Month: October 2026

The BIBLE VIEW #1068 — Halloween

In This Issue:
Halloween

Volume: 1068   September 15, 2025
Theme:  Halloween

Sunday School Teachers & Preachers: Hundreds of free lessons and Bible View bulletin inserts/handouts are available at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/index.html and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.  The commentaries for each New Testament chapter can also be used for lessons at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/blog/.  You can be assured that all material uses only the KJV (most Sunday School material cannot claim that)!



Halloween
Bill Brinkworth

More than 2,000 years ago, the pagan Celts celebrated the end of the summer and the arrival of cold winter.  The day was celebrated on November 1, the beginning of their new year1. 

The celebration served as a poignant reminder that winter would claim many lives.  On the night before their New Year, October 31, the Celts believed that on that day, Samhain, the dead returned to the Earth.  It was believed that those spirits would create trouble and destruction.  Death was the theme of that day2.

It was also believed that the Druids, the Celtic priests, could make prophecies about the future on that day.  The priests built huge fires where people burnt crops and sacrificed animals to the Celtic “gods.”  Festival attendees wore costumes, often featuring animal heads and skins, and tried to tell others’ futures. 

Around A.D. 43, the Romans took control of the Celtic territories.  Over time, they combined the days commemorating the Roman Day of the Dead and their day honoring their false goddess of fruit and trees (Pomona, which was symbolized by apples) with the celebration of Samhain. 

In 60 A. D., Catholic Pope Boniface IV established the feast of All Martyrs Day, honoring Christian martyrs.  Later, Pope Gregory III expanded the feast to include all saints and martyrs and moved it from May 13 to November 12. 

The influence of Catholic ”Christianity” spread to Celtic areas.  As Catholicism has done throughout history, it absorbed pagan beliefs into Catholic teachings to make the religion more encompassing and powerful. 

Later, November 1 became “All Souls Day,” “All Saints Day,” and “All Hallows’ Eve” to honor the dead.  Eventually, the day became “Halloween” and is celebrated much like Celtic Samhain.  Bonfires, costumes, and parades were part of the celebration.  Some dressed up as saints and devils.  It was soon celebrated on October 312.

As immigrants who upheld the Catholic/Celtic tradition of Halloween came to America, the practice spread.  It was not accepted in New England because the Bible’s influence was too profound, and they recognized it as an ungodly event.  However, it did thrive in Maryland (“Mary Land, named after Mary in the Bible, whom Catholics venerated.”)

As Halloween spread across America, that day’s traditions evolved.  However, many of the early practices remain, including bobbing for apples, giving treats, scaring people, costumes, and concern for the dead in the afterlife.

Today, in many areas, people celebrate Halloween more than Christmas.  The day often glorifies things God is against, including the occult and the theme of fear. 

Scary things, such as ghosts, devils, and unwholesome things are emphasized on that day.  Professing witches commemorate Halloween more than their other festivals and days they remember.

Halloween is a day that remembers and celebrates traditional pagan beliefs.  It should have no business being observed by professing Christians.  It glorifies everything a Christian should avoid.

Halloween:
Incites fear.  We are to respect and rely on God.  We are not to fear what could happen in this world.  Fear breeds trust in oneself.  Our eyes and reliance should be on Him, not on the things of this world or those that God opposes.
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7   Also: Proverbs 24:19.

Glorifies death and makes it appealing.  But, for many, death will be eternal agony in Hell and later in the everlasting Lake of Fire.  Halloween desensitizes many so that they will not fear death, which they should if they are not saved (John 3:3).
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15  Also: Rev. 20:10.

Fills one’s mind with wicked, ungodly thoughts and actions.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26

Witchcraft.
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Exodus 22:18   In the Old Testament, they were to put witches to death.  Today, many dress up as witches and even venerate them.  God hated the sin then and hates it today.
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” I Samuel 15:23.  Witchcraft is a sin, and we are to stay away from it.  We should not venerate it or make it appealing, as Halloween, movies, and other forms of entertainment do.

Fortune tellers  and talking to spirits:
“A 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.” Leviticus 20:2
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31
“A 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.” Leviticus 20:27 
“And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers.” Micah 5:12  A soothsayer makes futuristic predictions, often from supernatural sources.
Read: Deuteronomy 18:10-11, Leviticus 20:6.

Wizards:
“And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” Leviticus 20:6
“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 3:5    Also: Leviticus 19:31, I Samuel 28:3, 9.

God commands not to have any part with the occult.
“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 (sorcery, divination).” Deuterobomy 18:10-11
“Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.” Leviticus 19:26


Halloween has origins in ungodly behaviors and practices.  Christians should not elevate it by using it as entertainment or celebrating what God forbids.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22  Also: Philippians 4:8.
“Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” I Corinthians 10:21

Many justify participating in the celebration of Halloween by claiming, “It’s just harmless fun.  We are not encouraging people to be involved in those sins.”  Maybe so, but it shows people, especially the youth, that it is an acceptable activity. 

Many folks have their first exposure to the occult from the “innocent” participation of glorifying things that God is against.  Halloween can plant ungodly ideas in minds to consider later.  If it is okay to do things God hates on one day of the year, do not be surprised if that exposure to those things becomes more than a thought in someone’s mind.  Do not celebrate a day that glorifies activities God is against!

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

2 https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-halloween

“Christian, you are on the winning side.  Why are you doing what the losing side does?”  — Brinkworth
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Corinthians 6:17
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

The BIBLE VIEW #1067 — Look Out!

In This Issue:
Watch Out
Challenges
Another Jesus

Volume: 1067   October 12, 2026
Theme: Look Out!

Watch Out
Bill Brinkworth

The most important things a person should be wary of is not being saved, spending eternity in Hell, and eventually ending up in the Lake of Fire.  Trusting Jesus’ death on the cross to rescue one’s lost soul will keep one from a tormenting eternity.  One is then “born again” into the family of God and becomes a Christian.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

As Christians, we need not fear much.  But, the Bible cautions us of many spiritual circumstances we should be wary of.  They include to:

Beware, as God warned Israel, that worldly things and blessings from God may make one forget that it was God’s hand on your life that allowed you to receive those things.
“And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;  12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” Deuteronomy  6:11-12  Also: Deut. 8:11-12, 15:6-9
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15

Beware of disobeying what God has laid on your heart, as many Old Testament believers were cautioned. Manoah was reminded of some of God’s commandments and warned against breaking them.  We should also be careful not to violate what God has forbidden.
“And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware. Beware 14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.” Judges 13:13-14

Beware of going against God’s emissary, including pastors or ministry leaders, as Old Testament saints were warned.
“And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.” II Samuel 18:12

Beware of false biblical teachings.  They may seem innocent, but they can destroy one’s life, testimony, and fellowship with God.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15
“Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Mat. 16:6   As leaven, or yeast, can change a loaf of flour, false teachings can spread and change hearts.
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8  Also:II Peter 3:17.

Beware of ministry leaders who serve religion for their own gain, pride, or other wrong reasons.
“And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,” Mark 12:38
“Beware of dogs [non-believers], beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [short speeches which often leaves out much truth].” Philippians 3:2


Challenges
Bill Brinkworth

When one gets saved, they are expected to serve the Lord who saved them. No one is to sit and lazily soak up God’s goodness. 

One is to do what God commands in His Word, tell others the messages from God’s Word, feed oneself spiritually, have a relationship with the Lord, and do what the Lord lays on one’s heart to do for Him. These tasks may seem simple to some, but they can cause great grief when one decides to do them.

Matthew 10 is primarily about the disciples that Jesus hand-picked. Those men were to reach the Jews with God’s truths. They were warned that telling others what they had learned from Christ would not be easy. 

Although it was addressed to the disciples, who were reaching the people of Israel, they faced much that we, as we try to live and do right, can also expect to encounter. That may include persecution and resistance. 

Here is what may be encountered by those striving to be a good Christian and be obedient to God’s commandments even today:

  • Many will not receive the Scriptural messages. Not everyone will jump for joy when told what the Word of God says. We probably were not excited the first time we heard the truths from God’s Word, either.
    “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.” Matthew 10:14
  • There will be problems from the “religious.” Not everyone who has a “form of godliness” is a Christian. It was a religious group that tried the hardest to silence Christ. They did not want anyone exposing that their “religion” was contrary to what was taught in God’s Word (Matthew 10:16-17). Many of the “religious” today also do not want to hear the truth. They choose to believe only their traditions, doctrines, and interpretations of Scripture.
  • The secular government may also oppose efforts to tell the world about God’s way of living. Many government officials think their rules and laws are what the world needs. They do not understand how a good Christian life can provide man’s needs and solve many of his problems.  They were among Christ’s greatest opponents and can still be a roadblock for many serving the Lord today.
  • There may be conflicts in a family when a member gets saved and lives differently than He did before (Matthew 10:21).
  • A Christian may be hated for how he lives (Matthew 10:22). It is incredible how the world “understands” and tolerates criminals and those in outright sin, but those who are living right often get more criticism and hatred than those purposely doing wrong. Perhaps the godly example convicts and troubles their consciences. The only way they can silence their nagging guilt is to get rid of the messenger rather than change themselves!

It was difficult for these men to stand and live for Christ. Today, it is also difficult to live as the Bible commands. That may be why so many do not live righteously. They quit when things get tough. Do not quit! Do right no matter what others say or do!

“Following God’s directions is the only way to get safely home.”   
— Author Unkbnown



Another Jesus
Bill Brinkworth

One of Paul’s concerns for the church at Corinth was that it would fall for false teachings (II Corinthians 11:3). He was troubled that someone would preach “another Jesus” (II Corinthians 11:4).

The preacher knew there was only one Jesus. His sarcastic remark was meant to alert the Corinthians to be wary of anyone preaching anything other than what Paul had taught them. Paul taught them the truth, undefiled and often directly from God. 

Even then, others were corrupting the truth. Those teaching their ideas and not what the Word of God said were not of God (II Corinthians 11:13-14).

Paul warned the church that those teachers were motivated by Satan (II Corinthians 11:14). They may have sounded or even looked “Christian”; however, their purpose was not to glorify God but to separate and weaken the believers.

Satan’s ploy in that way is still going strong today. He does not have much imagination. Perhaps the enemy of God figures that if it worked in Paul’s day, it will also work today. Unfortunately, that thinking is correct.

Today, people often give the preacher more credence than God’s Word. They are often more interested in whether he is articulate, educated, or friendly than if he is true to the teaching of God’s Word. In many cases, they would leave the church if he preached everything the Bible says. That is why so many preachers watch what they preach. 

Too many will not preach against adultery, false bibles, Hell, and sin because they don’t want to offend anyone. It’s a shame, because one purpose of preaching the truth is to “offend” people into not sinning.

After preaching a watered-down philosophy, it is not far-fetched to preach “another Jesus.” The clues that this is going on are often, “the Bible doesn’t mean…”, “the Bible was mistranslated, and it doesn’t really say…”, or even “Jesus meant….”

What Paul warned the early church about is still a frightening reality today. Beware of teachers who do not preach all the truths from God’s Word. 

“The Truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; anything else is a lie.”  — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1,066 — The Holy Spirit

In This Issue:
Why Don’t They Understand?
Too Late
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Amazing Grace

Volume: 1066   October 4, 2026
Theme: The Holy Spirit

Why Don’t They Understand?
Bill Brinkworth

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Cor. 4:4

After more than 40 years of telling others what the Bible says one must do to have the promise of Heaven, I still wish there were something I could say or do that would instantly get someone saved and on the way to eternity.  Unfortunately, there is no such way! 

One can give the clearest Bible verses one knows to show another the way to Heaven, but the unsaved listener often politely stares back at the soul-winner and does not appear to be stirred.  Even the best stories of how the Lord has changed the soul-winner’s life often end in empty stares also.  

Sharing the Bible’s scariest verses about the eternal home for the lost in a tormenting Hell often does not even raise an eyebrow.  Scripture about standing before the final judgment for the lost at the Great White Throne Judgment does not even seem to concern them.  They just do not seem to understand.

Soul winners may have to deal with hardened hearts, not-ready-yet souls, and those ignorant of God’s truths.  Often, without knowing why, it seems the Holy Spirit is not involved, and He is the only One who wins a soul to Christ. 

Another very serious obstacle keeps many from being saved.  That reason may be the root cause of previously mentioned excuses for one’s not getting saved.  They are spiritually blinded.  Often the blindness is caused by Satanic intervention.  All other excuses may just have been the device that Satan used to keep a soul from being born again.

Spiritual blindness has always been a stumbling block for one to get saved, and it is especially a barrier in these days.  Perhaps a person has heard so much negativity about being saved that they have not sought it out honestly for themselves.  They heard that “salvation is forced down one’s throat” without experiencing someone aggressively showing them the way to Heaven. 

Others are turned off to being born-again as they fear they will not have a mind or will of their own and will have to do things they do not like or believe in.  Some fear their freedoms will be stripped from them.  Many have been so entrenched and addicted to sin that they have no interest or concern for anything that would change their lifestyle.

Talking to so many spiritually blinded people can be frustrating to one concerned about the souls of others.  The Holy Spirit and we seem to do everything we can to alter their eternal destination from Hell with seemingly no results.  Then, when we least expect it, we have the honor to lead one “easily” to salvation.  What is the difference?

When somebody readily accepts Christ as Savior, we do not know all the work, trials, and tribulations the Holy Spirit has done in their lives.  It is His work that prepares them for when a soul-winner can talk to them.  When their heart is ready, only the Holy Spirit can remove their spiritual blinders.

With this in mind, we should see the importance of “sowing the seeds” of the Gospel.  One day those thoughts, verses, and biblical principles Christians planted may grow. 

On that day, the Holy Spirit may open the eyes of the sinner, and he will no longer be blind to the things of God.  It may be the day when one gets saved.  It may be the beginning when one understands more of the things of God.  That is why we must keep on sowing God’s truth, because one day the “seeds” may sprout.
“Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Isa. 6:10
“Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.” John 12:39-40

“When men surrender themselves to the Spirit of God, they will learn more concerning God and Christ and the atonement and immortality in a week, than they would learn in a lifetime, apart from the Spirit.”   — Brown

Too Late
R. A. Torrey

One evening when Mr. Alexander and I were in Brighton, England, one of the workers went out from the afternoon meeting to a restaurant for his evening meal.  His attention was drawn toward the man who waited upon him.  A strong impression came to his heart that he should speak to the waiter about his soul, but it seemed so unusual that he kept putting it off.

When the meal was ended and the bill paid, he stepped out of the restaurant, but felt so strongly that he should speak to that waiter that he decided to wait outside until the waiter came out.

A little while later, the proprietor came out and asked why he was waiting.  He replied that he was waiting to speak with the man who had waited on him at the table.

The proprietor replied, “You will never speak to that man again.  After waiting on you, he went to his room and shot himself.”

Oh, men and women, there are opportunities open to us that will be gone, and gone forever.  When the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart, do as he urges you; as there may never be another opportunity.  His timing is always perfect!

The Power of the Holy Spirit
John Bate, 1871

The same wind that tosses the Atlantic into restless mountains of water can gently fan it into a tranquil calm.  Similarly does the Holy Spirit.  His influence agitates and tosses the conscience of the guilty sinner into a thousand fears and concerns.  He can also soothe one into blessed peace. 

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”    Ephesians 4:29-30

Amazing Grace
A Hymn by John Newton, 1779

  1. Amazing grace!  How sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me!
    I once was lost, but now am found;
    Was blind, but now I see.
  2. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
    And grace my fears relieved;
    How precious did that grace appear
    The hour I first believed.
  3. Through many dangers, toils and snares,
    I have already come;
    ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
    And grace will lead me home.
  4. The Lord has promised good to me,
    His Word my hope secures;
    He will my Shield and Portion be,
    As long as life endures.
  5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
    And mortal life shall cease,
    I shall possess, within the veil,
    A life of joy and peace.
  6. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
    The sun forbear to shine;
    But God, who called me here below,
    Will be forever mine.
  7. When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
    Bright shining as the sun,
    We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
    Than when we’d first begun.

“Unless there is within us that which is above us, we shall soon yield to that which is about us.”  — Upper Room