It seemed appropriate to re-run this article, which points to the podcast on a Christian response to Halloween. Why do Halloween, the Day of the Dead, and Diwali all fall around the same time of year? Is this because paganism is so consistent and ubiquitous around the world, or is the answer much simpler? Christians seldom think in historical terms and assume that since Halloween has pagan origins (as they’ve been told), it should be avoided at all costs. There is more to the story as Jim Jordan makes clear in his article, “Concerning Halloween.” In the podcast, Gary discusses the true meaning of Halloween and the defeat of evil and of demonic powers that should be associated with it.
The supernatural power which energizes God’s kingdom is never bound by political rhetoric: “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20). The battle against the kingdoms of this world is waged through the awesome power inherent in God’s Word, energized by His Spirit: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2 Cor. 10:3–4). It’s the power of regeneration, not revolution, that advances the kingdom.
As Christians, “we are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). This is kingdom living in the power of God’s Spirit. The kingdom of God advances by changing the heart and mind of those who oppose Jesus Christ and His Word. The kingdoms of this world are at war with the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and it is the duty of all Christians to be involved in that war until the gates of Hades no longer stand (Matt. 16:18).
Restoration begins by realizing that we live in the midst of God’s kingdom. God’s pattern for godly living is established in heaven. In the Lord’s Prayer we petition God, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).
Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths
Takes a closer look at God's Word and applies it to erroneous misinterpretations of the Bible that have resulted in a virtual shut-down of the church's full-orbed mission in the world (Acts 20:27). Due to these mistaken interpretations and applications of popular Bible texts to contemporary issues, the Christian faith is being thrown out and trampled under foot by men (Matt. 5:13).
Buy NowThe defeat of evil and of demonic powers is associated with Halloween. For this reason, Martin Luther posted his 95 challenges to the wicked practices of the Church to the bulletin board on the door of the Wittenberg chapel on Halloween. He picked his day with care, and ever since Halloween has also been Reformation Day. The power of Satan has been broken once and for all, and our children can mock him by dressing up like ghosts, goblins, and witches.
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Read Jim Jordan’s article here
Check out Doug Giles’ biblical artwork here, including his painting Skull Crusher