Common Struggles
The following topics offer insight to sinful patterns in life or issues that stunt our growth as a Christian. The need for salvation calls for repentance. What is repentance? It is actively stopping living in sin, turning from sin, and turning to God in full surrender through Jesus Christ. Repentance is not a one-and-done deal for the Christian, but a continuous surrender, choosing to live by the Holy Spirit (1 John 1, 1 John 2, 1 John 3/ Galatians 5/ 1 Peter 1:13-25).
Repentance isn’t preached enough these days. We hear a vast amount about God’s love -and rightly so, but we must also preach about His holiness and truth, and that sin separates us from Him permanently, unless we genuinely repent. Repentance is a profound step in acceptance of Christ. Once we see the reality of sin and experience regret over sin, we should turn from that sin. In Christ, our guilt is removed and we are given new life. One cannot truly accept Christ and walk with Him, yet hold hands with the sinful lifestyle. Repentance is to change our mind and change our direction, stopping rebellion.
MPCC – Based on the sermon “Whatever Became of Sin?” by Mickey Witcher
My goal with this page:
For the unsaved—Christians are to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples. In order to make disciples, a Christian must reveal the bad news (that we are all lost sinners separated from a holy God in need of a Savior to reconcile us to God) so to help the lost understand the Good News (the Gospel of that Savior, Jesus Christ). Therefore, we have to define sin so the lost understand the need for repentance.
For the Christian—sometimes Christians choose to gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5) and backslide, grieving and even quenching the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30/ 1 Thessalonians 5:19), and we need help with gentle correction (Galatians 6:1).
Topic Shortcuts
Alcohol
I see alcohol use tearing down so many people around me—family, friends, the world in general. It’s even causing great dissension between Christians. I wanted to touch on a subject that so many Christians and non-Christians alike seem to point out. Jesus turned water into wine. I believe many—more liberal—Christians like to take this passage and use it to justify their earthly behavior (the list of excuses is hefty). Some claim drinking is a sin, however, some claim that it is not, but that its effects are and how it could possibly cause others to stumble. However, after digging deep (and probably still not deep enough, but as far as my time and money will allow at this point), I have some interesting thoughts.
I looked up the origin of the word “wine” used in the passage when Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-12). I have found that this word—oinos (Greek)—means “must, new wine” or just “wine” (Blue Letter Bible). “Must” or “new wine,” per Dictionary. com, means “the unfermented juice as pressed from the grape or other fruit” or “the newly pressed juice of grapes or other fruit ready for fermentation.” And “Must” per Merriam-Webster. com means “the expressed juice of fruit and especially grapes before and during fermentation also: the pulp and skins of the crushed grapes.” The Greek is οἶνον, and it is also the same word used in Matthew 9:17/ Mark 2:22 as new wine (it’s actually used 19 times in 16 verses). With that discovered, I continued to dig into this passage a bit further.
I continued by looking up the word “drunk” in this passage—methyō (Greek)/ methē (the Hebrew root word)—finding out that it means “to be drunken…to drink to intoxication” (Blue Letter Bible). The “master of the banquet” says, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the guests (the people) are drunk (have drunk freely), then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now” (verse 10—NASB and Blue Letter Bible). Therefore, from this we gather those in attendance were well drunk (drunk freely, i.e., intoxicated) before the good wine (which Jesus made) was brought forth. Now, just because Jesus made this “good” wine doesn’t mean that it, too, was fermented wine. The passage states that the master tasted the “wine” but didn’t know where it came from, and that it was “good.” This word “good” is the same which describes [spiritual] fruit in Matthew 3:10; 7:19. We are not told any more about the wine itself or its effect on the people—so we are not told that this wine (Jesus’ wine) produced the effects of methyō.
I then continued to read about the word oinos. Its Hebrew root word is yayin, which is an “unused root meaning to effervesce,” and is also translated as “wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication” (Blue Letter Bible). From this, I then gathered that the word oinos could mean either unfermented or—possibly—fermented wine (more likely unfermented, because of oinos meaning must/new wine, but there is the slight possibility). It has also been established that fermented wine of that day was much weaker than wine of today (usually mixed with water). Needless to say, I kept digging.
I then found another very interesting way this word is used in the Bible. Used in Revelation multiple times in various ways metaphorically, this word is translated by one definition to mean “God in his wrath is represented as mixing and giving to those whom he is about to punish by their own folly and madness” (Blue Letter Bible). So it made me wonder: Jesus (being God in the flesh) could just as easily want to “punish” others “by their own folly and madness.” He could be “mixing and giving to those” who were already drunk (a sin) as a punishment. This is a huge stretch, but just a thought that crossed my mind.
Many of us know the Bible teaches against drunkenness, and that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:10). Period. It is to my discernment that if God speaks against drunkenness and calls it a sin, He would not have made even more fermented wine to contribute to that drunkenness even further. However, I will continue my study, as I would encourage everyone to do, on this matter. It is to my discernment that if the word oinos means unfermented grape juice, then the passages that use the word (when talking about drinking wine when it doesn’t coincide with drunkenness/ methyō) could just be saying, “Hey, drink more natural, fruit-of-the-vine juice God has provided instead of this dirty water that is being contaminated by your livestock and other pollutants (in the days before water filtration and clean water acts)…and by the way, it is full of vitamins and antioxidants that may help you feel better when you are ill” (research the benefits of grapes for your health ).
All in all, I don’t think this part of Scripture will ever be fully understood until Christ’s return, and then it will be too late to question. But until then, I believe I will go with the policies of “When in doubt…” or “Better safe than sorry” and not participate in drinking alcohol of any kind. Why would I when I take into account Scripture such as:
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Romans 6:13
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
Because from every bit of alcohol use I have seen, no good (true good) comes forth. Ever. Actually it is just the opposite.
“The Bible says that the drunkard shall not inherit the kingdom of God. If Jesus helped a bunch of drunk people get more drunk, then He would have been helping send people to hell by His miracle. If Jesus was doing things to help send people to hell, then He was clearly sinning. If Jesus sinned, then He could not be the Savior of the world.”
Carlton Rector (1911-1998)
For another aspect on the topic, check out my blog entry Self-Control
Homosexuality
This is a crucial and sensitive subject to approach given today’s worldly views concerning those who claim to be LGBT. In a society that screams “tolerance, “judgment,” and “equality,” the Christian must remain steadfast in unchanging Biblical truth, applying Scripture to life and not twisting Scripture to make it fit the world’s standards. With this in mind, Scripture is incredibly clear that homosexuality is a sin.
Romans 1:18-32 – God’s Wrath on Unrighteousness
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
“Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.”
Keeping these passages of Scripture in mind, we turn to the original intent of the word “homosexual” here. The word used in the original text is arsenokoitēs in Greek. The proper usage of this word in context means, “one (male) who lies with a male as with a female, sodomite, homosexual” (Blue Letter Bible). When we see that “sodomite” is used, we look back to those in Sodom. When the angels arrived in Sodom (Genesis 19), while in the home of Lot, “all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house”(vs 4) and asked Lot to send them out so they could have relations with them (vs 5). The word “relations” used here (in some translations the word is “know” or “have sex”) is yada` in the original Hebrew text. It is a verb – an act. In proper context here it is “a euphemism for sexual intercourse” and is “also as applied to crimes against nature” (Blue Letter Bible). If we read and study Scripture, we know they were destroyed. Jude 1:7 offers a warning about this behavior – “Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire (see my study of Jude here).
There is a film that was released recently which may be helpful. It can be found at https://inhisimage.movie/
*the views expressed in this film – while most I find beneficial for growth – are not 100% my own
Also, I love this interview between Melissa Dougherty and her friend Jen – a former lesbian who surrendered to Christ in 2018:
Sexual Purity
One reason it is important to place this topic after homosexuality is to support the importance of our sexuality in general. God places much emphasis on relationships, marriage, and sexual purity as it symbolizes our relationship with Him through Christ. Christ is seen as the Husband preparing a place for His bride (the church). That intimate relationship with Him is crucial for the Christian to understand, and it is crucial when considering earthly relationships with one another. We are told not to be unequally yoked (Christians with non-Christians – 2 Corinthians 6:14), we are told the roles of husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:21-33/ Colossians 3:18-19), and we are told many times that sexual impurity/immorality is sinful (1 Corinthians 6:9/ 1 Corinthians 5:9-11/ Revelation 21:8 —to name a few). Most Christians know sin is sin, and it is all equal in the eyes of God as far as severity—bringing separation between God and mankind. However, 1 Corinthians 6 brings new light to the sin of sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 6:9-20 – Members of Christ
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
“’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything. ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, ‘The two will become one flesh.’ But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit
(Also supported in Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 3:16–23)
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Reflecting on the fact that the Christian’s body is the temple, and it should be offered as a living sacrifice (which was without blemish, pure), “holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12), we must understand that when we come together sexually with another, we are uniting ourselves with that person (Ephesians 5:31). With all the aforementioned in mind, we come to understand more why adultery and sexual relations outside of marriage is sinful (Hebrews 13:4).
Paul, however, tackles this topic best in 1 Corinthians 7. I encourage each of you to read and study this passage in full.
Unforgiveness & Revenge
The following is from MPCC and is based on the sermon “Turning the Other Cheek” by Mickey Witcher.
“‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
“’You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.'”
Retaliation is such a universal instinct. We, as a society, believe that if someone does wrong towards us, we must act to gain vengeance or what we may believe as equality (“get even”). We are fatally wrong though. The old ways taught “an eye for an eye,” however, Jesus’ new commandment is to love everyone. Although extremely difficult at times, we are to forgive and forget. Okay, I know you are probably thinking, “What!! How can I do that when _____ did this to me! Don’t they deserve to pay?” The Bible explains in various verses in Romans 12, “Do not repay evil for evil…Bless those who persecute you…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good…Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge.”
It is not our place to seek “revenge” on someone. That job is up to our Heavenly Father. Only He can punish the wrongdoers. So where does that leave you? It leaves you in good standing, knowing that you took the wiser path to “turn the other cheek”—to walk away and forgive the ones who may have hurt you.
Any time a Christian is insulted (by tongue, look, or action), we shouldn’t return the insult. We must not retaliate, and certainly we must not involve others, which will only heighten the situation and cause it to bring others down. You also must be indifferent to personal insult. I can guarantee that you have already or will experience personal insult and criticism. However, if you can look in the mirror and truly admit that you are at peace with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, then nothing can bother you.
Are you entrusting your life to God? Are you remembering that no one is perfect and that everyone (yes, EVERYONE) makes mistakes? Have you forgiven all the individuals in your life that have done something to insult you? If not, maybe you should take some time to pray about them, to reflect and ask, “Is it worth my salvation to make sure _____ is brought down and repaid with vengeance?”
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Abortion
Abortion is another hot and highly-debated topic. Like homosexuality, today’s society has a lot to say about abortion. We hear things like, “Should the government make it legal or illegal? Should I vote for someone who supports abortion? I wouldn’t have an abortion myself, but I cannot tell another woman what to do with ‘her’ body.” I’m sure you’ve heard at least one of these in some form. Maybe from someone you know personally. So, how should a genuine Christian respond? Again, only when we turn to Scripture can we answer that.
I will not get into the discussion of how life begins at conception, as there are many great resources that have explained this. One is found at LiveAction.org
With the understanding that life begins at conception, however, let’s move on to the realization that abortion is taking a newly-created life away—murder. Of course we know that murder violates God’s moral law—the sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13). But we can go back even further to see the purpose for why murder is wrong.
“And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man.
‘Whoever sheds the blood of man,
by man shall his blood be shed,
for God made man in his own image.
And you, be fruitful and multiply, increase greatly on the earth and multiply in it.'”
As Christians, we know that God creates each life on purpose for a purpose – in His image. It’s important to begin with that knowledge, because knowing He is the Author, Creator, and Finisher of life should put abortion in Biblical perspective. We look to many passages of Scripture to see the purpose in life created by God.
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
“Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you”
The study of God’s Word should be enough to teach us that abortion is morally wrong. If you need more information, however, I highly recommend watching the film 180 Movie by Living Waters.
*the views expressed in this film – while most I find beneficial for growth – are not 100% my own
Entertainment
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Genuine Christians know they are set apart from the world. When we act like the rest of the world, what message does that send? How can we boldly proclaim Christ if we live just like the lost around us? With that in mind, what we choose to entertain us matters.
We are quick to discern what is right and wrong when it comes to doing something physical and verbal, especially around others. However, when it comes to entertainment—music, movies, books, and television, what we ingest personally—we are less likely to consider the influence that entertainment may have on us and those around us. Take, for instance, a few media releases like Fifty Shades of Grey, Magic Mike, and the numerous musicians over the years with a complete lack of godly influence in their public lifestyle and “art” [and I use that word lightly] (Kesha, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Elton John, etc.). Many have even created content which is downright openly demonic (even the beloved Disney). I have encountered several who proclaim the name of Christ, yet find the aforementioned entertaining—participating in, supporting, and sharing such content. Do these things or people entertain you?
Also, if you are a self-proclaimed Christian, I am sure you believe that pornography, adultery, exploitation of women, and other hot topic issues are immoral—just plain wrong. So “what’s the point in decrying the exploitation of women in strip clubs and mourning the enslavement of men to pornography when we unashamedly watch films that exploit and enslave?” (Wax) How can a Christian say a word is bad, worshiping Satan is detrimental to our salvation, or promiscuity is not the way of the Lord, when that Christian watches, reads, or listens to something that promotes/uplifts such ungodly, immoral things? How can you find “amusement or pleasure…(and) engag(ement)” (AKA ‘entertainment,’ per Merriam Webster) in such things? You wouldn’t watch two people having sex in their home through an open window, right? That’d be perverted. We call that a “Peeping Tom” actually. So why would you watch the same thing through an open screen?
We are all responsible for the many things we allow to make an impression on our minds and hearts. Some events or situations in life sear their image in our brains and influence us a great deal more than what we may think. Some of those events we cannot control. However, many things we can (entertainment). When we do have a choice, we should maintain our Godly stance.
I once told someone I purchased a Clear Play machine (a DVD player that allows me to filter out any foul language, inappropriate references, or other things of that nature) for my children to be able to watch some films without the fear of hearing a blasphemous word against God or some other uncalled-for action (even in movies geared toward children). He questioned, “Why?” and proceeded to say, “They are going to hear it one day anyway; can’t protect them forever.” Let me tell you, my friends, I cannot control the actions of others, but I can control what I allow to influence myself and my children. We must make godly choices in life as to what we allow to entertain us, who—friends/acquaintances—we choose to be in our lives, and the situations in which we put ourselves. Again, the contents, words, and actions from each of those things will sear ideas and images into our minds and hearts that we may never get rid of. I thought of this, because during the years that I called myself a “Christian,” but was actually a false convert, I experienced things which pop into my mind even today—when I don’t want to be anywhere near such a memory or experience.
As a Christian, we are to guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23), seek righteousness and things that are above (Matthew 6:33/ Colossians 3:1), don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1:1), and flee from immorality and people who practice immorality (being unequally yoked – 2 Corinthians 6:14). Make the choice today to follow God’s ways in every aspect of your life. What you read, what you listen to, what you watch, which words you allow to enter your ears and—eventually—your heart. Be vigilant! It’s like the song goes, “Be careful little eyes what you see” (I like the Casting Crown’s song “Slow Fade” which shares a version of this).
Don’t keep God in a side pocket for show. Keep integrity when facing discernment about entertainment. What would please Him in every aspect of life?
Leave this topic with this in mind:
Hebrews 10:26
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins”
When we remain in sin or support sinful things, when we allow sin to entertain us, it’s like we are mocking the sacrifice made by Jesus. We are crucifying Him all over again.
Bodily Alterations
This subject is a broader subject covering permanent alterations such as tattooing, piercing, gender-based bodily mutilation, puberty blockers, and other interventions to irrationally alter original design for non-life-threatening, non-medically-necessitated purposes.
Scripture does touch on this subject, but must be studied appropriately.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,”
For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
“You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the LORD.”
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
When we pair this with other Scripture such as:
“Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
*The Greek word for “members” here is melos, meaning “literally…a limb of the body…a member of the human body” (Blue Letter Bible).
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
We find that we should treat our bodies, both physically and spiritually, with great care. In proper context, 1 Corinthians 6 is addressing sexual immorality. However, if we look at the understanding of this context and just how important the body is to God (that He considers us the temple ourselves—a very sacred place, and we are created in His image—”in true righteousness and holiness” as seen above in Ephesians.), it can be applied to the overall way we treat the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells. Piercing, tattooing, modesty, gender, healthfulness, sexuality, and anything else regarding your body—which is no longer your own once you accept Christ and are filled with His Holy Spirit through true conversion at baptism—should be viewed through a biblical-tinted lens, just as all of life and its choices should if we are genuinely saved.
With this in mind, let’s think about this from a certain perspective.
Let’s take tattooing as an example, first. Most instances of tattooing (no matter how you look at it, it is a profane, pagan tradition [read its history here]) are for vanity or reasons that are certainly not Christlike.
Caitlin Englebert has stated (on yoga), “Ask yourself, ‘Is there ever a time in Scripture where God redeemed any pagan practice?’, and I will tell you there’s never a time in the Old Testament or the New Testament where God has taken a pagan practice and redeemed it. Never. Not once.”
*Food (clean vs. unclean, declared clean by Jesus—Mark 7:19) was already established in Genesis for all, it wasn’t “pagan,” so food laws, like Romans 14, are not applicable to this. The same could be said for land use, food growth/planting, etc..
You don’t need to fill your body with holes, or cover it with makeup or ink, or show more skin—whether in vanity or because you are trying to make a statement. These things will not draw God’s favor. He looks upon your heart (1 Samuel 16:7), and since your body is the temple, it should not be destroyed in any manner, and it should be rendered holy. He created your physical attributes distinctly, why would you want to alter His creation? You don’t go up to the Sistine Chapel and throw paint or jewels on the ceiling for added embellishment. It is beautiful the way it was created and it is complete, besides Michelangelo wouldn’t like that… and you would face consequences 
Hopefully you don’t consider Michelangelo’s work more worthy than God’s.
I love how it’s explained in a photo I found on social media. I’m not sure who to give the credit to, because I’ve searched and searched, but cannot find the author/originator of this photo.
We should be incredibly careful about condoning, supporting and participating in bodily alterations and other areas that some people could be proclaiming as Christian “liberty.” When Christians do this, it can cause the weak and unsaved to stumble. If an action we take or a word we say could possibly hinder someone’s spiritual growth and walk with Christ—if it could potentially cause another to stumble in any way—then it’s certainly not holy or righteous in any manner. Think of it like this: An unbeliever or weaker Christian sees a Christian with a tattoo or supporting tattoos, then that individual decides, “Hey, if they think it’s OK, and they’re a Christian, I can do it too!” And most times when this happens, their motives are anything but Christlike.
Friends, Christians can reach people with His Gospel in worldly situations [bars, festivals, abortion centers, tattoo parlors…] without participating in them and supporting them. Again, it all boils down to being holy—set apart, unlike the world and its pagan traditions, focusing on things above, on the eternal. Focused on becoming mature in Christ, “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18), looking more like Him. I’m of the persuasion Jesus wouldn’t have participated in or supported bodily mutilation, marking His body with cutting and ink and holes. One final thought with that in mind, maybe the fact that He was pierced for our transgression speaks volumes.
UPDATED ADDITION (2024)
In refute to those who say Leviticus 19 is nullified (or the like).
This passage, like the rest of Leviticus, is composed of moral law, ceremonial law, and civil law. Some of the statutes, rules, regulations, and commands are reflective (expounded) of the Ten Commandments—examples include 19:4 (Do not turn to idols) and 19:17-18 (You shall not hate your brother in your heart…you shall love your neighbor as yourself—also what Jesus sums up in Mark 12:31). We see an extension of these in other commands here (again, things which are upheld in Jesus’ reiterated commands to love God with everything we have and love others as we love ourselves):
LOVE FOR OTHERS (just a few)
19:33-34 (…You shall treat the stranger who soujourns with you as the native…you shall love him as yourself)
19:35 (You shall have just balances—being just, judging in righteousness, a kindness and love for others shows them justice/honesty).
LOVE FOR GOD (just a few)
19:26 (You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes)
19:31 (Do not turn to mediums or necromancers)
19:28 (You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves)
(All occultic practices turning from God to other mystical sources, a form of idolatry)
“The reference here is to the practice of making deep gashes in the skin while mourning the death of a relative. This was done to provide life blood for the spirit of the dead person rather than to express sorrow.” (Peter-Contesse)
“The tattoo indicated that one was a slave to a particular deity.” (Rooker)
“Ancient writers abound with accounts of marks made on the face, arms, etc., in honour of different idols; and to this the inspired penman alludes.” (Clarke)
“Pagans often employed divination and sorcery to try to determine what events would soon transpire. Divination and sorcery were widespread in the ancient Near East, particularly in Mesopotamia and Egypt.” (Rooker)
When we look at topics like abortion, we don’t see that topic specifically labeled in Scripture. Yet, with knowledge and discernment regarding murder and child sacrifice, we can assuredly say abortion is wrong. Likewise, with topics like sorcery, tattooing/cuts (bodily mutilation), and interpreting omens (etc.) these are addressed as a form of occultic practices, a form of idolatry. While tattooing today may not be done in regard for the dead or false gods, the idolatry is of vanity and self. Just like abortion is child sacrifice, not to a known false deity necessarily, but to self and convenience.
Knowing that we still should not practice occultic habits today, we don’t say that interpreting omens or necromancy or the like is nullified, so why should other occultic practices be?
Other articles which may help with this topic can be found in The Encouragement Blog: Pierced, Ekklesia, and Liberty.
Religious Pluralism (Tolerance)
We’ve all seen the bumper stickers “COEXIST” composed of various symbols. There is also one that’s similar which states “TOLERANCE.” These take on the can’t-we-all-just-get-along attitude and seem to make the point that all religions, forms of spirituality, or lack thereof are equal—right in their own way. Many claim all paths lead to God, despite what one believes. I cannot count the many people who are confused about spirituality and religion. I’ve even overheard a comment stating (in paraphrase), “It’s all the same anyway. We’ll all end up in the same place, no matter if we are Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, whatever.” Even Former President Barack Obama said, “But we have Jews, Muslims, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, and that their own path to grace is one that we have to revere and respect as much as our own.”
My friends, this is not true, and if you’re a Christian, it is such a dangerous message.
This belief goes into Postmodernism, relativism, Religious Pluralism, Universalism, and New Tolerance (as opposed to traditional, true tolerance). In other words, everyone creates their own set of truth: What works for them is great for them. What works for me is great for me. We can all believe a different set of truths and all live happily ever after.
WRONG.
If there is no universal truth, then there is no true gospel. So for a Christian to say that “their own path to grace is one that we have to revere and respect ” is “an oxymoron and abando[n] to the truth claims of Christ” (Hindson and Caner)
If we can say that everyone creates their own set of truths, then we ask: “Is it immoral for a person or a culture to say that Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Holocaust were wrong?” Is it intolerant to say that a father is wrong if he tortures and kills his two-year-old daughter for pleasure? Is the practice of slavery by a landowner or a culture morally justified? These are extreme examples, but they are necessary to prove a point” (Weider and Gutierrez).There are not many paths to God. There is one God, one Savior, one way to salvation (Ephesians 4:4-6). This is found in John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” We shouldn’t be about pushing to accept the views of others, making them (dangerously) feel all comfy and cozy in whatever lie they are living, but about seeking and accepting truth. And the only truth there is, is God’s truth in His written Word.
For more information about this topic, I highly urge you to check out Melissa Dougherty on YouTube here. She is “an ex new ager, and [has] been in a counter cult ministry to Mormons and Jehovah’s witnesses” (Dougherty). A great video from Melissa that tackles this topic directly can be found here.
A Study Of Good and Evil – Halloween
Part 1 – The Obvious Evil Side Today
There is a time of year when it is hard to walk into a store and not see witches, devils, ghosts, vampires, spiders and the like donning every shelf. In a biblical study of Paul’s letter to the church of Rome, I see such a parallel that has convicted me to share. Paul’s letter was “directed toward the goal of showing that God demands our action as well as our believing and thinking. Faith expresses itself in obedience” (TNIV Study Notes). Chapters 1-11 of Romans lead up to the practical application of such Christian living in chapter 12 and beyond. It is in Chapter 12 that we find some very well-known, highly-used verses (such as vs. 1 “…present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” and vs.2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” etc.). I’ve recently studied such verses in depth and have been highly enlightened by each—I strongly encourage you to do the same. One that stands out in particular, in correlation to those ornamented store shelves, is Romans 12:9 (another popular, widely used verse) “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” So, I decided to dig deeper.
First, let’s break this verse down a bit. This verse kicks off ‘love in action’ (pretty much what Jesus was all about when He took up the cross on behalf of our sin debt). The church in Rome—and we today—were told to “Abhor (hate) what is evil.” This should be effortlessly understandable, but I still want to clarify what Paul meant by ‘abhor’ and ‘evil’. The ‘abhor/hate’ used here is the Greek word apostygeō, a verb (action) which means “dislike, abhor, have a horror of (pretty strong words to me)” (Blue Letter Bible). And the ‘evil’ here is the Greek word ponēros, which means “bad, of a bad nature or condition—in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad; appearance of evil” (Blue Letter Bible).
Directly after, we are told to “hold fast to (cling to) what is good.” Again, this should be easy enough to comprehend, but I’ll elaborate on these too. ‘Hold fast/Cling’ seen here is kollaō in Greek, and means “glue together, cement, fasten firmly together, join oneself to, to give oneself steadfastly to, labor for ” (Blue Letter Bible). And ‘good’ is agathos, which is things that are “morally honorable, pleasing to God…upright, honorable and acceptable to God” (Blue Letter Bible).
I am of the persuasion, first and foremost, that anything which resembles those ‘evil’ things is in no way pleasing nor acceptable to God (it would, in fact, be in complete opposition to and an enemy of God). So why am I pointing out those store shelves again? We tend to place much emphasis on certain “holidays” in this country, one of them being Halloween. This is probably one of the most debated festivities in relation to Christianity. I am of the persuasion, with this passage of Scripture in mind, that anything celebrated which magnifies wickedness is nothing good and shouldn’t be observed—no matter how we try to sugar coat it (“it’s just a harmless, fun, kids’ day with free candy!”). It got me thinking, you know, Satan was a beautiful heavenly being, and he disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14—some translations use “masquerades” which is very interesting considering the topic), so he knows how to make wicked, sinful things quite beautiful and appealing and seemingly innocent.
All it takes is a look around in October at what is on those store shelves, as well as what dons the neighborhood lawns, what movies are featured on television or your favorite streaming service, what sounds and music is playing, what events are taking place. It’s pretty obvious to see, if you surrender to seeing with the eyes of the Spirit. Yet even the unsaved see it. Although the quote attributed to Anton LaVey regarding Xween—”I’m glad that Christians worship the devil at least one night out of the year”—has been refuted, the “church” of Satan does state, “This night (Halloween), we smile at the amateur explorers of their own inner darkness, for we know that they enjoy their brief dip into the pool of the ‘shadow world.’” In fact, satanists hold Halloween in high regard.
Not only is it evil, but crime rates increase.
Part 2 – Origins—Obscure for Sure and Deceptively “Good”
So many are being deceived into celebrating this unHoliday (because the word “Holiday” is said to be derived from “Holy Day”, which this day is anything but holy), so I felt the need to address this. One of the biggest defensive approaches to justify the celebration of this day by many Christians is that it is originally a “Christian” day (or at some point in its ever-changing origin it was celebrated as such). First and foremost, the main thing to keep in mind is that the origins of Halloween are obscure and highly debated. Many very reliable, credible resources hold opposing views, so we must always be cautious not to be dogmatic about the day’s origins.
The claims:
1) Halloween was first derived from the Celts who celebrated it as Samhain—“a pagan religious festival originating from an ancient Celtic spiritual tradition. [Where pagans would] welcome in the harvest and usher in “the dark half of the year.” Celebrants believe that the barriers between the physical world and the spirit world break down during Samhain, allowing more interaction between humans and denizens of the Otherworld” (History.com).
Then the Catholic Pope Boniface tried to “Christianize” the event in 609AD (it has been stated that those in Catholicism often try to Christianize pagan holidays/events/ ideas). “He moved the celebration to May 13 and specified it as a day celebrating saints and martyrs. The fire festivals of October and November” (History.com). Nevertheless, “In the 9th century, Pope Gregory moved the celebration back to the time of the fire festivals, but declared it All Saints’ Day, on November 1. All Souls’ Day would follow on November 2” (History.com). “’Halloween’ comes from ‘All Hallows Eve’, the Vigil of the celebration of the Christian Feast of ‘All Saints’” (Fournier), a feast that begins the celebration of All Saints’ Day.
2) Christians established an (at the time unnamed) “All Saints’ Day,” since from the third century, church fathers celebrated dead saints. “Annual commemoration of martyred Christians appears in the sources very early” (O’Neill). This premise is based on the writings “The Martyrdom of the Holy Polycarp—The Church at Smyrna”
At length, when those wicked men perceived that his body could not be consumed by the fire, they commanded an executioner to go near and pierce him through with a dagger. And on his doing this, there came forth a dove, [462] and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished; and all the people wondered that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect, of whom this most admirable Polycarp was one, having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. For every word that went out of his mouth either has been or shall yet be accomplished. But when the adversary of the race of the righteous, the envious, malicious, and wicked one, perceived the impressive [463] nature of his martyrdom, and [considered] the blameless life he had led from the beginning, and how he was now crowned with the wreath of immortality, having beyond dispute received his reward, he did his utmost that not the least memorial of him should be taken away by us, although many desired to do this, and to become possessors [464] of his holy flesh. For this end he suggested it to Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to go and entreat the governor not to give up his body to be buried, "lest," said he, "forsaking Him that was crucified, they begin to worship this one." This he said at the suggestion and urgent persuasion of the Jews, who also watched us, as we sought to take him out of the fire, being ignorant of this, that it is neither possible for us ever to forsake Christ, who suffered for the salvation of such as shall be saved throughout the whole world (the blameless one for sinners [465]), nor to worship any other. For Him indeed, as being the Son of God, we adore; but the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love on account of their extraordinary [466] affection towards their own King and Master, of whom may we also be made companions [467] and fellow-disciples! The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body [468] in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified [469] than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary [470] of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, [471] and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps. Foot Notes: [462] Eusebius omits all mention of the dove, and many have thought the text to be here corrupt. It has been proposed to read ep' aristera, "on the left hand side," instead of peristera, "a dove." [463] Literally, "greatness." [464] The Greek, literally translated, is, "and to have fellowship with his holy flesh." [465] This clause is omitted by Eusebius: it was probably interpolated by some transcriber, who had in his mind 1 Pet. iii. 18. [466] Literally, "unsurpassable." [467] Literally, "fellow-partakers." [468] Or, "him." [469] Or, "more tried." [470] Literally, "the birth-day." [471] Literally, "been athletes."
What we see here after Polycarp was martyred, is that the church took up his bones and found a proper burial for them. They then, with joy and rejoicing, declared to celebrate the anniversary of his martyrdom, in memory of those who also finished their course and for those who will follow the same. The same document has the date of the martyr, “Now, the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom on the second day of the month Xanthicus just begun, [476] the seventh day before the Kalends of May, on the great Sabbath, at the eighth hour. [477]
*[476] The translation is here very doubtful. Wake renders the words menos histamenou, “of the present month.” [477] Great obscurity hangs over the chronology here indicated. According to Usher, the Smyrnæans began the month Xanthicus on the 25th of March. But the seventh day before the Kalends of May is the 25th of April. Some, therefore, read ‘Aprillion instead of Maion. The great Sabbath is that before the passover. The “eighth hour” may correspond either to our 8 a.m. or 2p.m.
Some others, however, claim this occurred in February. “The Martyrdom of Polycarp places his death on February 23, and the Eastern Churches have commemorated him on this date. From the eighth century the Western Church observed his day on January 26, but the present Roman calendar (1969) moved his commemoration to February 23, and the Episcopal Church and the Lutheran Church and the Methodist For All the Saints followed that precedent” (NALC).
Either way, despite the date (which was clearly at some date in the early part of the year—Feb-May), this second claim sets the premise that the act of venerating the saints of martyrdom (like Polycarp) was established early—around the 3rd or 4th century, even as early as the 2nd century. With this in mind, the claimants also state the Pope initiated the official holiday of All Saints’ Day in the 9th century. It was moved from May (during Pope Boniface’s time, between 608-615) to November 1 (during Pope Gregory III’s time, between 731-741). Later, All Souls’ Day was established on November 2. Being that All Saints’ Day was alternatively called All Hallows’ Day, the evening before, October 31, was referred to as All Hallows Eve (later shortened to Hallow-e’en [even]), which sometimes included a feast (sort of like what CHRISTmas Eve is for CHRISTmas Day).
So, this second claim is that Halloween, as we know it today, is originally a “Christian” holiday, and it should be reclaimed as such.
Which of these claims is accurate? How should Christians today, in the 21st century view it?
Each of the holidays/events celebrated at this time of year are quite disconnected. Halloween is its own celebration. All Saints’ Day is its own celebration (on November 1, not October 31). All Souls’ Day is its own celebration (on November 2, not October 31). And many celebrate Reformation Day (established October 31, 1517—which has zero affiliation with Halloween). Catholic “father” (there’s a whole different argument about this blasphemous title) William Saunders states, “Both the feast of All Saints and the feast of All Souls evolved in the life of the Church independently of paganism and Halloween.” What we find is that many who proclaim the name of Christ use the “Halloween-was-originally-a-Christian-celebration” defense as an excuse to celebrate Halloween for what it is today.
So, let’s look at this day as if we ARE celebrating it the way the Pope intended, as a precursor to All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Eve).
First, let’s view the claim that the event is “Christian.” The original Greek Word found in Scripture for the first uses of Christian is Christianos. It means Little Christ or “Follower of Christ,” and signifies “an adherent of Jesus” (Blue Letter Bible). So, inherently, any “thing”—be it Christian music, Christian decoration, Christian days/events, Christian movies- cannot be “Christian” in and of themselves. The people who create them can be, and the content can represent Christ and speak on behalf of the godly and biblical but is not “Christian.” Yet, we can still create things to do just that—honor and glorify Christ (which we should). And, let me add again (as part 1 explains), there is absolutely nothing Christlike about the Halloween that is celebrated today—in fact, it is the direct opposite and glorifies everything of Satan.
Second, let’s look at the claims tying the act of remembrance of martyrs early in history (seen above with Polycarp) to All Saints’ Day, and let’s break down All Saints’ Day a little more. Saunders states,
“Let us first address the feast of All Saints. The exact origins of this celebration are uncertain, although, after the legalization of Christianity in A.D. 313, a common commemoration of the saints, especially the martyrs, appeared in various areas throughout the Church. For instance in the East, the city of Edessa celebrated this feast on May 13; the Syrians, on the Friday after Easter; and the city of Antioch, on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Both St. Ephrem (d. 373) and St. John Chrysostom (d. 407) attest to this feast day in their preaching. In the West, a commemoration for all the saints also was celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost. The primary reason for establishing a common feast day was because of the desire to honor the great number of martyrs, especially during the persecution of Emperor Diocletion (284-305), the worst and most extensive of the persecutions. Quite simply, there were not enough days of the year for a feast day for each martyr and many of them died in groups. A common feast day for all saints, therefore, seemed most appropriate.”
So, essentially, Roman Catholicism condensed all martyred Christian memorial days into one day—All Saints’ Day, in May (initially) when the Pope “dedicated the Pantheon in Rome as a church in honour of the Blessed Virgin and all martyrs” (Britannica). Yet, protestant, evangelical Christians have to keep in mind how Roman Catholicism approaches this remembrance. There is a difference in memorial and veneration. We can rightly remember those who’ve completed the race before us by praying for their families’ salvation who remain on this earth, always ensuring God receives all the glory and honor in the name of Christ, and by following their example (“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith”—Hebrews 13:7). But knowing their earthly race is complete, and they are home, we do not grieve the same, acting as the unsaved do (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Veneration, however, is synonymous with worship, reverence, and praise (the way Roman Catholicism would approach this remembrance) of someone, and we know to avoid such a blasphemous practice as only God is the focus of our worship, reverence, and praise. In either case, remembrance of the saints has absolutely zero ties with Halloween today.
Although we see evidence that the saints of martyrdom may have been remembered (again, like we might do today with memorial services for those who have finished their journey on earth, not set to one specific day), All Saints’ Day is strictly spawned from the Catholic religion. We see no support of such an event in Scripture. It is considered a Holy Day of Obligation by the Roman Catholic Church
“The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains holy days of obligation this way: On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body” (Akin).
Catholics celebrate this day in honor of “those who are with God in heaven and those who are on their way to heaven” (The Basilica—”on their way” is expounded more in the third point). It’s important to note: Catholicism deems saints as individuals who, at the beginning, were “chosen by public acclaim,” but then in 1983, Pope John Paul II changed the canonization procedure and chose Catholics “whom people regard as holy” (Catholic.org). In Catholicism, saints are honored, people have statues and photos of them, and people “pray with” and to them, even though they are deceased. Catholic.org says, “Since saints led holy lives and are close to God in heaven, we feel that their prayers are particularly effective.” (*If this isn’t putting up a red flag, then reading the rest isn’t going to penetrate either!*). Saints are simply saved people, brothers and sisters in Christ, but nothing more. There is no hierarchy of mankind in Christ. That’s made pretty clear in Scripture. Two verses come to mind quickly:
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
We are also told many times that we are one body, with Christ as the head. We each have a special gift to offer in the Spirit, and we each have a place and function. None better than another.
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”
And I especially like what Jesus says here:
“But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
As far as praying to or with these individuals, the following link contains a pretty decent read: https://carm.org/praying-saints-biblical by Matt Slick.
Third, let’s look at the aspect of All Souls’ Day. Again, as with All Saints’ Day, this is formed from Catholicism (“but it is also [supposedly] celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and a few other denominations of Christianity” [Catholic.org]). It is celebrated by honoring the dead, praying for those in purgatory. “Purgatory is necessary so that (lost) souls can be cleansed and perfected before they enter into heaven” (Catholic.org). (*Again, if a red flag doesn’t go up for ya, you’re not going to benefit from this*) This idea comes from the Catholic’s added book (of the Apocrypha) of 2 Maccabees. The book of Apocrypha is not canon (not authentic, not the Word of God). We should rely on Scripture, the Word of God itself, not other added books.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work..”
With this in mind, purgatory is non-existent. It is not in the Word of God. What is confirmed by Scripture, however, is that we have but one life to live on this earth, and two choices in that life. Afterwards, we face judgment. There is no praying for the dead; they were given free will and choice, and nothing we do can change that. Ever.
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Here are some post photos I came across from Funniest Christian on Instagram which explain Purgatory and the Biblical response:
It’s Heaven or Hell, folks. Both very real places.
Finally, looking to every event celebrated between October 31 and November 2, be it Halloween or All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day or Samhain, each one revolves around death—celebrating the dead, honoring the dead, contacting the dead, etc..
If Halloween was, indeed, a descendant of Samhain, “[n]either new holiday did away with the pagan aspects of the celebration. October 31 became known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween, and contained much of the traditional pagan practices before being adopted in 19th-century America through Irish immigrants bringing their traditions across the ocean. Trick-or-treating is said to have been derived from ancient Irish and Scottish practices in the nights leading up to Samhain. In Ireland, mumming was the practice of putting on costumes, going door-to-door and singing songs to the dead. Cakes were given as payment” (History.com).
If Halloween was, indeed, a religious, Catholic observance of the martyred saints which was corrupted over time, influenced by “Guy Fawkes Night,” some other paganistic event, or simply over-commercialized, it did away with any religious purpose, which wasn’t orthodox to begin with.
As Christians, we know we have overcome death, y’all!! Many times in Scripture death is linked to sin. >>>Death=Sin<<< It isn’t something to be celebrated, as Jesus is life, and—in Him—we have freedom from death. Jesus conquered death! Yes, we can celebrate and rejoice in the fact that someone lived a life of faith, of true salvation, and—by the fruit they display as proof—are in the presence of Jesus and suffer no more, but that’s the extent of it. If we are truly in Christ, we have already died and been raised to new life with Jesus Christ through Christian baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells in us with eternal life, and we are already seated in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2).
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
I also want to be open and sincere, sharing my experience. I was there joining in the celebrations, too. When my children were younger, we celebrated Halloween—as I did growing up. But I was a false convert. When I genuinely surrendered my life to Christ, I tried to alter how we celebrated with church functions, like “Trunk or Treat,” and such. I tried every which way to “Christianize” and justify celebrating, because I loved it as a child, and my children loved dressing up and getting the candy—I mean, it was tradition! A quintessential American Classic! (And we always did the “innocent” stuff, even before my true conversion). However, I knew deep down—like I’m sure we all do if we are genuinely saved and choosing to live by the Spirit and not the flesh—that it shouldn’t be something to participate in, as it is glorifying everything evil. Finally, I stopped grieving the Spirit. The Lord owns my life. Not me. If I look just like the rest of the unsaved world (especially something that downright represents the demonic) what message does that proclaim? How does that impact my witness? Again—and the theme of this entire page—it’s not really just dos and don’ts; it’s being holy, set apart completely from the profane, the world and its practices. I repented and stopped celebrating, praying to put an end to the profane model many are passing down to their children.
Here are some more verses I want to leave you with in regards to this as well as a video (below):
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—…But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.”
“so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”
“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. “
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Ephesians 5:11 – I refer to this one a lot
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
I implore you, check out all the opposing views, and see what confusion lies around this unholiday. Pray for truth to be revealed. Pray for the Spirit to open your eyes to see this day for what it really is. Pray for wisdom and discernment.
Here are some links to a few websites that have been offered by different resources on both sides of the argument (these are just a very few, as there are tons!):
Samhain meaning: What the pagan festival is, how it inspired Halloween and the rituals explained (inews.co.uk)
What is the significance of All Saints Day? – National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Is Halloween Pagan? – History for Atheists
All Saints’ Day | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica
Halloween: Its Creation and Recreation – Ad Fontes (adfontesjournal.com)
Halloween | Definition, Origin, History, & Facts | Britannica
What Are the Holy Days of Obligation? | Catholic Answers Magazine
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, October 26, 1913, Page 7, Image 73 « Chronicling America « Library of Congress (loc.gov) * (a quite interesting piece from 1913)
Halloween 2023: Origins, Meaning & Traditions | HISTORY
Samhain – Celtic Origins, Rituals & Halloween | HISTORY
*KEEP IN MIND WHAT I USUALLY SAY: I do not always agree 100% with the creators’ content I share, but I feel what is presented may offer information beneficial for spiritual growth. Meat and bones.
Something else to keep in mind, there is always a different perspective. The following video link is from a friend’s missionary ministry.
Calleb, a Kenyan missionary working with @mercy_partners in South Sudan and beyond, comes from a world that isn’t blind to evil & spiritual warfare. One which knows witchcraft, genocide, famine, and the many earthly circumstances we seldom or never experience here in the United States. They don’t hold certain “traditions” or celebrate some days like many in western civilization.
“There is no original African celebration, event, or occasion on a selected day called ‘Halloween’ as known in the US and other western countries that have adopted the tradition…If Halloween parties are held somewhere in Africa, they would be almost certainly ‘borrowed’ from the West and perhaps held by expatriates. In Rwanda in 2013, Halloween parties did not go down well with the Rwandan government, which banned such gatherings, stating that ‘hono[u]ring the spirits of the dead is inappropriate and against Rwandan culture.’ One reason why that could be the case in Rwanda and other African countries is that phenomena like spirits, the ancestors, magic, and juju are taken seriously and can even be part of daily life” (Kwei Quartey).
Judging
OK, so there has been a WHOLE LOT of confusion about judging, and I feel God laying it on my heart to dig deep into His Word to shine some light on this subject for myself and to help others. We constantly hear (and I mean CONSTANTLY) “Do not judge.” This is the first thing that unbelievers and believers alike profess when others try to point out their sinful ways. Now, some people do this in a manner that is not righteous. I have heard stories of those who are tormented or attacked—physically, mentally, and emotionally—by individuals claiming to be “Christian.” This is never acceptable. Especially those who proclaim the name of Christ. A Christian should know that our Savior committed to and commanded us to do everything out of love. God is love. So here is where the confusion enters.
Many people believe that—as a Christian—individuals should “love” others to the point of just allowing them to live their lives in sin, never saying anything against their sinful ways, never correcting them, never speaking out towards them in gentle instruction or correction. This is where many step up and say things like, “Do not judge”, “Thou shalt not judge” “Only God can judge me/them”, and the like.
Let’s look at Scripture: Christ spoke out against sinful living when encountering the woman caught in adultery. If read in proper context, the woman was brought to Jesus. The people were ready to stone the woman, but Jesus said in John 8:7b,
“’Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’”
This is a typical verse some individuals refer to when saying “do not judge others just because they sin differently than you.” However, if we read on, Scripture says in vs. 10 & 11,
“’Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?
’She said, “No one, Lord.”
‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’’”
Jesus did not condemn her, but he did not condone what the woman had done. In fact, he told her to leave her life of sin—not to sin anymore. If we follow Christ’s example (as we should), we should help others if they are caught in sin. Of course, we should act out of love, but we should enlighten them that they should not sin anymore. This is just one area to look at, but let’s continue.
Moving on we see one of the most misused verses when others talk of judgment. Matthew 7:1. This verse says,
“’Judge not, that you be not judged.’”
Most people stop here. They pick this verse out of the Bible, and that is a grave mistake too many people do with Scripture. We have to observe the entire context (the entire Bible for that matter) to see how it is used historically and situationally in context. As it has been said “Matthew 7:1-4 doesn’t teach against judgement; it teaches against hypocritical judgement. Pulling the words “Judge not” out of context distorts the meaning and contradicts the rest of Scripture” (Purath). If we continue that part of Scripture we come to Matthew 7:5
“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
AHA! There it is. As the ESV Study Bible Notes say, “Jesus does not forbid all evaluation or even judgment of others, for ultimately the one who feels grieved and humbled over his own sin can help remove the ‘speck’ from others, What Jesus does rule out is pride that views oneself as better than others.” We must use our past experiences, sins we have overcome, to help rescue and/or restore others – gently. If we are still guilty of that sin, however, then we cannot properly help others, thus THEN we should NOT try to “remove their speck”. This leads us to another portion of Scripture that actually TELLS us to make a judgment.
In John 7:24, Jesus Himself says,
“’Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.’”
Here, Jesus was teaching at the feast. The Jews were condemning Jesus as demon-possessed (vs. 20), and Jesus was trying to get them to understand that His teachings were from God Himself. In this particular case, the Jews were judging in a wrong manner. They were condemning someone when they did not know the facts—they were condemning merely by what they saw. But Jesus wanted them to stop that, and make a right judgment. When we call out someone as a liar, homosexual, adulterer, thief, etc. based on mere appearance or rumor/gossip, then we are judging others in a wrongful manner. We should never do this. However, if someone is a self-admitted homosexual, liar, thief, etc., then we are to help them understand that they are living in sin—again, so we can help rescue and/or restore them. In order to do this, we have to tell them that what they are doing is wrong, which leads me to my final point.
Why do we even need to help rescue and/or restore others? Who says it is my place to point out what someone is doing wrong? Before Christ ascended into Heaven, He gave one final, pertinent commandment—The Great Commission. This is found in Matthew 28: 19-20.
“‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
We are called—we are commanded—to bring others to Christ if we are a Christian. We are required to teach them to obey everything Jesus has commanded. This includes fleeing from sin, snatching them from the fire as proclaimed in Jude. We cannot rightly help others find salvation appropriately if we first do not help them discern the sin in their lives. Because before one can become genuinely saved, they must repent—turning away from their sinful living, and turning to the Lord, living in and by His Spirit. So, how can we do this if we do not help others discern their sin (pointing out where they are going wrong in life, and how they can change that to live righteously)?
**With all this in mind, however, let me point out a crucial component. Once we share the Gospel and explain the danger of living enslaved to sin (how it separates the lost from God permanently), then we must leave the rest up to God and His Holy Spirit. We are only seed planters. And a plant will not grow if it’s watered down too much and trampled on. Our job is NOT to drag someone to the cross of Christ, but to simply turn their head towards it. Get them to recognize the truth of Jesus Christ. Even Jesus told His disciples if they weren’t welcomed to shake off their feet and move on (Matthew 10:14). So do not take all the aforementioned to mean you must keep badgering someone about their sinfulness.
Finally, as Christians we also should not become defensive and angry when others try to get messages across that certain lifestyles and mannerisms are sinful—as long as it is done in a loving, rightful manner. As a friend of mine (and forgive me, but I cannot remember who) once wrote on social media, “I observe in Scripture and in this present day that many people feel an urge to cry foul when sin is discussed and their self nature is brought to the forefront.” In fact, we should feel grateful to those people that they are trying their best to carry out The Great Commission. And all of us, if we are genuine Christians, should do this.
God tells us to edify others:
The following is recommended by Gail Burton Purath
God tells us to judge:
1. Bad companions – 1 Corinthians 15:33
2. False teachers – Matthew 7:15-20
3. Sin and unrepentant sinners – Ephesians 5:1-13; Matthew 18:15
God also tells church leaders to judge sinning members 1 Corinthians 5; Matthew 18:15-17
The following vlog is also incredibly helpful:
One other truth about judging: When someone has the argument of “Don’t judge me,” it is self-refuting, because their argument is a judgment in and of itself.
*Carlton Rector, Live Action. org,, Living Waters, Trevin Wax, Casting Crowns, Melissa Dougherty, Matt Slick, Doreen Virtue, Brother Matthew do not sponsor, endorse, or is not affiliated in any way with Lights in the Darkness and its contents
References
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