This was Nathan's first year trick or treating and Jojo's second year. The boys had a blast as we joined some friends up in Lancaster. First we went to their church to enjoy some fun and games.......
After church we hit the neighborhood..........
I've realized after being Stateside that Halloween can pose quite a dilemma amongst believers. Boy, did I feel the heat on this one! Why would a former missionary family partake in this day's festivities? Well, I think Grace To You's article on Halloween really sums up what our family's convictions are on this "day".
"There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.
Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?"
If you want to read more, you can go directly to the page.
I saw a lot of Duck Dynasty costumes.........
After church we hit the neighborhood..........
and we the boys got a ton of candy!
Our Ninja and Optimus Prime
The boys with their friends.
"There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.
Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?"
If you want to read more, you can go directly to the page.
No comments:
Post a Comment