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Should Christians get involved in supporting or celebrating Christmas? Have you ever heard that argument? Why in the world would Christians want to get involved in something that was really a “pagan holiday,” that we the Church co-opted? So for those critics, I have three points.
Number one: Do you give your kids birthday gifts? You celebrate your kids birthdays, why not celebrate the birth of the Savior? If we’re not going to do it now, when would you decide to do it? That would be a question.
Secondly, in 1st Corinthians 9:22, Paul says, “I became all things to all men, that by all means I may win some.” I can’t think of a time, and I doubt that you could think of a time in the year when there is more focus on the birth of Jesus Christ. Once a year, the world is confronted with the reality of His coming. And I think that’s great!
The third point is in Matthew 16:18,where Jesus said, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The idea is not that we are holding out against the world. The idea is that we are assaulting a world and they cannot overwhelm us. They cannot withstand the assault of the Church. The very fact that you and I are here, 2000 years after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, is evidence of that. The world has done everything it can to squash the message, destroy the Word, and intimidate believers. Yet, all around the world today there are those who are singing praise, spreading the Word and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, if we co-opt or take over Christmas, that’s what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to seize the gates of the enemy. This is why we’re here and why this season is so important.

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 22

Rom 12:1-2 "present your bodies a living sacrifice" means that we stand constantly with a mental attitude and motivation to please God. "acceptable to God" walk by faith; live life through Divine viewpoint. Jesus Christ set the motivation standard, the tone of daily life (Rom 15:3, Joh 8:29). This is the essence of discipleship == "take up your cross" (Heb 12:2, Mat 16:24). If the believer seeks the approval of God, he will face hostility from men (Gal 1:10, Luk 16:15). What men strive for God detests. The path of God's approval is persecution (2Ti 3:12, Mat 5:10-12). The issue of relationship with God, and hence acceptability, is love (Rom 13:9) -- adjusting to His standards. To gain God's approval, you need strong motivation (2Ti 2:15). Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because they were motivated to gain the approval of men. God's approval requires we be tested (Phi 3:13). To be a "workman" requires faithfulness (1Co 4:2). The worst thing is to be ashamed at His coming (1Jo 2:28). God's approval is contingent on assimilating God's word (Psa 19:14).

Scripture References: Romans 13:9, Romans 15:3, Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 12:1-2, Luke 16:15, Galatians 1:10, Psalms 19:14, Matthew 16:24, John 2:28, Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 3:13, John 8:29

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