On this episode of Our American Stories every October porches glow with carved pumpkins and streets fill with costumed children but the roots of Halloween reach much deeper than candy and costumes The holiday began as All Hallows' Eve a night of remembrance that blended Christian and Celtic traditions When Irish and Scottish immigrants arrived in the United States they carried those customs with them reshaping the celebration into something distinctly American Historians Lesley Bannatyne and Lisa Morton explain how an ancient ritual became a modern holiday and why Halloween in America continues to reflect both superstition and joy Lesley [... more]

At a time when many people treated the sacraments with superstition John Calvin urged Christians to think biblically about these signs ordained by Christ Today W Robert Godfrey considers the proper role of the sacraments Download W Robert Godfrey's video teaching series The Necessity of Reforming the Church plus the digital study guide with your donation https gift renewingyourmind org Have you downloaded Grow the app from Ligonier Ministries Find clear Bible teaching that guides you daily toward a deeper walk with Christ https grow ligonier org Meet Today's Teacher W Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and [... more]

A discussion on various topics including the challenges of preaching the gospel in Japan, the concept of salvation, the Eastern Orthodox Church's view on assurance of salvation, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the use of bread and wine in Christianity. [... more]

The Book of Revelation describes the wrath of God as a series of judgments that will be poured out on the earth, including painful sores, oceans turned to blood, and freshwater sources turned to blood, ultimately leading to the destruction of the Antichrist's kingdom and the establishment of God's sovereign rule. [... more]

The holiday of Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and spirits of the dead would return to the world of the living. Over time, the festival of Samhain evolved into the Christian holidays of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, but the traditions and superstitions of the original festival were retained. In the 19th century, the holiday of Halloween was popularized in the United States, where it became associated with trick-or-treating, costumes, and other festive activities. [... more]

The Apostle Paul's approach to evangelism in a superstitious city like Athens is characterized by respect, humility, and consideration of others' feelings and convictions. He introduces the true and living God to the Athenian philosophers, setting aside superstition and confronting false belief systems. [... more]

Demons are real spiritual beings with personalities, intelligence, and a specific agenda. They are not just forces or ideas, but actual beings that exist to do Satan's will. Demons are involved in spiritual warfare, and their primary goal is to blind and bind unbelievers, keeping them from trusting in Jesus as their Savior. They also seek to steal God's privileges in this life from believers, such as joy, peace, and contentment. [... more]

Dr. Robert Jeffress explains Satan's plan to destroy everything meaningful in your life, using the temptation equation: corrupt desires, the right bait, and the wrong choice. He also discusses the four times we are most vulnerable to Satan's temptation: after great success, when tired, when alone, and when waiting on God to answer a prayer request. [... more]

The story of the Curse of the Bambino dates back over 100 years, with the Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees in 1918, leading to a run of futility that saw them not win another pennant until 1946. The curse was a popular notion among fans, with many believing it was the reason for the team's repeated failures in the postseason. However, in 2004, the Red Sox came back from a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees in the ALCS, and went on to win the World Series, finally breaking the curse. [... more]

The concept of the illusion of control is explored, where individuals believe they have more influence over outcomes than they actually do, often leading to behaviors such as superstition and overestimation of success. Biblical references and AI-generated content are also discussed, highlighting the complexities of human control and free will. [... more]

The origins of everyday sayings are explored, revealing their fascinating histories, from military-based phrases to horse racing expressions and even ancient Roman superstitions, shedding light on the evolution of the English language. [... more]

A wrong view of God, man, death, and redemption underlies the occult's teachings, which are found in books on New Age spirituality. These teachings are directly opposite to the Bible, and believers must understand sound doctrine to avoid being misled. [... more]

The Bible warns that the whole world lies in the lap of the wicked one, and occultism is a pervasive and growing threat in modern society. Satan remains hidden as he puts ideas and inclinations into people's minds and hearts, using various traps and deceptions to lead them astray. From astrology to witchcraft, and from hidden knowledge to power and wealth, the occult offers a false promise of spiritual fulfillment, but ultimately leads to spiritual deception and demonic influence. [... more]

The virgin birth of Jesus Christ is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, and its significance is often misunderstood by scholars and writers. Pastor Lutzer discusses the importance of understanding the virgin birth and its implications, while also addressing the lies and misconceptions about Jesus presented in books like The Da Vinci Code and The Lost Symbol. [... more]

The Rich Eisen Show discusses the NBA playoffs, with a focus on Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson's performances, and the significance of the Larry O'Brien trophy. The hosts also explore the concept of superstitions and their impact on sports fans. [... more]

The doctrine of predestination, a central tenet of John Calvin's theology, has been a subject of debate and discussion for centuries. Calvin's views on the matter, as outlined in his book 'Institutes,' have had a profound impact on the development of Protestantism and the Reformation. However, critics have pointed out that Calvin's actions, such as the execution of Michael Servetus, have been used to justify persecution and intolerance. A closer examination of Calvin's life and teachings reveals a complex and multifaceted figure, whose legacy continues to shape the Christian faith today. [... more]

The nation of Israel's rejection of God's authority led to the creation of false religions, idolatry, and disobedience, resulting in spiritual confusion and destruction of moral absolutes. Similarly, in modern America, people have rejected God's authority and are following superstitious, Eastern, and New Age beliefs, leading to spiritual confusion and the rejection of true guidance from God's Word. [... more]

The love of God, which is in Christ, is a person, not a principle or mystical force, and it is comprehensive and eternal. Nothing, including death, life, angels, demons, the future, powers, height, depth, or any other created thing, can separate the believer from God's love. [... more]

The Israelites' defeat in battle highlights their misplaced faith in the ark of the covenant, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and obeying His commands. This theme is still relevant today, as people often rely on external symbols or rituals rather than a genuine relationship with God. [... more]

The prophet Isaiah wrote about the need for a Wonderful Counselor, a figure who would bring light and guidance to a people living in darkness and distress. This theme is repeated throughout history, as people in every generation have struggled with the same issues of leadership, materialism, and superstition. The Bible teaches that God's plan of salvation is the answer to these problems, and that his light can shine into the darkness, bringing peace and joy to those who seek it. [... more]