Christian Living

The practices of Halloween as we know them originated with the Celts who lived in what is now Great Britain, Ireland, and Northern France. Their new year began on November 1. The Celtic Festival of “Samhain” began the previous evening, October 31. This festival honored “Samhain,” the Celtic lord of death. This celebration marked the beginning of the season of cold, darkness, and decay. The Celts believed that “Samhain” allowed the souls of the dead to return to their earthly homes for the evening. During the festival, people wore costumes made of animal heads and skins.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36). We in America are constantly rubbing shoulders with men and women who are passionately seeing what they can gain at the cost of their own souls! What about you and I? Is the love of money capturing us too?
As Jesus was walking in the way one came running. He knelt down before Jesus and asked, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

Jesus in His High Priestly prayer in John 17:17 prayed this to His Father about us, Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth. Those of us who have been Christians for some time can begin to understand a little what this means. God sanctifies and justifies us initially at conversion in the name of the Lord Jesus (1Co 6:11). The Holy Spirit continues with progressive sanctification. I believe the chief agent He uses in doing this is His sword, the Word of God. Sanctification is an absolute essential to the true believer.

Personal relationships are one of man’s most significant challenges. Our thoughts, personal preferences, and ideas seem so important to us. We can so easily look down on people who don’t see things our way. But if we turn to the Bible for answers to life’s perplexities and difficulties, the answer is straightforward and simple. Romans 12:10 calls us to Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.

Procrastination is a great thief of our time. Its controlling grip on the hearts of men and women continues to be one of the reasons why relationships turn sour, tests are failed, businesses go bankrupt, healthy bodies are ruined, and souls are entering eternity without Christ.

Hello friend, where are your steps taking you on this journey called life? Many of us have seen the dawn of another day that was only once known as tomorrow. If I live to be three score and ten, I will have lived 25,567 days that once were only an unknown tomorrow awaiting me.

It’s that time of the year again when all good Americans unite in setting aside a holiday of remembrance. Independence Day is the official anniversary of the signing and distribution of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

On September 11, 2001, Al-Qaeda attacked the United States with shocking results. Like most Americans, I can remember exactly where I was when the news came. In the weeks that followed, our nation was caught up in patriotic fervor and crying out for revenge. October 7, 2001, America struck back, attacking Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, marking the beginning of America’s longest war.

Society is changing. Actions and lifestyle choices that were once thought universally shameful are now demanding a pass of tolerance. “Intolerant!” is the label folks get who don’t give in and accept these as the new norm. Conservatives and Christians many times bear that label and are snubbed for being old-school.

Many times, as individuals we live in our own little world, only considering the present. But God tells us to be concerned where we came from and where we are going. What have we been taught and what are we passing on to the next generation?
Psalm 78:6 says “that the generation to come might know them, even the children which should arise and declare them to their children.” We are not to live just to ourselves, but realize the importance of teaching and giving the things of God that have been given us to the next generation.