Jim began the program with news out of Israel that all remaining live hostages taken by Hamas were returned to Israel amidst great joy and celebration. He also noted that as part of this, President Trump made an address before the Israeli Knesset. Be listening to Crosstalk tomorrow where we will have more on this story as details continue to unfold. While the celebration of Halloween in America goes back many years, it's become such a phenomenon that spending on this holiday is forecast to reach a record high of over 13 billion dollars, with the average person spending just over $114. Is this day and its various activities just innocent fun or is it something that glorifies Satan and the occult and therefore should be avoided? Returning to Crosstalk to answer that question was Dr. David Brown, Pastor Emeritus of the First Baptist Church in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Dr. Brown began the discussion regarding Halloween with a Bible verse that should put to rest any controversy surrounding this issue. That verse is 1 Timothy 4:1 which says: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" From that basis, Dr. Brown continued by providing some background information to get listeners to see exactly why the Bible contains this warning. So this edition of Crosstalk you'll learn about: The history of Halloween going back to the days of the Druids. The history of Halloween costumes, bonfires, trick or treat and jack-o'-lanterns. "White witchcraft"--Is it really different? The astonishing number of people relying on astrology, tarot cards, fortune tellers and horoscopes.
