What Is “Halloween”? …And should a Christian participate in it?

The Hallowe’en customs the world observes on October 31 had their beginnings long ago. The origins and traditions can be traced back thousands of years to the days of the ancient Celts and their priests, the Druids, of ancient Gaul and Britain, who had an elaborate religious and political organization. Some were soothsayers, magicians, sorcerers, and barbs (composers and reciters of spiritually epic tales, usually involving the demonic). Their religion worshipped numerous gods and natural objects (such as trees, wells, mountains, et al), which involved magical practices.

The Druids believed that witches, demons, and spirits of the dead roamed the earth on the eve of November 1. Bonfires (short for “bone-fires”) were lit to drive away the bad spirits. The great bonfires served another purpose as well—on this night, unspeakable sacrifices were offered by the Druid priests to their lord of death, Saman (the Bible calls him Satan). The “celebration” was called “The Feast of Samhain” (pronounced SAH-WEEN). On October 31, black-cloaked Druid priests bearing torches would go door to door to select animals and/or humans for their “New Year’s” sacrifice to the lord of the dead. In return for the greatest “gift” to Saman (Satan) of a child or infant, they would leave a hollowed-out turnip or potato with a candle light shining through a carved face (usually carved with a fearful, demonic face). In the reveling that took place that night, the demons (supposedly loosed for the night) would pass over the homes marked by the carved lanterns (which they called “jack-o-lanterns”); for those families had provided the greatest gift (note the depraved counterfeit to the Lord’s Passover). The non-participating homes could be hit, sometimes with sudden death or other terrible “tricks”.

To protect themselves from the mean “tricks” of those roaming demons (like the killing of their livestock or vandalism of their property), the Druid priests told people to offer the demons good things to eat (sometimes food, sometimes their female children)—thus, it was a solemn “trick-or-treat.” The Druids also disguised themselves with demonic-looking costumes so that the spirits would think they belonged to their evil company and, therefore, not bring any harm to them. They also carried jack-o-lanterns around in an attempt to intimidate or trick the demons around them (to get them to accept them and “pass over” them).

During the actual sacrificial ceremony, the Druids would carefully watch the writhing of the animal and/or human victims in the fire (burned alive). From their death agonies, they would foretell the future of the village. The locals then each took a portion of the fire to their own hearths for good luck and good crops in the new year.

Very similar traditions are still carried over today in the Hallowe’en celebration. People dress up in costumes (often frightful), play “trick or treat” on unsuspecting neighbors, set out jack-o-lanterns, give out treats to those who show up and ask, etc.

Many centuries later, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) set aside the first day of November to honor all their recognized “saints.” They called it “All Saints’ Day,” which was preceded (as are all their holy days—“holidays”) by a recognized “Eve”—“All Hallows Eve.” When the RCC came to the Druid territories, the population (forced to accept RCC doctrines and practices under threat of torture or death) simply combined their ancient occultic practices with the RCC activities. The Druid-led people submitted to the keeping of All Saints’ Day and All Hallows Eve (eventually combined with Samhain to form Hallowe’en), but they also kept their own occultic practices.

Despite the half-hearted attempts by the RCC to destroy the pagan religious practices associated with Hallowe’en, they have survived. During the Middle Ages, such practices found further outlet in the increasingly open practice of witchcraft (Wicca), which was and still is devoted to communing with the spirits of the dead and, ultimately, to the worship of Satan.

While nearly every major holiday has been tainted with some form of pagan history, none were and continue to be so deeply immersed in the occult as is Hallowe’en. To this day, October 31 is considered to be the “high day” for pagans, Wiccans, and Satanists. 

With the facts in mind, should a Christian be involved in any way with any celebration of “Hallowe’en”?

Why was PFBC founded as an Independent Bible Church

All of our church “advertising” literature, in print and online, use this description:

Prairie Flower Bible Church operates as an independent, self-governing, local church fellowship in submission to the Word of God and according to our Constitution...

October, 1942, saw the beginnings of what would become Prairie Flower Community Church, which would eventually become what we know today as Prairie Flower Bible Church (you can read a basic history of PFBC on the bulletin board in the North Building foyer, on our website or Facebook page, and more information along with lots of pictures is provided in a notebook in our Library).

Why was PFBC founded as an “independent Bible church,” and why is she still that way? Perhaps, the information found elsewhere in our “advertising” literature can shed a little light on the answer to that question:

A true Bible church is identified with the historical conservative, fundamentalist movement within Christianity. We align ourselves with high standards of morality and ethics that are taken from the Bible.  We consistently teach the Word of God to a world in need—the Word of God, which is sufficient with all anyone needs to live life in a godly manner.

A true Bible church is Biblically balanced. We firmly adhere to and earnestly defend the fundamentals of the faith while addressing contemporary issues. We wish to honor God by living according to the Bible. We utilize the strengths of sound Biblical doctrine to lead to valid experiences in life.

A true Bible church is independent and self-supporting. Following Biblical examples and teaching, the congregation is encouraged to give voluntarily, systematically, and proportionally to support both the local ministry and worldwide missions. We have no denominational structure to bring outside interference or control, but we do enjoy fellowship with other Bible churches like ours through the IFCA International organization.

The IFCA International organization exists solely as a source of aid and fellowship for like-minded churches; it holds no authoritative control over any church or organization. The majority of, though not all, church denominations have forsaken “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). The IFCA was started in the 1930s by godly men that came out of many of these denominations because of the compromise becoming so rampant. In 1962, PFCC joined the IFCA and became known as PFBC.

Our purpose has always been to remain independent of denominational control and to remain as biblical as humanly possible in the way we operate our church. The “pastoral epistles” of the New Testament (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus) are very explicit regarding how a local church fellowship is to operate:

…I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (! Tim. 3:15)

We are convinced that in order for PFBC to remain fully obedient to these Scriptures, we must remain independent of denominational control; otherwise, a denominational hierarchy is the overseer of the church rather than the Elders and Pastor.

This is not to say that we are the only “good” church in the area. Praise God! There are some others who hold to sound doctrine and proclaim the genuine Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must never succumb to what I like to call the “Elijah syndrome,” that we are the only good church (1 Kings 19:10). Having said that, however, the number of churches who do proclaim God’s truth is dwindling at a shocking rate.

Our goal at PFBC is simply to remain obedient and faithful to the Word of God to the very best of our ability. Since our founding, we have agreed that the best way to do that is to remain independent and yet to enjoy the fellowship of other like-minded churches.

One Eextremely Touchy Subject

One extremely touchy subject in Christian circles is that of music. It has been said that “music is the language of the soul,” so it makes sense that one’s emotions would be so involved. Sadly, as with many things in the Church today, what the Bible says and what the reality is about music are given a back seat to the emotions of too many professing Christians.

Here at PFBC, it quickly becomes obvious that we keep our music very conservative instead of pandering after the ever popular CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) used in the vast majority of churches. Why do we do this!? “Why can’t we be like all the other churches? Why is our music so old-fashioned? All the other churches have life-changing, dynamic, exciting worship that brings people closer to God and changes their lives. Their music enables them to enter the presence of God and experience Him for all He is! Why can’t we be like them?” Those are valid questions! This brief article cannot do justice to the biblical answer; so I will very briefly summarize, as best I can, why...

The CCM “worship” that takes place in most churches is problematic. About this, Vaughan Roberts, in his book True Worship, wrote the following:

1) God’s Word is marginalized. In most of those churches, music and lighting designed to “lead to ‘encounters’ with God” are the focus; the preaching of the Word is shortchanged.

2) Our assurance is threatened. If we associate “God’s presence” with a particular experience or emotion, what happens when we no longer feel it? The reality of God in our lives depends on the mediation of Christ, not on subjective experiences.

3) Musicians are given priestly status. When music is seen as the means to “encounter God,” worship leaders and musicians are vested with a priestly role. They become the ones who bring us into the presence of God rather than Jesus Christ. And the Pastor or Elder who merely preaches? Well…
Then there are those who believe that music is “amoral” (without right or wrong), revealing a lack of even a basic understanding of music form or function. It can be demonstrated, both in everyday life and from the Scriptures, that music affects body, soul, and spirit. Therefore, music has moral attributes – i.e. it does have both good and evil effects on individuals.

For one everyday life example, Muzak (a multi-billion dollar, worldwide corporation) exists (and quite profitably so!) specifically because of that effect music (any kind or style of music) has upon people. Specific styles of music are designed by Muzak to control customer behavior in any business establishment using its services. This has been proven to be effective 100% of the time; in fact, Muzak guarantees it in writing.

David, when serving King Saul, played his harp to calm the agitated king. His playing affected Saul in that he was “refreshed” (a physical effect), “made well” (an emotional effect), and “the distressing spirit would depart from him” (a spiritual effect) (1 Sa. 16:14-23).

Music (any and every style, regardless of the lyrics) has been proven time and time again, both in everyday life and from the Scriptures, to be a moral agent. Yet ignorance reigns (willfully) in the Church regarding this effect!

The basic science of music (any kind or style of music) is that it has three basic parts to its form: melody, harmony, and rhythm. The melody is the part that carries the “tune.” The harmony are all the “extra notes” that make the tune sound more interesting. The rhythm is the “beat” that makes a song “flow” (rhythm means “to flow”). The rhythm is the physical aspect of the music – it’s what makes it “work” – thus, it is vital. The harmony is the emotional aspect of the music; the way harmony is formed always has a direct impact on one’s feelings. The melody is the part to which everyone relates (if you “know” a song, what you “know” is its melody); thus, the melody is the soul/spirit of music. According to Scripture, what is the most important aspect of our lives: our bodies, our emotions, or our souls/spirits? According to Scripture, upon which are we to focus as Christians? Does that include in our music? Yes! For a song to be “good,” it ought to have well-balanced form with theologically accurate lyrics. CCM is typically more pagan than Christian.

There’s much more, but that’ll get you thinking.

Father’s Day thoughts

It has been said – and I believe correctly so – “As the father goes, so goes the family.” According to Scripture, with his wife at his side, the father is the most important individual in the family. Yet many fathers, if not most, do not seem to take this position of great responsibility as seriously as they ought – sadly, this even seems to be true among Christians.

This month, we celebrate Father’s Day in the United States. The following thoughts are printed here to help us remember our fathers. Some of our fathers were good and godly men who reared us in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Some of our fathers were not. Some of our fathers where always “there for us.” Some of them were not. Some of us still have our fathers around. Some of us do not. A perfect human father has never walked this earth. But regardless of our situation, may we learn and actually give thanks to our Heavenly Father Who is always good and godly, Who is always “there for us,” and Who lives eternally.

 

For a Father

 

There are a few to shout his praises;

And in every song and story,

It is sweethearts, wives, and mothers

Who attained the fame and glory.

But how sad that one so worthy,

So deserving of our mention,

Is so seldom given homage

And receives such scant attention.

 

Faced with problems never ending,

Uncomplaining, never daring

To relax his toil and striving,

Ever giving, always sharing.

His reward lies in the pleasure

That his years of service brings;

And to those who love him dearly,

He is just an uncrowned king.

 

Tribute to Father

 

A father is a guiding light sent to us from above.

He listens to our sorrows and smooths them with his love.

A father is a teacher whose place no one could take,

For he’s the source from which we learn to think and navigate.

The father is a gift from God, from whom we learn to be

Patient, strong, and loving, filled with integrity.

 

Why God Made Fathers

 

God knew that children all would need

Someone secure and strong

To shelter and protect them

And to teach them right from wrong.

A person to take pride in

Throughout their growing years,

Someone to laugh at childhood jokes

And to comfort childhood tears—

That’s why God made fathers.

 

God knew all children needed

Someone to be their guide,

To count on and look up to

And in whom they could confide;

He knew as they grew up

They’d need the reassurance of

Someone with faith and trust in them

Who would always give them love—

That’s why God made fathers.

 

~ Katherine Nelson Davis ~

 

Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law he does meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth

his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper.

 

~ Psalm 1:1-3 ~

One thing we all have in common

One thing we all have in common is that each and every one of us has a mother. Some of us are blessed to have good, godly mothers. Some of us are not. Some of us have fond memories of our mothers. Some of us do not. Some of us still have our mothers with us. Some of us do not. Some of our mothers were known as Mother, some as Mom, and some as Ma. While there are some differences, the great commonality is that we all have mothers.

There is a tendency in our sinful hearts to be critical of others, even of our own mothers. Motherhood is one of the most difficult “jobs” that exists. No perfect mother has ever walked this earth. So rather than stirring up and stewing in any potential criticism, even if deserved, let’s ponder some of the realities of motherhood, both tangible and intangible, which we can all agree are the hallmarks of a godly Mom.

Blessed Is the Mother…
…Who can hold onto her children
while letting them go;
…Who puts a tranquil home
ahead of an immaculate house;
…Who knows a kind act will be remembered
longer than an easy word;
…Who really believes in prayer;
…Whose Bible never needs dusting.

A Mother’s Love
A Mother’s love follows you
Your whole life through;
A Mother’s care follows you
In all that you do;
A Mother’s honesty follows you
To always remain true;
A Mother’s kindness follows you
To love all, not just a few;
A Mother’s prayer follows you
Your whole life through.
~ Emily Koelling ~

God’s Gift to Me
There’s only one heart like Mother’s,
And that is the heart of God—
Forgiving, forgetting, and loving
The child who the wrong has done.
No eyes like the eyes of Mother
Can see in me all that is best;
Remembering all of my goodness,
Forgetting all of the rest.
No feet like the feet of Mother
That hasten to be at my side,
To comfort my hour of suffering,
To share in the joys that betide.
No hand like the hand of Mother,
So gentle to soothe and so kind;
When God gave to me a Mother,
‘Twas the choicest gift He could find.

Mother’s Beauty
My Mother’s hands are worn with care;
Her life and service mirrored there –
The well-aged sheen of work unceasing,
Her care for others spent in pleasing.
She’s not possessed of classic beauty,
Rather a face deep-worn by duty;
But outer beauty fades and dies,
And my Mother’s beauty inward lies.
As antique brass that warms with age
Makes new-made brass look déclassé,
So Mother’s time-proved goodness shows
That only inner beauty glows.
Let pretty women try their best;
Looks alone can’t meet the test
Of inner beauty from the heart
That Mother’s shining days impart.

Think about it!

Am I being discontent in what God has given me?

Question:
I started out to be a pastor, but became a hospital chaplain for ten years. Now I am doing community evangelism. I love doing this, but my pastor wants me to get accredited as a minister in the American Baptist [denomination]. My Bible college was unaccredited, and my chaplain training for five years was through a curriculum of HCMA, located in Placentia, CA; so I’m having trouble satisfying the requirements for accreditation. I have lots of people vouching for my ministry and other means, but I feel like my training was the wrong type, with so much frustration. If I worked as pastor, I would be teaching, counseling, and evangelizing, but not much preaching. Am I being discontent in what God has given me? Jealous of another type of ministry, etc.?

Answer:
Since I do not know the specifics of your situation or your pastor’s perspective, I cannot answer to those, except that he, as your pastor, cares for your soul (Hebrews 13:17), and his advice may be quite valuable to follow.


Regarding your specific questions about being discontent or jealous: I would ask one question of you: are you? Perhaps, the reason you asked those insightful questions of self-examination is that, deep inside, you believe you are discontent and/or jealous. Only you can answer those questions before God.


You are aware, I’m sure, of what the Scriptures say about contentment:

…I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11b).

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:8).

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have... (Hebrews 13:5a).

I’m sure you are also aware of what the Scriptures say about faithfulness:

He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much (Luke 16:10-11).

Compare also Luke 19:11-26.

A good friend of mine and a faithful servant of the Lord used to say, “Bloom where you’re planted!” I encourage you to serve the Lord faithfully and cheerfully in whatever capacity you are in right now. Certainly, seek to improve your understanding of the Scriptures, seek and abide by godly counsel, and watch to see what the Lord will do with you as He sees fit in His time.

For more Questions and Answers visit www.gotquestion.org

Does Luke 1:15 mean John the Baptist was born saved?

Question:

"Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary`s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." (Luke 1:39-41 NASB) Does this mean John the Baptist was born saved?

Answer:

The Scriptures tell us that John the Baptist was “filled with the Holy Spirit” even before his birth: “…He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb” (Luke 1:15b). The verse you referenced (Luke 1:41) states that his mother Elizabeth was also filled with the Holy Spirit!

Does this mean John the Baptist was born saved? An interesting question!

“Saved” – as the term is used biblically – refers to salvation from the penalty of sin which is granted upon receiving through faith alone the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior from sin (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-13). This salvation is available only because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in behalf of sinners (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 4:9-10).

John the Baptist was born before the atoning work of Christ; thus, “saved” does not accurately describe this filling of the Holy Spirit before Christ had even been born.

To get a little “technical,” John was born during the Old Covenant (Old Testament) time – when Israel was under (and the whole world was judged by) the Law (Galatians 4:4; Romans 3:19-20). The New Covenant/Testament was/is the result of Jesus shedding His blood on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:25); everything up to that point was/is considered to be under the Old Covenant. During the age of the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit would often enable various individuals for specific service for God (e.g. Samson – Judges 13-16; King Saul – 1 Samuel 11; David – 1 Samuel 16; et al).  John became the final Old Covenant prophet (Matthew 21:26; Luke 7:28) who was enabled by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the specific ministry God had given him to do (John 1:19-28).

The Scriptures tell us that while locked up in prison, though He knew full well Who Jesus was/is (John 1:29-34), even John had doubts about Jesus (Luke 7:19ff). Not long after that, John was beheaded by Herod (Matthew 14:1-13). Not much else is stated in the Bible about John the Baptist, except what we have considered above, in fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies concerning him – which is remarkable, to say the least!

Was John the Baptist saved? It is my opinion that, indeed, he was “saved” in the same manner as all other Old Covenant saints (e.g. Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, et al) – through faith in the coming atonement that would be provided by God Himself, Jesus Christ.

For more questions and answers go to gotquestions.org