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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 - June 9, 2000

Life of Moses #3

God's plan does not change with regard to Moses, but Moses changes to align with God's plan (Exo 3:7). God's plan is personal, historical (relates to a set time and event), geographic (the right place), operational (requires deeds, actions), motivational (God wants us to be motivated by love 2Co 5:14), inspirational (the Word of God is our inspirational power), and is unconventional (Isa 55, Psa 103). Our weakness (insufficiency) is the key to benefiting from God's strength, sufficiency (Exo 3:11, 2Co 12:9-10). Moses failures where do to trying to do the right thing at the wrong time and wrong way (Act 7:22-25, Exo 2:11-15). Moses' wounds from past failure come out in his conversation with God; he pleads inadequacy (Exo 3:11-12), and ignorance (Exo 3:13-14, Act 7:22). Moses expresses frustration and bitterness. God responds by telling of His vital role, and promise (Exo 3:14-22). Moses excuse of being rejected (Exo 4:1), makes God more abrupt; He gives Moses signs (Exo 4:2-9). Moses denies his skill (Act 7:22, 1Co 2:1-5, Exo 4:10), and refuses to go -- his bitterness (Exo 4:13). God's anger at Moses comes out (Exo 4:14). God forces Moses to speak through Aaron (divine sarcasm - as Aaron was not nearly as skilled - Exo 4:15-17). Moses does overcome, of course (Deu 33:1). This should be an encouragement to us.

Scripture References: Exodus 3:14-22, Exodus 4:14, Psalms 5:14, Acts 7:22, Exodus 4:13, Exodus 3:7, Exodus 3:13-14, Exodus 4:10, Exodus 3:11-12, Acts 7:22, Exodus 2:11-15, Exodus 4:2-9, Deuteronomy 33:1, Acts 7:22-25, Exodus 4:1, Exodus 4:15-17, Exodus 3:11

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