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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 - October 26, 2003

Psalm 16 - Elements of Pilgrim Life

Psalm 16 - Elements of Pilgrim Life

We are sojourners and pilgrims (1Pe 2:9-11) - aliens in this life. Psalm 16 has the following elements: a prayer for watch-care, the expression of total dependence, a declaration of devotion, thankful contentment, a firm assurance, and a blessed hope. Seven conditions of a pilgrim: (1) There's a sense of constant threat as opposed to refuge - casah (Psa 16:1, 2Co 4:4). We live in a battlefield (Eph 6:12). (2) There's necessity for spiritual adjustment (Psa 16:2-3). Apart from Jesus Christ, we are the same old sinners (Rom 7:18). Love exalts others above self (Psa 16:3, Jam 1:17, Phi 2:3). Only spiritual growth and fellowship can keep us grace oriented. (3) Pilgrim life is progressive sanctification (Psa 16:4-5, 2Pe 1:2). Idol worshipers are a contrast (Jer 2:11, Rom 1:23). We are sanctified progressively through spiritual growth and practical application (Joh 17:17, Rom 12:1-2, 1Th 4:3). (4) A thankful contentment is difficult; it's easy to complain (Psa 16:5-6, Psa 23:5). We cannot lose what God has provided in Grace (Rom 11:29). (5) Stability in times of trial (Psa 16:7-8). David makes a commitment praise the Lord no matter what his lot may be (Psa 16:7). (6) We can pass through this world with hope - Hebrew batach (Psa 16:9, Phi 4:4, Job 19:25-26). (7) Anticipation or expectation of entering heaven (Psa 16:10-11). " Holy One" is applied to the Messiah Jesus Christ (Act 2:24-32). "In Your presence is fullness of joy...(Psa 37:4).

Scripture References: Psalms 16:2-3, Psalms 37:4, Jeremiah 2:11, Romans 11:29, Ephesians 6:12, Acts 2:24-32, Psalms 16:4-5, Psalms 23:5, Psalms 16:1, Job 19:25-26, Philippians 2:3, Psalms 16:5-6, Psalms 2:9, Philippians 4:4, James 1:17, Romans 12:1-2, Psalms 16:9, Psalms 16:3, John 17:17, Psalms 16:7, Romans 7:18, Romans 1:23, Psalms 16:7-8

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