Pastor Ken a.k.a. PKI've been in active ministry for the past 31 years. I've been credentialed with the Church of God for the past 19 years. I was raised as a PK (Preacher's Kid) and still choose to wear that label as "Pastor Ken." I've been happily married to Miss Debbie for going on 35 years and Father to Sam for going on 23 years. I LOVE what I do and I'm sold out to Who I do it for. I pray this blog becomes an additional tool of ministry for those on the journey of faith. Archives
February 2015
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OUR HALLOWEEN DILEMMA10/29/2014 Here we are at the time of year again that seems to divide Christians into 2 separate camps. One camp states that we should have nothing to do with Halloween as it is the "Devils day" and participating in it will align us with him. The other Camp takes the opposite approach daring to suggest that our Enemy cannot be allowed "a day" and that withdrawing from it gives him carte blanche for an entire 24 hour period.
You may fairly be asking at this point, "which camp do you fall into?" Since we are planning a "Fall Festival" which I would have no objection to calling a "Halloween Party" you may guess that I fall into the latter. Personally, I don't believe that I fall into either and if you will allow me the privilege of your continued reading, I will further explain. I believe that Halloween and all that it entails, becomes a perfect time to let our light shine in unique ways. Hiding at home with our lights turned out, hoping to avoid the "evil night" does not do that for me. Nor do I believe a complete boycott of the day does anything to show the love of Christ to our communities. Some may say I'm "riding the fence" on the matter and I guess that is their prerogative but I believe we, as Believers, should approach Halloween the same as we do any other day. Has there been an increase in the celebration of the evil of the day? Absolutely, all that it takes is a trip to basically any store to see the increase in all things bloody, gory and "Halloweenish." So what is our best approach? I try to follow the example of Jesus, when He came into the evil World. I don't see where He went about pointing out all of its evil. I don't see where He went about boycotting the events of the day He lived in. I don't see any place in which He told those of us that would believe on Him to withdraw our light from this world because there might be particular days that are just too evil. I do see where that everywhere He went, he was doing good. I do see where the worst of the worst, went out of their way to follow and hear Him as He taught. I also see that with the exception of the religious rulers of the day, Everyone that encountered Him, encountered love like they had never known before. In fact, the scripture states that the world will know we are followers of Christ by our love. Basically, everywhere that Jesus went, you see Him establishing the connection of relationship and if we truly follow Him, shouldn't we do our best to follow that example? What does that have to do with Halloween? I'm glad you asked! :) How about instead of taking a "position" on the day that will either cause us to be viewed as weird or tolerant, we take the day and make it what it is? Which is, another day to attempt to establish connection with those that Jesus died to save. Regardless of whether or not you allow your children to "trick or treat" (which I have NO problem with) why don't you buy excess candy to give away? In fact, instead of waiting for them to knock on your door, maybe set up folding chairs in your driveway for weary Parents to take a load off, maybe break out the Grill and give away hot dogs, brats and Hot chocolate or Coffee. Instead of handing out "tracts" that attempt to condemn Parents for allowing their children to participate in the "Devils Day" why not hand out invitations to your Church as they eat the food you have prepared for them? Maybe it's time for our communities to view our Homes and Churches as safe places to be, where they will find the love of Christ manifested toward them at all times instead of a place where our light's are turned off in hopes of keeping them away on "evil days." Jesus said that the Fields around us are ready to be harvested. No where have I read where we are to take a day off. And for those that may be ready to crucify me for encouraging Christians to take part in Halloween, I suggest that you take a look at the origins of the Easter Egg hunt and no, I won't be boycotting Easter, either. We are supposed to be the reflection of Christ in this world. Let's shine the mirrors up for Halloween. Be blessed!
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