Is It OK for the church to have trunk or treat events during Haloween?
What caused me to write a blog concerning whether the Church should or should not host these events originated from a Religious meme which I saw on a social media site that condemned any Christ Centered Bible believing Church for hosting such events which really nabbed my goat to the point I believe a little admonishment is in order.
First and foremost unless parents are prepared to lock their children in a padded cell until they reach the age of accountability children will be exposed to the world and the dangers in it.
YES It is our duty as parents to protect our children from harm however to completely shield our children in with a hedge of thorns from the secular world that they have no understanding in which it operates is a very unhealthy and spiritually dangerous environment for them due to when they are older and out from under parental guidance they will run amuck. I have been an eye witness to this well known phenomenon to occur too numerous times to count with usually Pastors, deacons and clergy's children due to an over bearing stronghold that their children cannot breathe . If our children do not understand how the world operates it will eat them alive. This would be no different restricting them from attending such an event as a Church sponsored trunk or treat.
YES It is our duty as parents to protect our children from harm however to completely shield our children in with a hedge of thorns from the secular world that they have no understanding in which it operates is a very unhealthy and spiritually dangerous environment for them due to when they are older and out from under parental guidance they will run amuck. I have been an eye witness to this well known phenomenon to occur too numerous times to count with usually Pastors, deacons and clergy's children due to an over bearing stronghold that their children cannot breathe . If our children do not understand how the world operates it will eat them alive. This would be no different restricting them from attending such an event as a Church sponsored trunk or treat.
I would much rather have my child in a safe environment where I know my child would be cared for by people in whom I trust and call my brethren in Christ Jesus which is not what really got my dander up as much as these religious zealots meme stating that the Church glorifies Satan by hosting such events which could not be further from the truth if you had a pumpkin chunkin machine to hurl it miles. I don't think I can make a valid point without backing it up with scripture so let's just go there…
Matthew 5:13-16 English Standard Version (ESV)
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
John 3:17 (ESV)
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
John 12:46-50 (KJV)
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
I could go on and on with scripture reference but I believe this edifies the point I am making which no one who profess the name of Yeshua as their Messiah should not condemn The Church and the body of Christ for hosting these trunk or treat events but otherwise these events should be looked upon as an opportunity to minister to children and parents that they may be presented the good news of redemption through the death ,Burial and resurrection of our precious Messiah who came not as our Judge but our sacrificial Lamb that we can be delivered from death And eternal separation from the Father to Life abundant and over flowing.
I will end by saying I am thankful to my heavenly Father that I am a member of the body of Christ who has passion to inconspicuously present the gospel and take pride in knowing that a multitude of children and their parents have become new creatures in Christ because we were bold enough to step up and proclaim All Hallows Eve Another Day Which The Lord Has Made Which We All Who Are Called By His Name Should Rejoice and Glorify Him In It!
To the participating Churches holding these events...
Have A Happy, Safe Trunk Or Treat And An AWESOME Time in The Lord!
To the participating Churches holding these events...
Have A Happy, Safe Trunk Or Treat And An AWESOME Time in The Lord!
