“We should always look upon ourselves as God’s servants, placed in God’s world, to do his work; and accordingly labour faithfully for him; not with a design to grow rich and great, but to glorify God, and do all the good we possibly can.” ~David Brainerd
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:21-22
Last week, my 4th/5th grade class came up with this little acrostic to help us remember some of the essential aspects of “Thanks”. Students then were asked to write a brief story using each word. Read below for a few of their encouraging papers.
T.H.A.N.K.S.
Truth
Heart
Amazing
Needed
Knowledge
Savior
4th Grade Student: The God that is truth should be at the top of our thanks list. We need His knowledge for us to know the Gospel. God is needed and is amazing to our world! The Savior of the world is in our heart for eternity.
5th Grade Student: I’m thankful for our Savior dying on the cross, and I’m thankful for my parents and friends. The one thing I am not thankful for is sin. I know I sin, but it is my enemy too. The truth is we all sin. Never have I ever seen someone not sin except for Jesus, and in my heart, there is Jesus. And in my mind is the knowledge of Jesus. I am so thankful that there is Jesus. He is the only God in the world. We need Jesus! If not, we wouldn’t be alive. He is amazing, wonderful, and awesome. What I’m saying is that Jesus is all knowing!
5th Grade Student: Did you know that God is the truth? He has the biggest heart in the world, and He’s the amazing Lord! He’s needed in all our lives. He will help us gain true knowledge and not fall for evil. My Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ. My family loves Him. You should too!
5th Grade Student: Jesus is overflowing with knowledge. He is also know as the Savior. We call Jesus really amazing. Everything God says is the truth. We all need Jesus to help us. Some of us know Jesus from the heart.
4th Grade Student: Thanksgiving is coming up. Let’s talk about thanks. Let’s be thankful that Jesus died for our sins. If you look in the Bible, all of your questions will be answered. Be thankful that you have God with you! We need Jesus because He’s our Savior. God knows our knowledge and heart. Jesus is the truth and amazing, and I’m thankful for that!
4th Grade Student: Jim was very happy even though he did not know Jesus. One day, his friend told him the truth about Jesus. He said, “That is amazing!” Then Jim felt something different. He needed Jesus. That night, he prayed, and his heart felt different. It felt relieved. Now he had more knowledge and was very thankful. He had accepted Jesus as his Savior!
Sin also is defined in the Bible as faithless independence: “Whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14: 23). It is an attitude of “lawlessness” (1 John 3: 4). In light of this understanding of sin, what then does repentance involve? Repentance means stepping out of independence back into dependence, and the measure of your repentance will be the measure of your dependence. Every area of your life in which you have not learned to be truly dependent on God is an area of your life in which you have not as yet repented.”
― W. Ian Thomas, The Indwelling Life of Christ: All of Him in All of Me
One loosely connected synonym for pride might be glory. To say I have pride in someone or something, generally speaking, means I have elevated that person or action to a higher place in my heart and mind. We could make a case that glory, in this sense, is similar. From there, however, these two words pretty much part ways.
Although, we don’t use the word “glory” as much in today’s vernacular, it’s still a very important word, especially in light of Jesus and His wonderful Word, the Bible. Since God is the One who created all things perfectly in six short days, it is He who deserves all the glory and fame. Since it is Jesus who also chose to come to earth as a man, never stopped being God, and laid down His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sins against Him, it is He and He alone who deserves all the glory. In Revelation 4:11, the declaration is made, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.” And yet, as prideful humans, we have foolishly attempted to steal all the glory for ourselves.
Of course, true glory, unlike pride, doesn’t insecurely celebrate self. So it’s not accurate to say that God has pride. But we can most assuredly declare that God is glorious and deserves to be glorified, again, not because He’s insecure, in need of some sort of self-bolstering, but because He’s simply the greatest of all! Glory might also be likened to fame. But it’s so much more. God’s glory never depends on what others think of Him. His glory is rooted in His very character, and truly, He has and deserves it all. And His glory never fades!
Biblically speaking, pride is abhorrent to God and completely destructive to mankind. A simple Bible word search of pride makes that clear. The Bible has nothing good to say about pride. To say that we need to think more highly of ourselves is not only foolish in light of history, it’s clearly unbiblical and satanic, to say it mildly.
It is clear, no one has ever had more pride than Satan. His desire is to be like the Most High (Isaiah 14:12-14). He came to God’s perfect planet earth; to the Garden of Eden, plotting to plant his prideful lie in the mind of the woman. And sadly, both she and Adam fell for it. Literally and figuratively eating it up, they both allowed Satan’s self-satisfying lie into their hearts and minds, which then overrode all other desires. They were immediately separated from (dead to) God, and their eyes were opened to self, sin, and Satan. One might say, mankind had become asleep to God’s truth, and awoken to the lies of Lucifer. Truly, a whole new ungodly world was unveiled before their very eyes.
“You shall be like gods” became their new “enlightened” foundation, inspiration, and battlecry which has been tragically passed down to every generation. Even the smallest echo of this mantra causes a deep nostalgic embrace, resonating almost instinctively in the souls of mankind. It was at the entrance of Satan’s lie in which mankind was no longer focused on glorifying God. Seeking solace in self is now man’s prideful pursuit, growing ever more arrogant from generation to generation.
In 2 Timothy 3, the Lord led Paul to write, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…
…covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Yet mankind was not designed for this sort of self-exaltation. We were originally created to give glory to God and Him alone. The Lord, through the prophet Jeremiah, wrote, “Thus says the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says the LORD” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
Interestingly, one of the nicknames of the American Flag is “Old Glory”. Clearly, our country has never been perfect, but the foundations that were built on God’s Word brought a spiritual freedom like never before. Prior to even becoming a country, the American colonies went through a real awakening which is known as the first Great Awakening. The Lord inspired men from England to simply begin preaching God’s Word, which almost always led to their rejection by and ejection from the established “church”. This rejection only fueled the flames, allowing them to preach and reach even more hungry souls. This excitement and boldness for God’s Word and His glory were then taken to America. And although many institutional churches kicked these preachers out, they continued to preach from the Word, reaching both colonists and Indians alike for the Gospel. This Great Awakening first took place from the 1730s to the 1740s and may arguably be one of the main reasons America sought it’s independence from England.
The life and light of God’s Word that poured into early America certainly paved a road which ushered in a time of freedom to preach and teach from God’s Word like the world had never known before. So many amazing colleges, sciences, churches, and missionary organizations can be directly or indirectly linked to this time in our history, and yet, little of this is taught in our schools, let alone, our churches.
No, our country is not perfect, but God is, and He truly does deserve all the glory. We have allowed the wisdom of this world to cloud our thinking. The argument today isn’t really about “race’, gender equality, the American Flag, etc. When we shine the light of God’s Word into the fog, the foolishness fades, and the truth is all that remains. The battle today is the same as the battle of the ages. It is still the same battle mankind had with God in the Garden. We are still fighting for the crown. Mankind’s passionate pursuit to rob God of His crown, stealing His glory, is what the Bible simply and clearly calls pride. And yet, we soldier on, unwavering from the serpent’s original lie.
Praise God, there are some who realize the futility of this struggle. Once we acknowledge that God created all things, then we are left with the reality that it is He who deserves all the glory, not us. We are nothing more than thieves and robbers, doing the deeds of the Devil, our original spiritual father. Jesus declared, “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” John 8:44.
Praise God, He didn’t leave us separated from Him eternally. Instead, because He is true, selfless love, God the Father sent Jesus, God the Son and the Son of God, to earth to pay the eternal punishment mankind deserves for stealing God’s glory. Jesus willingly became a man, yet He never stopped being God. He walked on this sin-soaked planet for 33 years, never rebelling, giving all the glory to God, not Himself. Jesus lived the life God intended for Adam and Eve in the Garden. Jesus willingly and lovingly obeyed the Heavenly Father perfectly, laying down His life upon the cross. He became the willing and perfect sacrifice. God was pleased with His love offering, pouring upon Him the wrath we all deserved. Jesus laid down the crown so mankind could finally be eternally freed to stop pursuing it. Jesus laid down His life, rising three days later, victorious over sin and death.
Praise God, He not only paid in full the price of mankind’s sin. He also invites all who are tired of chasing the crown to turn to Him. He invites us to confess our sinfulness against Him, to trust that Jesus is our perfect payment for sin, and to receive in our hearts and minds His full and free forgiveness found in Christ alone. We must lay down our pride, holding high the heavenly flag that glorifies the King of Glory, the Lamb of God, the Almighty God, Creator, Savior, and soon returning King.
The Bible promises those who have chosen to believe and receive God’s full and free forgiveness have, by God’s power, passed from death to life, being born again by the Spirit of God. They’ve been adopted into His family, no longer enemies of God, but now and forever His children. We, like the Pilgrims of old, are excited for a better country, one of freedom and life abundant.
Praise God, those who have received the forgiveness of God not only have the hope of Heaven one day, but also the liberty (freedom), beauty, and joy of Jesus now and forever. We happily lay down our fading and prideful crowns, casting them at the foot of the cross, knowing that Jesus alone deserves all the glory!
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:4
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever” Revelation 5:12-13.
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then comes the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For He has put all things under [Jesus’] feet… And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.
The born again believer’s time spent humbly studying God’s Word combined with his earnest desire to know Jesus more will directly relate to his fruitfulness, faithfulness, eternal perspective and satisfaction, peace, heavenly wisdom, discernment, grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, victory, rest, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
If we’re lacking in anything, may we cease from sitting at the feet of so many of today’s worldly, so-called Christian leaders and instead, simply enjoy the beauty of God unadulterated Word!
The message of today’s post modern Christianity is nothing more than the world’s wisdom shabbily layered with a very thin veneer of Christianity. Listen, despite what so many are telling us today, we don’t have to “breathe” Jesus in. This is a mystical concept never taught in the Bible. We don’t have to quietly wait to hear Jesus calling. We don’t have to sit outside, trying to feel God in the wind and hear Him in the bird! Again, these are mystical, not biblical Christianity. Contrary to popular opinion, this is walking by sight, not by faith.
We don’t have to build one another up by telling ourselves we’re so wonderful . This is at best psychological, but most certainly not biblical. We don’t have to try Yoga or eastern meditation in hopes of “experiencing” God. These are Hinduistic and ungodly methods not once found in the Bible.
We don’t have to dumb down God’s Word. We don’t have to rewrite it, calling it God’s modern “message”. Instead of seeking the newest watered down “version” of the Bible, why not just take the time to understand and know the truth already clearly given to us in His Word and revealed by His Holy Spirit?
We don’t have to try uniting with everyone. Instead, let us simply stand firm, lovingly teaching others the veracity of His Holy Word.
We don’t have to join arms with those who foolishly and arrogantly think they’re making the world ready for Jesus to come back. We don’t have to be “moved” by every so-called Christian singer featured on the radio or internet. We don’t have to clamor after every new book written by some post-modern, self-proclaimed Christian, many of whom are deeply entrenched and influenced by godless philosophy and psychology.
We don’t have to turn a blind eye to the myriad of false teaching found in Roman Catholism (and other so-called Christian religions) just to appear tolerant and “loving”.
May we stop clamoring after this world’s methods and message! Sadly, many are unwittingly playing right into the hands of the enemy of our souls, all the while believing they are becoming more enlightened, faithfully doing God’s “new” work.
We live in a time when not only the world is calling good evil, but so is much of today’s church. Sadly, much of the purpose of today’s church growth will only serve to grow and adorn the woman exposed in Revelation 17.
The bride of Christ has no interest in this world, rather she is longing to be called home to be with her Husband, the true Jesus Christ. Until then, may His real bride seek to faithful and humbly serve her Husband by lovingly clinging to His Word and faithfully sharing His glorious, life-giving Gospel with everyone she meets.
We don’t have to apologize for God’s truth or bow our knees to the idols of the world. We don’t have to dance to the world’s beat, no matter how good it sounds. We don’t have to feast on it’s food nor build God an earthly home.
Let us rather rejoice by remembering and loving our true Husband, making ourselves ready by taking off the filthy garments of the flesh and instead, adorning ourselves with Jesus Christ and His wonderful Word!
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” John 10:14
“For the mystery of iniquity already works: only He who now lets will let, until He be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7-11
Jesus said, “Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out devils? and in Your name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23
“Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from here.” John 18:36
“And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5
“Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7
“To reverence the impersonal creation instead of the personal God who created us is a perversion designed for escaping moral accountability to the Creator. God indicts those who worship the creation instead of its Creator (Rom 1:18-23); and warns of the corruption of morals and behavior which results.”
– Dave Hunt
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O taste and see that the LORD is good” Psalm 34:8.
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LROD for His goodness, and for wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness” Psalm 107:8-9
“I was so foolish and ignorant, I was like a beast before You” Psalm 73:22
“My flesh and heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:6.
God promises to be our food and our portion. He desires to feed us every day with the bread of His Word. Jesus lost many who followed when He said, in John 6:51-57, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed…”
God tremendously desires that we humbly come to His Word, letting His Living Word, the Holy Spirit, teach and lead us; comfort and reprove us, filling us with all that we need; all that spiritually satisfies. Is it not His Holy Word that we ought to daily feast upon? God made this marvelous point like an exclamation mark (!) when He came to earth. The Word became flesh and was born in a manger. “And [shepherds] came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the Babe lying in the manger” Luke 2:16.
A Manger- A feeding trough for beasts. Of course, we are all born into this world like bests, men without Godly understanding, willingly ignorant of God’s glory and majesty, yet He came, born in a feeding trough willing to feed any that would come to Him.
Minecraft is a virtual world video game where players build, explore, mine, craft, gather and grow food, and even battle. Since its release on November 18, 2011, it has truly captured the hearts and minds of millions of people worldwide.
On the surface, Minecraft appears almost like a digital Lego game where players simply and creatively build and explore, and to many, that’s perhaps all it is. But after digging a little deeper, more of the darker elements begin to be unearthed.
Minecraft designers require players to use particular potions, elixirs, and other witchcraft inspired magic in order to craft tools, build portals, etc. There are also options for players to include dark creatures in the game, creatures such as zombies, giant spiders, skeletons, creepers, gollem, and tall, ghost-like figures called enderman.
Creeper
Enderman
One might argue that games like Minecraft are simply creative outlets for this generation, however, there is perhaps a very serious issue even with this. I would argue that this generation is quite susceptible to confusing creativity for one’s own god-likeness. In the technological/digital age in which we live, many of today’s youth truly see the world differently than even those born 20 years ago.
Today, we wave our hands under a faucet and water comes out. We stand in front of doors and they open. We speak to a cylindrical container called Alexa and automatically receive a response. We touch a smart screen and it obeys. Combine the self-centered technological advances with the self-esteem doctrines continuing to plague many books, movies, music, and classrooms, and then pour them into an already prideful, human heart and you have a recipe for disaster.
I have heard my fair share of students over the last few years boldly proclaim that they have power simply because the world around them seemingly obeys their every command. It used to be much easier for children to draw a line between fantasy and reality. I personally believe this line, for a variety of reasons, is no longer clear.
That being said, games like Minecraft, left unchecked, may have the very real capacity to blur that line between man and God even further. After all, players are magically building world upon world based upon their own desires and imaginations, and all that you need is literally at your fingertips.
Another thing worth considering is the many backstories layered within Minecraft. Like many modern video games, there are some pretty crazy chapters in its backstory which are revealed both within the game and throughout Minecraft’s animated stories.
Arguably, the most glaring example of Minecraft’s dark side is revealed only after completing the game. In order to end the game, there is a pattern performed in which a player opens a portal to the dark and mysterious ender world. After passing through the portal, one fights the ender dragon. Upon defeating the dragon, the player unlocks an eight minute long story carefully concealed until after the player has invested hundreds and thousands of hours of game time.
Ender World
At first read, the extended story seems more than a bit confusing. Why have such a mystic sounding storyline at the end of an otherwise supposedly innocuous building game? Unless, of course, the intent of the designers is to carefully obscure the teachings within Minecraft, just waiting for players to dig them up and put them together, one piece at a time.
Below are screenshot examples of the end story highlighting the most unsettling and unbiblical doctrines blatantly proclaimed by the authors of Minecraft. Sadly, the ending is filled with nothing less than an occult/witchcraft centered concepts. The screenshots below read almost as if written by some demon possessed guru medium from India.
Unfortunately, many young children playing Minecraft have no idea of the designers’ intentions of teaching these dark and deceptive doctrines. I’m sure plenty of people who play the game have no idea what really lies beyond the mine.
May the Lord give each of us heavenly wisdom so we can carefully and lovingly redeem the time He’s given each of us to serve Him while on this side of eternity.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-13,19
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“Consistency is Key”— This phrase may be short, but it’s tremendously important and one we’ve all probably heard and maybe even said. As a parent and a teacher, I’ve seen first hand just how true it is; and as a born again believer, even more so. Consistency truly is a crucial key.
When considering the challenges of being a parent, it’s often not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of consistency that causes the most long-term issues. As parents, we tend to say one thing to our children but then do another. Or we see an area that needs improvement in their lives and then introduce a new pattern to help hold them accountable, only to find ourselves not sticking with it for very long.
Although there is an endless depth to our Creator and Savior, and although He works in ways that are far above our own, one thing can be said with certainty. The Lord’s consistency is just that, consistent. He is consistently faithful. He is consistently loving. He is consistently just. He is consistently full of mercy and grace. He is consistently true. And praise God for that! How difficult would it be to try to understand and know, let alone serve and follow, an inconsistent King?
Fellowship with the Lord— One of our major roles as Christian parents is to carefully, correctly, and consistently point our children to the true and living God and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. To do this well, we need to be consistently in the Word, continuously praying on our heart’s knees, keeping fellowship with other believers, and consistently keeping our eyes on Jesus as He daily directs our steps. We also desperately need a love for the truth of God’s Word and Godly discernment to help our children see both the truth of God and the lies of the devil. God’s Word is crystal clear. “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2 Corinthians 2:11. Lest we forget, an important part of holding to the truth of God’s Word is not being ignorant of the enemy’s lies.
Shining the Truth— We cannot change the hearts and minds of our children, at least not in relation to the eternal and permanent sanctification spoken of by the Lord in the Scriptures. Jesus’ prayer to His Heavenly Father, “Sanctify them by Your Word. Your word is truth” John 17:17. And we should be elated that we can’t! We can, however, set up consistent patterns that will help direct the next generation to the only One who can.
It is true that we will all make mistakes and struggle maintaining steadfast, Godly patterns of obedience. That is why we must first take seriously our own responsibility to personally and daily abide in Christ. (John 15:1-5) From there we must seek to demonstrate clear and consistent devotion to the only One who could justly redeem us from our sin. If we are to shine the light of Christ to help illumine our children’s steps, we must seek to shine with consistency.
No fellowship with the works of darkness— As a child, growing up in an unbelieving home, I can remember always looking forward to Halloween. I never turned down the chance to dress in ghoulish garb, embracing all things macobre. One year I even won a community award for wearing the most gross costume. Even at a very young age, I knew quite well what Halloween represented. While some may not understand the depth of occultism involved, the world readily recognizes the generalized celebration of death and darkness we call Halloween. During the month of October, millions of homes, stores, restaurants, and schools all across the world morph into a cauldron of darkness, fear, and death.
Confusion or Consistency— As mentioned before, born again believers should desire to be clear and consistent in all we say and do, both for our own growth and the spiritual growth of our children. Being consistent in our daily walk with Jesus not only involves the things we do, but also the things we choose not to do. Arguably, one such activity that continues to cause tremendous confusion is Halloween. How utterly confusing it must be for children to be told on Sundays and Wednesdays that sin brought death, Satan is a liar and a murderer, and that we should avoid corruption, deception, and witchcraft, only to then be turned around to celebrate the most dark and deceptive night of the year! Even if we dress our children as angels, they are annually being led from scary house to scarier house and for what purpose? An overflowing bucket of candy? Let’s celebrate all thing wicked for a bucket of candy. What a confusing and deceptive message indeed!
Unlike the deceptive inconsistency found in the human heart, God’s Word is clear, shining bright on the issue of embracing/fellowshipping with the darkness. During the Halloween season, and throughout each year, may we choose to carefully and humbly examine our own hearts and minds, desiring to shine God’s truth and love with complete consistency, both for the sake of our own walk and the footsteps of our children!
“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” 1 Corinthians 14:8
“Of old have You laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They shall perish, but You shall endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt You change them, and they shall be changed: but You are the same, and Your years shall have no end. The children of Your servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before You.” Psalm 102:25-28
“For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:8-11
“You shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.” Leviticus 20:23
Biblically speaking, Jesus’ resurrection occurred on the first Sunday after the Jewish Passover meal. So why is it that some years “Easter” occurs before the Passover?
In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea voted to hold “Easter” on the Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal (Spring) equinox (the day when sunlight is equal on both hemispheres of the earth; aka the first day of spring. After this point, days get longer and nights shorter.)
Choosing this pattern for dating Jesus’ resurrection is curious at best. Why did those overseen by Constantine (the Roman Emperor) ignore the actual pattern (the Sunday after the Passover meal) established by the Lord? Why did they adopt a pattern practiced by paganism for centuries? And does it even matter?
It only matters if we first understand what paganism, witchcraft, occultism, etc. has wholeheartedly embraced for centuries prior to Jesus’ resurrection regarding Easter. A simple search online will reveal the many deceptive pagan connections between rabbits, eggs, the word and timing of Easter and false, fertility goddess worship.
One brief example-
“Dating Easter in conjunction with the vernal equinox and full moon had nothing to do with the biblical account of Christ’s resurrection or the Passover. It was pagan practices, such as the spring fertility goddess rituals that the Catholic Church “absorbed” and attempted to Christianize, that resulted in Easter’s being linked to the vernal equinox and the full moon. The only thing that is biblical regarding when Easter is now observed is the fact that Easter is always on a Sunday. However, this is not the case. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (March 21 in 2008, the first day of spring). (Got Questions)
Does it matter whether or not Christians embrace the world’s rituals? I believe the answer is yes. Jesus didn’t lay eggs (nor do rabbits for that matter). He did, however, tragically suffer His Heavenly Father’s spiritual and eternal wrath while He was upon the cross. He chose to obey His Father wholeheartedly, taking the penalty we deserve. “You [LORD] shall make His soul an offering for sin…” Isaiah 53:10. Jesus paid the price in full and then willingly laid down His life only to triumphantly raise to life again three days later just like He said He would. Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophesies all to prove that He is the very Christ. He made the truth absolutely and abundantly clear so not to add to all the confusion surrounding Him.
Am I saying we should boycott church on “Easter” Sunday? That would be ridiculous! But should we “dress” and “dance” like the world just because it’s popular and pleasing to the eyes? God forbid!
Resurrection Sunday is the exclamation point, the heart of God’s Gospel, yet too often the waters are muddied and lines blurred within the Church. We tell others to believe God’s Word, but then behave like world when practicing its high days. Sadly, adults are many times motivated to follow the world’s lead simply because it makes our children happy. But Jesus didn’t say do whatever makes our children temporarily excited. He said, “Let the children come to Me, and forbid them not” Matthew 19:14. This generation is confused enough as it is. They are literally inundated with the world’s Antichrist messages carefully, creatively, and intentionally force fed to them through videos, games, toys, TV, movies, music, books, school, friends… and more and more, even today’s Christianity.
Satan’s strategy hasn’t changed. Water down, confuse, and corrupt from the inside out. Why should we, the body of Christ, muddy the waters? Why blur the lines? Why add confusion to an already overly confused generation?
Why not present a different message? Why not lovingly speak the truth? Why not simply preach Christ and Him crucified? Why not be separate? Why not shine forth the pure light of Jesus? Why not offer the world the pure water of the Word?
Why not?
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