Halloween - Departure to the Occult | Pastor Jeno Orchard CR

The Unseen Realm Halloween – Departure to the Occult 1 Corinthians 10:18-29 & Deuteronomy 18:9-11   The "occult" comes from the Latin word for "hidden/secret" things.  The term is used to describe practices such as astrology, numerology, witchcraft, crystal gazing, necromancy (communication with the dead), magic, and palm reading…all, according to the Bible are forbidden to man and cursed by God.   Why do you think that people are drawn to these practices instead of seeking God's guidance?   Halloween   Halloween is an invitation to the occult and must be recognized as a seriously risky practice by unbelievers and believers alike.   Why do people enjoy dark themes associated with Halloween?   You Christians are just overreacting…aren't you?   You must be careful with your entertainments.   There is only one true God (Isa 44:6, 8; 46:9).  Therefore, only one worldview.   All false religion and idolatry is by definition involvement with demon worship…whether the participant recognizes it or not.   Why might people be unaware that they are actually participating in demonic worship?   Modern Halloween Traditions   In early American history, Halloween was not widely practiced until the 20th century, when it was introduced by the Irish Catholic settlements. Gradually, Halloween became a secular observance, and many customs and practices developed. The carved pumpkin may have originated with the witches' use of a skull with a candle inside to light the way to coven meetings.   ·      The Wearing Of Masks - "The purpose of wearing a mask in most primitive religious traditions is to make a spiritual connection with the deity or the Nature Spirit represented by the mask. ... According to Scripture, how should believers respond to practices that seek to connect with spirits or deities other than God? ·      "Trick-Or-Treating" - "Trick-or-treating originated in Ireland when on the eve of Samhain, people would go house to house looking for food contributions to Muck Olla.   How can Christians use the Halloween event to show kindness and share God's love?   This is about stumbling a brother regarding what another person was eating or drinking.    Even if you personally have the liberty to do something, you do not have the liberty to stumble a brother in the Lord. Paul is talking about a brother that is sincerely stumbled by your behavior, not catering to the whims of someone's legalism. For whatever is not from faith is sin: This is the guiding principle that guides all gray areas – if we can't do it in faith (you're troubled by it), then it is sin.   There are only two worldviews. God's view or our own contrivances. What you believe determines how you behave. So…what do you believe?   You must be careful with your entertainments.