Should Christians Support Halloween?

It’s 31 October and for many people, especially our American and British friends, its Halloween. Its trick or treat time. This has been seen as a harmless celebration over the years. It has not been much supported in South Africa, but support is growing. As we become more connected, as we are influenced by American culture, through television and friends. The participation in Halloween increases.

But as a Christian, should you be participating in this event. With no clear direct references to Halloween in the Bible, resolving the age old debate can be a challenge. How should Christians approach Halloween and is there a biblical way to observe this secular holiday?

Christians have been strongly divided on the observance of Halloween. Some believers feel complete freedom to observe the holiday, others run and hide from it, many boycott or ignore it, a number celebrate it through more positive and imaginative observances or Christian alternatives to Halloween, some don’t even know about it and wonder what all the fuss is all about, and still others choose to take advantage of Halloween's evangelistic opportunities.

The origins of Halloween are from a strong Celtic tradition. Halloween has pagan roots originating from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. The Celtic people were very spiritual and were conscious of another world, the spiritual world. They had their own ideas of how they could gain access to it - such as by helping their over 300 gods to defeat their enemies in battle, or by imitating the gods in showing their intellect and cunning.

Their two main feasts were Beltane at the beginning of summer (May 1), and Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween) at the end of summer (Nov. 1). They believed Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished.

"During this interval the normal order of the universe is suspended, the barriers between the natural and the supernatural are temporarily removed, the sidh lies open and all divine beings and the spirits of the dead move freely among men and interfere sometimes violently, in their affairs"
(Celtic Mythology, p. 127).

This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. This is not applicable to southern hemisphere residents, as our summer begins in September. Perhaps this is why South Africans took so long to latch on to the celebrations.

It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible "gates" between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. During their rule of the Celtic lands, Roman festivals were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. Another festival was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. In 834, Gregory III moved All Saint's Day from May 13 to Nov. 1 and for Christians, this became an opportunity for remembering before God all the saints who had died and all the dead in the Christian community. Oct. 31 thus became All Hallows' Eve ('hallow' means 'saint').. However, some of the pagan beliefs and practices associated with the celebration have persisted.

In 1517, a monk named Martin Luther honored the faithful saints of the past by choosing All Saints Day (November 1) as the day to publicly charge the Church heirarchy with abandoning biblical faith. This became known as "Reformation Day," a fitting celebration of the restoration the same biblical faith held by the saints throughout church history.

So what has that got to do with celebrating Halloween today. Surely those historical tractions have been long forgotten, and have no significance to us today. To find out if Halloween has any real religious connotations today, we need to research the Religions of Satan.

Our research brings us to Wicca, the official religion of witchcraft. What does it have to say about Halloween? Perhaps they viewed the day as a simple fun and innocent neighbourhood activity?

To our shock and dismay we found that Halloween is a real, sacred day for those who follow Wicca. In fact, it is one of two high and holy days for them. The Celtic belief of spirits being released is current, along with the worship of Samhain (the lord of death) – both are promoted as something to embrace on that day.

There is no question that to those who believe and follow the practices of witchcraft, Halloween represents an opportunity to embrace the evil, devilish, dark side of the spiritual world.

Deut 18:10-12 “10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

These verses are pretty clear on what a Christian should not do. But you say, I’m not sacrificing my children, I’m not calling on the spirit of the dead. I’m not worshipping the devil. How many Christians are sacrificing their sons and daughters as a burnt offering on Halloween? How many are calling forth the spirits of the dead? The verse does not say that "trick or treating" disgusts the Lord.

However, what if you have come to the Christian faith from a background in the occult? What if, before you became a Christian, you did practice some of these deeds associated with witchcraft and sorcery? Perhaps refraining from Halloween and its activities is the safest and most appropriate response for you as an individual.

We need to be circumspect as to how our deeds and actions affect others. Often times there are no clear cut answers as to how to behave in the bible on certain issues. But one thing is clear. If it causes my brother to fall ,I should abstain.

Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother‘s way.

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.

How then does this affect us as Christians. Well the bible does tells us to avoid all appearance of evil. 1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

But it also tells us to be all things to all men. 1Co 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Does this then mean we are to embrace the very evil things that men might do in order to win them to Christ. Absolutely not.We are to resist the Devil. we are to be in this world not of this world. But we are also told not to love the things of this world.

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

There are many verses in the bible that in principal warn against such things as Halloween. Sure, the Bible does not say “Thou shalt not celebrate Halloween”. But it does say to honour God, resist the Devil, flee temptation, do no evil.

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

3John1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

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

Clearly Halloween is a worldly festival rooted in paganism. Clearly it is stooped in Devil worship. We should have no part in it. What we as Christians need to do is ask ourselves, are we doing justice to the cause of Christ by celebrating Halloween? If not, what then are we to do? Do we just ignore it, hide away, or run?

The answer I believe is No. Do not ignore or run away. Embrace the opportunity to spread the Gospel. I’m not advocating trick or treating. But have you ever considered the people that would potentially knock at your door, opening themselves up to a short gospel message. You do not have to go trick or treating, but you can give your testimony to those who are willing to come to your door. Along with your sweets you could also give some gospel tracts. Or how about creating a gospel message around some of those sweets.

Have you ever heard of the “Wordless Book” It has five colours representing the Gospel. Black – Sin, Red – Blood of Christ, White – Salvation, Yellow – Heaven, Green – Growth. What about Sweets or treats based on those five colours. As you hand them out, you can share the Gospel.

As Christians you and I are placed in this world to be a light in a world of darkness. There is no lasting benefit to ignore a holiday that exists around us, but it also does harm to celebrate Halloween as it has originated and grown over the centuries.

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Is God discriminating against gays?

The authority of God, religious freedom, morality and the separation of church and state was seriously questioned when a Dutch Reformed church was ordered by the court to pay damages to a gay musician after the church fired him based on his sexual orientation.

The NG Church in Moreleta Park wanted their gay music teacher to "free himself" from his "sin" and live a life without impure thoughts about men, but Johan Strydom, 31, said that God had made him gay. So the church fired him.

The next thing you know, is the courts will seek to have churches pay damages for pedophiles who are excommunicated from churches and taken off church membership. What is this world coming too?

Many have sought to prove that homosexuality is genetic. But unequivocal evidence is still forthcoming. The best that can be determined is that any genetic involvement in homosexuality is as a result of mutated genes, in a bad sense. Similar to the study of genetics and criminals.

Now we know that sin is genetic and hereditary. The Bible says:
Ro 5:19  “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Yes, homosexuality is hereditary, but then again according to the bible so is murder, lieing, adultery, theft, cheating etc. Do we live in fear if we discriminate against sin.

Does God discriminate? Well of course he does. With regards to homosexuality, read what the Bible says:

Rom 5:18  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. “

Is the state then going to sue God? Can our constitution hold God accountable for his actions against man whom he he obviously discriminates against. But let me qualify that. God does not discriminate against man, He discriminates against sin. God hates sin. Man has a choice to obey or disobey. If man decides to disobey God, he must accept the responsibility.

Man is continually seeking to justify his own sin. Whether is be lieing, stealing adultery, homosexuality, murder, bestiality or what ever. We do not want to admit that we are sinners so we invent laws and regulations that condone our sin. Our conscience is seared. We become passive.

Jud 17:6  In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Pr 12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that listens to counsel is wise.
Pr 21:2  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD ponders the hearts.

The question that this man posed was, did God made him homosexual. Well the first and obvious point is that if God did make him homosexual, why then would God seek to punish him for something that that he did not do. Why then would God  prohibit homosexuality if He made people this way. No I’m afraid there is no verse in the bible that condones homosexuality or even suggest that God created man this way. No I’m afraid that God made them “Adam and Eve” and not “Adam and Steve”

Ge 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

God is a just God and hates sin.This is proven by his great deed of sacrifice, love and grace.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 15:13  Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Homosexuality is condemned throughout the Bible. Sodomy is one of the sins that cries to heaven for vengeance, and God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this very sin.

Jude 1:7 -“Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”

Leviticus 18:22, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

Leviticus 20:13, "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

Deuteronomy 23:17, "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel."

1 Kings 14:24, "And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel."

1 Kings 15:11-12, "And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father. And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made."

For God, sin is sin. Wether it is a simple white lie or a heinous murder, rape or a high-jacking, adultery or homosexuality. God says that if you are guilty in one part you are guilty of all. So in reality we are all guilty. Homosexuality is no different than cheating, lieing, murder, disobeying the speed limit. Ultimately it is disobedience to God.

Jas 2:10  For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Ro 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Ro 6:23  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

But there is a way out. God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us all. That includes the homosexual, the murderer and me. By His Grace, God has made us righteous if we but accept Christ's death burial and resurrection. Nicodemus ask, what shall I do to be saved. The answer, He must be Born again. Joh 3:3  Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

God said: Isa 1:18  Come now, and let us reason together, said the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

How has God Blessed You Today?

To many non-Christians, belief in God is superstitious, un-scientific, non-realistic. To some it might just be a crutch, to others just another belief system among thousands. To many, there is no proof of God.

This might be true in a simple scientific way. One cannot prove God in a test tube. But then many things in science people believe but cannot be proven as scientific fact. Take "Black Holes" for instance. These are an astronomical phenomenon that are expressed in many Sci-Fi movies. Yet scientist believe that they exist. Have they seen a "Black Hole"? The answer is NO. So then how do they believe or prove that one might exist. Well what they do is look at external factors, look at things that might be a cause or an effect of a "Black Hole". Things like, gravitational discrepancies, light discrepancies, etc. Just like wind. We cannot see it, but we can measure its effect on us and our surroundings.

This is not unlike how we can know that God exists. Can we prove God in a laboratory? No. But we can measure His effects on us and our surrounding. This is an acceptable scientific method of proof.

A few months ago, I was travelling on the highway, behind a delivery truck. Next thing, a loud bang. I got such a fright. A block of wood, had come loose on the truck, flew through the air and hit my windscreen. Fortunately it did not come through the windscreen.

Anyway, after I got the drivers particular, I phoned the company involved, who said it was not a problem. I was glad seeing that I had recently cancelled my car insurance. After a few day nothing happened. I then phoned the company involved, and they directed me to their insurance company. This insurance company then refused to pay for my windscreen, stating that their driver gave a different version of events. After lengthy discussions and e-mail, the insurance company said that if I wanted the windscreen paid for I was to take them to court.

Well needless to say, I was not able to tale them to court. So my windscreen remained smashed for weeks. I had to drive the vehicle like that as I never had any other vehicle to use. Being very nervous as I had a feeling that I would be pulled over one day by the traffic police and be fined.

Well that day finally happened. I started out this week Tuesday going to a meeting to secure some websites for my website development and hosting business I just started. The lord was good as I managed to secure two new websites. I was really trusting the Lord, as I figure that I need about 80 websites to make ends meet, and so far I have 8. So the day was good. On my way home, I got pulled over by a traffic policewomen. I kept reminding myself to be kind and polite as perhaps I will get a smaller fine. She asked me for the usual, drivers licence. we exchanged pleasantries. She then went over and had a long look at the smashed windscreen. Oh boy, here it comes, I thought. She then started to explain to me that this was illegal, and that I was going to get into trouble with the police, and that the fine was hefty, bla bla bla. She then asked me how the windscreen was smashed. I relayed to her the whole story.

Surprise, surprise she turned to me and said, "If it wasn't me, you would be in big trouble, but I will let you off this time. But you need to get the windscreen fixed or drive another vehicle". I thought to myself, I had better phone my sister, who owns a windscreen fitment company, and get the thing fitted. Where I will get the money, the Lord only knows. But I was thankful for little mercies, as I did not get a fine, that was a blessing in itself.

Upon arriving home, as I entered the front door, not even having time to relay the story of the current day to my wife, my cell phone rings. I answer. On the other side is my brother-in-law. He asks me where I am at the moment. I tell him, I am at home. He then says something that brings cold chills down my spine, and fills me with heaps of excitement. He says, "Bring you car in, I have a windscreen for you that I can fi right now, My guys are waiting for you."

I rushed to his fitment shop. The windscreen was fitted for free.

You say, that's just coincidential. Maybe. Your brother-in-law knew about the windscreen. Yes He did. But what he did not know, or could not know, is the events of that day. The traffic police, the fine etc. Also I never once asked for a new windscreen or even mentioned it to him.

My point is this. You ask for proof of a black hole, I give you the effects of a black hole. You ask for proof that God exists, I give you the effects God has on His children. God demonstrates Himself to us on a daily basis.

Today in church I preached on Romans 5:8-11. Speaking of God demonstrating His love toward us.
Ro.5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

God demonstrates His love towards us on a daily basis. First off by Christ dying for us. Next by His grace every day, and then by His mercy, and then also by His sustenance and protection.

Is God real? Yes He is. How do I know that? I feel the effect of His love blowing on my life on a daily basis.

How has God blessed you today? Why not let me and others know. Drop me a comment.

Testing What You Preach

This week has been real tough for me, as well as an eye opener. It all started on Sunday, where I preached on perhaps one of the toughest verses in the Bible. Perhaps not the toughest to understand or interpret. But the toughest to live. Romans 5:3-5. Speaking about Glorying in tribulation.

Romans 5:

“3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

This verse is easy to understand, but takes great courage to live. How many of us can glory when times are rough. How many are thankful to God for the increase in the petrol price? How many are joyful when the interest rates go up? How many can have a smile on their face when they have no job and a hungry family to feed, debts to pay? How many of us can shout out "HALLELUJAH" when we are at rock bottom and the times are rough? Not many. In fact it takes a special breed to do that. Our natural tendency is to panic, to cry, to run and hide and perhaps even to blame others, of which one might even be God.


Yes its tough to be happy, don't worry everything will be alright. What Romans teaches us, is that this toughness, this special power, can only come from the Holy Spirit. It is not Natural for us to be in a state of joy when the world around us is falling apart. But the commandment from God, is to have faith in Christ, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. That He will not tempt you above what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape.

I Cor.10:13 “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

This reminded me so much of that poster entitled "Footprints in the sand". How God is with us all the way, even when we believe or feel He isn't. This was the crux of my message on Sunday. The problem is that God was going to put me to the test, to see if I can live up to what I preached.



If you have read my other post. You will know that I am without a permanent job, or at least a permanent job in the normal sense. I am trying to work from home, with my new Internet business. My wife, Beverley, has hurt her back in a really bad way, and is probably in need of surgery.



Here is what happened this week. We found out that we have no more medical aid funds. After three months without work, no money has been coming in from the new business side. In fact no new business has come in. Debts are building up, and the overdraft is exhausted. What am I to do. What kept coming to my head was that I need to put my faith and trust in the God whom I serve. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows our needs. I kept praying day in and day out. Lord, help me through this, I am at a loss.



You know what, the Bible tells us that Gods strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2Co 12:9 “And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
This was my case, I did not know where to turn. I needed money, I needed business. I needed people who wanted web sites, so that I could work and get money. Life is not fair you know. I am willing and wanting to work, to build web sites. But I could not get anybody to bite.



Well just as God is true to His word, He came through. On Wednesday, an old colleague phoned me up, wanting my help in a programming job that he was doing for a client. Great that's worth R5000-R8000. Then another Pastor friend of mine, phoned me up to say that a security firm that he deals with, needed a web site. Another R1500. I then went to a presentation, where I was able to network with people. They were so impressed with my presentation, that three expressed a willingness for me to do something for them with regards to web sites. More work, Great!!!. Then I got a call that a bunch of attorneys, also needed a web site. I have a telecom meeting with them for next week.



What came out of all this was that God was able to bring all things together for me, just to show me that He can bless, if we trust him and Glory in our tribulations.



My encouragement to you. Is keep the faith. Don't forget that God is all powerful, He is able. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will be with you till the ends of the earth.



Do you have an encouraging story to tell? Do you have a situation to share where God was able to work wonders in supplying your very needs? Share your experiences with us, leave a comment. I'd love to, as I am sure others are to, to hear from you.

Heb 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”



Remember "Glory in tribulation".

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Why start a blog?

Why did I start this blog?

Well simple really, I have strong views and sometimes controversial views about Christianity. I believe that I am called to share the word of God with as many people as I can. Leading those who do not know Christ to a saving knowledge of Him. Uplifting other Christians and speaking, or blogging in this case, the truth.

The internet is a wonderful medium to achieve just this. There are so many people to reach, its amazing. I think more Christians should take hold of this opportunity.

I've been a Christian since 1983 when in my matric (12th grade) I heard a message entitled "Hell and how to get there". Coming from a broken home of alcoholism, fighting and just outright ungodly behaviour, I was keen to get away from this environment. I was interested in death. What was it? Where did we go after life? Could we come back? I was interested in outer-body experiences. Keen on time travel. The only thing I hated about death, was the pain. If I had to die, it would have had to be quick. I always said that if I ever went sky-diving and my parachute never opened I would go into a head dive. I did not want to have the pain and suffering. Obviously the chances of surviving such a fall were near impossible, but you understand my state of mind.

Well, when I heard this message, it scared the living daylights out of me. I was not one to scare easily. I loved watching horror movies, but this was a horror movie for real. I mean imagine going to a place like Hell, and never having the ability to get out or be redeemed. That's scary.

Anyway after that message I trusted Christ. Ever since then I dedicated my life to the spread of the Gospel. I went to bible college for many years. Went fulltime into the ministry. Got married. Got a full time job. But still remained true to my conviction.

I started to help out at a church near by me. Soon the pastor left and the church was left without a leader. I decided to step in. So now I was pastoring a church and holding down a full time job.

Well years went by. This year I left my full time job and started working from home. I wanted to finish my theology schooling and dedicate more time to my family. Why is this significant. Well I think its a brave thing to step out in faith and trust God for your income. Many will find that strange, and perhaps even hard to believe. But as you continue to read this blog, you will find some amazing stories as to how a living God can and will take care of you.

As of now, my new home job, developing web sites and Search Engine Optimisation has not made much money for me. But it is still in the infancy stage. I believe that God will help me make a success of this.

Anyway, having the ability to work from home has given me the opportunity to create a blog like this. To be able to share my views. Help others. Answer questions. Post controversial ideas. share what the Bible has to say. Correct misinterpretations , and in general give God the Glory.

So here is the question. Are you a Christian? Do you believe in God? I would love to hear from you. Drop me a comment. Do you think I am mad, off my head, lost a few screws? I don't mind.

Why not share some of your experiences with me. Let others know how God has worked in your life. Perhaps you have a burden to share. Maybe you have a prayer request. Imagine having millions of people around the world, those reading this blog, praying for your situation. How powerful is that? Maybe you have a wonderful testimony to share that will help and encourage others. What ever it might be, join me and others in sharing the truth of the Gospel.

Even if you let me know where you are from, I would greatly appreciate it.