History of Halloween and the Christian Response

On October 31, 2014October 31, 2014 By Aaron AllisonIn Culture, HistoryLeave a comment

This blog gives a concise history of Halloween, and calls Christians to be thoughtful in this cultural celebration. As Christians, lets celebrate the Reformation on October 31, and praise God for the access we all have to God’s Word because of this movement!

Aaron's Angle

Here is a teaching I have done in the past on Halloween. Unfortunately, I did not reference where I got all this information, so any plagiarism is unattended. The outline at the end is original:

Halloween’s unsavory beginnings preceded Christ’s birth when the druids, in what is now Britain and France, observed the end of summer with sacrifices to the gods. The holiday is rooted in the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in), which came at summer’s end.

Celts believed that on the night before the New Year (which began on November 1st), the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

Samhain beckoned to winter and the dark nights ahead . . . pointing to winter as a season of death. They believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans, who could escape only by assuming disguises and…

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I am voting “Yes” on Amendment 1

On October 29, 2014November 10, 2023 By Aaron AllisonIn Abortion, Culture, Current EventsLeave a comment

Amendment 1 to the Tennessee constitution is on Tuesday’s ballot, and I am going to vote “yes” for Amendment 1. The amendment states that “Nothing secures or protects” an individual’s right to an abortion.

This amendment is a response to judicial activism by The Tennessee Supreme Court in 2000, when the court ruled that abortion access is guaranteed as a right to privacy. In the 2000 ruling, the judges eliminated a two-day waiting period for women, mandatory counseling, and a requirement that all second-trimester abortions take place in a hospital instead of a clinic. These preventitive measures that are not in Tennessee are used in states geographically surrounding the state.

Amendment 1 will take the power of determination out of the hands of the courts, and allow the people of Tennessee to make decisions about abortion access. If the citizens of Tennessee should decide in the future they do not want abortions to occur with ease – or, at all – they should have that voice.

Even The New York Times acknowledged last week in an article titled Abortion Capital of Bible Belt? Tennessee Voter Tests That Idea the liberal nature of the 2000 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling. The article states, “Both abortion rights advocates and anti-abortion forces agree that it created a level of protection for abortion higher than that afforded by the federal courts.” This posture on abortion is not reflective of the conservative values in our state.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart.” – Jeremiah 1:5

“Dirty Words” This Sunday

On October 24, 2014 By Aaron AllisonIn CIL NewsLeave a comment

What do you consider a dirty word? There are words from our faith that we no longer want to hear – like sacrifice, authority, sin, holiness – to name a few. In my new message series, we will look at Scriptures that deal with some of these words. The next five weeks you will be challenged by the Bible to be the person God has called you to be.

https://vimeo.com/109913337

A Relational Life Is Costly

On October 21, 2014October 21, 2014 By Aaron AllisonIn Ministry Development, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Our deepest desire is for a relational lifestyle. Our lifestyle does not leave room for relationships. This is the dilemma of life in the suburbs in the twenty-first century.

A life shared with meaningful conversation, and a sense of being known for who we really are, takes time. The relational life takes time. In our culture, time is money. It also takes time to develop and maintain a career, and the more productive you are, generally the more affluent you become. Taking time for relationships will cost you money (in the short-term). You will become less productive, which means you will make less money, and you will lose opportunity for advancement in your work.

Yet, once we pay the price for authentic relationships, the pay off is invaluable. The relationships we obtain are priceless. In addition, the benefits of authentic relationships are not just the intangibles. Long-term relationships are the doorways to the blessings of God. God moves through relationships. Almost every answer to prayer and kingdom opportunity that has come to me has occurred because of a relationship developed. I believe the phrase, “Our relationships today, are the answers to our prayers tomorrow.” So pay the price for authentic relationships because it will be the best investment of your time for tangible and intangible benefits.

Each month I meet with two groups of pastors (here is a recent “selfie” of one of those groups). These relationships are not based off of an agenda, an event or an obligation. We simply meet to laugh, encourage and talk. Some months it seems very inconvenient, and almost unproductive. Yet, the commitment to these fellow pastors as my personal small groups has contributed to my emotional health, my professional sustainability, and my overall happiness. These men have made me a better husband, father, and pastor. Relationships matter!

I am an Open-Minded Conservative

On October 8, 2014November 10, 2023 By Aaron AllisonIn Abortion, Culture, Current Events5 Comments

One of the great cultural myths in America is that every conservative individual is close-minded. While some conservatives may espouse beliefs without critical thought, many liberals do the same thing. In my case, I believe I have an open mind that listens to various perspectives on a variety of subjects. Yet, I have developed a conservative world-view based off thoughtful conclusions.

So, I believe through deductive reasoning:

– God designed the family, and biological determinations define the ideal family. Families work best with a father and mother, therefore traditional families should be encouraged by all of society.

– An embryo is a person with a unique DNA, the ability to feel pain, and rights that are to be protected. Our judicial systems will punish the harm of an embryo in some situations, and endorse the destruction of the embryo through legalized abortion. Are we to decide if an embryo is valuable based off the situation? No, God values all life.

– If people do not work, complex economies will fail. Our country was built on capitalism. An economy with more “takers” than “producers” will not sustain.

– Humans have abused the earth. Conservation of the planet makes sense, and should be considered a Christian issue. Christians should care about the environment.

– Pro-life Christians should be concerned not only with the unborn, but with the quality of life of the born.

– A pro-life Christian should be concerned with unjustified killing of the innocent through hasty capital punishment. The death penalty should be used rarely, with the greatest of necessity.

Reflections on India

On October 4, 2014October 4, 2014 By Aaron AllisonIn Missions, Travel3 Comments

My five days in India was an incredible experience, and a true gift from God. My close friends Balakumar and Yamuna Mannar were incredible hosts, and their hospitality allowed me to experience Indian culture and opened great doors of ministry.

I spent the entire trip only in Chennai (formerly known as Madras), but there was more than enough to see in this sprawling, exciting city. I enjoyed staying two nights in an Indian home, and experiencing the daily rhythms of life in that neighborhood. The idol worship that occurs through Hinduism was present everywhere. This was a constant reminder that these wonderful people need to know and accept the message of Jesus Christ. Pray for India.

I was thrilled to see that the message of Christ is advancing in the city of Chennai. Local pastors Abraham Thomas, David Mohan (see video below) and Sam Chadwick have built churches of thousands that are turning people to the living God. I was privileged to speak in each of these men’s pulpits, and these churches were thriving and filled with God’s presence. There are many other churches in Chennai, but more are needed to reach the millions who are not saved and discipled in the way of Christ.

The future is bright for India economically, politically and culturally. Yet, the greatest story could be the emergence of Christianity as the predominant religion. Statistically, there is much distance to cover to classify India as a Christian nation, but with the outstanding leadership of the church, and the fervent faith of the young people that already exists; there is great hope for the rapid spread of the gospel in India this century. Pray for India. The best is ahead!