If Christmas is pagan, should Christians be involved?

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 - June 7, 2010

Courage for Conflict - Endurance & Reward - class for adults

Listen

2nd Timothy Chapter 2 theme is "getting a mindset". Mindset is a focal point (Rom 8:5-8, Col 3:1-3). The ultimate goal is becoming an overcomer. Endurance means we'll stand under the pressure (2Ti 2:3, 2Ti 2:10, 2Ti 2:12). We can have peace through difficulty (Rom 5:1-5).

How do you endure?

Be strengthened in Grace (2Ti 2:1);

Keep eyes on Christ (2Ti 2:8);

Remember you are enduring for the sake of others (2Ti 2:10);

Study the word of God (2Ti 2:15).

Stay pure (2Ti 2:21).

Endurance will be worth it at the Bema Seat of Christ (2Ti 2:11-13).

Paul mentions 4 doctrines (2Ti 2:11-13):

regeneration or new birth (2Ti 2:11);

eternal rewards (2Ti 2:12);

loss of eternal reward (2Ti 2:13);

eternal security (2 Ti 2:12).

Crown of life is rewarded for endurance (Jam 1:12, 2Ti 2:12). "If we deny him [endurance], He will also deny us [reward]" (2Ti 2:12). We all have a base inheritance (1Pe 1:4-5). How much do we want to increase our inheritance? The foundation is faith, and the issue becomes eternal reward (1Co 3:11-15). Inheritance applies to those with eternal life (1Co 6:8-10, Gal 5:18-21, Eph 5:2-5, Col 3:23-24). Every child of God will inherit something, but there's also a reward above the basic level. We've already entered the Kingdom of God, but there are other benefits such as righteousness, peace and joy and power (Rom 14:17, 1Co 4:20). Life of obedience enjoys inheritance now. Mature sons are led by the Spirit of God (Rom 8:14-17); we were placed into the family as matures sons so we could immediately begin to draw on the resources of God. If we endure with Him we'll reign with Him. If we are born into the family we are heirs (1Pe 1:4-5), but "joint-heirs" if we suffer with Him (Rom 8:17, Phi 1:29). When you act in disobedience we lose potential position in reigning. The loss of a day by failing to endure has impact in eternity. The greatest reward in eternity are given to people who finish the race.

Scripture References: Galatians 5:18-21, Philippians 1:29, James 1:12, Romans 8:17, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:14-17, Colossians 3:1-3, Romans 14:17, Romans 8:5-8, Colossians 3:23-24, Ephesians 5:2-5