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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 17 - Suffering Injustice

Psalm 17 - Suffering Injustice

Peter write a manual on unjust suffering using Christ as our example (1Pe 2:19-25). Jesus suffered injustice committing Himself to the Father "who judges righteously". Outline: (1) commitment (Psa 17:1-5) (2) conduct (Psa 17:6-8) (3) consider (Psa 17:9-15). Commit your cause to the Father and His character will be on the line (Psa 17:2, Jam 4:12, Joh 5:22). Unjust suffering is a test of our character and faith (Psa 17:3-5, 1Pe 1:7, Jam 1:12). Vengeance is God's (Rom 12:19). The Devil tempts us to react, to demand what's right (Psa 17:4-5, Rom 12:19). David recognizes he needs help to stay on the path in fellowship (Psa 17:5-8, 1Co 10:13). Satan and the wicked focus on this life to enrich themselves at the expense of others (Psa 17:10-12, 1Pe 5:8, Joh 8:44). David realizes he'll wake up in the reflection of Him (Psa 17:15). Possibly the setting for Psalm 17: Saul is told that the Philistines have attacked and withdraws from pursuing David (1Sa 23:24-29)

Scripture References: Psalms 17:3-5, Psalms 17:10-12, John 5:22, Psalms 17:5-8, James 4:12, Romans 12:19, Psalms 17:2, Psalms 17:4-5, Psalms 17:9-15, Romans 12:19, Psalms 17:15, Psalms 17:6-8, James 1:12, John 8:44, Psalms 17:1-5

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