Halloween: Light in the Darkness
Brad: Intro
HALLOWEEN
Controversy: Is it simply make-believe, or is it darkness personified?
Is Halloween a problem to be avoided, or an opportunity for the gospel?
Is it an opportunity to be light in the darkness?
WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO?
Brad: WHAT WE SHOULD NOT DO:
Scripture carefully instructs Christians against participation in pagan practices directly involving witchcraft, the occult, and the worship of other deities.
Rev 21:8 “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”
Kathy: WHAT WE SHOULD DO:
1 Cor 10:31, Paul writes: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
He ends that paragraph with: “I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” (Guiding Principle)
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF SHINING LIGHT IN DARKNESS:
Brad: Acts 17 - Paul in Athens before Areopagus
“He was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.”
So, what did he do?
He did what was best for others—
so that they might be saved.
That brought God glory.
Kathy: Luke 19:1-10 – Jesus goes to Jericho.
Zaccheaeus the chief tax collector.
Jesus said: “…the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Brad: Jesus and Paul did not condemn ignorant sinners for their behavior. Instead, they were always seeking opportunities to advance God’s Kingdom.
Brad: Paul never told pagans to change their behavior. He always told them to change their god.
EXAMPLES OF SHINING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
Brad Story: Joel Hunter the Sunday after Easter
Kathy Story: young girl at Halloween who received a tract and accepted Christ
Brad: Word of Caution:
If you’ve been involved in the occult or are negatively influenced – don’t participate. An alcoholic doesn’t hang out in a bar.
ALSO: If you still have children at home:
- Will it mislead them?
- Will it teach them to look for Opportunities to be salt and light
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Kathy: You don’t have to decorate with spooky ghosts and witches – Make your house the most inviting on the block with harvest décor.
Kathy: Ideas:
- Bags with candy and the Gospel – orange mesh were 100 for $8.00.
- Popcorn and a movie (Jesus film ap code) – still include Gospel tract
- Churches do Trunk or Treat – create safe place for kids
Go to BrightMedia.org for:
- pdf of creative ideas
- a pdf of printable tags for the bags
- 4 Keys 4 Kids
Order now. Shipping can take up to 7 days.
CLOSE: Brad:
Kathy, thank you for joining me on this podcast.
And thank you to our listeners as well.
Remember: God is the issue in every issue—including Halloween.
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