Doug Rea

Thank you for the loving way some have disagreed with my blog on Halloween.

http://dougrea.posterous.com/the-christian-and-halloween-run-mighty-armyru

That speaks volumes to me concerning your hearts for Jesus Christ and the unity of the Body. I am always fearful about sounding argumentative or debating because there is no love in either of these. Having said that, I would love an opportunity to address some specifics questions as respectfully as you all addressed yours to me.

Halloween is just one example of a major issue I have with the church: "different = separate."

Just look at the life of Jesus how he never found time for "church" people unless he was training them to get among the "sinners." He found company in prostitutes, tax collectors and others. I can't imaging Jesus doing anything less then allowing those costumed children of Halloween to come to Him to be loved and blessed and yes - even receive a piece of candy. Don't we give the church kids snacks on Sunday mornings and at church socials? Well then why not give these kids snacks on a day that WE KNOW where they will be? Makes sense to me.

I realize it doesn't sound like something most churches would do but it does sound like something the early church or even Jesus would do. And since Jesus did choose to sit and dine with the sinners, it was only the bound-in-tradition "church" people who would get angry about it. Jesus violated everything that they assumed a man-made religion stood for and that the man of God should look an act like.

That's what we did last year on Halloween. "What makes us different?" one asked. We were not just some people in our homes giving out candy -we were a visible "church." The building was there. We didn't preach "Come on in." We preached "Go Tell!" Those children were learning NOT what we stand against but that we welcome them with open arms. We went right into the middle of Satan's camp and touched those children with their parents watching.

In a nutshell we showed them that we love them even as they participate in this most unholy of so called holidays. They got to see that the church of Jesus Christ knows no bounds of acceptance and forgiveness. Parents, children and passers by got to see that there is nothing that can keep us from extending God's hand of love to them. Yes we will go to the pits to give them a peice of candy because we love them.

We always talk about getting outside the church walls - but then we take the walls with us and try to get to people NOT where they are but rather we try and pull them into our mindsets. Jesus always went where the people were. On October 31st - the people were on the streets. That's were we went. We went out with no secret agenda to get them into church. We simply sowed seeds of love and grace. I like that word, grace!

all things to all men... 

Doug 

I am not happy about the way the mighty army of The Living God handles Halloween – A.K.A "Satan's Day."  As Christians usually do, we hide.

It begins with those of us that will be nestled safely in our home.   Our exterior lighting will be in the off position indicating to these evil children of darkness, (i.e. those that are caught up in the Devil's web), that they are not welcome at this most holy place.   The iniquity of this night must move past us. We are way too holy to be close something or someone so unclean. What if "these whom we do not speak of" see us or worse touch us? We will get a demonic impartation? We must be "Not of this world" to keep God happy.

How about that - the "light of the world" turning off the lights…in a dark world…on a dark night. How pathetically weak we are. I know of people that have anointed the door post of their home to ward off the demons of the night. I guess it is better than applying the blood of a sacrificed lamb. 

Why get into the community on this night of ghosts and goblins when we can hide ourselves safely inside the walls of our church and scream "sanctuary?" No - we can't be a part of Halloween. Most assuredly participating in Halloween would condemn our eternal souls for all eternality.  Thank God religion has launched a barrage of counter offences such as our fall festivals and our hallelujah nights! Sounds to me like the church, for the most part, "moved to the other side of the road."

Is Satan MORE Satan on Halloween? Is he less Satan any other morning than he will be on that day? Will you feel safer the next morning when the demon activity subsides? We are soon to counter him with Christmas! That will get him back.

| I have a better idea…

Let's pretend that our God is great and mighty! Let's assume that we are called to be light in the darkness and that we can walk right into the middle of a witch's coven and not be vexed. Well, what better time to be a light then on Halloween? This year, instead of going to church - BE THE CHURCH. Go home, turn the lights on, and be a safe loving place for children to visit. Let them see, as well as their parents, that the Body of Christ has ZERO fear of this day! Greater is He that is in us! Show them the love of God by giving them a treat NO MATTER HOW they are dressed. 

What do you think your soul looked like to God when you approached him with your evil heart before He made it new? Aren't you glad that the Lord your God did not hide from you or retreat to His inner chamber? No! He met us and loved on us right where we were.  Rest assured, our righteousness looked far worse than those kids do on Halloween night.

Last year at Connections, we sat in the parking lot, grilled  hot dogs, and blessed all the children that stopped by with candy. Here they came: football players and goblins. We were visited by Jason, Freddy, various ghosts, princesses and more. We gave them candy, hot dogs, and wished them a good and safe night. We did not hand out tracks, we did not invite to church - we were being salt and light. Folks, we are ambassadors of Christ. You and I have diplomatic immunity. These things can't hurt us. 

So this year – no running, no hiding, no finger pointing.  Just be the church..as we should be every day.

here's part 2