Christianity and the Dark Side — What About Halloween?

Monday, October 29, 2012

Over a hundred years ago, the great Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck predicted that the 20th century would “witness a gigantic conflict of spirits.” His prediction turned out to be an understatement, and this great conflict continues into the 21st century.

The issue of Halloween presses itself annually upon the Christian conscience. Acutely aware of dangers new and old, many Christian parents choose to withdraw their children from the holiday altogether. Others choose to follow a strategic battle plan for engagement with the holiday. Still others have gone further, seeking to convert Halloween into an evangelistic opportunity. Is Halloween really that significant?

Well, Halloween is a big deal in the marketplace. Halloween is surpassed only by Christmas in terms of economic activity. Reporting in 2007, David J. Skal estimated: “Precise figures are difficult to determine, but the annual economic impact of Halloween is now somewhere between 4 billion and 6 billion dollars depending on the number and kinds of industries one includes in the calculations.” As of 2012, that total exceeded $8 billion.

Furthermore, historian Nicholas Rogers claims that “Halloween is currently the second most important party night in North America. In terms of its retail potential, it is second only to Christmas. This commercialism fortifies its significance as a time of public license, a custom-designed opportunity to have a blast. Regardless of its spiritual complications, Halloween is big business.”

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Is There Such a Thing as Child-Friendly Horror Movies?

Charisma News – 9/30/2012 

They’re coming. Over the next few months, parents are going to see an onslaught of horror based movies that are aimed directly at their children. Paranorman, Frankenweenie and Hotel Transylvania may look like harmless humor horror for the harvest season, but they represent more than just the Halloween creep. These movies desensitize our children to even more satanic evil and violence that they will see on the big screen later in life.

Over the past few years, Ted Baehr and the Christian Film & Television Commission have been making inroads. The transformation of Hollywood toward a more God-respecting attitude has been seen in movies like The Blind Side, The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean 4: On Stranger Tides and Soul Surfer. For a brief moment we were able to see the positive trickle-down effect, but with any victory we must always expect the enemy to launch a counterattack.

Are these so called “kid-friendly” horror films really that bad for children? Movieguide, of course, can give you the best source of guidance so you are aware of the theme and content of a movie before you give your children the OK to see it. Even so, telling your child, “No, you can’t see that movie,” is never easy. For the culture-wise family, this new string of movies about to flood our theaters can sound like the drums of war.

Let’s face it. Monsters are cool. People love them. Who will ever forget the Star Wars cantina scene or the orcs from Lord of the Rings? Pixar’s Monsters Inc. is a fine example of a wholesome, kid-friendly monster movie, not because of the fear factor, but because of the “fear not” message.

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Pleasing God First

7/1/2012 Joyce Meyer

Following the Holy Spirit’s leading can break the tyranny of people-pleasing

Do you make your own decisions? Or are you a people pleaser, allowing others to make decisions for you?

When I started in ministry, I had to decide if I was going to follow my heart or give in to the resistance and discouragement coming at me from other people who didn’t think I should do that. By God’s grace, I decided to step out in faith and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. But it wasn’t easy. A lot of my family turned against me, I lost most of my friends, I was asked to leave my church … it was a terrible time!

It was also a confusing time. I was just trying to do what I believed God was telling me to do and be what He was calling me to be—that was my sole motive.

It was a tough beginning, and there have been other challenges along the way, but I’ve never regretted being obedient to God. See, it would have been harder to miss God’s will and live an unfulfilled life than to face the struggles and live with the peace and joy I have now.

The key was learning how to follow God rather than the tyranny of being a people-pleaser.

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Millions of Youth Pray for Awakening on School Campuses

 9/26/2012 Charisma News Staff

Before the opening bell on Wednesday, millions of students from across the country gathered at their school’s flagpole to pray for their nation, their towns and cities, and their schools at the annual See You at the Pole (SYATP) prayer gathering.

“First, how stinking awesome is it that our kids, shy or bold, were coming together as one in Christ! Peer pressure didn’t stop them…,” Sarah Downing wrote on Facebook. “We had 3 girls at the pole this morning. Christ was glorified and the school lifted to our awesome God!”

The First Amendment guarantees students the right to pray on school grounds. During any non-instructional time—before or after school, in between classes, during the lunch hour or on the playing field—students may express their opinions verbally or in writing. Prayer is a form of speech, and therefore during non-instructional time, students have the constitutional right to pray individually or in groups.

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Jesus Moving in Muslim World Through Dreams, Visions

9/7/2012 – Charisma News – Steve Yount 

As a missionary, Tom Doyle has made dozens of trips to the Middle East. But when he first heard the stories of God working in a supernatural way there, he had trouble believing them.

Then, in the words of one of his friends, “God showed me that my theology does not determine his actions,” Doyle and co-author Greg Webster write in the just-released Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World.

Doyle fell in love with the Middle East on his first biblical tour of the Holy Land. After 20 years as a pastor in Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, he felt called to full-time ministry in the Middle East in 2001 and accepted e3 Partners‘ offer to direct its ministry there. He has since become a vice president for e3, a church-planting ministry that works in more than 40 countries.

The book is a collection of never-before-told stories from the front lines of the campaign to bring the gospel to the world of Islam. In his 11 years working in the Middle East, Doyle has met former Muslims who were first introduced to Jesus through either a dream or a vision.

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A weekend to remember in the Kingdom of God

Dear family & friends in Christ,

1) The weekend gone by was one of so much activity at Catch the Fire Ministries and Rise Up Australia for the Kingdom of God!

Starting on Friday night, with only 24 hours’ notice, a bunch of faithful prayer warriors gathered at the steps of the Victorian State Parliament to pray and light candles in remembrance of those who lost their loved ones 10 years ago in Bali.

It was raining as we were driving to the Victorian State Parliament in Melbourne city. We started praying and the rain stopped just 15 min before the meeting started! We thank God that we were able to pray for our city of Melbourne and nation of Australia, right on the steps of Parliament. Many passing by tooted their horns in support, while others put their windows down and gave us the thumbs up. Some even joined the service.

Many were greatly impacted as they read the signs we held and saw us waving Australian flags and praying for our nation. We also prayed for the culture of violence to stop in our cities, for protection over our nation and for God’s peace to prevail. One police officer on duty commented, “It is so nice to see a group genuinely caring for our nation and praying for us.”

2) The first AGM of Rise Up Australia Party was held in Melbourne on Saturday the 13 of Oct. The RUA Party National Executive was very encouraged with the number of people who turned up for the meeting. The meeting went very well with RUAP members attending from across the country.

The National President Daniel Nalliah addressed the gathering and challenged the people to rise up to take a stand to protect Australia and ‘Keep it Australian’. He also re-enforced the vision, emphasising that the task ahead of us is very challenging, but by God’s grace Rise Up Australia Party will fight to ‘Keep Australia Australian!’

He spoke very passionately and boldly about the importance of protecting our Judeo-Christian Heritage, and ‘Keeping Australia Australian’ for generations to come, so that our sons & daughters can enjoy the freedoms we have. He also spoke out very strongly against Islamic Sharia Law and Multiculturalism. His speech was received with much applause and shouts of support by those present.

Following the National President’s speech, the four State Presidents for Vic, WA, Tas & QLD addressed the gathering. They too spoke with great passion and love for Australia, re-enforcing their commitment to ‘Keep Australia Australian!’

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Do Prayer Rallies Really Do Any Good?

10/4/2012 Jennifer LeClaire – Charisma Magazine

Another day, another prayer rally. That’s the sentiment of the naysayers who don’t believe intercession can turn the direction of a nation.

After all, they say, you’ve got IHOPs all over the world praying—some of them filling up the bowls 24/7. You’ve got TheCall. You’ve got TheCry. You’ve got the National Day of Prayer. You’ve got OneCry. You’ve got Cry Out America. You’ve got Broken Before the Throne. Indeed, there is a diversity of dedicated prayer warriors from coast to coast organizing solemn assemblies based on 2 Chronicles 7:14.

If all this prayer worked, the naysayers argue, why haven’t abortions ended? Why hasn’t revival come? Why hasn’t there been a long-prophesied Third Great Awakening? Why isn’t the prayer changing anything? I believe the prayers are making an impact, even though things often appear to be growing worse despite massive intercession.

Beware the Spirit of Unbelief

Still, some are skeptical. They don’t believe that God’s Word doesn’t return to Him void. They don’t believe it accomplishes what He sent it to do (see Is. 55:11). They don’t believe if two of us agree on earth as touching anything that we get what we ask for (see Matt. 18:19). Simply stated, they don’t believe.

That unbelief leads to questions, arguments and declarations.  They ask, “Why even bother praying anymore?” They argue, “This nation is going to hell in a hand basket no matter what we do!” They declare, “It’s too late for America.”

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CTFM Meetings Schedule and Live Webcast Info for next two weeks

Dear Family and Friends in Christ, 1) This Sunday 7th October and also next Sunday 14th October Pr Daniel will be ministering at both the 9.30am & 6.30pm services at…

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Live webcast this Sun 16th Sept – Pastor Daniel’s personal testimony, Smith Wigglesworth prophetic word, Rise Up Australia for Jesus by 2020

Dear friends and family in Christ, Please pray and watch (if possible) the live webcast this Sun 16th Sept as Pr Daniel shares his personal testimony and vision to take…

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Great breakthrough in Portland Vic / Live webcast this Sun AM & PM services – Pr Daniel will share his testimony and vision to take Australia for Jesus by 2020

Dear family & friends in Christ,

We thank and praise Almighty God for His supernatural anointing of the Holy Spirit!

Over the last weekend Pr Daniel, with a team from CTFM, ministered in Portland Vic, which is a very interesting place, as it was the first town started in Victoria.

Pr Daniel ministered on Saturday night, Sunday morning and evening at the Church of Christ Church in Portland where the Spirit of God moved most powerfully at every service. People were so mightily blessed by the Word of God and some of the very powerful testimonies Pr Daniel shared with the people.

One of the main local newspapers did an article about Pr Daniel’s visit to Portland, which was highlighted on the front page of the newspaper. This attracted many people as some drove 2 hours to attend the meetings.

Pr Daniel stated, “It was so encouraging to see Christians from more than 10 different denominations unite to hear the Word of God. Catholics, including Anglicans, Baptists, Presbyterians, Uniting, Salvation Army, Lutheran, Church of Christ, AOG, COC, CRC and others. I also had the opportunity to speak to many Pastors who had come to the meetings. I was so blessed to hear what they had to say.”

As the altar call was given, the whole church came to the altar to stand in the gap and pray for Australia. It was so great to see people from all denominations holding hands and uniting in one accord to pray for Australia. Many at the meetings were healed, delivered and set free by the power of God.

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Pr Daniel returns to Australia after a great ministry tour of US & Canada

Dear family & friends in Christ,

We thank and praise God for His mighty hand at work during our recent ministry tour of US & Canada! It was so great to have my wife Maryse and our youngest daughter Brianna with us. We’re so happy to be back home in Australia, as there is no place like home. We also dearly missed our son Nigel & daughter Shannen very much, as they could not join us on this trip.

Call me bias, but I cannot help it to say that there is no place like Australia. Everywhere we went, when people heard that we were from Australia, there was such a warm welcome, including at many airport check points and with custom officials. Praise God that Australia has become a good friend of many nations and we thank God for the favour Australia has around the world.

I had the wonderful privilege of ministering with Jimmy Swaggart Ministries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. God opened the door for me to minister at three different churches and to be on SBN TV, including the ‘Francis & Friends’ Program, which reaches a potential of tens of millions of people in America and around the world, including Australia. The feedback was amazing, with many greatly challenged to take a stand for Jesus and their nation.

At Pr Jimmy’s church, people were mightily touched by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, as almost the whole church came to the altar to stand in the gap to pray for America. This happened in almost every church where I ministered, particularly because the US is facing a very important election in a few months which may very well determine the destiny of this great nation of America.

For those who haven’t already seen, you may click the following links to watch both broadcasts.

http://sonlifetv.com/frances-and-friends-august-10-2012/

http://sonlifetv.com/fwc-sunday-night-service-daniel-nalliah-august-12-2012/

 

Then God opened the door for me to be on CBN & 700 Club with Pat Robertson in Virginia Beach. We give God all the glory as this international broadcast too had tremendous response.

You may click following link to read an excellent article on RUA Party and to watch a ten minute international television interview I had there.se.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2012/August/Rise-Up-Hopes-to-Preserve-Australias-Faith-Heritage/

You may click the following link to watch a replay (from 19:45 min – 31:40 min) of my CBN interview on the 700 Club with additional encouraging comments from Pat Robertson and another host.

http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=/archive/club/700Club081512_WS&t=k&search=700clubepisodes

In Toronto, Canada,  it was so great to catch up with family and friends at a family wedding. The re-union was so great. I also had the wonderful opportunity to minister at ‘Miracle Family Temple Church’ in Toronto. At these revival meetings, many received a mighty healing touch from God, with others set free from demons. In this church a lady who was completely deaf in her left ear, was instantly healed. I trust that many of you have already read this exciting testimony and watched the videos. For those who haven’t yet, you may click the following two links to watch, one of the lady receiving prayer and the other of her sharing her testimony with tears of joy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcuEIByGdTQ&feature=channel&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnMH_sn8LJ0&feature=channel&list=UL

All glory to our Lord Jesus Christ as we serve an almighty God of miracles!

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Julia Gillard cancels speech at Australian Christian Lobby conference over ‘smoking healthier than gay marriage’ slur

Herald Sun by Malcolm Farr- September 06, 2012

PRIME Minister Julia Gillard will boycott the annual conference of a major Christian group because of its “heartless” attitude towards homosexuals.

Ms Gillard was to have given the keynote address to the Australian Christian Lobby next month but today cancelled her appearance.

She accused ACL managing director Jim Wallace of offensive comments Wednesday when he compared gay marriage with the health risks of smoking. Mr Wallace repeated his comments in a statement today.

The Prime Minister has said she opposes gay marriage but today took the significant step of defending those who are agitating for law changes to allow it. In political terms the Prime Minister was ensuring she did not lose the influential gay vote in inner city areas.

“There is a range of deeply held views in the community on the issue of same-sex marriage but it is the responsibility of all parties in this debate to be respectful and responsible in any public comments they make,” the Prime Minister said today in a statement.

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Muslim Man’s Desperate Cries to Muhammad Go Unanswered, Then He Calls Out to God—and Meets Jesus

Aimee Herd (Aug 10, 2012)

“He said, ‘I am the God of the Christians.’ And He said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.'” -Nasir Siddiki

In an incredible account of miraculous healing and redemption, Nasir Siddiki shared his testimony with Charisma News, recently, reminding Believers that “love never fails,” and that it will prevail in every situation.

Siddiki was a Muslim businessman when he broke out in a life-threatening case of shingles back in 1987. His blisters spread from his forehead down the side of his face, neck and on his shoulders. His ear became deformed with the extremely painful virus, and his temperature raged at 107.6 degrees.

At the time, Toronto General Hospital in Canada—where Siddiki lay fighting off death—called it the worst case of shingles in the hospital’s history.

Siddiki told Charisma News how he—on the verge of death—cried out to Muhammad; with silence his only answer. Alone and afraid, he remembered some of the stories he’d heard about the prophet Jesus, and prayed, “God if You’re real, don’t let me die.”

According to the report, Siddiki was passionate as he described the One who suddenly entered his hospital room, “It was the outline of a Person. I couldn’t see the facial features because there was so much light shining from this Person.”

“This Person spoke without opening Their mouth . . . He said, ‘I am the God of the Christians.’ And He said, ‘I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’

Siddiki stated emphatically, “It was Jesus Christ.”

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What Is a Christian?

By Dan Delzell , Special to Christian Post – August 5, 2012

So what exactly is a Christian? Is it a person who believes certain things? Or maybe a person who does certain things? Or is it perhaps a person who experiences certain things? Yes. Bingo. That is correct….on all counts. All three of those characteristics describe what it means to be a Christian.

You cannot be a Christian without believing in Jesus as your Savior. Secondly, you are not a Christian unless you experience “streams of living water” flowing within you. That is the presence of God inside your body and soul. Without that experience, you are not born again no matter how much window dressing there may be in your outer life of religion and morality. Finally, you are not a Christian if you are not following Jesus. That is the “doing” part.

Your entrance into Christianity begins with belief. At that moment, you also experience the new birth. The streams of living water which enter you at conversion immediately begin to propel you in the direction of serving God, loving God, and loving others.

Jesus said, “If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” (John 7:37,38) That is the wellspring of God….and it flows within every Christian….within each person who has been converted, that is, born again.

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