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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 - April 8, 2000

Simplicity in Christ #4

2018 AYC Ladies Classes

After being attacked by Herodians, Pharisees, and Saducees, Jesus answer was simple "you are mistaken because you don't know the scriptures, nor the power of God" (Mat 22:29). Complexity comes from the fall of man -- sin, evil. Jesus' approach to scripture . The Word is simple and liberates us from the complexities of life. (1) Jesus saw God as His Father and provider (Mat 6:25-33), therefore commands we "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". The way to keep life simple is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. Salvation is simple. You cannot serve God and "money" at the same time (Mat 6:24); you have to leave your provision in His hands. The only way to serve God is to actively seek His will by faith (Mat 6:10). Money enslaves us and keeps us in the realm of anxiety. The God of the universe has the power to hear and answer our prayers (Mat 7:7-12).  Disobedience disqualifies any prayer. Effective prayer is persistent (Luk 18:1-8). Knock means to be insistent. When we're not knocking on His door, He's knocking on ours. An answer is always certain (Mat 7:8). When we seek, we need to add looking for guidance from His Word.



Scripture References: Matthew 7:7-12, Matthew 6:10, Matthew 6:24, Matthew 6:25-33, Matthew 22:29, Matthew 7:8, Luke 18:1-8

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