Is the celebration of Halloween (at any level) innocent? Are haunted houses and horror movies doorways to evil or fun ways to get an adrenaline rush? Does God care about involvement with these festivities?

The beginning of humankind came with free-will. It hasn't changed since, even this side of the cross. We still have the ability to make choices- and- our choices reveal what we come into agreement with. That means we say "yes" to the things we watch, listen to, binge on, attend, etc.

Philippians 4:8 advises us to think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praisworthy....ergo, anything not in this list is not worth our attention.

So, is there any room (even a tiny bit) for us to focus on anything that's not? Even when it's not popular to do so?

Clarifying on past episodes- YES, community and the local church are absolutely important and needed in our pursuit of Jesus. However, our identity is NOT in our church- our identity is IN Christ. So, what does a healthy church and believer-centered communities look like? What should their function be? As the church are we creating culture that attracts people to Jesus or distracts them away from Him?

What do we do with the unexpected?

Jesus on the Water: Matthew 14:22-33

3 Applicable points in the midst of Intersection:

1. Take Courage- security is NOT in understanding

2. Recognize Jesus- Where is God in the situation?

3. Don't Fear

We are not to be BRACED against circumstances, but we are EMBRACED by Jesus in all circumstances

Other Scripture:

Romans 8:28

1 John 4:18

Ephesians 3:20

Ephesians 6:10-20

Isaiah 49:25

James 1:17

You don't have to have this- God HAS this!

How many times do our own beliefs, understanding of truth, theology, tradition, etc get in the way of getting to know God? Is it possible these exact places God is desiring you to explore and, perhaps, lay down those things we hold so tightly in order to have greater access and freedom to Him....maybe?