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 #17

Ephesians #17

Each of us have a part to play in Christ's body (Rom 12:1-7). The only way to "walk worthy" is to play the play God has for us, given at the point of salvation (Eph 4:7). Paul quotes Psa 68:18 in Eph 4:8, changing it to mystery doctrine. Spiritual gifts could only be given after the resurrection. 1Co 12:4-6 characterizes the gifts as having different ministries and effects. Eph 4:9-10 Jesus' ultimate victory is something in which we participate. We've been given only one spiritual gift; we are a steward of it for the benefit of others (1Pe 4:10-11). Two categories of gifts: communication and ministry (Eph 4-11-12). Existence of gifts is evidence of Christ's victory at the cross and resurrection (Joh 16:7-11). Before gifts could be given, the Holy Spirit had to be (Act 2:38). The sovereign will of the Holy Spirit gives the gifts -- we don't pick it (1Co 12:1-31). Recognizing your gift is a matter of spiritual growth and practice in service. The effectiveness of our gift is in proportion to our faith and growth (Rom 12:1-7). Temporary gifts extent in the age of apostles (e.g., apostles and prophets and tongues) have ceased (1Co 13:8-13).

Scripture References: Ephesians 4:9-10, Ephesians 4:8, Psalms 68:18, Romans 12:1-7, Ephesians 4:7, Acts 2:38, Romans 12:1-7, John 16:7-11, Ephesians 4:10-11

More Messages

Powered by Series Engine