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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 - February 2, 2003

1st Peter #5

1st Peter #5

We need to be a blessing by serving other (1Pe 2:4-10). Peter emphasizes that we continually come to Him through the Word (Jam 4:8). Jesus Christ is the living stone, elect corner stone (1Pe 2:6), chosen stone, rejected stone (Isa 42:1-2), stumbling stone. "Being built up" only as we come to Him (Mat 16:18). Peter exhorts by reminding we are elect or chosen (1Pe 2:6, 1Pe 2:9, 2Pe 1:10) — "confirm to others to assure them of our calling".



Election:





  1. election is all about Jesus Christ (1Pe 2:6, Isa 42:1);


  2. we have election only through Him; every member of the human race has the potential of being elect;


  3. when the word elect is used in scripture it's corporate (e.g., chosen people);


  4. election is unto eternal privilege; "many are called, few are chosen" what separates those is belief (Eph 1:5, Rom 8:29);


  5. election is by Grace through faith (Eph 2:8, 1Th 1:4-5);


  6. election is the perfect marraige of Sovereignty and freewill (Joh 6:37);


  7. election is the basis of absolute security (1Pe 1:3-5, 1Jo 5:13, Rev 13:8, Rev 17:8, Rev 21:27);


  8. election is is an unfathomable mystery (Rom 11:33).




Those who reject the word stumble — i.e., suffer the judgement to which they are appointed as result of their choice (1Pe 2:8). Evangelistic element in 1Pe 2:9 "that you may proclaim the praises of Him (2Pe 1:2-5)". Our priesthood allows us to "draw near" (Heb 10:19-23) in prayers and praise to God; our ambassadorship "holding fast the confession of our faith" is directed to unbelievers (2Co 5:14-21); our ministry and spiritual gift focuses on fellow believers — i.e., "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works". Beloved is a reminder we share the Love of the Father for His Son (1Pe 2:11, Eph 1:6). Peter is laying out the battle plan for the believer (2Pe 2:13).



Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE

Scripture References: Revelation 21:27, Ephesians 1:5, Revelation 17:8, Isaiah 42:1, Revelation 13:8, Matthew 16:18, John 5:13, Ephesians 1:6, Isaiah 42:1-2, John 6:37, Hebrews 10:19-23, James 4:8, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 11:33, Romans 8:29

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