was wrong, should not eat. Those who knew it did not matter, should not eat just to do it in front of the weaker.

So I know this does not in anyway mean we can "sit down in church of Satan", but we can eat something that had an evil origin of offering.

So I compare that to religious pagan traditions. That is only the argument for that. Their are other good arguemnts against dressing evil, but I was only dealing with the pagan argument.

As for me, I choose not to take part in Halloween, yet I do not bind that on anyone else, because I dont want to sin, by "judging him that eateth" when he/she feels they are not celebrating pagan worship.

I dont see those who to participate as taking part of pagan worship, or sitting in a church of Satan. I dont agree with many costumes people wear, but that is not enough to tell one who is not wearing an evil costume etc, that they are sin.

Its a personal matter.