Every year as people around the world start prepping costumes, buying candy, and putting up spooky decor in October, a question resounds for many Christians: should we celebrate Halloween? This can be a tricky topic to navigate with many different perspectives and ideas surrounding it. In order to best address this question, we have to first look at the origins of Halloween and also consider the modern implications of the holiday…

“Why should we not include the apocrypha in our modern Bibles? It was written around the same time and was in the Bible for a long time and still is for 70% of Christianity?”

Let’s preface all this with an analogy.

Say you come to me with a medical question (bad idea to start with, but roll with me here). I listen, try to understand what you’re dealing with, then promise to send you links to some articles addressing your issue so you know what sort of treatment to pursue. So what am I gonna do at that point? Just Google “stomach pains” and see what pops up? Randomly send you the first four results? Or will I, to the best of my ability, make every effort to make sure that what I send you is accurate, reliable, and authoritative in its advice?

Modesty. Just say the word and many people immediately grab their soapbox and get ready to spout their opinions on the subject. While no two opinions are completely alike, many would agree that a modest home, for example, is considered a well-cared for, but basic house. The same is true regarding a modest meal. While it may be small and simple, it’s still healthy and good. Although we likely disagree on the details, most of us agree that modest clothing is a good thing, yet when it comes to our behavior and abilities, people frequently say, “Don’t be so modest.” Like it’s a bad thing. So which is it?

“How can I grow in discernment? What does that actually mean? Is that different than wisdom?”

We talk about wisdom and discernment, but what do they mean? We may want to be wise and discerning but how do we do that? They are closely related, and we can grow in both, but before looking at how to grow, let’s define discernment and wisdom. In a devotional from the NIV Lifehacks Bible, wisdom is defined as “a capacity of the mind that allows us to understand life from God’s perspective.” Wisdom comes from a proper view of God…

“What do I do if I get a suicidal text from one of my friends, telling me that they’re about to end their life. Who do I go to/what do I do to help them? Is praying a good thing to do at this time?”

First off, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988 to speak with someone 24/7. You also have people here at Impact who want to walk alongside you if you’d like to speak to someone face to face. There is so much hope for you. You are loved beyond words.

This week, guest writer Nate Corley answers a student submitted question about the nature of Satan and how our understanding of who he is informs our view of God. Keep reading to learn more.