CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO

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 9, 2003

Ephesians #9

Ephesians #9

Ephesians is a book of praise to God regarding His benefits to us. Ephesians 2:1-22 theme is salvation. Were were dead by nature, our way of life, and God's condemnation (Eph 2:1-5, Eph 1:12. We are spiritually dead at birth 1Co15:22. What did God do? (Eph 2:4-7). Salvation is a work for the dead in trespasses and sin (Eph 2:1-3) . Salvation is a threefold work of a triune God -- Love is an expression of Father, Mercy is the cross, Grace is applied from the Spirit (Eph 2:4-8). Salvation deals with three aspects of our experience related to time - the point of salvation, the duration of life, and eternity (Eph 2:7-10). Salvation was undertook by God for those far off and near -- Jew and Gentile (Eph 2:11-13). Salvation is building a household (Eph 2:19-22).

The anatomy of praise (Psa 103:1-22) is a recognition of God's valuable attributes, His Worth -- the reasons we appreciate Him. We need to site the reasons for our thankfulness (Psa 138:1-8). Eph 2:10 reflects the outline of Ephesians - chapters 1 through 3 "created in Christ" and chapters 4 through 6 "for good works ... that we should walk in them".

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:7-10, Ephesians 2:4-8, Ephesians 2:1-3, Psalms 138:1-8, Ephesians 2:4-7, Psalms 103:1-22, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 2:1-5, Ephesians 2:11-13

More Messages from Gene Cunningham | Download Audio

More Messages

Powered by Series Engine