Halloween or Singing Revivals?
Did you know God has released nation changing revivals and miracles on 31st October? Yet the devil has tricked society and the Church, to focus on Halloween rather than God’s miracles. It’s time to know the truth, and to consider the duplicity of praying for revival yet simultaneously celebrating Halloween.
In 2014 as we stood at the Wittenberg Church where Martin Luther nailed his thesis, I had one of those Holy Spirit light bulb moments.
Germany was preparing for 500th Anniversary and all around us were signs; ‘Reformation 2017’. We were on our way to Israel for 31st October celebration at Beersheba. I suddenly realised the Reformation and Beersheba charge (that prepared for Israel to be a nation) were the same date but 400 years apart! On returning home, my research revealed 31st October was a day in history when God had, more than once, intervened in the affairs and faith of His people!
Yet most people only think of Halloween on 31st October. Even Christians get fooled into decorating pumpkins, putting up symbols of death and tricking and treating. Wouldn’t it be better to celebrate what God has done, and sing songs of praise to Him?
On this day:
- 31st October 1517 Martin Luther nailed his thesis to church door in Wittenberg. This ‘Reformation Day’ celebrates salvation is by faith rather than by paying ‘indulgences’. The reformation was also known as the singing revival. Martin Luther translated hymns into common German language (rather than Latin) and wrote contemporary melodies to replace Gregorian chants.
- 31st October 1904 Evan Roberts was preaching in Wales. It is considered to be the start of the Welsh revival.
- 31st October 1917 Beersheba Charge The ANZAC’s (Australian & New Zealand army corps) had the first victory over the Ottoman Empire which opened up the Holy Land for Israel to become a nation in 1948.
- Balfour Declaration. Though signed on 2 November 1917, the final declaration was drafted and authorised on 31st October, at exactly the same time as the Beersheba charge!
Had God chosen that date to remind the devil that He, the Lord Most High, has the final say? Was it a reminder to the devil that his plans to eradicate God’s people in events around 70 A.D.—would not prevail against the Holy One of Israel?!
Earlier, around 65-70 A.D.;
- The city of Jerusalem was destroyed, causing Jewish people to be dispersed among the nations.
- The early church was being heavily persecuted, again dispersing the Church. On Oct. 27, 312, Constantine’s “vision” led to Christianity being institutionalised and separated from its Hebraic roots. Religion and rituals replaced relationship.
- The Celts of Europe known as Druids, began a pagan festival we know as Halloween. The Celts believed their sun god died on that day, and only sacrifice of innocent human blood would bring him out of the clutches of “Samhain”; what we today call the grim reaper—a skeleton character with a sickle. They believed wicked spirits were released on October 31, and even today it is the highest day of the year among Wiccans and other witches.
‘Trick or treat’ were ‘offerings’ collected by the Druids. These ‘offerings’ could be food, cattle, or child sacrifice from each home. If that household did not donate to the priests, they would curse them by placing a hexagram on their door and casting a spell on the occupants!
What contrasting events on this date!
Did God deliberately choose 31st October date to make a strong statement to the devil? Did God deliberately choose this date to reveal the devil’s plans had been outwitted by two key revivals and the removal of the Ottoman Turks to restore Israel? Did God choose this date to emphasize His love and life is stronger than death?
Revival reminds us that Father God sacrificed for us—He gave His only begotten Son. Whereas, the devil demands human sacrifice, tricks (deception) and treats (bribes).Yet by the blood of Jesus, curses are broken and demons, death and hell are defeated!
Religion and demons have tried for centuries to separate the God of Israel from His people, and the people from His land. But on this same date of revivals, restoration also began to fulfill what the prophets foretold—Jews would return to the Promised Land!
When Israel was exiled in Babylon they hung up their harps and could not sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land. The Reformation and the Welsh revival were both known as ‘singing revivals’. Is it possible, the restoration of the nation of Israel and the singing revivals all beginning on the same “date” is indicative of what God is stamping into that day?
In the west today, we are in a vicious culture war. Many are seeking to eradicate Judean-Christian heritage and to influence ‘who’ we can worship. Ominous signs are in streets, parliaments and media.
Soon after Judge Kavanagh was appointed to the Supreme Court of the U.S.A., witches hosted a night service to hex and curse him. But intercessors surrounded the place and sang about the blood of Jesus! In this season of lawlessness and war against God’s people, we need to know how to wield our authority as His ekklesia.
As the culture wars intensify and escalate, we need to make clear choices. Will you celebrate His miraculous Revivals or Halloween? The choice is plain “choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; 20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life…” (Deut 30:19,20)
If we love Him and choose life, perhaps we should set aside 31st October for special time of praise and worship to the King of kings?
The best way to remember His miracles is to spend time praising Him and honour the Lamb of God whose blood redeemed us. Spend the day in thanks and worship to the King of kings, the Holy One of Israel!