CityView Magazine

16 | September/October 2017 Halloween is not the devil's special day; it is a celebration of his defeat. e German Reformer, Martin Luther, once said, "e best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." e devil is delighted when he is feared. But he hates to be taken lightly, because that wounds his pride. So, should Christians celebrate Halloween? Perhaps the better question is, can anyone who is not a Christian truly celebrate Halloween? e Christian conscience is free from all man-made traditions, including extra-biblical holy days. But there can be value in remembering the martyrs and other faithful Christians who have gone before us. Hebrews 13:7 says, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Should you choose to celebrate Halloween, here are some suggestions for Christians to make the most of it: Read a biography about a Christian who overcame by being a faithful witness. Talk to your children/friends about Christ's victory over the forces of evil. ink about the saints in your own life who have gone to be with the Lord. Pray for the persecuted church. Yes, the church is still persecuted in many parts of the world. Look for opportunities to present a Christ-centered perspective on the conflict of good and evil. Eat candy (in healthy moderation of course)! And give some away! For Protestants, look for a Reformation Day party to learn more about the Protestant movement. It is, aer all, the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 eses, posted on October 31st 1517. CV (910) 867-9700 • 351 Wagoner Drive, Suite 200, Fayetteville, NC 28303 • www.ccpfc.org PFC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by public & private funds through Smart Start, NC Pre-K, tax-deductible donations and grants. � Apply Today � Applications accepted at Partnership for Children of Cumberland County or any NC Pre-K site location. Placement is not guaranteed, and your child may be offered placement in a site different from your preferred location. ENROLLING NOW! FREE High-Quality North Carolina Pre-K for Eligible 4-Year-Olds • Your child must turn FOUR (4) on or before August 31, 2017 • Your family gross income is at or below 75% of the state median income • A variety of site locations, including Cumberland County schools, Head Start and private • For more information, contact Partnership For Children of Cumberland County • Applications are accepted all year • Non-income based qualifying factors (not required) • Limited English Proficiency • A chronic health condition • Developmental or educational need • Military family status (active duty, disabled injury or deceased in the line of duty) � One-third of achievement gaps can be closed by early education � Pre-K students learn expectations and routines through close communication with other children � Studies show children who attend preschool are more confident � Preschool offers countless additional benefits for your child's educational success! Contact Us Today. Let Us Help You Be The Driving Force For Your Child! Be the Driving Force... . . . to create a foundation for all future learning

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