The Early Church meeting place(s)

Look at several clear examples of the early Church meeting in homes!

Acts 2:46
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

1 Cor 1:11
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

Rom 16:5a
Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

1 Cor 16:19
The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Col 4:15
Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Phil 2
to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:

Acts 5:42
And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Acts 20:20
how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,

The Great Commission

Matt. 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Does this say we are to focus on reaching the lost? How about knocking on doors? Are we supposed to focus all our efforts in passing out tracts, bibles or giving to missions?

Don't misunderstand me. It is NEVER wrong to share the gospel......UNLESS the Holy Spirit does not allow you to (Acts 16:6-7)! But what does the "Great Commission" tell us to do?

1. Go

2. Teach / make disciples

3. Baptize

I think most churches have it backwards today. What has happened to discipleship? I'm just not seeing it.

Also, we are getting all caught up in doing "good" things that we are not always doing what God intends for us to do! Could you imagine Paul protesting an abortion clinic? Maybe, but more than likely he would not because he was called to something else. Doing that "good thing" would take him away from what God wanted him to do.

Just some thoughts.

2 Thes. 2:15

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Acts 2:42

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

My personal testimony

I was a sinner (Rom. 3:23), I placed my faith in God who saved me through His grace (Eph. 2:8-9), and now I am dying to myself and living for Him daily (Luke 9:23)!

I do not really remember much of my life before I committed it to Christ at the age of 5. All you really need to know is that I was a sinner, just like everyone else in this world. I realized that I needed a Savior, not for "fire insurance", but because He loved me and wanted me to be with Him for all eternity, praising His name forever! (1 Peter 3:8-9)

I lived a pretty typical "good Christian" life and never got into big trouble with anyone. God definitely had His hand of protection on me concerning things of this world, such as drugs, sex, and anything that comes along with hanging around the wrong crowds (the influence of the world). Even though I saw these things in the Christian school I attended and in church youth groups as well, I recognized that it was not God's plan that was messed up but the heart of individuals who were not seeking His will. They were only seeking selfish desires. I was not immune to selfish desires, but mine were more along the lines of wanting to just hang out with friends regardless of other priorities, not taking care of my body as well as I should and things like that. Still bad. Still selfish. Still sin.

And I still struggle with these things. Not that they are "easier" to deal with now, but as an adult and as I have grown in Christ, I recognize the importance of putting selfish desires of any kind to rest and trust that God will take care of my wants if they are HIS desires. I have learned to pray that my desires become His desires, and it works!

The greatest time of growth for me personally has been in the last 3+ years. I met a family who holds weekly meetings in their home. I learned a lot about how the New Testament Church was structured, and I was faced with some biblical doctrine I had not ever heard before, or in some cases, had even argued against before. My first reaction was to run away, thinking it was false doctrine. I was challenged, and through trials come growth! James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." I have also learned to pray for wisdom, believing God will give it to me (James 1:5-6, the very next verses), and what a difference this truly makes!

So as I was challenged, I continued to ask God for wisdom. The teacher at these bible studies, the elder of this house church, taught in a way that made us look for the answers ourselves straight from God's word (2 Timothy 2:15). He asked questions and was constantly giving Scripture passages to look up, many of these things I had read over my whole life but never noticed before! After having been in church since the first Sunday after I was born, I honestly felt completely dumb every time I walked through the door of this house. But that was a good thing because I had become teachable!

After a few months, some concerned friends and family were getting to me. I started having doubts about whether these doctrines that were being taught were really biblical or if this was some kind of cult, as the average life-long denominational Christian seemed to believe. So I backed off for a while. I stopped meeting with this group of believers, but I was still challenged and still hungry for the word! Over the next couple of years I thought of this family and the others who attended quite often. I would occasionally call or email, but they had come to believe that I was like most other Christians and was not open to any more teaching. They thought I had gone back to the denomination and was no longer teachable.

Not so! Quite the contrary, actually. As I was continually challenged by family and friends, I only saw confirmation again and again that some of the doctrines I had held onto most of my life were indeed false! Instead of listening to the doctrines of men, I was now listening to the Word of God, and I could see much more clearly that so much of what I believed was wrong! And it was important to get it right!

As a result of me being challenged and growing through it all, I am now burdened to challenge others. I do not always come across well in written form, but I am overcome with love for God and for my Christian brothers and sisters, for everyone to get the doctrines of the bible right. God desires unity, so I do not believe it is okay to just "agree to disagree". (Eph. 4:3, Rom. 15:5-6, Phil. 2:2) 1 Cor. 10:10-13 says, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?" There is so much in the bible about being in unity. We are all part of one body, the body of Christ. I do not have all the right answers, but I definitely have better answers now than I did 3 years ago, because they come from the bible, not from denominational doctrine.

Through being challenged in a denominational church earlier this year, I have learned that by adopting a creed, a statement of faith, catechisms, etc. I was putting God in a box and did not feel the need or desire to learn outside of those things. I have also learned that if those things are truly based on Scripture, then I do not need to rely on man's own interpretation of Scripture....I have my own copy of God's word and the Holy Spirit to interpret for me! I think that is why there is so much division in the Church right now. Everyone wants to believe something different, and instead of just simply studying the bible together, they refer to a written outline, a man-made set of beliefs. No wonder there is so much confusion in the Church, and we know confusion does not come from God! (1 Cor. 14:33)

I pray that all who read this testimony of how God is working in my life will be challenged in their own walk, to seek the Truth of God's holy word and not rely on man-made doctrine. May God get the glory. For only He is worthy. I am merely a vessel used for His purpose, to give glory, honor and praise to the Creator of all things! It is my prayer that I will be used to show others how they can do the same. God bless!

Not enough use of Scripture!

Wow, I am trying to do a study and some research on a specific topic, so I am searching for certain words and just skimming through articles. I am not interested in what other people are saying, only the Bible. It AMAZES me how very LITTLE Scripture there is in these articles! I am actually looking for verses on both sides of the issue, but I am going through page after page and seeing how both sides are using very little, if any (!!!!), and the rest of the text is their own interpretation of what they think the verse is saying, and most of it, on both sides, is taken out of context!

And we wonder why there is not unity in the Church today? It's because we don't refer to Scripture enough, but instead get our own opinion and interpretation out there WAAAAAAAAAY too much. We get in the way! The Bible can stand on its own!!! I have been guilty of this myself at times, but I recognize this so clearly now and want to include more bible references and less of my own words.

John 3:30 - HE must increase, but I must decrease.

I'm at it again!

Once again, I should be using more Scripture. This has been another interesting, controversial thread on Facebook, and I am not intentionally trying to start anything, I promise! I think that people are just closed to the Truth. They know what they believe, which is good, but they are not open to seeing that what they believe MIGHT be wrong according to the bible (they don't know why they believe it). Here is the thread so far: (I have changed my real name to my blog ID.)

TruthSeeker: wonders why people are so closed to the truth when it is right there in black and white? Pride? Probably. I've been there and still am if I'm not careful. Why not take the time to investigate for themselves while being OPEN to the possibility that the beliefs they have grown up with might actually be wrong?

TruthSeeker: Instead, most people (including me in the past) simply try to defend what they've always believed without considering the clear evidence saying it is not true. Wow, lots to ponder this morning.....I am sad, but I do understand since I was there myself. Investigate (in the Word)! Dig deeper! Honestly, it is right there in black and white, no reading between the lines allowed!

Brian: I experienced the same thing when we first were taught about the 5 Doctrines of Grace (T.U.L.I.P). I'm glad God was able to allow me to place aside what I was taught and see the truth that was right in front of me.

Sasha: maybe people have dug deep ... the Bible is, to some extent, open to interpretation - after all! By that I mean, it's not uncommon for the same verse to mean very different things to different people! Just sayin!

TruthSeeker: Sasha, I think that would be "application", not interpretation. There is only one way to interpret the language!

Brian, where did you study calvinism? It is a false teaching. We studied it in depth earlier this year and even agreed with it for a few weeks.....it sounded good. Until I came across some very clear verses that were so obviously contrasting the false doctrine. It's just another "ism". Be careful!

TruthSeeker: I should add.....Brian, that is good that you ARE open to the truth of God's word! Just dig deeper. Anyone can find verses to fit what they believe if they look hard enough, but they also overlook the verses that so clearly contradict their teaching. I saw it many times. I think that is what opened my eyes.

Layla: Man, I am SO not going there this morning! Just know that I love all my fellow Christians and let's keep our eyes on the One who saved us. It's not about winning debates but spreading the Good News. Now, I am going into a coma as I only had a couple hours of sleep last night (sick kid).

Billy: I don't remember what church you are going to TruthSeeker but I am deeply concerned for you. Believing there is a new testament mandate that forces us to have children because the old testament calls them a blessing is an "ism". Believing that holidays are evil is an "ism". I'm no proponent of Calvinism, but considering that predestination is mentioned specifically twice in the new testament, accusing people of being a "false teacher" for bringing it up is an "ism". I agree with your first post here but I would coincide it with this 2 Timothy 2:23 or else the Body of Christ becomes divided with our opinions.

Layla: Both "views" are in the Bible. Some things we won't understand until we get to Heaven. We need to trust in our loving and JUST Savior...now I'm done. ;)

TruthSeeker: I agree, Layla. It is not about winning or being right. I only want to believe what the bible says.

Billy, the verses about predestination....you should read more carefully. We are not predestined to a place, we have been predestined (or predetermined) to be like Christ. That is one major place where calvinists are misinterpreting Scripture.

I am not part of any denomination now, though I do go to a baptist church on Sundays.

Crystal: l

Why is Reformed Theology a false teaching? You do realize without it we would all still be catholic and worshiping Mary right now?

Calvinism is not a religion, it is a summary of Biblical Christianity as defined by Martin Luther who started the Protestant Reformation. So if you are not Roman Catholic, than you may not want to attack the very theology that freed us from the bonds of Rome.

TruthSeeker:

I respectfully disagree. Even back then there were a few who held fast to the truths of God's word and did not follow the reformation.

Crystal: So you are saying that you are rejecting the Protestant Reformation, so that all Protestants who have come afterward are in error?

TruthSeeker: Only in some things, not everything. I choose to follow the bible, not what men have written down in creeds, statements of faith, catechisms, etc. If they are based on the Word of God, then why bother using them? Let's just look at the Bible! ;)

Now I am in no way comparing myself to Jesus or even the disciples, but this verse describes exactly how I am feeling right now.

Matt. 10:14

And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

Everyone is taking my words and twisting them just to argue. What I find very ironic is that no one has yet been able to prove any statements I have made to be false, they just simply want to argue with me and tell me I have been exposed to false teachings. The funny thing is, I haven't been exposed to anything other than the bible. I have asked for wisdom and for the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to me. I am one of the very few people, at least in my life, who does not read a bunch of man's books or creeds, statements of faith, catechisms, etc. I simply read the bible, and yet, I am wrong? Hmmm.....

I do know that the more I learn, the more I realize how LITTLE I truly know, which is why I am so burdened to get the Truth out to Christians everywhere. Satan is winning the battle (but praise God, we know he won't win the war), and Christians are going down the wrong roads! God's Truth in His Word is burning in my bones, and I cannot be quiet! But, I do need to "shake the dust off my feet", so to speak, because obviously no one is open to the Truth there. I guess I should expect that since most of them are baptist and I grew up with those beliefs. *sigh*

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

WAKE UP, PEOPLE! IF YOU HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU, ASK FOR WISDOM AND READ GOD'S WORD FOR YOURSELF!!!!!!!

New blog!!!

My blog entries were all getting mixed up and this blog turned into a hodge podge of whatever I wanted to journal about! Well, I do have that right, but I also want to keep this one primarily life / homeschooling.

So I made another new blog for all the "spiritual thoughts" I have, just as a challenge to others to seek the Truth of God's word, as we grow together. It is not meant to be controversial, just a challenge. So leave me a comment with your email address and I will send you the link, if you want to subscribe.

If you want to subscribe to this blog, which is kind of a scrapbook of our daily lives, more or less, I will try to keep it just that this time around. God bless! :)

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

My little man is FIVE today! Where does the time go? Jacob has sure been a huge blessing to me. He's my guy, my little toot (and he loves to express that too!). He is such a sweet boy. In fact, the other day he wanted to share his strawberries with everyone "because the bible says to share". And I have to say, he has always been the least likely of my kids to say something like this, so all this "bible thumping" I've done is paying off! Hehe! :)

Jacob loves to play with others, whether it is riding bikes, wrestling with his daddy or brother, jumping on the trampoline, playing with his trains or playing the Wii (which he is VERY good at!). He just loves life and loves to share his joy with others.

A few of his fears that I don't think I've put on the blog.....He has always been scared of loud noises, the dark and being left alone (like in the back bedroom or outside). He is learning to manage his fears and when he feels "safe" he will just giggle, but he has always had these fears since he was tiny. I just think it is interesting because Jack doesn't seem to be scared of anything! I think Jayla was the same way, and I can't remember about Jonathan. My brain won't go that far back!

He is NOT, however, scared to talk to strangers! I still have to watch him carefully and am constantly reminding him that it is okay when I am with him, but he can't just run off and talk to anyone! He loves to tell anyone who will listen about his pets, his family, his toys......whatever he is excited about at the time. Jayla was like that too but is much more reserved now, so he may grow out of it a bit as he understands people more.

This is my friend Mandie's little boy, Josh. He just turned 3, and he and Jacob love playing together!

This is becoming much more common. They love to wrestle, and surprisingly they do not get hurt as often as I expect! (Thankfully!) I hope these two always have a close bond.

Happy birthday, little man! You are SO loved and appreciated! And thank You God for blessing us with him. We are not worthy, but we are so grateful.

GIVEAWAY!!!

I already posted about this recently, but I wanted to help (if I can) direct more traffic to her web site. Hobo mama is giving away a baby carrier! Please, go check it out, and read the rest of her blog too! If anyone is interested in any aspect of attachment parenting, I'm sure she has talked about it, possibly many times. So go sign up for her giveaway, then click on her title at the top to go to the home page and check out all her other articles!

Standing Out

God put this on my heart recently, and I just wanted to put it on the ol' blog....

Follow your convictions. Don't loosen your moral belt for fear of being "too extreme", but instead, stand out! Be weird! Not just for the sake of being different, but for the sake of taking a stand for what is right!

And I want to add to that, if I offend anyone, check it against the Word of God! If you can show me in the bible where I am wrong, I will change. That's how important His word is to me. :)

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

2 Tim. 3:16
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

How much does it say?

ALL Scripture!

God bless! :)

Another blog giveaway!!

Go to this blog and enter for your chance to win a sleepy wrap!

You can also visit Felicia's site to find all kinds of natural products for purchase!

Christians and Halloween (followup)

A mutual friend directed me to this pastor's Facebook page where there was a brief discussion about their "fall festival". This pastor is always arguing with me on things (I'm surprised he didn't get in on my previous halloween thread!), but I'm not sure if he is just trying to present the other side for a balanced debate or if he just likes to argue! It can be frustrating, I'll be honest! I just don't like debating, though you could never tell by the threads on FB! ;)

So here is the thread on this pastor's page:

--

(status message:)

Fall Festival tonight! 6 - 8 PM! Free food and games!!

October 30 at 12:31pm ·

Church member: would it make any significant difference if you called it a Halloween party?

October 30 at 1:16pm

Pastor: We'd have to change the date!

October 30 at 1:21pm

Church member: you really think it isn't a halloween party just because you aren't having it on the 31st and are calling it fall festival?

October 30 at 1:24pm

Pastor: No, I think it's called a Fall Festival because some people are offended with the word Halloween. So, we choose Fall Festival.

October 30 at 1:28pm

Church member: ok. just checking. i wonder how many people think we are really fooling anyone other than ourselves by calling our halloween parties something else and having them on a different night. of course, we have them on a different night not so much for the above reason but so we can take our kids trick or treating for halloween. sorry for ranting on your bookface.

October 30 at 1:34pm

Pastor: We're having ours on a different night because I hate having things on Saturday nights. People will use that as an excuse to not come to Sunday School the next day! And so I can take my dogs treating. They don't know any tricks.

October 30 at 1:57pm

--

Okay, now my question for him would be, if you're serious about it not being related to halloween, why not have it in November???

I'm seriously not trying to ruffle any feathers here, and I know God is working on everyone in different areas at different levels, I just want to get people to think about this. I just think it is ridiculous the amount of time and money that Christians -- CHRISTIANS -- spend on halloween! Through these discussions in the last couple of weeks, I have heard so many excuses to justify celebrating halloween, and I admit, some of them sound good. They SOUND good. But I don't remember one single excuse (maybe one, but I can't think of any right now) being to reach the lost by getting the non-Christian families off the streets and into a Christian atmosphere. Seriously! I thought everyone would use that excuse, but I don't remember one!

I left this on my comment on the previous post about this subject, but I will put it here too. Now this was coming from the assumption that people use the "ministry" excuse.....

The ends do not justify the means. Moses still got water out of the rock for the people of Israel, but he disobeyed in how he went about it and had to suffer the consequences.

I think this example (from God.....I could never come up with something so awesome on my own!) is the perfect analogy for this. Moses was delivering water to the Israelites and was told to do it a certain way. We were told to deliver the gospel, the good news of Jesus, the LIVING WATER, to the world! We are told to "go into all the world". We were NOT told to bring the world in to us (the church)!!! That is dangerous and we were told to be separate and not be like the world! So in reaching the world, we need to be careful in how we go about it.

I don't care if you disagree with me for whatever reason, look to see what the Bible says. You cannot disagree with God's word if you are a Christian. Church! Take a stand for what is right and stop compromising with the world!

Decision made!

I ended up going with the Janome Sew Mini Blossom just because I had a limited amount to spend, plus I want to upgrade MY machine in the next year or two, so I plan to hand down my current machine then. I'm sure by then she will be ready for something more heavy-duty! I thought this would be cute and perfect for her first machine though, especially since she is only 7.

If anyone else is interested in this machine, it is discontinued and only being sold online, so hurry! My total came to $63-something.

I can't wait to see her smiling face and big eyes when she opens this on Christmas morning! :)

Maybe this one?

Okay, so I'm really leaning toward this machine. It is SO CUTE, and it has good reviews. I would love to get something more heavy-duty that will last a while, but I am also looking to get myself a newer, better machine in a couple of years, so at that time I can pass my current one down to her. So I'm thinking that maybe I will go with this one as her first machine. But I haven't decided for sure yet. Any thoughts?

Blog give-away!!!

Hobo Mama is giving away a very cute mei tai baby carrier that she has made herself! Check it out and enter to win over at her blog.

Beginner Sewing Machine?

We have a limited budget for Christmas, but I really want to get Jayla her first sewing machine! I was thinking about it anyway, but this past week she has been BEGGING me for one. She loves sewing! So I am looking at something like the Singer Pixie (all purple) or the Singer Pixie Plus, but neither have great reviews. I also think the Janome Sew Mini Blossom is really cute and does have better reviews. I just found this cute little Hello Kitty machine (different from one pictured above) for about $60, and it has decent reviews too. Does anyone else have a recommendation for a real sewing machine for a 7-year-old for $50-ish or less?

Christians and Halloween

I've enjoyed this thread on my Facebook profile, so I wanted to post it here as well in its entireity. I hope other Christians will gain something from this and dig deeper for yourselves to see what God's word says on this and not just listen to others' opinions!

Here is the link I posted that tells about Halloween origins and customs. Every Christians needs to read this. Below is my status message on FB and the replies from it.

My status message: Everyone needs to know the history of this day. The decision to not participate in anything Halloween related for me is all about not compromising, being set apart from the "world" as a Christ follower. My kids can dress up and eat candy (a little, maybe!) any day of the year (and they do!), so what other reason would I possibly have for celebrating such an evil day other than to just blend in with the world? We are called to come out and be separate....in the world but not of the world. NO COMPROMISE!!!!!

Tommie: Do you celebrate Christmas and Easter? They both started as pagan holidays.

Yesterday at 12:58pm ·

Kristy: Very true Tommie. Those both holidays were successfully changed into a Christian Holiday. As you well know that Christians tried to follow up with All Saints Day on November 1, but it was still never successfully turned into a Christian holiday. When the missionaries were ministring to the pagan tribes, they were trying to give them an alternative in celebrating the gods of the tribes.

My question that I pose to my children is what good comes out of celebrating Halloween..what are we truly celebrating...darkness, scariness...ect...l

Yesterday at 1:19pm ·

Tommie: There are still pagan remnants, though...

Yesterday at 2:08pm ·

Jamie: AMEN TRUTHSEEKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday at 2:21pm ·

Christy: Really TruthSeeker? An evil day? I'm pretty sure that all the witches celebrate every day they want to also.
We don't do much devil worshiping or cat skinning in our dinosaur and princess costumes.

You give your kids presents for Christmas, so what makes that not a pagan holiday when you choose to participate along with other pagans?

Yesterday at 3:00pm ·

Jamie: Pagans shouldn't be celebrating Christmas! If your not a follower of Christ why would you celebrate that day.
I would say Oct. 31 is not evil in itself, everyday is a the Lord's day, but what people choose to do on that day is EVIL!

Yesterday at 3:14pm ·

Sasha: you know TruthSeeker, I would have agreed with you 100% just a few weeks ago ... but, after YEARS of not "celebrating" halloween, this year I'm letting my kids dress up for the first time - and we will be going to a church function (we did a church function last year for the first time, without costumes though).

I've come to the same conclusion as a few of your friends have commented - all holidays seem to have begun as pagan celebrations and I'm not about to stop celebrating Christmas or Easter, so I've decided that my original "conviction" may have been based more on the opinions of others (who, I might add, dress up now and all that) and not my own conviction - maybe more my own fear even?

Anyhow, I prayed a lot about it and felt like this was ok for us - the dressing up and church function. My kids were actually wanting to dress up and trick or treat, they've never asked before - this is when I told them I would pray about it. I still didn't feel ok with trick or treating, and I told them that - and told them I'd find a church having something that we could attend! They still would like to trick or treat, but they're happy to go to the "festival" and I know they'll have a blast.

Just my two cents! :-)

Yesterday at 3:17pm ·

Kristy: We can take something good and wholesome and pervert it. That is what the enemy wants and desires for us to do. I thnk of dancing. David danced before the Lord, there is a time to dance...ect...My son takes dance..but it is different..he knows his talent is the Lords and not his. It is not about glorifying himself...In ALL WE DO WE MUST GIVE GLORY to the LORD. That is my bottom line. If I go buy Christmas presents and go into debt for it or overspend and to do much and have the lack of the fruits of the spirit...how does that give glory to the Lord???

Yesterday at 3:19pm ·

Sasha: lots of people who don't follow Christ celebrate Christmas, it's origins were pagan ... it's only us Christians who turned it into a day to celebrate the birth of Christ ... at least, this is the information I've read?

Yesterday at 3:46pm ·

Tim: The Catholic church created a day for the Christ Mass on or around the same time as one of the pagan holidays to try and get more converts.

Yesterday at 5:07pm ·

Christy: Jamie, everybody except a few like Jehovah Witness and Jewish celebrate Christmas. Christian or not.
You can't choose to single out certain holidays when you choose to celebrate Christmas with presents...THAT is not what Christmas is about...

I don't appreciate people telling me that I'm basically EVIL because we choose to go to fall festivals or trick or treat, anymore than I think you are evil for celebrating Christmas, which IS celebrated as a pagan holiday.
Buying presents for others is not celebrating the Lords birthday at all, going into debt or not.
If you don't choose to participate in Easter because it's turned into a pagan holiday then why do you choose to participate in Christmas?

Yesterday at 5:10pm ·

Jamie: Christy, I"m certainly not saying you are evil !!! Sorry if that came across like that,, I mean that I believe it is satan's celebration. My family chooses NOT to participate in anything at all that has to do with it.
I do want to be set apart from the world.
And how do you know that we do celebrate Christmas? We have ALOT of problems with Christmas, but what I was saying is that I don't get why pagans at all want to celebrate something that stands for One Who they don't even believe in.
We also don't celebrate Easter the worldy way, we celebrate what it is....Christ's reserrection ( sp).
We are not into making big deals out of any holidays, except the Sabbath!

Thank you TruthSeeker for sharing the truth!!! We were convicted of this " holiday" when we first met the Lord many years ago...I do wish more christians would stand for the TRUTH and come away from what is obviously EVIL!

Yesterday at 7:46pm ·

Me: Wow, I've been gone all day, and look what I come back too! LOL!

Let's see.....Tommie, we do still celebrate easter and Christmas, but only because it is not exclusively my decision. We only "do easter" with my in-laws. Nothing against them personally, but I just do not enjoy it at all. Christmas to me is full of a lot of fun memories and warm feelings. I enjoy it very much, so that one would definitely be more difficult for me to give up, but if hubby decided we were going to do that (and we may in the future), then I would for sure! I will probably post about their history too as we get closer. So many people either don't know or don't care, and I certainly wouldn't expect non-Christians to feel the same way I do!

Jamie, you did say that better than I did! It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil. The saddest part to me is that most people don't have a clue why it is so bad to compromise. Most people think it is okay as long as they don't do such-and-such. It opens up the door to a lot of evil in their lives though, and that is just something I don't want to mess around with. It just simply is NOT harmless as it appears to be.

When it all comes down to it, I am trying to live my life according to the Bible. I am FAR from perfect and would never expect myself or anyone else to live perfectly at all, but I at least strive for obeying God's word. The whole day of October 31st has been dedicated to satan. I think the Bible is more than clear on running away from evil....avoiding even the *appearance* of evil. As Christians, we are supposed to go out into the world, not bring the world in to us, so that is why I don't like alternatives either. I won't deny they are fun, but does that make it okay for Christians to participate in? (For those reading this who are not Christ-followers, this does not apply to you and I would not expect you to understand.)

I do hope to give up easter and Christmas someday too, and I believe we are moving in that direction. Sometimes when you live your whole life doing something, it is hard to change instantly. Some people can, but I think it is a process for most people. We are in that process. But for now, if our hearts are in the right place - honoring God in all we do and loving others who do things differently - we are where we should be....for now. And I understand that others are not there yet, and may not ever be, but I felt impressed to share the origins of this "holiday" in case some people had never heard.

I love you all! :)

Yesterday at 9:24pm ·

Tony: I'm gonna be Wolverine! Not sure if I can pull it off but I am certainly going to try. :-)

Yesterday at 9:47pm ·

Amanda: We need to figure out a clever yet SAFE way to make your claws. I don't want you to hurt yourself!

Yesterday at 10:22pm ·

Sasha: I think the point is - ALL holidays originated as pagan! I don't think some of "us" are getting that point. Also, sorry - but - hello, look at our world, October 31st is not the only day dedicated to satan. We all have different convictions on halloween, and holidays in general - I myself have been in a place where frustration sets in on how Christians could do "this" or "that" - but, we all have our faults and have to be careful not to judge! Thanks for sharing your views TruthSeeker!

Yesterday at 11:27pm ·

Tina: Nicely said Sash

Yesterday at 11:36pm ·

Me: On judging, we ARE supposed to judge other Christians, it is the world we are not to judge because they do not understand. Read 1 Cor. chapter 5 as one example of this. However, on this issue, I am not just trying to "judge" other Christians and say you are wrong for this or that because everyone is at a different place in their spiritual growth and God is working on each individual in different areas, but I do feel obligated to share with everyone what I know. So I am not trying to judge, just inform people. Not everyone is aware. Maybe some will be convicted as a result, maybe it will take a few more years, and many will change nothing, but I do feel an obligation to share the truth. That is why I have brought up some touchy topics on here. I can't NOT say anything. So do what you will with it, but this is how I feel and I will not be quiet about it.....I can't! :)

Sasha, not all holidays originated as pagan holidays. I'm referring to the Biblical holy days. Under the New Covenant we are not required to observe these days, but it is certainly fine if Christians want to observe them. Also, I don't know that they necessarily "celebrated" birthdays and anniversaries in Bible times, but they did at least acknowledge them. You can see evidence of that with all the begots and the death and marriage records! And the other days like Mother's day, for example, is just a day to honor our moms. It does not have any pagan roots (god/goddess worship or anything like that) that I am aware of, though I have heard some good reasons not to celebrate those days too. So what I am referring to here is the holidays (specifically Halloween) that started out as pagan worship. Christians tried to "Christianize" these days and now have alternatives, but I believe that is a compromise and looks too similar to the world. Again, I don't expect everyone to agree or even understand, I'm just trying to explain my strong convictions on this. I feel that the Bible is very clear about some things and that it is more than just "my conviction". Even though the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it clearly says to flee from evil and even the appearance of it.

So if you do not agree, that's fine! I've shared my 2 cents, what I believe is clear in God's word. We can agree to disagree, and maybe someday we'll agree! :) We have the same Spirit, right? So if we are both seeking His face, then we should eventually come into unity!

22 hours ago ·

Sasha: yah - you're right - I was thinking the "main" ones, like Christmas, Easter, and of course: halloween! I'll have to read that verse, it's always been my understanding that we don't judge - period. Holding another Christian accountable, to me, is different than judging.

I could probably go on and on - especially about the appearance of evil - that can get pretty complex. The truth is, I watch shows that many might see as "evil" - I don't have a problem with them. At Disneyland, I go to the haunted house - I think it's cool - I don't have a problem with it. I listen to secular music, for the most part - I don't have a problem with it. I cut my hair and wear pants - I don't have a problem with it. I LOVE dance - don't have a problem with it. I think you get the point. To many people, many of the things I do would be "evil" in their eyes ... or at the very least, un God like!

Now, to clarify - I have subjected myself to movies, etc. that I had to turn off due to having a problem and knowing that I was welcoming evil in - so I'm not saying that "all" of it is ok with me.

I really don't think something like this is going to get us in or keep us out of heaven. Yes, we are not to conform to the world - but I have my own feelings also on being approachable to the world, in order to be a witness! If we set ourselves too far apart (in certain areas, and I"m not necessarily referring to holidays) than those around us just think we're "weird" and want to avoid us - I don't want to miss an opportunity to share God's love because someone is trying to avoid me - but that's a whole 'nother subject, huh?! lol

21 hours ago ·

Fita: we don't celebrate the devils holidays! the devil always finds way to get to kids, Halloween is one of them...

20 hours ago ·

Me: Sasha, read Acts chapter 2, when the Church was still young. You will notice that many people - THOUSANDS at times - came to Christ DAILY, and it was because they were DIFFERENT from the world! That is so awesome! So what has happened?!

If we look like the world, then why would anyone want to accept Christ? How would their lives be any different from what they are now? It is one of the biggest lies from satan, that we need to do what the world does to reach them. So not true! We need to stand out. We need to shine the light of God's love like a beacon in a dark, dark world. But if we look like the world, our light is much more difficult to see. We blend in with the crowd. But God has called us OUT of the darkness and to be different! It's not easy being different. It is easy to be like the world, to compromise, but it does not bring Him glory. I can see how someone can bring glory to God with easter and Christmas, but Halloween is satan's holiday. He gains so much this time of year, from kids, adults, Chrisitans and non-Christians. He is the Great Deceiver, and that is exactly what is happening here. But no one believes they have been deceived. If people realized that, it wouldn't be called deception!

I also celebrated Halloween as a kid. I grew up in a Christian home/environment and went to carnivals, trick-or-treating and even dressed up as a witch one year. I was ignorant, and apparently my parents were too. They had also bought into the lie (they now believe it is wrong). I will be the first to admit that it was all FUN! I had a blast, and I have no doubt that I could even now (if I could ignore what the Bible says), but why do we have to participate in Halloween activities to have fun? My kids can play dress-up any time or even have a costume party for their birthday or something like that! We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere. I do have a few memories of some fun times, but really, I have much better memories of other times, holiday-related or not. I would rather teach them from the very beginning not to mingle with the world.....not to "look" like the world. That is more important to me than compromising with satan, because that's what it is!

Did you read 1 Cor. 5? It is very clear that we are supposed to judge our brothers/sisters when they are living in sin. This topic though does not seem to be as clear (maybe 100 years ago it was, but too many people think it is okay now), so like I said before, I feel it is more of giving information and educating people on the truth about the day and its origins. I understand that the majority of Christians nowadays just don't realize the history or dangers of it. Halloween "alternatives" is an introduction to worse things. It allow's satan to get his "foot in the door". We as parents need to guard against that, especially as our children get older and have more freedom to choose for themselves.

13 hours ago ·

Sasha: like I said - just a short time ago I would have agreed completely on the subject of halloween. Last year I took my kids to a church function and I didn't sense an "evil atmosphere" at all ... these events are used to reach out to non-believers as well and at that particular event a message was shared, which I thought was great! My conclusion is: if it's ok for my kids to dress up any other day, why not that day? Which is why I have chosen to let them dress up for the church festival this year.

as for being a light to the world, yes - I know that. I wasn't saying we should act just like the world ... I believe that our attitudes and the way we treat people is the way we show people God's love.

12 hours ago ·

Julia: This is one of those areas that I have thought about for a long time... and i don't have an answer for me... nor for anyone else. However, in reading 1 Cor chap 8 through chap 9 verse 18 I see this type of issue has been around a long time. ultimately whatever we do is to be glorifying to God, my difference as a christian comes from within - andthat is reflected by my outward actions. The Holy Spirit is our helper - who leads us into truth - and so it is time we go to God and ask him to reveal what he would have each one of us do and then we live by that conviction shown to us in His word. Be careful not to be a stumbling block to others, as these things can become distractions and we focus on an issue, not on Christ. For those of you who chose not to participate in Halloween stand firm in your convictions and don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that convction when asked. For those of you who do all the Halloween activities - don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that conviction when asked. ultimately we are accountable to God for OUR choices. If I had children at home - I'm not sure how I would handle this myself so I am not taking one side versus another - I don't know for myself. Personally i am dealing with if i read something --watch something on t.v. -- which involves the occult, glorifying life without God, etc, etc, am i opening a door into my life for the enemy to plant seeds that shouldn't be there.... Some things i definitely know do not consider - but some are "gray" areas to me still. I'm asking God to open my "eyes" to see as he does in these areas of life... in the meantime if I am not sure - i stay away from it until i have clear guidance.

11 hours ago ·

Sasha: very well said Julia - I like your points!

11 hours ago ·

Christy: I personally don't see a difference between judging and casting the first stone.
I don't think either are ok.
TruthSeeker you said "We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere."
That IS what the Fall festivals are all about!
You don't mind the kids dressing up and "pretending to be someone else" on any other day of the year then to not do it on this day AND play the games that you said you do is not making sense to me.
The kids don't think of anything as evil. They think we are having fun playing games and dressing up.
I'm sorry but I think you are making it an evil day.
I don't think millions of churches are wrong.
You also said "It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil."
So how is a fall festival at a church evil? That day is not evil according to you but you think that what people do is evil so how are churches evil for having games for the kids?
I'm pretty sure none of them involve tarot cards or seances.
I agree with you Sasha.

11 hours ago ·

Me: That's fine, Christy and Sasha, I don't expect you all to understand or agree. I don't think any less of you than I did before, and I love you gals! :)

But to answer your question, Christy, pretty much anything done near Halloween (in the month of October) is associated with Halloween. That is what I am avoiding, even though there may not be anything specifically "evil" about a particular festival. That is why I do let them do some of those things, because in and of themselves they are not bad, but if it is associated directly with Halloween (or appears to be), that is what I want to avoid. I know you disagree, but is that a more clear answer?

Not all churches do things like this though, so I do think many churches compromise in this area in an effort to "reach out to the world". I just disagree with the whole "do things to attract the world to us". Instead, we as Christians are supposed to be different than the world. The times we meet together are not meant to bring in the lost, but they are meant to fellowship and worship God together (Acts 2:42). To reach the lost, we are supposed to go out into the world spreading the gospel, not blending in.

I know you guys disagree. It is not my duty to change your opinion because I can't! If you ever do change your views on this, it will only be because of the Holy Spirit. So for now we can just agree to disagree and continue to respect each other's decisions. I certainly do not think less of anyone. We all have our different opinions and different things in our lives that God is refining. I find that the more I grow, the more I realize how insignificant I am and how little I really know!

Feel free to continue the discussion on here. I have enjoyed hearing everyone's opinions. I will not comment any more though because there is nothing else for me to say, unless you have a specific question. :) I love you guys!

10 hours ago ·

Christy: ok bottom line do you or don't you let the kids go to fall festivals?
I'm sorry but I dont' understand.
You first said that you don't do any of them and now you say you let them do some of them.
What make the decision if they are evil or not evil?

8 hours ago ·

Me: LOL! Okay.....we do not participate in any way, shape or form with anything that is even remotely Halloween related. The similar type activities we do (games, dressing up, getting candy, etc.) are done throughout the year. Those things alone are not evil, but the celebration of Halloween is evil, and we do not want to even appear to be celebrating it. So we don't. We have fun with those things other times during the whole year, but not October. We do other things right now that are clearly not Halloween related but still fun. :) Clear as mud? LOL!

8 hours ago ·

Sasha: lol! I so totally get what you're saying, but my conclusion sort of was - if it's ok on other days, why not that day - so long as we're not doing anything to dishonor God!

8 hours ago ·

Me: Right, and I think that is where we disagree on, whether or not it dishonors God. I'd like to take that farther though and ask, does it give glory to God? 1 Cor. 10:31 says to do ALL for His glory! That's a huge task, but it is what we are commanded to do! :)

8 hours ago ·

Sasha: somehow, I knew we'd end up "there" - lol! For me, that's a real tough one! I have a family member who feels anything not directly honoring/for God - is for satan. I have a hard time with this, because - I can't think of how my eating honors God (other than, taking care of the body he gave me - so what about treats and junk food) ... I can't think of how going to school honors God either, but it's illegal for me to not have my children educated ... can't think of how shopping would honor God ... or playing sports ... or really anything besides fellowship at Church and spreading God's word! I'm not trying to be ridiculous, either, I'm totally serious ... it's a tough thing for me to ponder.

7 hours ago ·

Me: Yep, and it's a tough thing to do! But you CAN honor/bring glory to God in all you do! That doesn't mean every other sentence out of your mouth has to be Jesus loves you or inviting someone along to a Bible study (you get the idea), but the way you conduct yourself while shopping, playing sports, etc. It can be dressing modestly when others do not, being polite and smiling even when you are wronged, etc. And the passage here in 1 Cor. talks specifically about eating and drinking as an example. Do not refuse what is set before you because that would be rude (and not bring glory to God), unless it was sacrificed to idols.....which I'm pretty sure is not done today, at least not in my world! LOL! Drinking is a little more black and white than eating because, even though I do not believe it is wrong to drink alcohol, it can be a stumbling block to others, especially many non-Christians who might not understand what the Bible says about it. Anyway, some things to think about. :)

7 hours ago ·