Kathy,

Please share your practices as regards to the "Halloween Decorations" at church.

What you did still impacts me. In fact, yesterday I took my little one out shopping for some "Halloween" decorations.

We got bats....(God created bats).....cats (God created cats).....we got a pumpkin to carve (God created pumpkins)...etc...etc.

He wanted spiders....I drew the line there. (I know...God created them....but I ain't happy about it!)

Thanks Kathy!!

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Answers

Nelta.....

I would presume by your answer that you do not celebrate Christmas either....I mean...with all the pagan origin and stuff.

For your response to be logically consistent....that would have to be the case.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Well Bless Your Heart Nelta!!!

You are consistent. I commend you for that.

Now....if I could just get you to believe in the inerrancy of Scripture.

And thank you for not judging those of us who "do partake"....that would be dangerous for you.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Nelta....

When you make reference to Hans Kung....you undermine any position you might take (at least in my book).

Hans Kung was the king of neo-orthodox theology....the view that Scripture is not historically accurate....but it is religiously accurate.

Your refusal to see the local church as very much the church of the N.T. falls right in line with Hans thinking.....therefore....one must assume that you have been tainted by not only this theology but his view of Scripture.

Also.....your denial that the N.T. Scriptures can produce the church in favor of "Jesus experience" is also straight from Hans.

Again....one must assume that you favor his low view of Scripture as well.

Sorry if the assumptions are wrong.....but in my opinion....a person trying to be taken seriously clouds the issue when they include Hans in their "bibliography."

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Nelta.....

First.....I have no case to prove.

Second.....you start.....list one of the current practices of the church that you claim has no N.T. validation.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

I got another one.......INTERNET FORUMS!!!! LOL

I know Duane....now I'm meddling.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Nelta.....

Still waiting.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Nelta....

I already pointed out at great lengths in a previous post at least two reasons that you give evidence of not believeing in the inerrancy of Scripture. You have yet to answer those evidences. I even indicated that I may have read you wrong...but your sources cited make you suspect.

I don't have time to give you a detailed listing of what I do or do not do in the name of church. If you want an answer....then name the practice and I will be glad to give a defense (or agree with you).

I've read a number of your posts on the forum and I have noticed people weary of you quickly because of your games.

Either declare the condemned practice.....or this issue is closed.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Nelta....

Thanks to your post to Duane....I now have somewhere to start.

You claim in your post to Duane...."Elders have no authority to run any big business or the lives of individuals."

I presume you mean by "big business"....the church??

If so.....the inerrant Scripture takes issue with you there.

Acts 14:23: "When they (Paul and Barnabas) apointed elders in every church...."

Acts 20:28: To the Ephesian Elders "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God....."

I Timothy 3:1: "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do."

I Timothy 5:17: "The elders who RULE well are to be considered worthy of double honor."

Ephesians 4:11-12: "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints."

As per your statement that the elders have no authority over the indivdual Christian....in addition to the above mentioned Scriptures we may add.....

Hebrews 13:17: "Obey our leaders and SUBMIT to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account."

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Whoa.....wait a minute!!!!

Rude....cite one example?? Just one???

Just like I asked you to site which "church practices" you are condemning....still no answer.

I finally get some hint from a post you made to Duane.....

So....I very politely listed my Scriptural support which you said those of us who play church....could not do.

And then to top it all of you accuse me of "ad hominems" in order to "weasel" out of a discussion.

Now who is weaseling out in order to not have to confront the inerrant Scriptures that were presented with the guise of "you were rude."

Besides....I'm one of the nicest guys I know.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Kathy....

Spoken like any good wife!!!

-- Anonymous, October 26, 1999

Response to Kathy Combs......Do This........

Hey Kathy, If you saved the file you sent out last year in Danny's forum... paste in into the thread here. The things you wrote affected me last year too... and have stuck in mind. Actually, I shared what you wrote about Halloween w/ the staff at the Christian school I taught at last year. BTW, Our church is having a picnic next week on the 31st. We're having a camp fire, cookout, basketball, croquet, horse shoes, volleyball etc... See you Sis! XXOO Teresa

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Okay guys....... U all just want to get me in troublw w/ the "testosterone crew"! Okay...I'll have DC post it cause he can type faster than me......BUT just remember that it's simply in the area of opinions here & I don't want to be accused of satan worship by the assumtion crowd...u guys sure can get ugly out there in cyber space! So here it comes........BTW...my OPINION has NOT changed regarding this issue. Thanks for thinking of me ;) Kathy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

NOTE: The following is a copy of a post sent to Brother Danny Gabbard's forum about this time last year. It was requested that I send it to thechristianchurch b/b this season. So, here goes:

How can the local church view Halloween and deal with this part of our culture that permeates the lives of many of her members?

Halloween  this seems to be one of those "dirty, 4-letter" words that the church shrieks and recoils from in such horror. (I originally wrote that line tongue-in-cheek, but have sense seen that it can be true). This holiday does in fact have a history of spiritual emphasis grounded in false beliefs, superstitions and fears. It also has an over-powering evil emphasis, using objects created by our holy God, as symbols to laud Satan and his evil works.

This is where I personally take issue with the holiday, and that many in the Kingdom of God run away from a glorious opportunity to laud the Creator and be a testimonial light to the world.

I have read, studied, and taught the creation passages in Genesis and the one thing that God stated over each evening was that all He created for that day was "good." So I had to come to the conclusion that all we say is evil, God declared good, so why should I not use those items to teach children the truth about God and this holiday.

I choose to begin in this manner. Firstly, its not Halloween  its Hallelujah! We praise God for the day that He created (October 31). Then we go from there, learning about cats, bats, owls, pumpkins, skeletons, the moon and spiders in a scientific manner, with of course a biblical emphasis. We decorate and use our creative abilities praising God for ALL that is God.

Depending upon the age level, I also teach what is NOT of God, I.e. witches, ghosts, goblins, etc., and that Gods word is very clear about staying away from those things which are not pleasing to Him.

Do we dress up? Do we carve pumpkins? Do we stuff scarecrows? Yes to all the above. We have fun and take joy in what the Creator has done, giving all the glory and honor due back to the one who declared it all "good." Lets face it  our children cannot be removed entirely from the influence of this majorly commercialized holiday  and if I were a "bettin gal" most of the churches children are participating in a celebration at school (and maybe elsewhere). So why not equip them with a testimony of knowledge to be shared  to have a biblical perspective of all the stimuli that bombards them even as early as September! Our children have the pleasure of "taking back" what rightfully belongs to God and not fearing any longer the objects they see all around them.

On a personal note. I was happily blessed when my daughter (then 3 years old) was walking through our local mall, and came upon a rather large cardboard skeleton in a store window. She turned to us (her parents) and shouted "Look Mommy, Mr. Bones. God made Mr. Bones! I have a Mr. Bones and God made me." Anyone who has been around my daughter knows her vocal abilities, so you see a lot of folks heard that testimony and my "momma-heart" shouted "amen sister!" What a wonderful validation of my earnest attempts to bring the Bible into all aspects of our familys lives.

Well, thats how we broach this holiday and pretty much every other that our culture tries to change and remove or distort the spiritual aspect of the celebration. Hope this helps when your church family finds itself having to deal with this issue.

Yea, but a vessel  Kathy Combs

p.s. Following last years post of this material on Brother Dannys forum, a couple of questions came up.

First, what about decorating church building classrooms? Personally, I have done just that, following the theme I outlined above. We do use bats, cats, pumpkins, etc., but only the ones that are "happy" or normal looking, not the ones made to look evil and scary. Again, God created all of that, so why not use it. Have the children look at a positive rendition of Gods creation, rather than the evil one many of them see in store windows and in school classrooms.

Second, what about costumes and parties. Again, why not? It is a great time to have the children focus on costumes of things God created, rather than the evil costumes sold many places. And how about a fall festival, or Hallelujah Party, with many of the same things found at Halloween parties, only presented in a positive light rather than the negative one.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Hey -- U go girl!

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

May I re-post your halloween article? I'll credit ur name and list of origin. Thanks. Curt

curtstamps@worldnet.att.net

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Kathy,

We personally don't participate. I am increasingly becoming convinced that certain things can become evil and certain places can become evil and I am not so sure that certain days can not become evil. Our response is not one of cowardice, as I feel you imply, but one of abstention.

To the above, I really feel that evil can shroud something so much that to abstain is the only response. Concerning haloween, we want nothing to do with it. And there isn't much fear of our kids being exposed to it at school because we homeschool.

I never truly studied the origins of haloween until this last year. And when I did I grew ever more firm in my conviction of abstention. I will certainly say this, the Christian bookstores and most churches are on your side of "Christianizing" that which the world has embraced, but our choice is to abstain form participation.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Whatever happened to, "Abstain from the very appearance of evil?" I guess the same thing that happened to all the other immoral practices that have seeped into the kingdom today.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Danny..............TAG! ;)

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Danny,

Halloween comes from evil. (Abstain....) Even though Xmas came about through the Catholic church (well some say it was way before that but the Catholics glorfied it)it is not evil....except celebrating something God didn't want us to celebrate because we are commanded to remember Christ's death and not His birth. The early Christians didn't recognize a day for His birth. That should tell us something because they were with the apostles.

I know the verse in 1 Cor. that says people can celebrate any day to glorify God. However if you read that whole chapter you will see he was talking about weak brethren...not those of us who should know better. No, I do not celebrate xmas.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

May I ask why you think I do not believe in the inerrancy of the scriptures? Be specific and we might have a discussion.

I judge no one. The Bible judges.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

It's interesting that we all (Kathy and I included, of course) pick and choose to what level we abstain from evil, and that which looks evil. In our family we choose to abstain from all evil references to Halloween, while doing all we can to take back for the Lord that which He created, and which He created good. Some will choose to not celebrate Christmas (xmas for you, Danny :) )and again, for them that is fine. I for one like the story of the kneeling Santa, and we have been able to use that story and the small statue to share the Good News. For those who choose not to celebrate Christmas, cool. That is good for you.

Of course, how many of the Christians, who are married, who choose not to reference either Halloween, or Christmas (or Easter, or ???) wear wedding rings, or had wedding cake at their reception, or had the bride wear white, etc/. etc. Yes, these practices have modern day meaning, and I enjoy and utilize those meanings in many of the ceremonies I oversee for couples. Of course, they, and other practices used in weddings and receptions come from Roman and other pagan beliefs.

It is our decision to pick and choose from these things. I once served with an elder who refused to drink any rootbeer from a "plain brown bottle" so that no one would or could accuse him of drinking beer. How far do we go to avoid anything that even MIGHT look evil to someone else. Movies ... cards ... dancing ... these were all "outlawed" in most congregations just a generation or so ago for this very reason.

I for one choose not to purchase or wear Tommy Hilfiger clothing. One, it's priced way out of it's worth. But I would never wear the stuff even if it were given to me. The man is an avowed homosexual, and I remember a television interview some years ago where he stated he would have priced the clothing even higher had he known people of color were going to buy it ... he would have tried to price it out of their reach. Now, is it wrong for YOU to wear Tommy Hilfiger stuff? No, not at all. But yes, it is against my conscience to do so.

I am glad to see that there hasn't been any attacks on the board over this ... either way. Maybe this is one thread where we can agaree to disagree, without all the yada, yada, yada. PTL!

Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Danny,

I have no idea who this Hans fellow is. I have read nothing from him except what was sent me (the article you are referring to.) Anyone who knows me know I put no stock in the writings of mere men, unless he is inspired and we have none of those today. Some claim it but they are mistaken.

My beliefs on what the *church* is not came after years of studying the Bible with a concordance in hand. Our practices today are simply not in the Word of God.

Now I challenged someone to give what he believes the *church* is proving by scripture (which is all we have on that matter, unless you want to pick up where the apostles left off and take the word of the early digressors and the practices of the Catholic church.

Therefore, please don't accuse me unless you are willing to delve into the scriptures and prove your case.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

OOOOO, Kin I start!?!?! *frantically waving my hand in the air*

What about the practice of using sound systems, or pews, or communion tables, or electricity, or pulpits, or Sunday School, or pianos, or, or, or? For that matter, why is there a building at all?

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

You tell us, Nate. Especially about pulpits and buildings.:-)

Of course, the reasoning given for all we do is we have F R E E D O M to worship and serve God as we please, you reckon??

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Step aside, everyone, Yoda is about to speak:

OK, I'll jump in here. Let's use the same reasoning, Nelta and Nate: Where do you find NT precedent for some of the things found in the "home church" which you two(as do I) so adamantly endorse?

Where is the coffee pot? Where is the microwave? Where is the TV set?

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

I'm getting all you guys mixed up on who said what but I think it is Danny I am talking to here.

You don't have a case to prove? Does that mean you are lukewarm? Ho oh, we know what God does with lukewarm members.

You brought this up by saying I didn't believe in the inerr. of the scriptures. Now if I am wrong on what I believe the *church* is not, then it behooves you to tell me where I am wrong. Also, we are suppose to give an answer to those who ask....I am asking. Please prove what you do today as far as the *church* is concerned.

Still hoping,:-)

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Now I think I am beginning to know who said what. Duane, I don't believe in *home churches*, because I don't believe in *churches.* In fact, when we go into the homes and do the same things done in the buildings such as formal worship, rituals, authoritative *leadership* and staff running things, then we have simply shrunk the numbers.

When our simple gatherings become what they were intended to be: interaction one with another, encourageing and edifying one another then we are on the right tract. Let me throw this in here. Christ never gave any man on this earth authority over another. elders have no authority to run any big business or the lives on individuals. I would say IMO but it is too Biblical to say that.:-)

Thanks!

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Danny, did I ask you to read my remarks? No! Then instead of answering sarcasticly please refrain. I might add that I have asked questions on this list and people don't answer. Why? I would imagine they can't give scripture. Example: Christians killing Christians.

Again, feel free to NOT read my remarks. When someone wants to weasel out of a discussion they usually start attacking the poster.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Danny, I will no longer discuss with you, or read your posts, because you are rude. That is a policy I have on any list or forum I am on, even my own list.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Nelta, I have been following this thread with great interest, and I appreciate your insights.

Like all insights, I prayerfully compare them to God's Word.

It is not easy to respond if you feel that you have been treated rudely. If you recall, in another thread, I re-read one of my posts thinking perhaps I was rude... I emailed you privately, and you graciously assured me that I was not. Thanks for that.

I am trying to make some sense out of the discussion which has taken place so far... For the benefit of the rest of us, (without addressing Danny) could you let US know how you interpret the scriptures which were presented?

Acts 14:23: "When they (Paul and Barnabas) apointed elders in every church...."

Acts 20:28: To the Ephesian Elders "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God....."

I Timothy 3:1: "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do."

I Timothy 5:17: "The elders who RULE well are to be considered worthy of double honor."

Ephesians 4:11-12: "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints."

Hebrews 13:17: "Obey our leaders and SUBMIT to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account."

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Trick-or-treat anyone?!?!?!?!?! hee-hee-hee...I think U R on the wrong forum... I'm laughing anyway! Have a great day in the Lord...even on the 31ST! :) >^..^<-thy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Talk about changing the subject!! I want to go back to Halloween. When I was a kid, we used to take time off from the Dinosaur ranch and go trick or treating. My parents were (and still are) Christians. They didn't see any harm. I wasn't damaged. And no chickens were sacrificed. When I grew up, my children went trick or treating. They are both adults, reasonably balanced and well educated. They are both Christians. So a lot of the Halloween thing is humbug. Very few people are into the dark side of it. Having said that, as I've grown older I am less and less comfortable with the Holiday. It has gotten darker and darker. Now with the occult and things Satanic being such a part of mainstream life (just watch WB channel if you think I'm wrong) I think the Church needs to step in and redeem the day. Fact: Children are going to trick or treat. Fact: The holiday is going to go on whether or not we like it. Fact: Haloween has become the 3rd or 4th (depending on whose stats you read) largest party day of the year in America. Instead of retreating from it, we are trying to "Light the Night". We encourage our members to stay home, to decorate brightly and positively. To give the trick or treaters a warm welcome and a loving smile. We encourage members to give out goodies and something spiritual. Our congregation uses little pocket size gospels of John that we get from the International Bible Scociety for 14 cents apiece. It works for us. I heard of a nearby Church that has a program called, "No Tricks, we Treat!" They knock on doors and give candy and scriptures or the Jesus video to the home owners. I like it!

Just my 2 cents.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

Sam, Thank-you for saying much of what I might have failed to say in my original posting. We do NOT observe the "H" word as a religious rite but as part of our cultural heritage. But just as in all that we teach our children the soverignty of the Lord is placed in every aspect of our training up our children. Right now ours are too young to learn the historical aspect of the holiday so we apply our Godly teaching to what they can understand! And as we go about gathering the treats (so that we can pass on the "blessings" to others like our local fire station to let them know how much we appreciate their service to us!)we also get to share the Good news of a loving God. My youngest had to succomb to mommy's creative bent last yr & he went as the burning bush & I think we had more people ask us about that costume & able to share about God's character than any other day of that month.....& yes we offered alot of church invites to many who weren't churched & I was sadly amazed at how many young people DIDN'T know the account of Moses & the burning bush! YIKES! So I guess anyone can argue about the evil that is suppose to be around that day...& I'm not denying that there are many PEOPLE that do commit acts of evil just because of that day...AND because of that day I can help my children go out into the "frontlines" & share the Gospel in a way that is to their understanding. Also just a note more.....I've emailed & asked several parents of children that I had in the past & ask them what they thought of my teaching their children in church specifically in the area of this day & I was pleased that I equipped both parents & children how to deal w/ this event out in the world. Not a pat on the back mind you....just a follow-up on whom I've been charged to disciple in the Lord.

AND.......BTW, Danny U R the next nicest guy I know....DC is well U know!:)

Friend in the Faith, >^..^<-thy C. <><

-- Anonymous, October 26, 1999

I thought this was about Halloween. You can argue all day about anything, you can find bad in everything if you dig hard enough. I say use the world to reach the lost. I am having a "Halloween" party for my youth group and you know what, we might have some people come to know Christ, because they came out to a non-threatening event and met some really nice people who happen to be christians. It sorta sounds like the stuff Jesus did when he ministered here on earth. He met the people where they are and used the things around them to reach them. I think that is a noble idea and scriptural. I think that is alot better than the phariseeing I see going up above and in our churches today. Let's reach the lost, that is what Jesus died for, not to picket little kids getting candy or dressing up like their favorite cartoon character.

-- Anonymous, October 26, 1999

Jason, look what you said below:

I thought this was about Halloween. You can argue all day about anything, you can find bad in everything if you dig hard enough. I say use the world to reach the lost. >>

"Use the world to reach the Lost?" Great insight! We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to reach the lost. Anything else used is out of line.

I am having a "Halloween" party for my youth group and you know what, we might have some people come to know Christ,>>

But what do you the the Father thinks about your using the devil's tools to *bring people to Him?'

because they came out to a non-threatening event and met some really nice people who happen to be christians. It sorta sounds like the stuff Jesus did when he ministered here on earth. He met the people where they are and used the things around them to reach them. I think that is a noble idea and scriptural. I think that is alot better than the phariseeing I see going up above and in our churches today. Let's reach the lost, >>

Amen, lets reach the lost with the gospel of Christ...not drawing cards that imitate evil. What you are saying is use tactics to bring them to Christ. Maybe you can find that in scripture but I have been unable to do so, Jason.

that is what Jesus died for,>>

Sorry, He didn't die to have us *trick* people to come to a party by having a world's holiday. By trick I mean getting them somewhere that we might teach them. Please show me where Christ ever did that. Or the apostles. Christ said *Go*. We tell the world to *come* to us.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 1999

Thank you Kathy for your insights. I appreciate your thoughfulness over the subject. I like the idea of "reclaiming" God's creation for good. I can't write much else, gotta go to my kids class Halloween Party! :)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I may be the only one, but I agree with Nelta. To those of you who put out the "Happy" things of halloween, do you only put them out for halloween or do you put them out any other time of the year? We put them out because we participate in the celebration of this holiday. What greater witness than for children to be in their school speaking against these things and taking joy in the perecution because they have been outstanding for Christ. We are lucky that many big attractions around the area offer the alternative to Halloween for churches. Children invite there friends and this gives everyone the opportunity to abstain completely. Just because you can have a good time celebrating or participating with out evil emphasis doesnt take away from the fact you are participating as a Christian in a Holiday that we should have nothing to do with. Dont turn it into a good or make it worse than it is. Leave it where it belongs, with the world. This is one of, if not the biggest day of evil. Would Paul say lets have a party for the god Baal, and you know what, we might have some one come to Christ, because our party is non-threatening. Can we disguise Christ any more then that? Stay bold my friend.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

Jeff -- you might have missed the continuation of the basic thoughts of theoriginal post -- at another site (this one got off base really quickly). Let me cut-and-paste one entry from that thread: - - - - - Nelta: Is that what U really think goes on in [the church] the modern- day American (even christian)festivites of celebration?!?!?! Do U really think that we are celebrating the "dawn of the dead"??!?!?! I can hear the words of Joseph echoing in my ears as a lesson.....U meant it for evil but God meant it for good i.e. the day,the symbols; AND just because we happen to have a black cat DOESN"T mean we are perpetuating an evil,religious practice. As a matter of fact we had adopted this kitty off the side of a country road because someone else meant to do that poor critter evil...leaving it to the elements & wildlife.... We saw it as a way of honoring God by caring for HIS creation.....timing was right for this time of yr. wouldn't ya say?!?!?! I surely hope U don't think that we practice such things that were cited in your post.Hey , BTW last yr I was sent a very interesting item on what all the symbols meant in the "early" yrs...U wouldn't believe what the practice was for bobbing for apples!!! Not that we think of it but anything but for fun....... Kathy C. ><>

-- Kathy Combs (Odedme@yourinter.net), October 26, 1999. - - - - -

Jeff -- yes, we use the cats and bats and things at other times as well ... whenever we talk or teach of God's creation.

Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

No my friends, I dont think you are witch contributers because you have a cat. I do not think you celebrate satan because you post a skeleton in the church. My simple fact is, you are participating in this holiday.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

October 31st is ALSo the anniversary of the date that Martin Luther effectively began the Reformation, breaking from the (in worldly terms) near-omnipotence of the Catholic Church, and making popular the idea that a person can find his or her way to God on one's own, with just the Scriptures to guide them. Celebrate that!

-- Anonymous, October 28, 1999

I can hardly wait for heaven, to see Jesus face to face & to be away from the constant arguing that Christians get themselves into over everything. Most of the holidays that we participate year round were originally pagan holidays that the Roman Church decided to "christianize" rather than fight. We have a children's story time in our morning worship service that the lady this week was going to wear a pumpkin costume & asked the kids to wear their costumes to church---encouraging no demonic or gory costumes. She wanted to make the point with a story about wearing disguises. (which by the way many of us effectively do daily). Talk about the fire storm that it caused!! Some people were so angry that they did not hear anything that the sermon presented in the following 30 minutes. Immediately at the close of the service they pounced on the chairman of the board & the preacher. After an ensuing elder's meeting it was agreed to not wear costumes or have the story. Thankfully everone got simmered down & no one became angry enough to cause any further problems. Judgement will start at the House Of God & I believe the dividing spirit of many of our folk will be called into question first. By the way we are not treating trick or treaters but encouraged our son to be involved in a "Gospel Maze" activity instead. OH THAT WE MAY BECOME ONE!! Not to is one of our biggest sins!!!

-- Anonymous, October 30, 1999

Gary, dont get so over worked about it. This is just a healthy fun debate among Christian brothers and sisters. So what is your position about halloween exactly?

-- Anonymous, October 30, 1999

Jeff if you read all the posts like I did; I think my response was pretty mild. I just feel that for those of us who claim to be part of a unity movement we surely don't practice that part of what we preach very often. I was just tired of the constant turmoil was all. My position is that I am not willing to cede any day to the devil as being his. I still believe in a church that goes to the very gates of hell & snatches souls & territory back every chance I can get. These can be great teaching opportunities if we will just seize them.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 1999

Nelta, I am sorry you feel that way or if you misunderstood my meaning. I mean we need to use things that the world is familiar with to reach them. All people in the world recognize halloween as a holiday. It's a day that the kids get to wear costumes and get lots of candy. My whole point is that we need to use the things in this world that people associate with and use them for God's glory. Turning a negative into a positive. It is no different than using Christmas to reach the lost. The world associates Christmas with Santa and presents, christians use it as a tool to tell them about a savior who was born in a manger. Jesus met the people where they were, he used the things they were familiar with. That is what I am saying about halloween. you can waste all your time trying to talk about the negative things and aspects about Halloween and I won't disagree, that some people use halloween for evil, but heck some peope use guns for evil and some use them to hunt and put food on the table. All I am saying is that, I am going to use the things that the world is familiar with as a tool for ministry. Does that mean I believe in ghosts or goblins, or that I take away from the evil of satan. No! It means I am using something satan tries to use for his glory and I use it for God's glory. My halloween party was great, I had several visitor's, probably 10 that have never step foot into my church, and maybe through the seed that was planted at this "halloween" party, they may come to know Christ as their savior. I agee with the brother, MAY WE ALL BE ONE. Let's use our energy for the lost.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 1999

Jason, I want to post something here from your post that should help you realize you are on the wrong track about what the *church* is all about.

>>All I am saying is that, I am going to use the things that the world is familiar with as a tool for ministry. Does that mean I believe in ghosts or goblins, or that I take away from the evil of satan. No! It means I am using something satan tries to use for his glory and I use it for God's glory. My halloween party was great, I had several visitor's, probably 10 that have never step foot into my church,>>

May I ask you to explain what *your church* is? You see, words mean things and they show others what your understanding of scripture is in your conversations.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 1999