One of the Most Difficult Situations to Handle
Copied from the sermon notes of Pastor Don Elmore
April 26, 2026
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 12:10:
10) “And they [Israelites] cried unto the LORD, and said, We [Israelites] have sinned, because we [Israelites] have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us [Israelites] out of the hand of our [Israelite] enemies [Hazor, Philistines, and Moab], and we [Israelites] will serve thee [LORD God of Israel].”
Who were the gods, Baal and Ashtaroth, that our ancient fathers worshipped? Are these the same gods that are worshipped today? Will the prayer be repeated by ancient Israel’s children?
Baal: Worshipped in ancient Palestine and recognized as local deities of specific regions who were believed to control fertility, rain, and crops. Holidays celebrated with this god included Halloween, Lent, and Christmas.
Ashtaroth: Astaroth or Astarte or Ishtar is a corrupted derivative of the Canaanite/Phoenician goddess of love and fertility. She was known as the “Queen of Heaven.” Holidays celebrated with this goddess included Easter.
This sermon is my view on which holidays or holy days are truly not Christian and why. It is my opinion and is not meant to cause anyone to be offended. It is not personal, it is factual. But it is one of the most difficult subjects to approach a family member or a close friend on. And one must approach them on this subject, if you don’t want to participate in all the activities around Christmas and Easter.



