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Cost Analysis 101 is a challenging and thought-provoking message that examines one often-overlooked facet of what it truly means to count the cost of following Jesus. In this teaching, we walk through Jesus’ sobering words in Luke 14:25-35, where He calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and carefully consider the cost of discipleship. While many believers recognize that following Christ may cost relationships, careers, comfort, or status, this message focuses on a frequently ignored area: entertainment, humor, and cultural influences. Using Scripture from Luke 9:23-26, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:3-4, and more, this message asks honest questions: What has following Jesus truly cost you? Are your entertainment choices helping you grow in Christ-or pulling you toward spiritual compromise? Have you counted the cost in every area of your life, or only the obvious ones? Jesus warns that disciples who fail to count the cost risk becoming like salt that has lost its flavor-no longer useful or effective. This message encourages believers to move beyond casual Christianity and pursue mature, Christ-centered living with endurance, discernment, and obedience. 📍 Recorded live on December 4, 2024, in Deming, New Mexico If you are seeking deeper discipleship, spiritual maturity, and a clearer understanding of what it truly means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, this message is for you.

Let It Go | Resounding Shophar Live Stream Offenses are unavoidable-but bitterness doesn’t have to be. In this timely and heart-searching message, Let It Go, we examine Jesus’ words in Luke 17:1 and learn how to respond when offenses come our way. Bitterness often begins with an unresolved offense. If left unchecked, it can take root in our hearts, affect our relationships, damage our spiritual walk, and even impact our health. In this message, we explore how to recognize the signs of bitterness, why forgiveness is essential, and how to walk in freedom by letting go of offenses rather than holding onto them. Scripture reminds us that how we respond when we are offended matters more than the offense itself. Through biblical teaching from passages such as Luke 6, Matthew 18, Colossians 3, Ephesians 4, and Hebrews 12, this message calls believers to choose forgiveness, extend grace, and pursue peace-just as Christ has done for us. If you’ve been struggling with resentment, anger, hurt, or unforgiveness, this message will encourage you to release those burdens and experience the freedom that comes from obedience and grace. Pre-recorded live on December 18, 2024 Deming, New Mexico Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected with Resounding Shophar and future messages.

Message Title: Look To Jesus Main Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-4 Pre-Recorded Live: December 29, 2024 – Deming, New Mexico Relevant for: Entering 2025 and entering 2026 Description: As we step from one year into the next, many believers make resolutions-hoping for change, growth, or a fresh start. But in “Look To Jesus,” based on Hebrews 12:1-4, we are reminded that real transformation doesn’t come from willpower or wishful thinking. It comes from fixing our eyes on Jesus-the Author and Finisher of our faith. This message challenges us to shift our focus away from self-help, cultural “flavors” of Christianity, and the distractions that weigh us down. Instead, Scripture calls us to run our race with endurance by looking to Christ’s example: His humility, His obedience, His suffering, and His victory. What was true entering 2025 is still completely relevant as we move into 2026-perhaps even more so. From this message, you will learn: • Why most resolutions fail-and how looking to Jesus brings true life change • How to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders spiritual growth • What it means to follow Jesus with the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) • How Jesus’ endurance in suffering strengthens us against discouragement • Why unity among believers matters deeply to Christ (John 17:20-23) • How modern Christianity has become “contaminated” by cultural influences • The dangers of embracing comfortable, altered versions of Christianity • Why believers are strangers, pilgrims, and ambassadors-not citizens of this world (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20) • Why keeping our eyes on Jesus protects us from deception in the last days • How to live ready, watchful, and prepared for Christ’s return This message is a call to reject the false, divisive, and worldly flavors of Christianity that distract from Jesus Himself. As we enter a new year-and as the world grows darker and more divided-our hope is not in trends, leaders, politics, or personal goals. Our hope is in Christ alone. If you are seeking direction, strength, clarity, unity, or spiritual renewal, the answer is simple and powerful: Look to Jesus. Not to personalities. Not to culture. Not to the world. Only Him.

Message Title: Unwrapping The Gift Main Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Pre-Recorded Live: December 22, 2024 – Deming, New Mexico Description: In this powerful Christmas message, “Unwrapping The Gift,” we explore the true meaning of Christmas as recorded in Luke 2:1-20-the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s ultimate gift to humanity. Yet countless people celebrate Christmas every year without ever “unwrapping” the gift God has given them. Many love the idea of baby Jesus in a manger-safe, gentle, non-threatening. But Scripture shows that the real gift isn’t simply the birth of Christ… it is the life He lived, the sacrifice He made, and the salvation He offers. This message challenges us to look beyond the swaddling cloths and recognize Jesus not only as the Child in the manger, but as the Savior who lived, died, and rose again for our sins. In this message we explore: • Why many people enjoy the season but ignore the Savior • How Christmas has become focused on gifts, festivities, and traditions instead of Christ • Why keeping “baby Jesus in the manger” allows people to avoid accountability and repentance • Why Herod feared the man Jesus-not the baby-and how that reflects the human heart today • What it truly means to “unwrap” God’s gift: salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection • Why the arrival of Christ is only the beginning of the gift God offered to the world • How the shepherds responded immediately-worshipping and spreading the good news • Why remaining neutral about Jesus is impossible once the gift is opened • The biblical truth that salvation cannot be earned-it must be received (Ephesians 2:8-9) • The eternal difference between celebrating Christmas and embracing Christ This message invites you to ask: Have you unwrapped the gift God sent you? Or have you admired the wrapping while ignoring what’s inside? The gift of salvation has been offered to every person, but like any gift, it must be accepted. Jesus came not to stay in a manger, but to go to the cross, rise from the dead, and offer eternal life to all who believe.

Message Title: Gifts For Jesus Main Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 Pre-Recorded Live: December 15, 2024 – Deming, New Mexico Description: In this powerful Christmas-season message, “Gifts For Jesus,” we look beyond the traditions, decorations, and gift-giving to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas: God giving His only Son to us. Drawing from Matthew 2:1-12, this teaching examines the gifts of the wise men-gold, frankincense, and myrrh-and the worship, gratitude, and devotion they expressed toward the newborn King. While we celebrate with family, exchange presents, and enjoy the festivities, God calls each of us to consider a much deeper question: What gifts are we bringing to Jesus? Are our lives filled with gratitude? Worship? Sacrifice? Obedience? A willingness to share the good news like the shepherds did? In this message we explore: • Why a thankful heart makes it easier to give Jesus meaningful gifts • Why worship is not just a song, but a lifestyle • How telling others about Jesus is itself a gift we give back to Him • Why genuine gifts cost something-not financially, but personally and spiritually • What it means to offer our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2) • Why following Jesus requires daily self-denial, surrender, and counting the cost (Luke 9:23-26; Luke 14:25-33) • How becoming more like Christ-speech, actions, attitudes-is the truest expression of a Christian life • Why Christmas should not be a once-a-year celebration, but a daily lifestyle of worship and devotion This teaching invites every believer to step into the Christmas story personally-to worship Jesus wholeheartedly, to share the good news with others, and to offer Him gifts that truly reflect His worth in our lives. If you haven’t been giving Jesus the gifts He deserves-your obedience, your worship, your surrender, your life-today is the day to begin. Let this message help you honor the King with gifts that are worthy of Him.

Join us for this powerful Resounding Shophar livestream message titled “In The Midst Of The Storm”, based on Matthew 14:22-33, where Jesus walks on the water and invites Peter to step out in faith even as the winds roar and the waves rise. Every one of us faces storms-financial pressures, global uncertainty, family struggles, fear of the future, anxiety, and spiritual battles. Many today feel tossed about by a world in chaos, but Scripture reveals a life-changing truth: fear begins when we take our eyes off Jesus… and peace returns when we fix our eyes back on Him. In this timely and prophetic message, we explore: • Why fear overtakes us in life’s storms • How Jesus speaks peace even when the winds are loud • What it means to trust God when the world feels unstable • Why focusing on circumstances causes us to sink spiritually • How to hear the voice of Jesus above the noise • How faith leads to supernatural peace, courage, and endurance This teaching challenges every believer to examine their response to life’s storms. Do our words, attitudes, and actions point people toward Jesus-or do they mirror the fear and anxiety of the world? If you’re seeking strength, clarity, or peace in your own storm, this message will encourage you to look fully to Jesus, the One who walks on the waves and still calms the winds.

Welcome to this Resounding Shophar livestream message titled “How Great Is Your God?”-a powerful and timely word rooted in Jeremiah 32:17, reminding believers that the God who created the heavens and the earth by His mighty power is the same God who still moves, protects, provides, and sustains today. In a world facing uncertainty, global turmoil, and spiritual shaking, it is vital for followers of Jesus to know-deep in their hearts and not just in their minds-how great and trustworthy God truly is. This message explores biblical examples, real-life testimonies, and practical steps to strengthen your faith so you can stand firm in perilous times. Whether you are facing fear, discouragement, spiritual battles, or major life decisions, this teaching will help you: • Recognize God’s greatness in Scripture and in your own life • Trust Him when circumstances seem overwhelming • Walk in peace, faith, and confidence as the world grows darker • Become a faithful, Christ-like witness to those around you • Cultivate a lifestyle that honors God and reflects His greatness Let this message encourage and challenge you to answer this life-changing question: How great is YOUR God?

In this challenging and timely Resounding Shophar message, “Heart Check 101,” we examine what it truly means to follow Jesus in the “perilous times” described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Scripture reveals that the last days will be marked by self-centeredness, deception, pride, and a form of godliness that denies the power of God. These warnings aren’t meant to frighten believers-but to urge us to examine the condition of our hearts before God. This message walks through a biblical heart examination, using both Old and New Testament passages to show: • The evidence that we are living in the last days • How our words, reactions, and behaviors reveal the true condition of the heart • Why storing up heavenly treasures changes how we respond to trials • How to develop a Christ-centered response to suffering, persecution, and uncertainty • The importance of knowing the Lord Himself-not just knowing about Him • What Scripture says about trusting God in difficult seasons • The difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) • How false teachings, cultural Christianity, and unbiblical versions of the gospel lead people astray • How to guard your heart with peace, purity, discernment, and biblical truth (Philippians 4:4-8) • Why regular spiritual self-examination is commanded for every believer (2 Corinthians 13:5) • How to be spiritually prepared for Christ’s soon return The message emphasizes that what surfaces from our lives-our words, actions, attitudes, priorities, and responses to trials-reveals what’s really happening inside our hearts. If the past few years have exposed fear, anger, compromise, or division, God invites us to return to Him with sincerity and repentance. “Heart Check 101” is a call for believers to: ✔ Ask God to search their hearts and expose what is not pleasing to Him ✔ Turn away from sin and worldly influences ✔ Reject false teachings and return to pure biblical truth ✔ Cultivate the fruit of the Spirit through daily obedience ✔ Live with expectation, holiness, and readiness for Jesus’ return Now is the time to prepare our hearts, strengthen our faith, and align our lives fully with the Jesus of the Bible-not the cultural or comfortable versions of Him. The darker the world becomes, the more essential it is to walk closely with Christ.

In this powerful and eye-opening Resounding Shophar message, “When Sin Intimidates,” we explore the reality that sin is not only tempting and pleasurable-but also enslaving, controlling, and ultimately intimidating. Using Hebrews 11:24-25, we look at the example of Moses, who refused the passing pleasures of sin and chose instead to follow God, even when it meant suffering. Most Christians understand sin’s temptation. Many understand sin’s consequences. But few recognize the moment when sin becomes an intimidating “Goliath”-a giant that rises up, takes control, and threatens to destroy everything in its path. Drawing from both Scripture and the account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, this message reveals: • Why sin seduces first-but intimidates later • How hidden or “pet sins” can gain a foothold and eventually dominate your life • The connection between temptation, desire, and spiritual death (James 1:14-15) • How sin enslaves those who obey it (Romans 6:15-16) • Why many believers mistake control over sin when, in truth, sin controls them • How Goliath represents the moment your sin goes public, destructive, or overwhelming • The danger of ignoring God’s private warnings until He exposes sin publicly • How Jesus, our greater “David,” delivers us from the giants of sin and fear • How to respond biblically when sin’s Goliath rises in your life • The importance of repentance, submission, accountability, and spiritual surrender This message is a call to stop treating sin lightly and to confront the “Goliaths” that rise out of unrepented compromise. Whether your struggle is addiction, immorality, dishonesty, rebellion, secrecy, or something hidden and silent, God offers victory, freedom, and deliverance through Jesus Christ. As this message concludes, you are invited to examine your heart: Has sin been seducing you? Enslaving you? Intimidating you? Has God sent a “David” into your life to call you back-and will you receive them? Today is the day to submit to God, resist the enemy, repent fully, walk in victory, and allow Jesus to reign on the throne of your heart.

In this urgent and timely Resounding Shophar message, "Jesus Issues A Warning," we examine Jesus' first words in Matthew 24:4: "Take heed that no one deceives you." Before Jesus speaks of wars, famines, earthquakes, or end-time signs, He first warns His disciples about deception. This warning wasn't just for them-it is for us today, especially as spiritual deception grows stronger, louder, and more subtle in the last days. This message explores why Jesus commanded us to stay alert, watchful, and spiritually grounded so we will not be led astray. Using multiple passages from the New Testament, we examine: • What Jesus meant by "take heed"-and why it is our responsibility to stay alert • How deception is designed to pull believers away from Christ, not just confuse them • How the early Church dealt with false teachings and wandering from the truth • Why even strong Christians can drift if they are not vigilant • The biblical reality of believers being "led astray," "falling from grace," or having their "crown taken" • How deception works through compromise, neglect, and false doctrines • Real-life examples of modern deception: - Immorality and sexual compromise - Entertainment that shapes the flesh instead of the Spirit - The normalization of lying and "white lies" - Misunderstood "rights" and rebellion against authority - Dishonest business practices - Financial dishonesty and tax evasion • Why holiness, obedience, repentance, and discernment are essential in the last days • How to stay grounded in Scripture, alert in spirit, and faithful to Christ As global events intensify-especially in Israel and the Middle East-Jesus' warning becomes more relevant than ever. This is not the time to drift, compromise, or assume we are immune to deception. It is the time to examine our hearts, return to the altar, and remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel. May the Holy Spirit reveal any area where deception has taken root and lead us back to wholehearted devotion to Jesus.

Join us for this important and heartfelt Resounding Shophar message titled "Living Clean Before A Holy God", rooted in Psalm 97:10, which declares: "You who love the LORD, hate evil!" This message was delivered at the conclusion of a churchwide fast asking God to break our hearts for the things that break His. It challenges believers to examine not only the evil seen in society, but-more importantly-the hidden attitudes, habits, compromises, and desires within our own hearts that grieve the Lord. In a culture overflowing with compromise, distraction, and spiritual numbness, God is calling His people back to holiness, purity, and integrity. This teaching explores: • What it truly means to hate evil as Scripture commands • How followers of Jesus should abstain from not only evil, but even the appearance of evil • Why God hates the seven sins listed in Proverbs 6:16-19 • How pride, lying, hatred, lust, discord, and compromise break the heart of God • The danger of justifying "pet sins" and ignoring conviction • How believers can live clean, honest, and set-apart lives in a darkening world • Why holiness is inseparable from loving Jesus • The call to return to the altar for repentance, surrender, and heart transformation This message is a sobering reminder that God is holy-and He desires a holy people. As disciples of Jesus, we are called not to blend into the world but to reflect His purity, love, humility, and righteousness in everything we do. If you're longing for a deeper walk with God, freedom from sin, renewed conviction, or a clean heart before Him, this message will encourage you to respond to His call and pursue holiness with passion and sincerity.

In a world where the word Christian is used casually, politically, culturally, and sometimes even deceptively, what does it truly mean to be identified as a Christian-in the biblical sense? In this Resounding Shophar message, "Identifying As A Christian", we return to the foundation laid in Acts 11:26, where the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch-not as a compliment, but as a label marking them as unmistakable followers of Jesus Christ. Today, the meaning of the word Christian has been diluted, redefined, and in many ways stripped of its original significance. Many claim the name while living according to their own identity rather than the identity found in Christ. But Scripture is clear: To be a Christian is to be "of Christ," to belong to Him, to follow Him, and to become like Him. In this message, we discuss: • How the early disciples gained the title "Christian" • Why the cross-not politics, culture, or preference-is the true symbol of Christian identity • The difference between claiming Christ and actually resembling Him • What Scripture teaches about discipleship, surrender, and taking up your cross daily • How love, forgiveness, humility, obedience, and Christ-likeness mark genuine believers • The growing contrast between true Christians and the world as spiritual darkness increases This is a timely and challenging message for every believer in Jesus. Are we known for looking like Christ-or for something else entirely? When people identify us, do they see our Savior… or simply our opinions, affiliations, or personal agendas? Allow the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and help you rediscover what it means to bear the name Christian with authenticity, humility, and faithfulness.

Main Text:  John 11:38-39 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." NKJV There are two stones mentioned in the Bible, besides the five that David picked up going after Goliath, two stones that sit in the way of victory and blessing for every one of us.  To receive all that God has for us, these stones need to first be rolled away. The first stone is mentioned in the text we just looked at.  This passage, along with several verses before and after it, tell the story of Lazarus and his resurrection. John 11:1-37 11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.  10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."  11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." 12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.  15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him." 16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." 28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, "The Teacher has come and is calling for you." 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going to the tomb to weep there." 32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" 37 And some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"  41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me."  43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"  44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go." NKJV In this story, Jesus arrives on the scene to find those whom He was close to grieving over the loss of their brother, Lazarus.  They were convinced that if Jesus had come sooner, then their brother would not have died, but now they were offended at Jesus who could have easily healed their brother if He had come as soon as He heard of Lazarus’ sickness.  They were offended. You need to remember something.  Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were very good friends of Jesus.  They may or may not have been physically following Jesus from town to town, but they were followers of Jesus.  And, Scripture makes it very clear that Jesus loved them.  He loved, and still loves, everyone, but His love for them was special, otherwise Scripture would not have made a point in mentioning that.  How hurt and offended would you be if someone you loved dearly, someone you thought loved you the same way, did not come running to help you as quickly as possible or in the way you thought they should have if they truly loved you so much? How many times have you been offended because Jesus didn’t respond to your prayers as soon as you thought He could and should have?  After all, we faithfully attend church, we’re faithful with our tithes and offerings, and we help at the church as much as we can.  Is it too much to ask after all we do?  Shouldn’t those things we’ve done make our requests a priority with God?  And now you’re offended. Yes, Jesus could have gone sooner and healed Lazarus, but the Father had bigger and better plans for this situation.  When Jesus finally arrived on the scene, everyone thought that Jesus had come too late to help in any way.  How many times do we think the same way when Jesus hasn’t responded to our requests for help in our circumstances, and now it seems like it’s too late for Him to do anything on our part?  Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt that a situation got to the point that it was too late for Jesus to help or do anything?  (scene in Facing the Giants; another team cheated) When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the stone was in front of his tomb.  Jesus knew that Lazarus would be raised from the dead, but He also knew there was a stone that would prevent Lazarus from appearing to everyone else.  The stone had to be moved.  But Jesus, the Son of God, God, the creator of the ends of the universe, wasn’t about to move it, or even help move it.  The stone can represent things in our lives that block and prevent the manifestation of victories and blessings God has available for us.  If the stone wasn’t moved, Lazarus would not have come out of the tomb though he may have been resurrected from the dead.  How many times has God resurrected things in our lives only for them to never be seen or experienced because we hadn’t first removed the stone in our lives? **** Things that can represent a stone in our lives **** Doubt and unbelief Israelites not allowed to enter the promised land due to doubt and unbelief Jesus was unable to do much of anything in His hometown due to their unbelief Fear What will others think What if God doesn’t come through Will I look like a fool? Unforgiveness Forgiveness that needs to be sought Forgiveness that needs to be given Disobedience and rebellion (towards God and those in authority over us)Sexual immorality in all its many formsGossip, backbiting, slander and profanityPrideAttitudes and mindsets, “stinkin thinkin” As Christians, our hope of seeing God’s hand move on our behalf when we need Him to is realized and manifested after we roll away the stone, or stones, that are keeping them from being seen.  When God shows us something in our life that needs to change or be removed, are we just as determined to obey Him in that area as we are in other areas where we exercise great determination and energy to accomplish? Or are we apathetic about it hoping God will move it for us, or that He will still move on our behalf with minimal or no effort on our part?  The very fact that Jesus shows us what to change in our lives as we grieve over a need we may have, that should energize hope within us that God is going to move on our behalf, but we still need to first roll the stone away. To move the stone, as big and heavy as they were, would require strength and determination, or in other words, it would require work.  In the same way, the stone or stones God wants us to remove in our lives may take both work and determination on our part to complete the task at hand.  And like we read about Lazarus, where the results were more than worth the effort it took to remove it, even so the work it may take to remove the stone or stones in our lives will be nothing in comparison to what God

Several weeks ago I walked into the local Wal-Mart and was immediately reminded about the time of year we were entering into.  You know that time of year, when fear, hate, terror, and the occult are glamorized and embraced with passion and excitement, reaching its peak on a day we call Halloween.  I’ve written since 2011 what my position is regarding this day that comes every year, and that hasn’t changed, but I want to take a different approach to the subject this year.   Each year the question is asked as to whether Christians should have anything to do with Halloween, or not.  And each year it only divides those who are opposed to it and those who think it’s okay for one reason or another.  You would think that the answer to the question is a simple one, and it really is, but when we determine our answer according to our personal opinions and feelings, instead of what Scripture has to say about it, then the answer becomes nothing less than complicated and divisive within church circles.   When we see that day approaching, it’s not uncommon to see and hear of churches gearing up and planning what they will do on Halloween.  Usually, the rationale they will embrace will go along one of two lines of thought; 1) they want to offer a Halloween alternative, or 2) they want to provide a safe place for children and adults.  But is Halloween something that Christians and churches should be involved with?  Unlike Christmas and Easter, holidays that some argue have both Christian and pagan roots, there is absolutely nothing Christian or God honoring when it comes to Halloween.  In fact, everything Halloween represents is anti-God and contrary to the mind and character of Jesus.  So, why is it that churches seem to believe that it’s okay to participate in one way or another on this holiday?   I’ve heard it argued by one pastor that even though their church has a community event on Halloween, an event where those who are organizing and putting it on incorporate costumes, various Halloween decorations, as well as activities that are clearly Halloween in nature, not to mention a name which is clearly a Halloween like name, that they are not participating in the Halloween festivities.  Well, I don’t know what his definition of participation is, but common sense for most people know that they are in fact participating in and celebrating Halloween.   There was a time several years ago that the United States was trying to befriend the nation of Iran, a country that is bent on nothing less than the total destruction of America and Israel.  It seemed like we were rolling out the red carpet of friendship with them, ignoring the fact that they did not share in that same endeavor.  As I observed what was happening, I couldn’t help but think of Halloween and how some churches and Christians seem to be okay with it.  Everything about Halloween and what it represents is anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-Bible, and anti-life, just to name a few.  There is absolutely nothing redeeming about it, yet we have churches and Christians trying to find creative ways to “Christianize” the celebration to justify their involvement with it.  Contrary to how many seem to view Halloween, we are told in Ephesians 5:11 not to have any part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to expose them.  We are also told in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 to abstain from every form of evil, and in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 and Leviticus 19:30-31 we are told of some of those things God says are evil.   Some will argue that it’s okay to do so because Jesus was a friend of sinners, a term that was given more as an insult to Him than a compliment.  Just because He associated with those considered to be sinners does not mean that He was a participant in sin, in that which was opposed to God in any way, or that He encouraged or condoned such activity.  To have done so, Jesus would have certainly lost His credibility as one sent of God to them, perfect and without sin, as such activity was explicitly prohibited by God, Himself, and if He had done so that surely would have been mentioned in Scripture and at His trial before going to the cross.  Instead, Jesus strongly promoted purity of heart and an undivided and total devotion to the Father and Himself.  Nowhere in Scripture will you find that Jesus was okay with or was involved in any way with that which was opposed to God, yet for some reason we have Christians and churches thinking differently about this subject.   What about the Apostle Paul?  After all, he was sent to preach Jesus to the gentiles, people who were actively involved in various forms of pagan holidays, worship and activities.  The same Apostle Paul, the one who taught us of the grace of God, who showed us that our relationship with Jesus is a marriage relationship, who revealed to us the return of Jesus for us in an event known as the Rapture.  Does he tell us anything that would relate to the subject at hand?  In Philippians 4:8-11, he speaks against observing days, months and years, but this was in relation to the pagan practices these converts to Christ once participated in before they received salvation.  However, in Colossians 2:16-17, when he addresses festivals and a new moon, he is referring to the seven feasts God instituted back in Leviticus 23, all of which point to Jesus.  It’s important to make that distinction as some will assume both passages are referring to the same things, but that is not the case.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:22, the Apostle Paul instructs us to avoid or flee from the appearance of evil, and in Ephesians 5:11 he also tells us to take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but to instead expose them.  So, Paul, identified by some as the Apostle of Grace, left no room or argument condoning a Christian’s involvement with things like Halloween.   At this point I feel the need to clarify something.  When I mention the participation of Christians and churches in the Halloween festivities, I am not referring to those who are opposed to Halloween but do what they can to reach the lost with the full and unadulterated gospel of Jesus.  There are churches that reject the idea of Christians participating in that day, but they will do something purely as a ministry outreach of some sort that does not resemble Halloween in any way.  I applaud these churches, and Christians, as they take a stand against the growing trend within church circles, but at the same time doing all they can to reach those who are lost and spiritually dead in sin.   While I have no objections to having an alternative to offer people, and certainly no objections to having a safe place for children and adults alike, I do find myself questioning the reasons and the motivations one has in doing so, and how they are going about it.  For many churches, they are quick to say they are reaching out to the lost in doing so, wanting to use these activities as a means of doing so, but is that true or just words to ease their conscience or silence those who object?  When a church does this, incorporating an appearance or activity that resembles Halloween in some way, they give the unsaved, those who are not followers of Christ, mixed messages as to what it means to be a Christian, a disciple and follower of Christ.  Also, if the focal point is only to provide an alternative or a safe place, and very little to nothing is said or done to present the full gospel and each persons need of a savior, then all they are doing is building a reputation within the community and growing a religious social club.   I’ve heard it said that it’s okay for a church to have Halloween like events for the community because someone got saved or started attending their church as a result of these.  There’s a problem with this logic, however.  I’ve heard testimonies of some who were high on drugs or in a drunken state, how that in that condition they had an encounter with Jesus and got saved, and as a result they were radically transformed and set free from their addiction to drugs or alcohol.  Since people have been reached for salvation while in these intoxicated states, does it mean, based on the above logic, that churches and Christians should encourage or embrace the use of drugs and alcohol as a way to reach the lost with the message of salvation through Christ?  I think not!  God is sovereign, and as such He can reach people in whatever condition they may be in, but that does not mean that we can discount what Scripture otherwise commands us just so we can “reach” someone.  To ignore or discount the commands and instructions of God for the purpose of community acceptance and gaining followers, that is nothing less than rebellion towards God fueled by pride that puts our opinion on an equal or higher level than God and His Word.  This must not be the case in the life of a Christian.   Halloween.  A controversial subject for Christians as some are okay with it while others are not.  The question is whether God is okay with it, and the answer is found within Scripture. Are we taking a stand for Christ, or are we more concerned about getting people to join our religious social club?  If we are to do something on Halloween, let’s make sure it doesn’t resemble in appearance or activity to Halloween in any way, and that the gospel is clearly presented as the focus and theme of the event. Time is short, and we need to focus more on the salvation of the lost than building our social clubs and community reputations.   Are you a Christian that has participated in Halloween one way or another over the years, or even in those things that God identifies as detestable?  If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to repent of your involvement in these, and to turn from them having any part in your life from here on out.  We hear of animal shelters taking these things very seriously, law enforcement taking th