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Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

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A commentary by Larry Walker

Halloween is a major holiday in the Western world for people of various backgrounds. Can Halloween celebrations be reconciled with a Christian worldview and lifestyle? The Bible holds the answer.

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Source: Wikimedia Commons

Monday night millions of children around the nation will be donning costumes, ringing doorbells and uttering the traditional "trick or treat" Halloween greeting. Most people consider this a harmless, fun activity for children. Others condemn the entire occasion because of the pagan origin of the day and connect it with demonism and the occult.
An article from a prominent Christian magazine suggested that "Christians should embrace the 'devilish' holiday with gusto—and laughter." The author suggests that Halloween presents us with an opportunity to "mock" and "laugh at" Satan and "the forces of evil."
A local pastor, writing wistfully of his past childhood Halloween celebration, said, "I enjoyed being a devil." He asserted that "a child doesn’t think of a red devil as an enemy of God or the apostle of hate and destruction." He went on to defend wearing costumes as merely superficial, and suggested that opposition to celebrating Halloween stems from lack of confidence in Christian beliefs.

Really only harmless fun?

Wait a minute! Is it unchristian for parents not to want their children to dress up as the Devil? Or does Satan theDevil even exist? According to a recent Barna survey, nearly 50 percent of professing Christians do not believe that Satan is a living being. For these folks, the whole question must be a moot point. But perhaps the rest of us ought to reconsider our perspective regarding Halloween.
Would anyone dare to suggest applying this reasoning to Hitler? Would wearing Hitler masks and swastikas and dressing like the skeletal remains of his victims be an appropriate way to "laugh at" Hitler and "mock" the diabolical evils of Nazism?
Is Satan a laughing matter? Does God want our children to associate fun and treats with the forces of evil?
I am not implying that a child who puts on a Halloween mask is dabbling in the occult or is in danger of demon possession. I am simply questioning the suggestion that Halloween serves a positive Christian purpose.
According to Deuteronomy:12:31-32 [31] Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.
[32] What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. God does not approve of recycling, reconstituting and relabeling pagan customs to celebrate Christian events.

Carnal holidays trumped by God's Holy Days

My wife and I just finished celebrating eight fun-filled days of the Feast of Tabernacles with more than 700 men, women and children here in Central Oregon. I so much wish all of Christianity could share the joy of this meaningfuloccasion. Here is a God-ordained festival that was observed by Jesus, Paul and the apostolic Church and is still celebrated today by many Christians. It is one of seven annual Holy Days that foreshadow future events in God's plan (Colossians:2:16-17 [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
[17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.) rather

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What Is a Proper Litmus Test for Supreme Court Nominees?

A commentary by Bruce Gore

Posted July 29, 2005

John Roberts Jr., President Bush's recent nominee to the US Supreme Court, has been receiving rave reviews from his peers and Washington's lawmakers. Most in the Republican Party hope for his quick confirmation.

But many Democrats, though they don't doubt or question his qualifications, are committed to withholding their support until he answers questions on two key issues: abortion rights and gay marriages.
These issues have become the litmus test for any new appointment to America's highest court. And the possibility that once on the bench Judge Roberts could, as did Justice Sandra Day O'Conner, become a "swing vote" in future cases dealing with abortion has both pro-choice and family planning groups concerned.
Therefore his response to questions on the issues of gay marriage and abortion will be thoroughly scrutinized. As Associated Press Writer Will Lester noted, "Just over half of all Americans—and a solid majority of women—want to know John Roberts' position on abortion before the Senate votes on whether to elevate him to the Supreme Court" (AP release, Friday, July 22, 2005).
Those who have grown up since the end of World War II may not realize how much the moral climate of Western nations has changed in just the past 60 years. Prior to that time no judicial candidate who supported same-sex marriage or aborting the life an unborn child would have stood a chance of sitting as a judge in any high court in the land. Now, any who oppose openly homosexual marriage or abortion will almost certainly not be appointed to any high court in most Western nations.
As in nations today, judges in ancient Israel were an essential part of its leadership. They were chosen and appointed with this instruction, "Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them ... And let them judge the people at all times…." (Exodus:18:21-22 [21] Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
[22] And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.).
Judges were to be the standard bearers of moral conduct—fearlessly standing for a level of behavior that respected the rights and lives of all. Their rulings were not to be driven by popularity polls but by an understanding that each judge is accountable to the higher authority of God. "Then he [the Jews' king] set judges in the land ..., city by city, and said to the judges, ‘Take heed to what you are doing, for you do not judge for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment' " (2 Chronicles:19:5-7 [5] And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,
[6] And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment.
[7] Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.).
Ezekiel, a biblical prophet sent from of God, once criticized his own people for not distinguishing that which is holy from that which is profane (Ezekiel:22:26Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.). Is a similar shift in values happening today? One thing is certain, earlier perceptions of right and wrong are changing. What once was seen as evil is now seen as acceptable and good. What once was called good is now looked upon as evil.
Do we fit the description of another of God's prophets: "For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge" (Jeremiah:4:22For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.).
Historians put much of the blame for the collapse and fall of the ancient Roman Empire on its moral decay. Sexual abuse of children became rampant. Receiving personal satisfaction and gratifying desires for pleasure became the all-consuming purpose for life. As it plunged into decadence, homosexuality, abortion and infanticide became commonplace. A pregnancy or the birth of a baby often came to be looked upon as merely an obstacle to the good life.
Could we be headed for a similar fate as that of the ancient Roman Empire?

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Charles Darwin's 10 Mistakes

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article by Vertical Thought Editor

We made a list of 10 reasons Darwin's theory of evolution does not hold up to scientific scrutiny.

1. "Warm little pond" theory: There is no solid evidence of life arising spontaneously from a chemical soup.
2. Simplicity of the cell theory: Scientists have discovered that cells are tremendously complex, not simple.
3. Theory about the cell’s simple information: It turns out cells have a digital code more complex and lengthy than any computer language made by man.
4. Theory of intermediate fossils: Where are the supposed billions of missing links in the evolutionary chain?
5. Theory of the variation of species: Genetic adaptation and mutation have proven to have fixed limits.
6. Theory of the Cambrian Explosion: This sudden appearance of most major complex animal groups at the same low level of the fossil record is still an embarrassment to evolutionists.
7. Theory of homology: Similarity of structures does not mean the evolution of structures.
8. Theory of ape evolution : Chimpanzees have not evolved into anything else. Neither has man.
9. Theory of the tree of life: Rather than all life branching from a single organism, evidence has revealed a forest of life from the very beginning.
10. Rejection of an intelligent designer: This opened the door for many to reject God, the Bible and Christianity.

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World News and Trends: The Catholic Church, China and Taiwan

article by Jerold Aust, John Ross Schroeder

In recent decades the Chinese have periodically cracked down on Christians. In recent months persecution has become very intense.

In recent decades the Chinese have periodically cracked down on Christians. In recent months persecution has become very intense. There are some 12 million Roman Catholics in China normally classified as members of the so-called "patriotic" church with no relationship permitted with the Vatican.
Recent reports indicate that the Vatican may abandon Taiwan diplomatically to win Chinese support for China's Catholics. Reporting from Beijing for The Sunday Telegraph (April 10), Peter Goff stated that the "Church prepares [the] way for millions to worship without fear of persecution." The stark title of his article is: "Vatican Will Abandon Taiwan to Win China's Catholics."
Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun of Hong Kong is a leading adviser for the Vatican on Chinese issues. He said that "the Holy See has been thinking of giving up Taiwan. This is a difficult [decision], but it has decided to do it. If the Holy See does not establish [diplomatic] ties with China, Catholics there will not have real freedom."
Up to now the Vatican has been the only state in Europe to recognize Taiwan's sovereignty. Pope John Paul II's pontificate did not experience good relations with China primarily because of his unrelenting opposition to communism. The Vatican is apparently trying to "put this right" as soon as practically possible. (Sources: The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Sunday Telegraph [London].)

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Why should Christians celebrate the Day of Atonement (also known as Yom Kippur)?

Long after Jesus Christ’s death, the Day of Atonement continued as an important Holy Day for the New Testament Church of God. What does the Day of Atonement mean for Christians today?

Answer: The Day of Atonement is the fifth of God’s annual Holy Days (Leviticus:23:26-32 [26] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
[27] Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.
[28] And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.
[29] For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.
[30] And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.
[31] Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.
[32] It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.), following shortly after the Feast of Trumpets. Observed by fasting (verse 27; compare Isaiah:58:3Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.), which means not eating or drinking (Esther:4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.), this day portrays the human race finally becoming at one with God.
At the return of Jesus Christ, Satan the devil, who now leads all of mankind astray (Ephesians:2:2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:; Revelation:12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.), will be bound (Revelation:20:1-3 [1] And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
[2] And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
[3] And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.) so all humans of all nations can be reconciled to God.
In the New Testament Luke referred to this Holy Day as "the fast" in Acts:27:9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,.
When the meaning of the Day of Atonement is fulfilled in the future, it will set the stage for the sixth festival of God, the Feast of Tabernacles.
For more information, please read our booklet God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope For All Mankind.

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Vertical News: First Ebola Case from the U.S.

article by Amanda Stiver

How do we process the arrival of this disease in the Northern Hemisphere? Does it imply a connection to end-time events?

Source: freeimages.com/Sarej

A case of Ebola hemorrhagic fever has been diagnosed in a patient at a hospital near Dallas, Texas. The individual struck with the disease had recently traveled from Liberia, one of several African nations where the Ebola outbreak has taken at least 3,000 lives. Recent reports suggest that there is another potential case of Ebola in a family member of the original patient and others, including children, may have been exposed.
Authorities are working on narrowing the field of any others who may have been previously exposed. According to their warnings, Ebola is not spreadable until symptoms begin to appear in a victim (“Ebola Crisis: Texas Children ‘Monitored for Symptoms,’ ” BBC at BBC.com, October 1, 2014).

Is panic the answer?

So, how do we look at this first case of Ebola originating in the U.S.? Is this the early arrival of one of the four horsemen of end-time events in the book of Revelation? A potential pandemic, if not caught early, could certainly appear to fit with some of the events described in chapter 6 of Revelation.
But perhaps we would be getting ahead of ourselves if we jumped to such a conclusion. An important couple of verses in the book of Matthew give us a bench mark from which to process some of the frightening happenings in the world right now, “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences , and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew:24:7-8 [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
[8] All these are the beginning of sorrows., NKJV, emphasis added).
Wars, nations fighting, disease outbreaks (like Ebola), and earthquakes are definitely signs of the end of this age. Yet, human history has experienced such patterns of upheaval before, so it’s important to take note of the general increase of these events, and not be caught off guard. As Christ admonished, “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke:21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.). God’s people are watchers, workers, and faithfully patient in analyzing the prophetic implications of current events.
Like any disease, Ebola has the ability to turn into a pandemic, but so do many others. Taking reasonable precautions with our personal sanitation, eating nutrient dense foods and generally taking care of our health as much as possible is all part of our personal responsibility for the bodies God has given us. But when it comes to disease, God gives us the added blessing of being able to call on Him for protection and healing, specifically through the scourging that His Son, Jesus Christ took on our behalf (1 Peter:2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.).
Never be afraid to ask God to provide for you! His protection is our best defense.

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Current Events & Trends: Is China the solution to Western economic Woes?

article by Jerold Aust, John Ross Schroeder

In the text of a graphic titled "Stepping Up to Buy," The Wall Street Journal noted: "Chinese state-owned and private enterprises are pouring investment money into the U.S., into industries such as auto parts, real estate, and oil and gas.

The number of deals, and their overall value, has climbed steadily in recent years" (accompanies "In the Heart of the Rust Belt, Chinese Funds Provide the Grease," Feb. 11, 2012). Fairly recently, in Saginaw, Michigan, the Chinese rescued from ruin a substantial automotive company—that city's largest employer.
But America is far from the only target. The teaser for an article in Time magazine by Vivienne Walt titled "Feasting on Europe" stated, "As the euro-zone crisis deepens, China is angling for the union's most prized firms" (Dec. 19, 2011). The article explained that while China may currently be a small player in Europe, that is quickly changing.
Yet historians, journalists and academics remain somewhat skeptical about the viability of Chinese assistance long-term. Harvard professor and historian Niall Ferguson is only one. His London Sunday Times feature article of March 11 was titled "Get Ready to Be a Slave in China's World Order." The drophead starkly stated, "We think Chinese money is the answer to our problems, but the reason the country [China] is prospering is hard work—very hard work—and it will expect it from us too."
A review by Oxford economics professor Paul Collier of the 2012 book Why Nations Fail, by two U.S. academics, offered this advice in its title: "Don't Look to China for Economic Salvation" ( The Observer, March 10). (Sources: The Observer, The Sunday Times [London], Time, The Wall Street Journal. )