Update 114

On Saturday, October 25, 2003, Dave Harris will be presenting the sermon, “Who Are You?”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at the appropriate time, just click on “Connect to Live Stream.

Back Into the World?

From all reports we have had, we had a tremendously uplifting and rewarding Feast. Although we have used the following phrase many times before, it was stated once again by quite a few that this Feast was indeed “the best Feast ever.” Especially the baptisms of five fine young people at Morro Bay added to the spiritual highlights and showed that God is still working mightily with His people, adding to the Church those who are “being saved” (compare Acts 2:47).

Now we are back. The Feast of Tabernacles 2003 is over. We wished it could have gone on much longer. If there was one downside to this year’s Feast, it was the feeling that it was “far too short.” We heard questions like, “Why do we have to go back into the world, back to school or college, back to work? Why can’t the beauty of the Feast last forever?”

Yes, why indeed? We know, of course, that the time will soon come when everything that the Feast pictures and foreshadows, and much more, will have become reality. This time is near, but it has not yet arrived. There are several reasons why this is so.

Christ has not yet returned as not all of His people are ready yet for His return. When Christ marries His bride — the Church — the bride will have made herself ready (Revelation 19:7). This does not necessarily mean that everyone who “attends” the Church will be ready. Still, God wants everyone whom He has called to be in His Family. We read in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise [to return], as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward US, not willing that any [of US] should perish but that all [of US] should come to repentance.”

God might very well hold some of His people responsible for delaying Christ’s coming — to an extent — through our unwillingness to repent and to overcome — both in our own personal lives and toward the Church’s ongoing commission to preach the gospel in all the world as a witness. Some have become lackadaisical regarding the Church’s job, and have lost their former zeal and energy (compare Revelation 3:15, 19). This lack of enthusiasm for God, His Work, and His way of life might very well delay Christ’s coming to an extent. At the same time, our godly and zealous conduct — individually and collectively — could hasten or accelerate Christ’s coming (compare 2 Peter 3:12, “… looking for and HASTENING the coming of the day of the Lord…”).

The fact that God very carefully watches over His people and that His actions are influenced by them is borne out in the example of Lot. In Genesis 19:16, it states that Lot lingered in Sodom after being told that he must leave in order to save his life and that of his wife and daughters; nonetheless, the angels took action to lead them outside the city. Then, in verse 22, this remarkable statement is made by one of the angels to Lot: “Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything UNTIL you arrive there [Zoar].”

We still live in this world today, because God WANTS us to (compare John 17:11). Christ told His disciples that He SENT THEM as “lambs” or “sheep” to the “wolves” of this world (compare Matthew 10:16; Luke 10:3; John 17:18). He did not take them out of the world (John 17:15). Why? So that they could OVERCOME the world. So that they could show in their lives, and be constantly reminded of the fact that they are not part of the world (John 17:16) — rejecting the things of this world (1 John 2:15-17). Christ said, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of this world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19).

At the same time, Christ sent us into the world to show the world by example how to live. He told us, “You are the LIGHT of the world… Let your light so SHINE before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We are to become “blameless and harmless, children of God without fault IN THE MIDST OF a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you SHINE as lights [literally, as light givers] in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

We are to bring the light of God’s truth to this dark world — individually and collectively as the Church. Sadly, some have forgotten and forsaken this tremendous calling and have returned to the world (compare 2 Timothy 4:10). This we must never do. Rather, we are to be spiritually separate from the world, while living in it as “light in the Lord.” We are to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). That’s our calling. That’s what God wants us to do. Let us show the world, then, what true Christianity is all about

UN and Iraq

U.N. and Iraq

In a most surprising move, constituting a “major diplomatic victory for the Bush administration, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday (October 16, 2003), endorsing the struggling U.S. occupation of Iraq and calling other nations to contribute troops and economic aid,” according to the “San Francisco Chronicle” of October 17, 2003. What can only be viewed as the U.N.’s political hypocritical duplicity, “the 15-0 vote came as a surprise because France, Germany and Russia had vehemently opposed the resolution… But their opposition melted in last-minute negotiations… Even Syria… went along in the end,” according to the article. The practical effect of the resolution is minimal, however. As the newspaper pointed out, “President Bush… is likely to receive little extra foreign troops and cash… Japan is offering $1.5 billion, while Europe has approved only $233 million.”

The resolution was sharply criticized by the ambassadors of France, Russia, Germany and Pakistan. They said in a joint statement that “their governments will not make any new military or financial contributions to support the occupation… Germany’s U.N. ambassador Gunter Pleuger said the council squandered the chance to give a ‘clear signal that the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis will be accelerated,'” according to the newspaper article.

War on Terrorism and Satan

As the Associated Press reported on October 17, “Pentagon leaders spoke up in support… of a top general [Three-star Army Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, Pentagon’s deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence] who had told church audiences that the war on terrorism is a battle with Satan and that Muslims worship idols.” The article continued, “Boykin said Islamic extremists hate the United States ‘because our foundation and our roots are Judeo-Christian… And the enemy is a guy named Satan.'” The article also published the reaction of Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. He was quoted as saying, “‘Putting a man with such extremist views in a critical policy-making position sends entirely the wrong message to a Muslim world that is already skeptical about America’s motives and intentions.'” Awad also noted that “a verse in the Koran says Muslims believe in the same God as Jews and Christians.”

We might mention that this last statement is blatantly false, insofar as the true Christianity of the Bible is concerned. The Bible reveals that God is a Family, consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. Neither Jews nor Muslims believe in the God Family. Neither does traditional Christianity, as they teach the Trinity — three Persons in one Person, erroneously claiming that the Holy Spirit is a Person. For more information, please read our free booklets on “Is God a Trinity?” and “God is a Family.”

Malaysia vs. Jews

The Associated Press reported on October 17 that Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad “told a summit of Muslim leaders… that Jews ruled the world and recruited others ‘to fight and die for them.'” The article quoted Mahathir as follows: “‘The Europeans killed 6 million Jews out of 12 million, but today the Jews rule the world by proxy… They invented socialism, communism, human rights and democracy so that persecuting them would appear to be wrong.'”

A.P. continued: “Mahathir’s speech drew immediate criticism from Israel and Jewish organizations, which feared it could fan violence against Jews, but a standing ovation from the kings, presidents, sheiks and emirs — INCLUDING KEY U.S. ALLIES — gathered in Malaysia’s new capital, Putrajaya. A.P. pointed out that “Malaysia is considered by the United States a RELIABLE — if prickly — ALLY, cooperating in breaking terrorist networks in Southeast Asia… [Mahathir] remained a blunt opponent of the U.S. attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, and repeatedly warned that the war on terrorism is becoming a war against Muslims.”

When reading this, one wonders how reliable those U.S.allies really are.

In the aftermath of this very antagonistic speech by Malaysia’s prime minister, President Bush openly rebuked him at the APEC summit. According to www.cnn.com, “Bush told Mahathir Mohamad, who steps down as prime minister next month, that his comments about Jews ‘stands squarely against what I believe’ and went on to characterize them as ‘wrong and divisive.’ “

Bible prophecy reveals that the Jews along with the British and American people will increasingly become isolated and at odds with the rest of the nations of this earth. The very fact that these modern descendants of the greater nation of Israel are lumped together in political alignments, is precise fulfillment of events that God foretold long ago.

The Catholic Church and Hinduism

Zenit published on October 14 a written message, sent by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue to Hindus on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights. To better understand this festival and the significance of the Vatican’s message, here is a brief summary of the meaning and origin of that Hindu festival:

Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Diwali celebrations are similar to Christmas celebrations. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. Although the ancient stories of the origin of Diwali differ, the festival is mainly said to have started, especially in the north of India, as a celebration of the divine king Rama’s coronation after his epic war with Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and his and queen Sita’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In the south of India, the origin of Diwali is seen in Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, the demon of hell, or Vishnu’s victory over “King Bali, the benevolent demon king of the netherworld.” Vishnu gave this demon-king the lamp of knowledge to light up the dark underworld, and allowed him to return once a year to light millions of lamps for the people.

During the festival, on the “dark new moon night,” the entrances of all homes are lit up and decorated to welcome Lakshmi, the radiant consort of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and luster. In many Krishna temples, Diwali is celebrated as a day of feeding and venerating cows. The sacredness of the cow goes back to the myth of the churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods. Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, was venerated as the mother of the universe. A cow is the constant companion of Krishna.

Considering the Catholic Church’s history of embracing pagan rites and customs and placing a “Christian” mantle over them, the following excerpts from the Catholic Church’s written message to the Hindus are quite remarkable:

“Dear Hindu Friends, This year I am pleased to greet you and share with you a short message on the occasion of Diwali, the feast which you celebrate according to your venerable religious tradition… Diwali is a time for families to get together, and celebrate in a meaningful way the rites prescribed by the ancient dharma… I have always been impressed by the fact that on the occasion of Diwali there are some Hindus who make every effort to bring about reconciliation within families and between neighbors, friends and acquaintances. Could not Catholics and Hindus extend these efforts to bring about wider reconciliation and a more lasting peace in our towns and villages and indeed throughout our countries and the world at large?… The occasion of the festival of Diwali provides us with ample food for thought when the Hindu tradition informs us of how light overcomes darkness, how the victory of good is achieved over evil and how hatred gives way to love through forgiveness… Dear Hindu friends, may you, your families, friends and even the strangers in your midst experience joy, peace, serenity, and light on the feast of Diwali, as symbolized by the innumerable flames…”

Reconciliation sounds good — but it must never be achieved through the adoption of pagan ideas and customs and the compromise with God’s Holy Word. In describing our present western societies, Isaiah says in no uncertain terms about the God of the Bible: “You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, Because they are filled with eastern ways” (Isaiah 2:6). In this context, be sure to read our Q&A section in this issue, discussing “Halloween.”

The Catholic Church’s Future Role

In spite of agonizing and reprehensible actions on the part of many priests in the United States that have come to light over the past several months, that “bad press” has largely evaporated as, once again, the Catholic Church in Rome has taken center stage.

The occasion for world attention has emerged as the pope celebrated his 25th anniversary as pontiff. There have been many ceremonies highlighting this event, but underlying this celebration is the health of the pope. According to www.mcjonline.com (10/22/03), “Showing the frailty that marked her last days, Pope John Paul II beatified late nun Mother Teresa in Vatican City Sunday, October 19, for of up to 300,000 people, one of its largest crowds ever.” This article continues: “Yet, for the first time in a major Vatican ceremony, the pontiff was unable to utter a word of his homily, leaving other prelates to do so. In the few prayers he did say, his words were so slurred and shaky they could barely be understood, reporters noticed.”

Another event at this celebration also drew much attention and speculation about the pope’s health. From www.guardian.co (10/22/2003), “Pope John Paul II, who is in declining health, yesterday announced 31 new cardinals to join the ranks of those who will eventually choose his successor.”

It is noteworthy that the Catholic Church may indeed undergo a change of papal administration in the coming months. This is especially critical at this point in time as Europe struggles to unify. Although there is an overall move in the direction of building a cohesive union, both political and religious union are still lacking. A younger, vigorous and dedicated pope would not only revive the fortunes of the Catholic Church, but new religious leadership would certainly help the cause of European unification.

Q: The United States and many other nations celebrate Halloween on October 31. Some feel that a Christian should not participate in such celebrations. What is your point of view?

A: The Bible is very clear that a true Christian must not, under any circumstances, celebrate Halloween.

Halloween has its origin in pagan and occult worship services and ceremonies. It was later “adopted” by the Catholic Church which gave it a “Christian” mantle. However, its Satanic and demonic rites remained and can still clearly be noticed even in today’s Halloween
customs.

The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1959, has this to say about “Halloween”:

“…the occasion shows clear connections with the religion of the Druids in pre-Christian Ireland and Scotland. The Celtic year ended on October 31, the eve of Samhain, and was celebrated with both religious and agrarian rites. For the Druids, Samhain was both the ‘end of summer’ and a festival of the dead. The spirits of the departed were believed to visit their kinsmen in search of warmth and good cheer as winter approached… Divination and auguries for the new year were practiced at Samhain. These magical practices concerned such questions as who would die during the next year… It was also an occasion when fairies, witches and goblins terrified the populace… THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE [CATHOLIC] CHURCH SOUGHT TO ELIMINATE OR SUPPLANT THE DRUID FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD BY INTRODUCING THE ALTERNATIVE OBSERVANCE OF ALL SAINTS’ DAY ON NOVEMBER 1. This feast was established to honor all saints, known or unknown, BUT IT FAILED TO DISPLACE THE PAGAN CELEBRATION OF SAMHAIN… By the end of the middle ages, the celebration of Allhallows [sic] Eve was an established part of the annual calendar of the Roman Catholic Church. However, after the Reformation, Protestants REJECTED this feast ALONG WITH OTHER IMPORTANT ONES SUCH AS CHRISTMAS AND EASTER.”

Other sources point out that Halloween was not celebrated in the United States until about 1845 when thousands of Irish emigrants flooded into New York. Today, it is said to be the “second highest grossing money maker” in the United States outside Christmas.

The Encarta Encyclopedia explains that “the Roman Catholic Church often incorporated modified versions of older religious traditions in order to win converts. For example, Pope Gregory IV sought to replace Samhain with All Saints’ Day in 835. All Souls’ Day, closer in spirit to Samhain and modern Halloween, was first instituted at a French monastery in 998 and quickly spread throughout Europe. Folk observances linked to these Christian holidays, including Halloween, thus preserved many of the ancient Celtic customs associated with Samhain.”

As one source puts it, “when Christianity spread to parts of Europe, instead of trying to abolish their pagan customs, people tried to introduce ideas which reflected a more Christian world-view. Halloween has since become a confusing mixture of traditions and practices from pagan cultures and Christian tradition… Many of the [pagan] customs survived and were blended in with Christianity.”

We are told in historical records that the Celts and their Druids believed that on October 31, the night before their New Year, the “Lord of the Death” gathered the souls of the evil dead, and that ghosts, evil spirits and witches roamed about. In order to honor the Sun God (Belenus), and to frighten away the evil spirits, large bonfires were lit. It was also believed that Samhain was a time when the division between the two worlds became very thin, when hostile supernatural forces were active and ghosts and spirits were free to wander as they wished. Samhain was the supreme night of demon celebrations. Spirits of the dead were believed to rise out of their graves, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease them by offering them gifts of fruit and nuts. This is the origin of the present day “trick-or-treat.”

Masks were worn to hide oneself from the spirits of the dead. This constitutes the origin of today’s custom on Halloween to masquerade as devils, imps, ogres, and other demonic creatures. As the “Plymouth District Library” states, “When Christianity came to the British Isles, it became the eve of All Hallows [sic] or All Saints’ Day, but the old traditions remained. That’s why youngsters wear masks when they go out trick-or-treating and it is also why the hollowed-out jack-o’-lantern has a masklike face.”

We are also informed that “Jack-o-lantern,” the festival light for Halloween, is the ancient symbol of a damned soul. Originally the Irish carved out turnips or beets as lanterns as representations of the souls of the dead or of goblins freed from the dead. When the Irish emigrated to America, they found an abundance of pumpkins, to substitute the hard-to-find turnips. They began to cut pumpkins with faces representing demons, which were originally intended to frighten away evil spirits. Additional popular symbols of Halloween are bats, owls and black cats. They were originally feared because people believed that these creatures could communicate with the spirits of the dead, or that witches could turn themselves into them, especially black cats.

Many countries and cultures celebrate some form of Halloween. In Sicily, the Festival of the Dead is a big holiday, celebrated on November 2. It is believed that the deceased family members return to leave sweets, cakes and trinkets for the children. In Mexico, a festival called “El Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) begins on October 31 (or on November 2, according to some sources). It is described as a “gruesome festival, where death becomes a kind of neighborly figure, appearing on candy, jewelry, toys, bread, or cakes. This is the time when the souls of the dead return and when the living are to honor them: for example, doors are decorated with flowers to welcome the ‘Angelitos,’ the souls of the dead children.”

Considering the origin of Halloween and its customs, who can deny, as one Christian author wrote, “that virtually all of the symbols of Halloween are evil? Witches, monsters, ogres, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, devils and demons all portray evil… When America and the world celebrates the Festival of Samhain and the powers of darkness by masquerading as evil creatures or decorating our homes, schools, businesses and churches with occult symbols, Satanic power is glorified… When Christians participate in Halloween, its sends a message to children that witchcraft, demonism, Satanism, and the occult are something fun, entertaining and harmless… Some children develop a fascination with the supernatural which leads them later into more sinister occult practices… What’s wrong with Halloween? It does not have even one single redeeming virtue. It is a custom born out of pagan superstition. It is a demon-inspired, devil-glorifying, occult festival. It is an evening holy unto evil, death, and divination…”

God was very careful to warn the nation of Israel about separating itself from the practices of the surrounding nations who were steeped in pagan practices. The priesthood of Aaron was to ” ‘…distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean'” (Leviticus 10:10). All modern nations–including those descended from Israel–have lost both the knowledge and the will to distinguish between good and evil. The consequences are far reaching in God’s sight! These kinds of evil practices have an accountability, and the Word of God clearly reveals that events now arising will soon culminate in the return of Jesus Christ.

The Bible commands us to have nothing to do with the devil or his evil forces of darkness (compare 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22; Ephesians 5:10-12). Paul warns us that we must not attempt to partake of the cup of the Lord and of the cup of demons (1 Corinthians 10:21). We are also warned not to try to communicate with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Witchcraft in all its different forms and variations is abominable and sinful (1 Samuel 15:23; Galatians 5:20). Further, the entire concept underlying Halloween or All Saints’ Day, that men’s “immortal souls” continue to live after man dies — either in heaven or in hell or someplace else — is totally unbiblical. For further information on these important questions, please read our free booklets, “Do You Have an Immortal Soul?” and “Angels, Demons and the Spirit World.”