Bible Study: Halloween

• We are told to stay away from evil, so is Halloween evil?
 • Does it make a difference if we dress up like angels and happy things versus unhappy things?
 • Wearing costumes was originally to ward off spirits and ghosts, so does that make it okay to wear costumes because it was a good thing? Does this come into conflict with God?
 • We dress up as scary things to ward off the evil. If we dress up with this purpose and we have Jesus in our heart, does it make more sense to ward off Halloween?
 • If we dress up scary things does it have to be evil?
 • Is it naïve to think that it could be all for fun?
 • (Nightmare Before Christmas) Do movies soften it up and create an easy entry for the devil?
 • If we buy into this does this mean it is okay to go to a Halloween party because God will protect you? Does this come into conflict with stay ing away from evil? 1 Thessalonians
 • Can we use Halloween as a lesson to teach children to trust Jesus when they’re afraid? 

Elliott Watson from Christian Broadcasting Network --“…Rather than 'hide' in the face of evil, we should unabashedly and boldly create an alternative that is positive and uplifting; that celebrates good over evil and the triumph of God over Satan. We need to provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a 'teachable moment' to celebrate God's protection, provision and purpose for our lives."

 No direct ties to Halloween in the bible

They allow them to dress up in a positive costumer or a biblical character, rather than a ghost, goblin or skeleton to reference just a few “un-Christian” costumes.

 Adults without children tend to lean towards the decision to either celebrate a “normal” Halloween or not celebrate at all. In choosing not to celebrate at all, there are other options available. Consider having a fall party or just inviting church friends and family over for some Christian fellowship instead.

 Many Christians have debated the subject of Halloween for an extremely long time. Strongly divided on the subject, some Christians celebrate the holiday and believe they have the freedom to do just that. Other Christians boycott the holiday, believing Halloween promotes darkness and evil which are against their biblical beliefs.

 They also tend to lean towards the belief that Halloween celebrations began from pagan roots. Others yet, celebrate Halloween in a positive way. Approving and allowing dressing in costume and going trick or treating only if their costume represents a positive influence or positive character. Contrary to popular belief, there are no direct references to Halloween in the Bible. Due to this fact, it keeps the subject both disputed and controversial between Christians. Many Christians classify the subject of Halloween under a “disputable matter” which is referenced in the Bible under Romans 14.

 To make this a bit more clearer, other subjects that would fall into this category include smoking, drinking alcohol, working on Sunday or deciding what kind of movies and television should be viewed. There are other subjects as well. You can reference Romans 14 for a further, more in depth discussion about the subject. The majority of Christians decide not to partake in these actions because they believe they are un-Christian acts, yet there are no specific scripture that tells them not to. Many families with children decide on a “modified” Halloween due to the fact they do not want their children to miss out in any fun with their peers. They allow them to dress up in a positive costumer or a biblical character, rather than a ghost, goblin or skeleton to reference just a few “un-Christian” costumes. Adults without children tend to lean towards the decision to either celebrate a “normal” Halloween or not celebrate at all. In choosing not to celebrate at all, there are other options available. Consider having a fall party or just inviting church friends and family over for some Christian fellowship instead. Basically, the decision lies on you and your family. Spend some time in prayer and ask the Lord to guide you. He will never lead you in the wrong direction. Remember not to be swayed by the decision of others, do what you feel in your heart. Since the Lord made no specific reference to it in the Bible, He will let you know what is best for you and those you love.

 BATS
Bats have long been associated with Halloween but the connection is by far less ominous than some would suspect. In Halloween's ancient origins people would gather together around giant bonfires to ward off evil spirits. Attracted to the warmth and bright light of these fires were many small flying insects. Natural food for hungry bats. People saw the bats flickering in and out of the firelight during the festivals and they became a feature of Halloween lore. The link between the bat and Halloween became strengthened with the discovery of the Vampire Bat in the 17th century. Tales of bats that drank blood had circulated throughout Europe for centuries before but it wasn't till the Spanish exploration of Central and South America that there was physical proof. It was a natural association for a dark holiday, a creature that lapse the life blood of it's prey in the dark of night.

Bible Study: Patience

Ice Breaker: What is the longest thing you have had to wait on? How did it test your patience?
 • What does patience have to do with self-control?
 • How does patience relate to endurance?
 • Patience gives us time to build endurance. James 1:2-4 o Romans 8:31 says “I God is for us, who can be against us.” If we have God on our side, then why do we need endurance?
 • Patience is a fruit of the spirit. What does this mean? Galatians 5:22
 • What does God say in the Bible regarding patience?
 • In what ways can our patience be strengthened? Patience grows only in trials
 • How are we to react toward others when they annoy us?
• Ecclesiastes 7:8 How does technology interfere with being patient? Dial Up- DSL- what we have now
 • Is it true that patience perfects Christian character? How?
• In what ways does being understanding help us to be patient?
• Why is confidence an important part of being a patient person?
• How does patience in the US relate to patience in other countries?
• 2Peter 3:8-9
• Abraham and Sarah.
 “Patience is not about waiting, it’s about having a good attitude while waiting” –Joyce Meyer

Inspirational Quote

"Unforgiveness is like drinking poison, then waiting for the other person to die."

My Most Inspirational Quote

"Let me preach the Gospel everyday and when nescessary use words." -Saint Francis of Assisi

How I Have Contributed To My Community

I participate in many different types of community service activities from various groups. The most influential group has been my church youth group. I belong to a church with a wonderful youth group run by a woman who is clearly dedicated to serving others. I view her as a role model.
During the summer of 2005, I went on a mission trip to Yakima. We stayed on a Native American reservation and performed service work. We painted houses for some families who really needed the help, and we took care of their children. Even though we were there to help others, I really think the people of Yakima helped me even more, because I learned what this culture has to deal with on a daily basis. Even though these people struggle financially, I learned that they do not rely on material things for happiness. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in wanting “stuff”, believing this “stuff” will make me happy only to discover that it does not. For me, it is serving others through God that truly makes me happy; this is a significant part of my life.
Doing this mission trip confirmed my desire to be a psychologist. I know I have the compassion and empathy to excel in this work. I know I have just started my journey, and yet I know that helping people create healthy lives is what I am meant to do with my life.