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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 31

The "blessed hope" has the power to give us perspective, motivation and is the key to being transformed (Rom 12:2). As a new creature we can accept the attitudes and actions of this world bu we'll never be conformed. Transformation comes by the "renewing of your mind". We must "beautify" the word of God to the world (Tit 2:11-14). Virgin birth is the point of time when God's Grace appeared (Tit 2:11, Joh 1:14, Joh 1:17). Epiphany means "the appearance of God" is used for first and second advent (1Ti 1:10, 1Ti 6:14). Salvation came to man (2Co 5:21, Rom 5:12). General Grace instructs us -- it is multiplied to us when we study (1Pe 1:2, Tit 2:12, 2Ti 3:16). "deny ungodliness" is making ourselves that living sacrifice (Rom 12:2). Godliness is Christ in the flesh; ungodliness is religion (1Ti 3:16). Good without God is evil (e.g., Cain and his offering). Living godly is living by faith and is Christ centered (Gal 2:20) -- Christ living through us. Righteousness is a right relationship to God (Rom 12:1) -- to "live sensibly and righteously" (Tit 2:12) is godliness. "Looking for the blessed hope" (Tit 2:13, Psa 37:4). The return of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all His promises. Romance is the melding of souls, communication, and companionship (e.g. Eve "suited" for Adam). "Looking for" the blessed hope means "to embrace face to face" His appearing; this is the dynamic of the Christian life. Resurrection is the promise of His return. Hope is found in three views: "the blessed hope" (Tit 2:13); "living hope" (1Pe 1:3); "the purifying hope" (Joh 3:3). 1Co 13:13 shows that faith is bridged to love by hope. "Looking" is found regarding Simeon (Luk 2:21-25) the same as found in Tit 2:13. Simeon was "looking for the consolation of Israel". Promises (i.e., living in hope) escape the corruption in the world (2Pe 1:4).

Scripture References: Romans 12:1, Luke 2:21-25, Titus 2:11, Galatians 2:20, John 3:3, Titus 2:11-14, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:13, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:12, Psalms 37:4, Romans 5:12, Titus 2:13, John 1:17, Titus 2:12, Titus 2:13, John 1:14

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