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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 - December 11, 2009

Power of Praise #4

We've been redeemed to be a trophy of His Grace — to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ. The Praise of Proclamation is illustrated by Jesus Christ (Heb 2:10-13). We are a highly prised gift to Jesus Christ from God the Father. Jesus' anguish (Psa 22:1-21), is turned to praise (Psa 22:22-31, Joh 10:10-11). God doesn't ignore us in our affliction (Psa 22:24) in the sense of fulfilling purpose (Luk 18:1-8). What was the joy (Heb 12:2)? Us. Example is Daniel and friends in the midst to the fire proclaim Sovereign power (Dan 3:17-18); their willingness to stand firm and praise resulted in reward — fellowship with Christ and impact. They left the deliverance option to the Lord. Reward was when Nebuchadnezzar responded (Dan 3:28-30). Proclamation of deliverance an victory ahead of time by David: "the battle is the Lord's" (1Sa 17:45-47). David often praised God ahead of time (1Sa 26:23, Psa 43:5). Proclamation of trust (Job 1:20-21, Job 2:9-10, Job 13:15). Job regains praise after repenting (Job 38:1-2, Job 42:1-6).



Scripture References: John 10:10-11, Psalms 43:5, Psalms 22:22-31, Daniel 3:28-30, Job 42:1-6, Psalms 22:1-21, Daniel 3:17-18, Job 38:1-2, Hebrews 2:10-13, Hebrews 12:2, Job 13:15, Luke 18:1-8, Job 2:9-10, Psalms 22:24, Job 1:20-21

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