The short answer is no.  The original spelling included an apostrophe between the letters e to denote hallowed evening. This is because it's right before all saints day. There are many superstitions associated with halloween.  The Irish have a tale about jack-o-lanterns.  Evidently Jack couldn't enter heaven because of his miserliness nor could he enter hell because he played practical jokes on the devil. Therefore he was doomed to walk the earth with his lantern until judgement day.  Druids who were priests in ancient Gaul and Britain thought on halloween that spirits, ghosts, ferries, witches and elves came out to harm people.  They believed cats were once people and could scare away all of the evil ones.  The druids also celebrated a festival called Samhain which means summers end in the autumn. In the 700's the Roman Catholic Church named November 1st as all saints day.  Old pagan customs were combined into the halloween festival by the Romans Church.

With this evidence of the origins of halloween a Christian should not want to participate in such a festival.  The facts of the above are from the World Book Encyclopedia Volume 9.  

For a more detailed study on Hallowe'en, please click the following link for the booklet "Hallowe'en is Pagan" by Mr. Garner Ted Armstrong.

https://www.garnertedarmstrong.org/halloween-is-pagan/

Today's date is June 15, 2019.  For most of the world this is just Saturday on the calendar; to God it's the Sabbath Day.  Why is this a Sabbath? Today is the seventh day of the week.  Yes contrary to popular teachings and beliefs the Sabbath is still relevant today.  Did you know that God created the Sabbath at creation and not at Mount Sinai?  It's true!

Gen 2:1  Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 
Gen 2:2  And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 
Gen 2:3  So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. 

Indeed God did create the Sabbath and blessed it and made it holy.  My question is how can it only be applied to Jews since there were no Jew on the planet at the time of creation?  That is for you to study and prove to yourself.  

I want to list some scriptures that prove the Sabbath day is still relevant today.  I want you, the reader, to study them out of your Bible.  At the end of this article I will post links to booklets to help you in your study.

Exodus 20:8-11
Deuteronomy 5:12-14
Isaiah 58:13
Matthew 12:8
Mark 2:28
Luke 6:5
Acts 13:42-44
Acts 15:21
Acts 16:13
Acts 17:2
Acts 18:4
Hebrews 4:9

There are many more verses related to the Sabbath Day. Please look them up and read them.  Apply the timelines. Why would Paul still teach the Sabbath Day years after Christ's resurrection?  We find in these scriptures he did just that.  Consider this thought and may God richly bless your study.

Chris Anderson

Why “Keep Saturday for Sunday”?
​
Where In The Bible Does It Say, “Thou Shalt Keep Sunday”?

​Was God’s Law in Force Before Sinai?

​Are Christians “Under the Law”?

We have heard them all; don't wash clothes on New Year's day or you will wash away a member of your family.  Eat a hogs jaw for good luck.  If a person consumes sauerkraut they will become wealthy.  The list can go on and on.  My question to the reader is this; can these be found in the Bible?  The answer is no.

When does the Bible say the year begins?  

 Exo 12:2  "This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you.

This chapter explains the Passover for the Israelites in the days of Egypt.  The Passover or commonly called the Lord's supper or communion today took place in the spring of the year.  This was the first month according to God's word.  

Where did January 1st come from?  This day was important to the pagan culture of the Roman Empire.  I encourage each reader to prove this to themselves.  A simple internet search will prove this correct.  

Should Christians celebrate the Roman New year and all of its customs?

Deu 12:28  Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. 
Deu 12:29  "When the LORD your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, 
Deu 12:30  take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.' 
Deu 12:31  You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the LORD hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. 
Deu 12:32  "Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. 

According to the Word of God we shouldn't take part in pagan celebrations.  This includes Christmas, Easter, Valentines and Halloween.  I would encourage everyone to search out the truths of God's word.  

For more information on this topic please read "How Seasonal Holy Days Reveal God's Plan" by Mr. Garner Ted Armstrong.  This eye opening booklet will get you started on your journey.  

​https://www.garnertedarmstrong.org/how-seasonal-holy-days-reveal-gods-plan/

At sunset this evening, the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur began.  This is one of God's annual Holy Days found in Leviticus 23 as well as other passages in the Bible.  What is so special about this day?  Has it already been fulfilled?  Most of the world would answer yes the the second question.  One would say that when Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the ultimate sacrifice that the Day of Atonement was fulfilled.  We must consider the entire reading of God's word before we assume anything.  We must look at what the original service looked like and what they did.

Please read Leviticus 16 in your Bible before reading any farther.

We must look at the two goats.  One goat was sacrificed while the other was led into the wilderness.  One payed for sin while the other had the sin cast upon its head.  This is very important to understand.  The sacrificial goat represented Jesus Christ while the Azazel or scapegoat represented Satan.  So a part of the Day of Atonement is fulfilled in that Jesus Christ did die for the sins of the world and was raised the third day.  However, has all of the sin been placed upon Satan yet?  I would encourage you to read the booklet "How Seasonal Holy Days Reveal God's Plan" by Garner Ted Armstrong.  I will include a link at the bottom of this article.  

http://garnertedarmstrong.org/pubs/godsseas.htm

Click here for a sermon by Mr. Armstrong delivered in 2002 on The Day of Atonement. 

As she stood over the casket of her husband, she pondered, could he have made it to heaven?  The preacher said "as this man drew his last breath, he was saved".  The lady knew her husband and he didn't live a decent life.  She knew his abuses and his high temper, yet as a faithful wife she stood by him.  In her mind she just knew he would be condemned to an eternal hell.
To begin with, that of course was a fictional tale that I came up with to set up this dialog.  What is death? Does one enter heaven or hell upon death?  Let's examine the scriptures.


Joh 11:1  Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 
Joh 11:2  (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 
Joh 11:3  Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 
Joh 11:4  When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 
Joh 11:5  Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 
Joh 11:6  When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 
Joh 11:7  Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 
Joh 11:8  His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 
Joh 11:9  Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 
Joh 11:10  But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 
Joh 11:11  These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 
Joh 11:12  Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 
Joh 11:13  Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 
Joh 11:14  Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 

Let us consider this thought.  If Lazarus was in heaven celebrating with the angels, in no pain, never fearing death again; why would Christ force him to return to this life?  That would seem like cruel and unusual punishment to me.  Surely he wouldn't bring Lazarus back from heaven to get sick and die all over again, would he?  Notice in verse 11; Jesus tells his disciples that Lazarus is sleeping.  Think for a moment of the number of tombstones that have the phrase "RIP" inscribed upon them. That of course means rest in peace.  Rest in peace until when? We will answer that in a moment, for now let's examine another set of scriptures dealing with death.

Ecc 9:5  For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 
Ecc 9:6  Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 
Ecc 9:7  Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. 
Ecc 9:8  Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. 
Ecc 9:9  Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 
Ecc 9:10  Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. 

These scriptures clearly illustrate that the dead know nothing.  So if death is a sleep, and one remains in their grave, is that where they will remain for eternity?  No!

When Jesus Christ returns, there are to be resurrections.  The righteous will gain eternal life at the seventh trump. (2nd Corinthians chapter 15) and the rest of the dead will live after the 1000 year reign of Christ. (Revelation 20) I would like you to contemplate, if people go to a heaven or a hell, why is there a need for a resurrection?  If people are already there, why is there a need to bring them back to life?  I would like to offer more information on this subject.  This article is intended to provoke the thought of is there more about death than most know about.  Please click the link below for a booklet titled "When I Die, What Happens Next?".  It may be news that you have never heard of nor even considered!

When I die, What Happens Next?

May God Bless you with knowledge!
Chris Anderson

The Pharisee looked to the heavens and thanked God that he wasn't as other men.  We find this parable in Luke 18:9-14. What lesson is the Master trying to teach us?  I ponder as Christ walked upon the earth, could there have been one sin that could have aggravated him worse than others?  Possibly self-righteousness?  He teaches us through this parable that true righteousness comes from within, meaning our relationship with God, not what we want people to observe us doing. We shouldn't have to tell God just how good we are, I am sure that He is well aware of our deeds, both good and bad and great and small. The publican in this account didn't even feel worthy to address God; he instead could only utter the words "God forgive me a sinner", and we find that Christ said this man went home justified.

Many today still struggle with this same issue.  A person can develop an attitude believing they are so great in their works or abilities that God will have to allow them entrance into the Kingdom.  One can become so infatuated with themselves they actually loose sight of their own flaws.  People have the ability to become perfect in their own eyes, yet, they have drifted far from God. Once they have entered this state of mind they cannot see their own imperfectness.  All of a sudden they are greater than anyone else in the faith. They struggle applying the lesson from Christ about removing the beam from our eye and not worrying about the splinter in our brother's eye.  Matthew 7:1-5

What are some symptoms of self-righteousness?   The answer is actually too large for this article, however, we will list some that are common.  How about loving oneself and despising your brothers in the faith?  Remember the Pharisee and publican?  The Pharisee thought he was so righteous that he was better than other men.  Christ taught us to love each other as he loved us. (John 15:12)  That is a deep love my friends and we are commanded to have that same love for our brothers and sisters of the faith.

What about serving God and money?  Christ said in Luke 16:13 that we cannot serve God and mammon.  The Christian walk is not about making money, but an eternal inheritance.  A person cannot take from others deceivingly and justify it by God's word.  Our only master is God, not the material things of this world.  

How about being jealous of fellow Church members?  Should Christians be envious of leadership positions?  Should they desire the best speaking engagements and the best seats in the auditorium?   Should one make fun of or place themselves above another due to their speaking ability?  It isn't too difficult to answer these questions.  We find some of the answers in the book of James.  

James 3:14  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 
James 3:15  This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 
James 3:16  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 
James 3:17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 
James 3:18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. 

If we can develop the trait of love, we wouldn't have to worry about self-righteousness.  Think about it; if one loves their fellow Church member, or anyone for that matter, they wouldn't make fun of them, steal from them, nor would they lie against or about others, they wouldn't misrepresent people to others, they wouldn't cause confusion and discord in the church, they wouldn't be jealous or envious of their brethren and the list can go on and on.

As a person who once walked in the shoes of self-righteousness, let me offer a something to ponder.  Once I realized who I had become and I could see clearly the man in the mirror, I sought the help of God through the scriptures.  What I found was to love each other, respect each other and put others first and self last.  A trunk of the tree teaching that assisted me and can assist others as well is developing the fruit of God's Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-26. 

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 
Gal 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 
Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 
Gal 5:26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

Developing these traits will help keep each of us on the right path.  I have learned that while upon this journey, if I can apply these attributes to my life, even though I still fail at times, I can find true happiness in the faith.

A couple of years ago at the Feast of Tabernacles I presented a sermon on love.  I was at a point in my life where I had to make a decision to go forward.  Several factors from that year prompted this sermon and I hope you enjoy it.  I have uploaded an audio file of that sermon.


God bless you all, 
Chris Anderson

During Easter, the holiest of days for mainstream Christianity; people gather for sunrise services, buy new clothing, and church pews are more crowded than any other time of the year.  Children paint eggs and parents hide them.  A traditional ham dinner will be prepared.  Are these traditions based on a biblical account, or do they have other origins?

A simple Google or Bing search of the origins of Easter will reveal how these traditions became involved in what is called a Christian holiday.  For this article I would like to focus upon the timeline of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So many celebrate and decree that Christ died on a Friday and rose on Sunday morning.  Will this tradition hold up against the biblical account?  We must turn to the scriptures and read Jesus Christ's own words on the subject.

  
Matthew 12:38  Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 
Matthew 12:39  But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 
Matthew 12:40  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 

Only the sign of Jonah would be given revealing the true resurrection.  Remember Jonah?  He was in the belly of the large fish for 3 days and 3 nights before being expelled upon the shore of Nineveh.  Why would Christ give this sign?  He gave it because it was the sign that he was indeed the Messiah.  He was the King of Kings and the Eternal God that lives for all eternity.  Through his resurrection we have that same hope of eternal life.  

Now, let's compare tradition with the biblical account.  Friday day and Friday night equals one day and one night.  Saturday day and Saturday night equals day two and night two.  Sunday morning equals day 3, but something is missing; there is no third night.  Jesus plainly said he would be in the grave for three days and three nights.  Several occasions he stated he would rise on the third day.  

This chart explains the actual timeline of Christ's death, burial and resurrection.  It aligns with the scriptures.  

My friends, if you are observing Easter and its traditions, I would ask; are you observing a biblical holy day or something else?  That's for you to decide.  

Chris Anderson

For even more information I would suggest reading Garner Ted Armstrong's booklet titled "Believe it or not; the resurrection was not on a Sunday".  Click the provided link to access this information.

Believe it or not the resurrection was not on a Sunday.

We have often witnessed the spectacle of hundreds leaving their seats during an evangelistic campaign.  We are familiar hearing the old traditional hymn “Just as I Am” being played and people approach the designated area. They repeat a few words uttered by the evangelist and are “saved”.  Many believe this is indeed the method taught by Christ.  Is this your belief?  Did Jesus Christ come to the earth to save the entire world during his time and the present?  Most will say yes.  Does the Bible agree?

I have often heard the question asked; why did Jesus teach in parables?  I have received many answers to this question.  Some respond in this manner.  While Jesus was teaching the multitudes, he would look over and see a common activity, such as a sower planting his field.  They would continue to explain that he would utilize every day activities to better enlighten the public, afterwards they would understand and become converted.  Does the Bible state such a definition?   Let us turn to its pages and seek the answers.

 Luke 8:10  And he said, Unto you (the disciples)  it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Did you catch that? At this point in time Jesus is speaking to his disciples, not the crowd.  He clearly explains that he speaks in parables so the multitude will not understand and will not see the truth.  Now this explanation is in opposition of main stream Christianity.   Yet, that is exactly what Jesus Christ said.  Let’s compare this subject with the other gospel accounts.

Mat 13:10  And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Mat 13:11  He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you (the disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Mat 13:12  For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Mat 13:13  Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Mat 13:14  And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Mark really brings the topic home.

Mark 4:10  And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Mark 4:11  And he said unto them, Unto you (the disciples)   it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Mark 4:12  That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven; this isn’t the way it has been taught is it?  Yet my friends, this is exactly how Jesus taught.  So if he isn’t trying to save the entire world now, then when?  That is for another article.  Remember, if it’s in your Bible; it’s truth! 

Feel free to listen to a sermon I gave titled “Why are Parables Misunderstood” by clicking the following link. http://youtu.be/FVRKkVvsj3c

By: Chris Anderson

It is often portrayed in a way that drives one's imagination to a higher level.  People are suddenly vanishing into thin air with nothing left behind but clothing.  Planes are crashing out of the sky; people are running to and fro searching for the answer to what is happening.  All of a sudden there is an anti-Christ on the scene and the world is plummeted into tribulation.  Many thousands have read and believe in the Left Behind saga.  Many professing Christians are waiting for a rapture to avoid all of this calamity.  Is it possible?  Does such a event exist?  Will Jesus Christ return in secret? Is the theory of the rapture a true doctrine or a false doctrine?  The only reliable source one can turn to is the pages of God's Holy Word; the Bible.  This book will either prove the rapture true, or it will prove it false.  

1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 are often quoted as support for the rapture theory.  Let's dig in and study these verses in detail and develop an understanding for what Paul is teaching.

1 Thessalonians 4:16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God" and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 


Many declare that Christ's return will be in secret and no one but church members will be able to see and hear it.  As we view this verse Paul declares that Christ will descend with a shout.  There will be the voice of the archangel.  The trumpet of God will should.  The dead will rise.  There is a lot going on.  For this to be secret, it would appear that the language does not support this.  We have a shout.  Normally when a person shouts they want to be heard.  There is a voice of an archangel. See Revelation 1:15 - sound of many waters. As a human being I have no idea of what this sound would be, however; I cannot imagine that it will be puny.  The trump of God shall sound.  I can remember at my high school football games during halftime; the band would play and no one could escape the sound of the trumpets and other instruments.  The dead in Christ will rise.  I can't fathom a way that those who have been dead rising from their graves could happen in secret.  Let's continue with the next verse.


1 Thessalonians 4:17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.


After the previous events occur, those who are Christ's and are alive will be changed to spirit beings and will meet him in the air.  How is all of the happening yet no one is noticing any of it?


So many say "Only the church will witness this".  Once again, let's turn to the pages of the Bible and see how it answers this proclamation.


Revelation 1:7  Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him:  and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.  Even s, Amen.


John leaves absolutely no doubt that the entire planet will behold Jesus Christ as he returns to establish the Kingdom of God.  All of the earth beholds him, not just a select few as many declare.  People will even be in turmoil when they see his return, and we will discuss that in a later article.  


Another aspect of the Left Behind saga is the introduction of the tribulation.  According to this set of beliefs the tribulation occurs after the rapture.  My question to the reader is this; Does the tribulation occur before or after the return of Jesus Christ?


Matthew 24:21-31

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.  And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.  then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.  Behold I have told you before.  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, behold he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.  For as the Lightning comes out of the east, and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.  Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all of the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.


We can see clearly from the words of Jesus Christ that his return will follow the tribulation, not precede it.  We see that once again all of the earth will look upon him as he returns; some to gladness and others to sorrow.  We are also told not to let anyone deceive us.  I can tell you from the word of God that the rapture is a deception.  It is a false hope and a lie.  There is no doubt that all will see the King of Kings return.  It is true that God's Church will  be protected during the tribulation, that for now is for a different article.  If you would like more information click this link: 


http://youtu.be/utW_Vr_mIw4


This link will take you to a sermon I did a while back about the rapture.  I give more detail and several more scriptures.  Remember, if it's in the Bible it is truth, if not; it's a fable of man.  Who do you want to follow?  
 By: Chris Anderson