Germany’s Victory. Horses and Bayonets. What is Truth? Halloween a "Christian" Celebration? Halloween Unmasked. Wicca. Former Wiccan. Scary Statistics. Marriage Obsolete? Gateway Arch. Leif Erickson Tunnel.

 

For “Scripture Sunday”:

Victory Without Weapons.

“As the history of Europe unfolds, it has become clear that Germany has risen into prominence and dominance that Adolf Hitler only dreamed of and that he thought could be achieved through war.

Without a shot being fired, the economies of Europe are now being led by a strong and thriving Germany. The nation who controls the wealth controls those who seek financial help. All Europe seems to have fallen into that cycle.

God made a promise to the children of Abraham that they would be the ones to whom the nations would come for financial aid (Deuteronomy 15:6 For the LORD thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee. See All...).  Their strength lay in obedience to God's law. Germany is not a god-fearing nation. Their strength is a fulfillment of prophecy and the work of God's arch-enemy. What irony must stir in the pens of historians who note the graves of young German warriors who failed to gain control and dominance with the weapons of the blitzkrieg—but whose grandchildren have gained more than would have been imagined without any weapons at all. They achieved victory without war.”  From: http://www.ucg.org/this-is-the-way/victory-without-weapons/

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America’s Military: Beyond Horses and Bayonets

Horses and bayonets represented military strength in World War I. But what is the real source of protection? 

“How concerned should Americans be about U.S. military strength in today’s dangerous world? What does the Bible say about America’s military and its future?

In the last debate, presidential candidate Mitt Romney said that the U.S. Navy is the smallest it’s been since 1917. President Obama fired back that “we also have fewer horses and bayonets.” Modern warfare is indeed different from warfare a century ago.

Although today’s sophisticated weapons are much more destructive, the world today is more volatile. And that is why many in the U.S. believe America needs a stronger and larger military. After all, America has taken on much more global responsibility since 1917, taking over the position of policeman of the world from Britain.

Where do we place our trust?

Without a doubt, the United States has the strongest military on earth. But should Americans place their trust solely in their military?

During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt asked all Americans to pray with him during his D-Day Prayer, seeking God’s help.

On June 6, 1944, Roosevelt and the nation prayed, “They [the soldiers] will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.”

President Roosevelt knew that, as powerful as America’s military was, it wasn’t enough.

Americans today, too, should realize that there is a more important factor than the number of “horses and bayonets” we have. America needs to first come to know and then put its trust in God for help and guidance. The same is true for all nations.

As the psalmist said, “Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us” (Psalm 44:5-7).”   More at:   http://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/blog/horses-and-bayonets/

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What is Truth? - Part 1

“Truth is usually the first casualty in any political campaign. How do you discern and come to the real truth of a subject?”

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/what-truth-part-1

What is Truth? - Part 2

“What source becomes the standard for all truth?”

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-daily/christian-living/what-truth-part-2

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How did Halloween come to be considered a "Christian" celebration? Does the Bible say anything about All Hallows' or All Saints' Day?

“Originally Halloween was a pagan festival oriented around fire, the dead and the powers of darkness. How did it become accepted in the "Christian" world?”       Answer:

“Most people know that Halloween takes place on Oct. 31. Far fewer understand the connection between Halloween and the next day on the calendar, the festival of All Hallows' or All Saints' Day, celebrated by some churches and denominations Nov. 1.

One author concludes that All Saints' Day was established to commemorate the saints and martyrs of the Roman Catholic Church and was first introduced in the seventh century (Man, Myth, and Magic, Vol. 1, 1983, p. 109). Oddly enough, history shows that Halloween—this ancient, thoroughly pagan holiday with its trappings of death and demonism—is inseparably tied to All Saints' Day.

Pagan festivals have had a curious way of worming their way into Christianity over the centuries. The Encyclopedia of Religion explains that "the British church attempted to divert the interest in pagan customs by adding a Christian celebration to the calendar on the same date as the Samhain [the ancient Celtic name for the festival that we call Halloween].

How did this strange turn of events come about? How did the Catholic Church transform an ancient pagan festival into one to supposedly honor dead saints?   Pope Gregory's choice of Nov. 1 for this celebration was significant. Author Lesley Bannatyne explains: "That the date coincided with Samhain was no accident: the Church was still trying to absorb pagan celebrations taking place at this time...”          More at: http://www.ucg.org/bible-faq/how-did-halloween-come-be-considered-christian-celebration-does-bible-say-anything-about-a

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God unmasks Halloween

“Every year, on the evening of Oct. 31, millions of families celebrate a distinctly odd holiday known as Halloween. For your own good, you need to know what lurks behind the mask of Halloween.

Does the Bible have anything to say about strange customs and holidays such as this? In fact, it does—and none of it is good.

While God's Holy Days in the Bible celebrate the role of Jesus Christ in bringing mankind to salvation in the eternal family of God, Halloween is a celebration of the opposite—of demonism, witchcraft, death and evil spirits.

God's Word makes it clear that no one should dare entertain witchcraft or act as a sorcerer. "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD" (Deuteronomy 18:10-11 [10] There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, [11] Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
See All...).

God pronounced death on any Israelites who would dare dally with demonism or Satanism: "A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them" (Leviticus 20:27A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them. See All...). "You shall not permit a sorceress to live" (Exodus 22:18Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. See All...).”  More at: http://www.ucg.org/gods-holy-days/halloween-behind-mask/

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WICCA - The TRUTH (Of Witches, Satan, Halloween and Pentagrams)

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A Former Wiccan Tells All

“Shalom spent most of her life searching for peace. As a teenager, she began to dabble in witchcraft and wicca, hoping the power of magic would bring her the serenity she desperately longed for. She tells her story of coming to Jesus.”

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Doreen Irvine : Dangers of Halloween and Oiuja Boards

“Doreen Irvine was once a prostitute, heroin addict, queen of witches for Europe, satanist and a victim of abominable practices ... but was released by the power of God.”

Deuteronomy 18: ⁹ “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. ¹⁰ There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer ¹¹ or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, ¹² for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. ¹³ You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, ¹⁴ for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.”

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Scary statistics

“Consider some scary statistics from the Oct. 29, 2012, issue of Time, p. 15, “More Trick Than Treat: Why This Year’s Halloween Will Be the Priciest Ever.” Following are four all-time records:

• Average spending on Halloween costumes: $43.60 (up 6.8 percent).
• Amount Americans are expected to spend on Halloween: $8 billion (up 10 percent).
• Pet-costume spending: $370 million (up 19 percent—I feel sorry for the pets!).
• Percentage of Americans who say they will celebrate Halloween: 71.5 percent.

Why is Halloween, a celebration of evil and darkness growing, while God's festivals are almost unknown?

What does God say?

Obviously Halloween was not commanded in the Bible. In fact, God told His people not to copy the religious customs of the pagan nations around them.

“Do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’ You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates have they done to their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31).

God tells us He doesn’t want us to focus on witches, wizards and the dead, but to look to Him and His law (Isaiah 8:19-20). God’s way is described as light—He wants us to avoid the darkness of evil.

God tells us He doesn’t want us to focus on witches, wizards and the dead, but to look to Him and His law (Isaiah 8:19-20). God’s way is described as light—He wants us to avoid the darkness of evil.

Witchcraft is not cute and quaint to God. To Him it is akin to rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23). In fact, being a medium who claims to contact the dead was a capital offense (Leviticus 20:27), as was murder.

God has holy days that He wants us to celebrate, yet few people do today. His holy days have great meaning and show us how to walk in the light now and enter the bright future He has for us!

But too often Christians have chosen to celebrate days that were originally part of pagan religions. Days like Halloween don’t celebrate God’s way of light, but the ways of darkness.”     More at: http://lifehopeandtruth.com/life/blog/halloween-horror/

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Today’s sermon on WGN:   Marriage: Soon Obsolete?

Is marriage outdated and antiquated? Some people think so. But what does your Creator say? Discover the vital truth.

Transcript at: http://www.ucg.org/beyond-today-program/christian-living/marriage-soon-obsolete

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Gateway Arch completed, Oct 28, 1965:

“On this day in 1965, construction is completed on the Gateway Arch, a spectacular 630-foot-high parabola of stainless steel marking the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the waterfront of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Gateway Arch, designed by Finnish-born, American-educated architect Eero Saarinen, was erected to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and to celebrate St. Louis' central role in the rapid westward expansion that followed. As the market and supply point for fur traders and explorers—including the famous Meriwether Lewis and William Clark—the town of St. Louis grew exponentially after the War of 1812, when great numbers of people began to travel by wagon train to seek their fortunes west of the Mississippi River. In 1947-48, Saarinen won a nationwide competition to design a monument honoring the spirit of the western pioneers.

In a sad twist of fate, the architect died of a brain tumor in 1961 and did not live to see the construction of his now-famous arch, which began in February 1963. Completed in October 1965, the Gateway Arch cost less than $15 million to build. With foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, its frame of stressed stainless steel is built to withstand both earthquakes and high winds. An internal tram system takes visitors to the top, where on a clear day they can see up to 30 miles across the winding Mississippi and to the Great Plains to the west. In addition to the Gateway Arch, the Jefferson Expansion Memorial includes the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse of St. Louis, where two of the famous Dred Scott slavery cases were heard in the 1860s.

Today, some 4 million people visit the park each year to wander its nearly 100 acres, soak up some history and take in the breathtaking views from Saarinen's gleaming arch.”

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Leif Erickson Tunnel completes 1,593-mile I-35, Oct 28, 1992:

“On this day, Duluth, Minnesota mayor Gary Doty cuts the ribbon at the mouth of the brand-new, 1,480-foot–long Leif Erickson Tunnel on Interstate 35. With the opening of the tunnel, that highway—which stretches 1,593 miles, from Mexico all the way to Canada—was finished at last. As a result, the federal government announced, the Interstate Highway System itself was 99.7 percent complete.

In 1958, the Minnesota Highway Department proposed a highway, to be paid for with federal interstate highway funds, right through the middle of downtown Duluth. It would be elevated and run right along the Lake Superior shoreline; to build it, many downtown buildings, not to mention pedestrian access to the waterfront, would be eliminated. It would, the mayor said, be "a face-lifter and a solution to Duluth's downtown traffic problems."

But by the 1960s, freeways in cities across the country were growing less popular every year. Opponents argued that they destroyed homes and businesses, eviscerated poor neighborhoods and made traffic congestion worse, not better. In Duluth, anti-road activists geared up for a fight. In 1970, a group called Citizens for Integrating Highways and the Environment began to argue that the waterfront was the city's biggest asset and that putting a huge expressway between it and downtown was a terrible idea. Meanwhile, a group called Stop the Freeway mobilized to do just that.

Highway officials came up with a compromise: They would keep the road, but they would put it underground instead of on stilts and they would build a lakefront park on its lid. This "cut-and-cover" plan turned out to be a smashing success. The $220 million tunnel kept the disruption of the road to a minimum and provided city residents and tourists with an extremely pleasant place to go and relax. The month it opened, the tunnel won an Excellence in Highway Design Award from the Federal Highway Administration. "People who once adamantly opposed the downtown freeway," Lake Superior Magazine explained, "are now some of the same people who are responsible for its aesthetic appeal. Likewise, those who insisted that the freeway could be built in no other place in Duluth admit that citizen concern forced an admiral design that might not otherwise have been considered."  A spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Transportation summed it up: "The great thing is that this… was Duluthians deciding what was best for Duluth and then all working together to make it happen."

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Yesterday:

The weather has turned colder, so Prime, my foster cat, didn’t even want to go out on the screen porch.

After feeding the animals, and our Saturday phone call with my daughter, I got ready to leave by noon to go the Willis church.  I fed Prissy an extra bottle of kitten milk as I knew that I would be gone for a while as I left earlier so that I could attend the Bible Study.  It was about the ‘Perpetuity of the Gifts of the Spirit’, with the key text Eph 4:7-16.

The sermon was about ‘Satan’s Weapons of Self-destruction’, mostly from Heb 10 and 11.  I stayed for the potluck this time, as Prissy is getting older and can be left for longer periods of time now.  As usual it was a great meal and fellowship.

After being gone for about 4 hours, Misty was so glad to see me, I think she thought that she had been deserted again yesterday.