Author: GinoCascieri

The Old Testament Scriptures predicted the coming of a Messiah who would be both a Saviour and a King. Prophecy became history in Jesus Christ. At His first coming”… the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6), and when He comes again ” … the government shall be upon his shoulder …” (Isaiah 9:6).

The Lord’s return for the church and His subsequent coming with the church to reign over the earth forms the Christian hope and solution to the problems of a chaotic world. The Scripture reveals numerous blessings bound up in that wonderful hope.

A HOPE OF RESURRECTION

The Apostle Paul tells us that following the archangel’s shout, announcing the coming of Christ, believers in Christ who have died shall be raised (1 Thessalonians 4:16). This is the first resurrection or the resurrection of life (John 5:28-29).

The happy state of those sharing resurrection at Christ’s coming is described in Revelation 20:6, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

A HOPE OF RAPTURE

Immediately following the resurrection of the dead in Christ, believers who are living at that time shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The Lord spoke of this blessed hope to His disciples in John 14:2-3, “… I go to prepare a place for you. And if l go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

A HOPE OF REUNION

Resurrected believers and living saints are to be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). What a happy reunion that will be! Husbands and wives shall be joined again, broken family circles restored, friends and loves ones shall meet, never to be parted again.

A HOPE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

“For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith” (Galatians 5:5). The hour is coming when the sons of God shall see the Son of God, and “… we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). God has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Not only to be sinless, but to be unable to sin! “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:3).

A HOPE OF RESTORATION

The redemptive work of Christ shall then lift the curse of sin from the whole groaning creation (Romans 8:19,22). Then shall the desert bloom as a rose, and thorns and thistles shall give way to fruitful vines and trees. The lion and the lamb shall lie down together. All nature shall rejoice and bring forth in abundance (Isaiah 3 5).

A HOPE OF REWARD

When our glorious King returns, He shall bring His rewards with Him (Revelation 22:12). Every act of kindness done in His name, all work built upon the foundation Christ Jesus which abides the test of His judgment, shall be richly rewarded.

A HOPE OF REIGNING

Those who follow the path of humiliation marked out by His nail-pierced feet shall be exalted with Him. “… and they shall reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5). The willing victim of the cross shall one day wear the victor’s crown. The Saviour shall be acclaimed Sovereign. He shall be glorified in the innumerable hosts of the redeemed.

Nearly two thousand years ago, there was born in Bethlehem of Judea a Babe, whose life was destined to affect countless millions. The Babe was Jesus Christ.

The time was ripe for His birth. Roman roads had been built throughout the civilized world in preparation for the feet of His future messengers. The Greek language had become almost universal in readiness for the proclamation of His Gospel.

The people among whom He was born were poor and despised, having been conquered by the Roman power. In the heart of every man was a cry for deliverance.

The world knew not of His birth. Work went on as usual. There was no tremendous upheaval announcing a new order. Kings and potentates continued to rule as before. Nothing outwardly heralded His advent into the world.

Only Heaven appeared to be interested. In fact, God had to arrange a welcome Himself, and so legions of angels circled the skies and heralded His birth. Wise men from the East, studying the stars and observing an unusual phenomenon in the heavens, came with their gifts from afar. Shepherds bowed in adoration and worship.

Rulers learned of His birth and became fearful and afraid. Anger filled their hearts. Murder was conceived and executed. Fearful of losing their power, they sought His death by every possible means.

Every diabolical plan that satanic ingenuity could devise was used to destroy Him. Demons trembled. Satan became enraged. All Hell was allied against Him; but God was watching, and He lived in spite of all.

He did not come to a palace with marble halls and carpeted stairs. No luxurious bed chamber was prepared for His birth. Neither nurses nor doctors were in attendance. Cathedral bells failed to toll; bands were silent; no royal choruses burst forth in song. Only the music of Heaven was heard; for He came to a stable, and He was laid in a manger. His mother had only the straw for a bed, and animals were her companions. There was no room in the inn.

Little did Caesar know that this Babe, through His teachings, would one day destroy his mighty empire, bring to naught the majesty and power of Rome, and overthrow all earthly governments; or that the day would come when His birth, His life, and His death would have a greater influence on humanity than the birth and death of any other man. For He was destined to be recognized by countless millions as the greatest of all the prophets, the mightiest of all the mighty, the Saviour of the world, God incarnate.

And now for nearly two thousand years, His birth has been commemorated, for He is worshiped by countless millions. More than nineteen hundred Christmas days have come and gone since that never-to-be-forgotten night when “… the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us …” (John 1:14). Today, after the passing of more than nineteen hundred years, He is worshiped by countless millions, and untold multitudes are looking forward to the time when He will reappear “… without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

My friend, do you worship Him as your Saviour? Will you welcome Him when He returns: Have you accepted Him? If not, then do it and do it NOW!

THE “OUGHT” OF LOVE

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:11). Is this not true, that God loved us to such an extent that He sent His Son, His only Son, down to this earth to die for us who are not worthy? But love, His love, made Him do it. “Greater love hath no man that this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). We are His friends, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). He gives us a new commandment, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have love you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

THE “OUGHT” OF PRAYER

“And he spake … that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). The prayerful life is a victorious life. Jesus commanded the disciples while He was in the garden to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). The fainting Christian is the prayerless Christian. There is a saying, “The devil trembles when he sees the weakest saint on his knees.” This shows that the devil cannot get hold of a Christian who lives a real prayer-filled life. Great things have been wrought by Christians who have lived real prayerful lives. If one’s mind and heart are not prayerful, that is when the enemy gets his chance at him, and what damage has been wrought in cases like that!

THE “OUGHT” OF OBEDIENCE

“… We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). These words were spoken by the apostles when they were before the high priest. We believe the apostles had holy boldness when they uttered these words before the counsel. These apostles had been commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. They answered, “… Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye” (Acts 4:19). Samuel told Saul, when he did not obey God but listened to the people and did as he pleased, that “… to obey is better than sacrifice … ” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul lost his kingship. Those who listen to God and obey Him will be mightily used of Him.

THE “OUGHT” OF PATIENCE

“We than that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1). It may seem hard sometimes to bear with those who are weak. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 ). It may take these things to teach one patience. Paul became ” … all things to all men, .. ” (1 Corinthians 9:22) that he might win some to Christ. If a Christian becomes impatient with a weaker one and cannot bear with him in all things, he will not win him to Christ. “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19).

THE “OUGHT” OF SACRIFICE

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). This takes love – not natural love, but spiritual love. In these days, it seems hard for some to sacrifice for others. Perhaps a few minutes of our time would be the means of cheering someone that is down and out, and perhaps even be the means of bringing him to Christ. It may mean to give up getting something you wanted so badly. True happiness is found in sacrificing for others. Our Lord sacrificed for us. He gave His very life. He died in such a shameful way, that we might share with Him eternal life.

THE “OUGHT” OF GIVING

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). By these words we can fully understand why God gave His only Son to save a dying world, and why Jesus was willing to obey His Father. You and I cannot give in this way perhaps, but we can be willing to give the little things, such as time and money. It says, “… ought to support the weak …” This does not mean physically weak, but to bear with those who are weak spiritually. Give up your reputation and dignity and become like them. Paul said, “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” (1Corinthians 9:22).

THE “OUGHT” OF FORGIVING

“So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:7). Here we are told that we ought to forgive. Ifsomeone has wronged you, you ought to forgive him; if not, your Father in Heaven cannot forgive you. In the sermon on the mount, we read, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). Look at the treatment that Jesus received. He was innocent, yet when He hung on that cruel cross, He could look to His Father and say, “… Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do … “(Luke 23 :34).

The Gospel Standard

As a man, here are some practical and spiritual things that you can do to prepare for your marriage, even long before you find the woman that you believe God would have you to marry.

Establish consistent personal devotions – Ps 55:17 David prayed three times a day; Is 34:16 read your Bible daily; 2 Tim 2:15 study the words of God; 1 Tim 4:13 Paul exhorted Timothy to “give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” – the best way to prepare yourself to love your wife is to love the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul – Jesus loves the church and we are to love our wives the way that Christ loves the church, Eph 5:25 – your love for your wife should always be secondary to your love for the Lord – if, therefore, you don’t love the Lord very much, you won’t love your wife very much either – or else you will end up loving her more than you love the Lord and that will cripple your marriage

Rule your spirit – Prov 25:28; 14:29 – loving relationships between men and women involve emotions – therefore, you have to have control of your spirit and your emotions to keep from rash statements and actions that will hurt your spouse – one thing with which women have a hard time is forgetting things that hurt them – many men have hurt their wives because they lost their temper at a time when they should have maintained control – their marriages have suffered from then on

Control your eyes – Ps 101:3; Job 31:1 men have a terrible time with this problem, particularly today – you have to be disciplined to keep from developing an attitude about women that they are simply objects for your personal pleasure – so, don’t watch TV, watch few movies [be sure there is nothing suggestive or explicit that you will view], don’t surf the internet, don’t lust after women Matt 5:28  

Control your thoughts – 2 Cor 10:4-5; Prov 16:3 – once you have an image, you have an imagination – and the trouble with our imagination is that “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth,” Gen 8:21 – you have to control your thought life – if you don’t you could very easily end up marrying the wrong woman for the wrong reason and be very miserable in your marriage – furthermore, with an out-of-control thought life, you will not be satisfied with the wife of thy youth [Prov 5:18-19] and before long you will be looking for pleasure from other women – follow Phil 4:8 and not the philosophy of the world – fill your mind with good things

Keep yourself pure – 1 Cor 7:1 keep your hands to yourself; 2 Tim 2:22 flee also youthful lusts – the best way to avoid trouble here is don’t play the dating game – and covenant that you will wait till you are married before physically loving your wife

Find and do the Lord’s will for your life – Phil 2:12-13 that way when you meet your future bride, you won’t be pulled away from the Lord’s will by trying to appease her – 1 Cor 11:3 the head of every man is Christ – therefore, you have to be under his authority if your wife is ever going to be under your authority – many a man has left the path of the Lord’s will for the sake of the woman he wanted to marry only to find that he could never get back to the Lord’s will because she wouldn’t let him without making his life miserable or without threatening to divorce him

Prepare yourself financially – 2 Thes 3:7-10, Prov 24:27 – you have to be able to pay the bills without straining your marriage – it’s too easy to crave the companionship of a bride so much that you neglect to be responsible about the future of your family 

Develop strong convictions – 1 Tim 4:12 – as the old saying goes, “a man that will stand for nothing will fall for anything” – there is some truth to that statement – you have to know where you stand and then you have to stand there – that will make it easier for you and your bride to determine whether you are agreed on important matters – if not, then you’ll find yourself giving ground that you cannot recover just to keep your marriage together – like Amos asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

Study and develop leadership characteristics – Gen 3:16, about the woman, God said, “he shall rule over thee”; 1 Cor 11:3, “the head of the woman is the man” – how can you expect a woman to follow you if you cannot rule – a preacher said, “a man will either rule his house or he’ll wreck it” – so you have to learn how to lead

Be very faithful in church – Heb 10:25 – attend all the services faithfully [i.e., Sunday school, preaching morning and evening, and prayer meeting] – occupy your time with things in the ministry – learn to be a helper and concentrate your efforts on getting lost people saved and in church – that way it will be natural for your family to grow together in church

Honor the women who are in your life – 1 Pet 3:7 – a man is to give honor unto his wife – so learn the proper honor and respect for the women who are in your life – honor your mother – treat your sisters with honor – treat your aunts and grandmothers and personal friends with honor and respect – that way when you marry, you will know how to honor your wife – too many men treat their wives with less honor than they do their dogs

Pray for the right woman – Prov 18:22; 19:14 – “a prudent wife is from the Lord” – God can direct you to the woman he wants you to have but you would be wise to start praying now for the discernment to know who she is when she shows up – a friend of mine prayed for years for a wife and when visiting a church he identified her – shortly thereafter they married – and they have been married now for over 40 years, with wonderful children and grandchildren faithfully serving the Lord

Study spiritual qualities in virtuous women – Prov 31:10-31; Tit 2:3-5 – a man once told me what his mother told him about marrying the right woman – she said, “Don’t you marry no woman what you loves … you marry a woman who gonna prove she love you” – now that’s not good grammar but that is sound wisdom – she explained that a man is prone to fall in love with the first woman he sees who’ll look back at him – forget about her physical qualities for a minute and check out her non-physical qualities to see if they match the qualities of a virtuous woman – remember that “beauty is vain” – “a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” – I’ll guarantee you this, if she’s virtuous she won’t let you start a physical relationship with her until you two are married

Be manly – Prov 13:22 “a good man obtaineth favor of the Lord”; Acts 11:24 Barnabas was “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith” – today there are many sissies in church because Christianity is soft and all about feelings – be a man – and like an old preacher said, “If you can’t be a man, fake until you become one” – a good woman deserves a man with a backbone – she’ll be extremely insecure if you’re backbone is no firmer than a wet noodle – and when a woman is insecure she will try to take control

Develop friendships with good men – Prov 13:20 – most of the problems that young men have with young women stem from friendships with bad young men – you run with the wrong crowd and you will do the wrong things – and the converse is true – you run with the right crowd and you will do the right things

Follow the example of men in successful marriages – Phil 4:9 – ask the men who have been married to the same woman for twenty five or thirty years or more how they did it – listen carefully and do those things – you will generally find that these men are stable, sober, compassionate, friendly, secure, humble, and good natured; they are good listeners and good leaders; they are not harsh and they are not cruel; they are honorable and trustworthy

Because God said so…..

 ^“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)

^“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,” (Matthew 19:4)

^“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Basic Definitions

• Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB) or Female-Assigned-at-Birth (FAAB): An individual assigned female at birth.
• Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB) or Male-Assigned-at-Birth (MAAB): An individual assigned male at birth.
• Assigned Sex or Sex Assigned At Birth: The sex (typically M or F) that is assigned to a person based on external genitalia at birth.
• Cisgender, Cis: Someone whose gender identity corresponds with expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman is regarded as cisgender or as a cisgender woman.
• Gender-Affirming Surgery: Any surgical procedure that aims to increase a sense of congruence with one’s gender identity and physical body. Gender-affirming surgeries may include: chest reconstructive surgeries (e.g., double mastectomy, feminizing mammoplasty), genital reconstructive surgeries (e.g., orchiectomy, vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty), facial feminization surgeries (e.g., tracheal shave, rhinoplasty, brow lift), or other procedures (e.g., vocal cord surgery). In California, surgery is not required to change one’s legal gender marker. Note: This term is preferred over the outdated term Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS). It is also preferred over the term gender confirmation surgery (GCS) because gender cannot be “confirmed” by having surgery. A person’s gender is to be respected regardless of surgical history/status or what kind of genitals they have or had. It is best to avoid terms such as “pre-op”, “non-op”, or “post-op,” as they reinforce the assumption all trans people want to or will have the opportunity to have surgery.
• Gender Dysphoria: Emotional distress related to the sense that one’s assigned sex is not in line with one’s gender identity. Gender Dysphoria is also a medical and mental health diagnosis that may warrant treatment in the form of gender-affirming medical interventions.
• Gender Expression: The ways in which a person outwardly expresses their gender, often through hair, makeup, clothing, and other aspects of appearance. Gender expression does not always correspond to gender identity.
• Gender Identity: The inherent feeling within an individual of what gender they are; a person may identify as a man, woman, neither, in-between, both, or fluidly moving between these two binary categories.
• Gender-Neutral Pronouns: Pronouns that a person may use when they do not fully identify with binary gender categories. Examples of gender-neutral pronouns include singular they/them/their, ey/em/eir, zie/hir/hirs, or no pronouns. It’s best to ask what pronouns are appropriate for them.
• Genderqueer: A gender identity that denotes someone who does not fully identify with the binary genders of male/man/masculine or female/woman/feminine. A genderqueer person may identify as neither a man nor a woman, in-between, both, fluidly moving between these two categories, or as a third/alternate gender. Related to the term nonbinary, which has become more popular in the 2010’s.
• Intersex: A general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a physical characteristics (e.g., gonads, chromosomal makeup, external genitalia, internal reproductive or urinary organs) that do not fit typical medical or social definitions of female or male. Some people use the term DSD (Disorders of Sex Development) to describe intersex people, but this is not seen as affirming by intersex communities.
• Nonbinary: A gender identity that denotes someone who does not fully identify with the binary genders of male/man/masculine or female/woman/feminine. A nonbinary person may identify as neither a man nor a woman, in-between, both, fluidly moving between these two categories, or as a third/alternate gender. Related to the term genderqueer, which was used more often prior to the 2010’s.
• Passing: Being perceived as cisgender or as a gender in line with one’s gender identity. This term is not considered affirming to many, as it implies that trans people are deceptive or are not truly the gender they say they are. Passing is important to some people (e.g., for safety reasons), but it is not the goal of every trans person.
• Queer: Used to describe non-normative identities (both sexual identities and gender identities) that might not easily be classified under other terminology (gay, lesbian, etc.). Queer can also be used as an umbrella term to describe LGBTQIA identities as a whole. In many communities, the term “queer” also has a political connotation that is connected to LGBTQIA activism. The term queer may be offensive to older LGBTQIA individuals, so it is best to use caution and only use this term when you know that someone uses it as an affirming term to describe themselves.
• Sexual Orientation: A way to describe a person’s romantic and/or sexual attractions to others. Sexual orientation may consist of attraction, behavior, and identity, and not all of these factors need to be aligned/consistent. For example, a person may have attractions towards trans women, be sexually active with cisgender men, and have an identity as heterosexual. Some labels to describe sexual orientation include: heterosexual, straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, or fluid.
• Transgender, Trans: An adjective to describe someone who does not fully identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. These terms are often used as umbrella terms for more specific terms that people within trans communities use to describe themselves (and sometimes a person may use several to describe themselves). Some of these terms include:
  • Man
  • Woman
  • Transgender man, trans man, trans masculine
  • Transgender woman, trans woman, trans feminine
  • Genderqueer
  • Bigender
  • Gender neutral
  • Demi-boy
  • Demi-girl
  • Agender
  • Genderless
  • Neutrois
  • Pangender
  • It’s best to ask how a transgender person identifies. Be aware that the word “tranny” is considered offensive.
• Transgender Man, Trans Man, Trans Masculine: Someone who was female assigned at birth who identifies as a man or on the masculine spectrum. Note: The term FTM is no longer considered affirming.
• Transgender Woman, Trans Woman, Trans Feminine: Someone who was male assigned at birth who identifies as a woman or on the feminine spectrum. Note: The term MTF is no longer considered affirming.
• Transition: The process of shifting one’s gender identity and/or expression. Transition is a process that occurs over time, varies greatly among individuals, and may consist of physical/medical, emotional, social, and legal components. There is no uniform or set path for how a person transitions, if at all. Some transgender people consider themselves post-transition, and some no longer consider themselves to be transgender. Others feel that they are in a state of transition for the rest of their lives.
• Transsexual: A term that was commonly used before the term “transgender” came into more popular usage in the 1990’s. Some people still identify as transsexual, but this term is no longer considered affirming.

NOW THAT IS CONFUSION!!!! IF GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION THAN THE DEVIL IS!!!!

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 9:1-15.

Aim: To increase in each of these areas.

Introduction: We either increase in our Christian life or decrease and backslide. Which are

you doing?

Question: What does God say that we must increase in?

1) Learning. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.” Proverbs 1:5.

2) Generosity. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth…” Proverbs 11:24.

3) Lifespan. “for by me (wisdom)… the years of thy life shall be increased.” Proverbs 9:10,11. If we grow in wisdom, fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Lord, our lifespanwill be increased.

4) Joy. “The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.” Isaiah 29:19.

5) Faith. “Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17:5; Romans 10:17; II Cor 10:15. (I Thess 3:12.

6) Love. “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and

toward all men”

7) Strength. “Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dweltat Damascus.” Acts 9:22; Isaiah 40:29.

8) Knowledge. “Increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10.

9) Fruits of righteousness. “increase the fruits of your righteousness.” II Corinthians 9:10.

10) Christ. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30.

Bad things that increase are:

i) Harlots increase transgressors among men (Proverbs 23:28), and

ii) Profane and vain babblings increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16).

Keith Piper – The Answer Book

Each one of us needs to think before speaking unless we sound like a fool. The Words of God has many things that connect how and when we speak with sounding like a fool. I present but a few in hope that you will take heed to what the Holy Bible says and keep you from sounding like a fool.

“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18

^“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2

^“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.” Proverbs 17:28

^“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.” Proverbs 18:6

^“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” Proverbs 18:7

^“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1

^“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Proverbs 29:11

 ^“For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.” Ecclesiastes 5:3

^“ The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.” Ecclesiastes 10:12

^“A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?” Ecclesiastes 10:14

Intro:  When Israel was preparing to enter the Promised Land, they were warned to avoid becoming like the people they would encounter there.  God had a different standard for them to live by.  He expected them to be separate, holy and dedicated to Him and Him alone.  God knew that if Israel tolerated the practices of the pagans they came into contact with, they would be drawn away from Him and weakened spiritually.  There is no difference today!  God still expects you and me to be separate from this world and the activities that it embraces.  If you and I adopt everything the world does, then there is no difference between us and them!  God’s standard is one of seperation and holiness.  Tomorrow night, in this community, and across our country, children will dress up as witches, warlock, ghosts, devils, demon, pirates, skeletons and mass murderers (Freddy Krueger, Jason).  There will be haunted houses, where you can be chased by a werewolf, threatened by an axe murderer, see the mutilated body of a murder victim (fake, thankfully!).  Around every community you will find jack-o-lanterns, skeletons, black cats, ghosts, witches and other strange creatures decorating houses and lawns.  There will be parties where people will play with Ouija Boards, Tarot Cards and hold seances.  There will be bobbing for apples and bonfires.  Of course, I am referring to Halloween.  A night of childish fun and games.  A harmless brush with the darkness of evil.  A child’s holiday.  This is how it is portrayed!  This is how it is accepted by millions of people, including many, many Christians.  Tonight, I am not going to attempt to tell you what to believe or what to do, I am simply going to give you some facts concerning Halloween.  Where it came from and what God’s Word has to say about it.  Then, when you have the facts, you can allow God’s Spirit to make up your mind as to what you need to do in regard to Halloween.  Let’s consider this thought tonight: Halloween: Silly holiday, or Satanic holy day?

  I.                                 THE ORIGIN OF HALLOWEEN

    A.  The practices that make up Halloween are older than Christianity.  The very same rituals that are practiced today in America     were practiced in Europe and Brittian over 2,500 years ago.  Halloween was not always allowed in the  United States   In fact, our Pilgrim forefathers well knew of Halloween’s occultic roots. In fact they banned celebrating  Halloween in America. Halloween was not celebrated in this country until 1845. At that time multiplied thousands of Irish  emigrants flooded into New York because of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-46. They brought with them the old Druid  holiday of Halloween. Gradually celebrating this day spread throughout the rest of the country.

    B.  This day was a day when the Celtic peoples observed the end of summer by offering sacrifices to their god Samhain.  He was   the Lord of death and evil spirits.  This holy day marked the beginning of the Celtic new year.  This day was called – The Vigil of Sowein!  Samhain was depicted as a ghostly skeleton holding a sickle.  He later became known as the Grim Reaper!

    C. The Celts considered November 1st as being the day of death because the leaves were falling, it was getting darker sooner and temperatures were dropping. They believed Muck Olla, their sun god, was loosing strength because Samhain, lord of death was overpowering him. Further, they believed   that on October 31st Samhain assembled the spirits of all who had died during the previous year. They had been confined to inhabit animals’ bodies for the past year as punishment for their evil deeds. On the eve of the feast of Samhain, October 31st, they were allowed to return to their former homes to visit the living. Supposedly to protect these people, Druid priests led the people in diabolical worship ceremonies in which horses, cats, black sheep, oxen, human beings and other offerings were rounded up, stuffed into wicker cages and burned to death. This was done to                 appease Samhain and keep the spirits from harming them.

    D.  Druids – Occult practitioners.  Witches of a sort.  In fact, modern witchcraft is based on Druidism and druid ritual. These Druids held two great fire festivals every year.  One on May 1 and the other on Oct. 31.  These ceremonies took place either in a grove of oak trees or in a Druid Stone Circle.  The most famous of these circles that are left is found in Stonehenge, England.  These circles were used as focal points of Druid ritual worship which involved human sacrifice.  This is proven by the more than 350 burial mounds found within a 3 mile radius of Stonehenge, containing the remains of countless human sacrifices.

 II.                      THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME HALLOWEEN

    A.  Originally this day was called the Vigil of Samhain, or Sowein.

    B.  It’s new name came from an attempt by the Roman Catholic Church, in 800 AD,  to Christianize the pagan holiday of Sowein.  The Pope changed All Saints Day from May 1^st to Nov. 1^st.   The new day was called All Hallow’s Day and it soon became the custom of the people to refer to the night before as All Saints Day Hallowe’en.  It was soon shortened to simply Hallowe’en.  Instead of embracing and placing the correct Christian emphasis on this day, the Celtic peoples continued to practice their age old rituals.  The Roman church succeeded in Christianizing Christmas and Easter, but failed miserably in attempting to change Halloween.

III.                    THE ORIGIN OF COSTUMES

A. How did the practice of wearing costumes at Halloween develop? The early origin of costumes is repulsive. On the evening of October 31st, the Druids, who were the occultic priests and teachers of the Celts, ordered the people to put out their hearth fires. The Druids built a huge new year’s bonfire of oak branches, which they considered sacred. They burned animals, crops and human beings as sacrifices to their sun god Muck Olla and Samhain, their god of death. During this diabolical ceremony the PEOPLE WORE COSTUMES made of animal heads and skins. They then practiced divination, looked for omens in the struggle of the victims sacrificed in the fires, jumped over the flames or dashed through them, danced and sang. All of this was done to frighten the evil spirits away.

    B.   According to Man, Myth & Magic, volume 1, page 68, “The guisers went from house to house, singing and dancing. Their bloodcurdling masks and grotesque costumes may have been meant to keep evil at bay, or more likely, were visible representations of the ghosts and goblins that lurked in the night…”

   C.  In the 11th edition of Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 12, page 8578 it states, “It was the Druids belief that on the eve of  this festival (November 1st, Celtic New Year) Saman, lord of death, called together the wicked souls (Spirits) that within the past twelve months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.” Saman would then send these evil spirits to attack people on the eve before the November 1^st celebration. The only way these people could escape was by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. (See Christianity Today, October 22, 1982, p.32).

    D.  Considering the origin of the practice of dressing up as ghosts and ghouls, what is the correct Christian response to this  practice?   “…cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.” (Romans 13:12).

IV.               THE ORIGIN OF TRICK OR TREAT   

    A.  Trick or treating served 3 main purposes in the beginning:

1.  It was used by those who had forgotten to dress up or could not fool the demons by dressing in animal skins or other disguises, there was a way to exorcise them. You were to set out a TREAT of food and fruit, and provide the wandering spirit with shelter for the night. If the demon was satisfied with your TREAT, it was believed that they would not TRICK you by casting an evil spell on you causing havoc.

2.  It was used by the Druids to collect offerings to Samhain (Satan!!) Irene Park, a former witch writes, “…the Druids in Ireland would go through the neighborhoods and countryside on the eve of October 31st to collect offerings to Satan. They would carry lanterns, bags of money, and canes with very sharp points on the ends (currently known as leprechaun staffs, good luck horns, or fairies’ wands). At each house, they would demand a specific amount. If the household would not or could not give the offering (penance or treat), the Druid would use the cane to castrate the male human or one of their prize animals.” (From; Seven High Pagan Masses and Halloween by Irene A. Park; page 1)

3.  In later years James Napier says, in his book, Holidays of Legend, Irish farmers went house to house begging for food for their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to all who donated but threats were made against those who would not give.

    B.  There is certainly nothing in the origin of this practice that glorifies the Lord.  In fact, it is plainly and blatantly Satanic. Therefore, it is to be shunned by all Christians!  (Ill. 1 Thes. 5:22)

  V.              THE ORIGIN OF THE JACK-O-LANTERN

    A.  What is the purpose of a Jack-o-lantern?   The World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 edition, volume 9, page 24-26 says, “The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of `Jack-O-Lantern’ is an ancient symbol of a damned soul.”

    B.  According to an article by Dr. John MacArthur, Jr. according to folklore “Jack-O-Lanterns were named for a man called Jack, who could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until judgment day.”With this in mind, people began to hollow out pumpkins and turnips, placing candles inside to scare evil spirits from their houses.

C.  There was another purpose for Jack-O-Lanterns according to author Owen Rachleff. “The candlelit pumpkin or skull… served as a beacon for the sabbat and as a signal to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to the Satanists and thus deserving of mercy when the terror of the night (Halloween) began.” (The Occult Conceit; page 190).

D.  Again, no clear headed Christian can think of any reason why this practice glorifies God or is a witness for Jesus!

 VI.                                    THE BLACK CAT

    A.  What would Halloween be without a black cat?  What is their significance?   In the 1959 edition of World Book Encyclopedia, under Halloween it was noted that Druid priests believed that cats were once human beings but were reincarnated as punishment for evil deeds. Because of this they held cats sacred and involved them in their idol worship of October 31st and November 1st.  Druids believed “the cat was sacred and…that cats had once been changed (from being human & reincarnated) into that form as punishment for evil deeds.” (The American Book of Days, by George Douglas)

    B.  Superstitious Christians picked up the pagan beliefs.   “Even after Christianity spread to Europe…oxen were sacrificed on October 31st…and in medieval Europe, black cats [were] chosen as victims in the belief that they were witches in disguise [and] were burned on that day (Halloween).” (The American Book of Days, third edition by Hatch)

C.  It is plain to see that cats, particularly BLACK CATS were thought to represent EVIL. Further, they were a symbol of REINCARNATION. I have an article in my file which says The Humane Society will not release black cats around Halloween for fear that they will be mistreated or sacrificed.

D.  There is nothing wrong with owning a black cat!  It was never a human and it isn’t a witch.  But, when we make it a superstition and we connect it with the dark side of spiritually, then it becomes a sin!

VII.             THE ORIGIN OF BOBBING FOR APPLES

    A.  Surely this must be just harmless fun!  Right?   Here’s where it came from:   In A.D. 43 the Roman Empire was in solid control of the Celtic people. As a result of this control the idol worshipping Romans introduced another ceremony honoring their false gods to the already demoniacal Druid New Year’s celebration. It was in honor of their goddess of fruit trees. They would try to grasp fruit, floating in water, without the use of their hands. This is the origin of BOBBING FOR APPLES according to the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Associated Press quote, October 16, 1977.

VIII.                                   WITCHES

    A.  Another vital part of the Halloween tradition.  Whether she has a pointed hat and rides a broomstick, or she is young and beautiful, she is the most enduring part of all the Halloween traditions.  Are witches just “harmless fun”?

    B.  Witches are mentioned in the Bible: 

1.  Saul contacted the Witch of Endor concerning information – 1 Samuel 28.  She attempted to contact the prophet Samuel who was dead.

2.  In Acts 8, Simon the Sorcerer, is nothing more than a Warlock.

3.  In Exodus 22:18, God pronounces a death sentence upon witches and commands Israel to execute it.

    C.  When the Bible refers to witches, it refers to people who are involved in any form of the occult.  (Occult = Secret or hidden knowledge or practices.)

    D.  There are three main areas of occult practice.  Anyone involved with any of these, by definition, is a witch!

  1.  Divination – Seeking to know the past, present of future by astrology, horoscopes, channeling, tarot cards, etc.  This can include animal or even human sacrifice.

2.  Sorcery or Magic(k) – Seeking to control of manipulate reality for one’s own purposes.  This can include sacrifice also.

3.  Spiritism – Seeking to communicate with the dead or other entities through a medium.  (i.e. A channeler, Ouija Boards,Seances, etc.)

    E.  In light of this sparse information, it is plain to see that the Lord doesn’t intend for His people to be involved with witches or witchcraft.  (By the way, witches refuse to be called Satan worshippers.  They worship a horned god named Lucifer.)  God has forbidden it to you and me – Lev. 19:26; Jer. 10:2.

IX.                                      DRACULA

    A.  Would any parent here allow their son or daughter to dress up as John Wayne Gacy?  Ted Bundy?  Or any other mass murderer?  NO!  Yet millions will let their children dress up like Dracula.   But, you say, “Dracula is a fictitious character.”  In truth, he was very real and very evil.

    B.  Here’s the truth about the man named Vlad the Count of Dracul, who was known as Vlad the Impaler or if you like Dracula. Dracula was a real person. He was maniac monster, the Hitler of his day. During his six year rule it was estimated by a reliable source that Dracula massacred 100,000 men, women and children. And how did he impose death? Let me quote Pope Pius II who tells how he killed 40,000 of his political foes shortly before 1462. “He killed some of them by breaking them under the wheels of carts; others, stripped of their clothes, were skinned alive up to their entrails; others places on stakes, or roasted on red hot coals placed under them; others punctured with stakes piercing their head, their navel, breast, and what is even unworthy of relating, their buttocks and the middle of their entrails, and, emerging from their mouths…” No one was excluded, not even babies. Dracula decapitated,cut noses, ears, privates and limbs. On one occasion he even nailed the turbans on the heads of some Turks because they refused to remove them in his presence. On one occasion he saw a man poorly dressed walking by his home. He called the man into his presence and said “Your wife is assuredly of the kind who remains idle. How is it possible, that your shirt does not cover the calf of your leg? She is not worthy of living in my realm. May she perish!” The man protested, saying that he was satisfied with her. Dracula said, “You will be more satisfied with another, since you are a decent and hardworking man.” His wife was fetched and immediately impaled on a stake. In the meantime the new wife was introduced and carefully shown what happens to a lazy wife. The document says “Consequently the new wife worked so hard she had not time to eat.” Let me relate one last atrocity of this warped, demonic inspired madman. Dracula devised a plan to rid society of the burden of all the countries beggars, sick, old, lame and poor. He invited them all to a feast. Little did they know that it would become a house of horror for them. He fed them well and got them drunk and then made his personal appearance and asked them…”Do you want to be without cares, lacking nothing in this world?” Naturally they all said yes! Dracula then ordered the palace boarded up and set on fire. No one escaped. Dracula was a demon possessed madman. I do not want my child associated in any way with such a degenerate reprobate, do you?

    C.  What do you think now?  No Christian, under any circumstances, should have anything to do with dressing up like a demon possessed maniac!  (Ill. 2 Cor. 6:14-17!)

  X.                             THE HARM IN HALLOWEEN

    A.  It Emphasizes Violence and Death – (Ill. Fourth grade class asked what they would most like to do for Halloween.  80 % of those 9 years said they would like to kill somebody!)  We can’t blame it all on Halloween.  Movies and Television have to bear their fair share of blame.  Notice this: Consider for a moment the “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Halloween”, and “Friday the 13th” film series. They are popular viewing fare at Halloween parties. Who or what inspires these “actors” (I use the term loosely)? Robert Englund who plays mass murderer Freddy Krueger in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series says he draws his inspiration from the late Ted Bundy, who raped and murdered more than 28 women. Englund told Slaughterhouse magazine, “I just read an article on Ted Bundy, so a lot of my imagery is based on him.”  Guess what the most popular book series is among children under the age of 16?  “Goosebumps”  A collection  of books emphasizing horror stories. Considering that the Lord Jesus stands for Light, Life, Peace and Joy, it is pretty obvious that these philosophies are worlds apart!

    B.  It Emphasizes Horror and Fear – This is incompatible with the Word of God – 2Tim. 1:7

    C.  Halloween Emphasizes the Occult – It is an enticement to people  to dabble in the occult.  This is forbidden by the Lord! God’s desire is that we go deeper in Him and not His adversary.  Christian people have no business participating in this pagan holiday.

Conc:  From this information, and there is much, much more that could be said, it is plain to see that Halloween is a holiday that honors false gods, demons and even the Devil himself.  I am sure that the Lord is not pleased when His people participate in a pagan holiday that honors Satan.  In fact, there is nothing anyone can point at in all the Halloween rituals that can be called Christian.  It is incompatible with a consecrated walk and it is an abomination before the Lord!  Now, every one here must make up their own mind concerning where they stand in regard to Halloween.  What you do is entirely up to you, but as for me and my house, we will follow the Lord!

“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20

1) Godliness (I Timothy 4:8).

2) All Scripture (II Timothy 3:16).

3) Repentant Failures can be profitable for the ministry (II Timothy 4:11).

4) Good Works (Titus 3:8).

5) Meditate, give thyself wholly to them, take heed, continue in them. (I Timoth 4:15).

6) Serve God and keep God’s Ordinances (Malachi 3:14-18).

7) People getting saved (I Corinthians 10:33; Mark 8:36).

8) Wisdom (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

9) God’s Discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11).

10) Submitting to God’s leading (Isaiah 48:17).

11) Labour (Proverbs 14:23). Work, plan our work, and finish our work.

UNPROFITABLE THINGS

1) Gaining the whole world and losing your own soul (Mark 8:36).

2) Lying words (Jeremiah 7:8).

3) Riches in the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4).

4) Astrologers, Stargazers, horoscopes (Isaiah 47:12-14).

5) Flesh – This means carnal views and desires, ungodly sinful lifestyles. (John 6:63).

6) Word preached that is not mixed with faith in the hearers (Hebrews 4:2).

7) Christ’s death on the cross will be of no value (no profit) to you if you trust your works to save you. (Galatians 5:1-4,2).

Answers – Keith Piper

“Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

“How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19

I. Three enemies of purity: World (I John 2:15-17), Flesh (Jeremiah 17:9), Devil (I Peter 5:8). Satan seeks to wreck our lives by impurity.

II. Why Purity?

1. One must be pure to enter heaven. Matthew 5:8, Psalm 24:3,4; I Corinthians 6:9,10.

2. Purity enables us to avoid judgment. 2 Peter 2:6; Ecclesiastes 11:9.

3. Purity enables us to avoid defilement. I Corinthians 6:18.

4. Purity is the best way to enjoy life. Hebrews 13:4.

III. How to be pure?

Yield yourselves to God. Watch your:

a) Thoughts: Genesis 6:5; Proverbs 23:7

b) Eyes: Matthew 5:28;

c) Ears: Mark 4:24 “Take heed what you hear.”

d) Tongue: Matthew 12:36,37; Psalm 34:13.

IV. Rewards of Purity. Philippians 4:8.

^“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

1. God’s best blessings.

2. Trustworthy and dependable. Proverbs 31:10-11.

3. Clear conscience. Romans 14:22; Psalm 51.

4. Good understanding of people’s character. Sin blinds and distorts values because people justify their sin. II Corinthians 4:4.

5. Provides more opportunity for leadership and service. ‘A bishop must be blameless’ I Timothy 3:2,3 .

6. Physical, mental and spiritual strength. Galatians 6:7-8.

Conclusion:

Will you choose purity of mind, rather than corruption in the world through lust?

^“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4