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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 #23

Moses points to Christ. There's a righteousness apart from the law; but the law points to it (Rom 3:21). Moses as representative of the law, points us to Christ (Gal 3:24). Moses often represents the first five books of the bible (Luk 24:27). Moses could view the land but not enter it (Deu 34:1-3). Application: (1) Law can't save you; (2) cannot make you spiritual -- cannot lead you to rest.; (3) the law cannot bless you (Rom 3:20) -- that which comes by faith. The representative of the law, Moses, could not go into the land (Deu 34:4-6, Heb 6:18). Sin separates us from God's plan (Isa 59:1-2). Moses testifies to the faithfulness of God and sinfulness of man. Joshua took over to go into the land (Deu 34:9). There was a fight over the body of Moses when he died (Jud 1:9). Joshua is a prophetic picture of Christ (Hebrew for "Jesus"): Only the Lord can give us rest, lead us to blessing, spirituality and fruitfulness depends upon the finished work of Jesus. The failure of Moses: Situation was "no water" again. The people say in essence that "God didn't fulfill His promises" (Num 20:1-6); carnality never changes. Moses is a type of Christ (Num 20:6): he is a deliverer; he is a law giver (Jam 4:11); he is the mediator (1Ti 2:5); he is an intercessor (Joh 17:1-26); he is our mentor -- the instructor and example. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock (Num 20:7-8). Same situation occurred before (Exo 17:6). Moses knew that the rock represents Christ, the Messiah (1Co 10:4); Jesus Christ was smitten just once for our salvation (Heb 10:10, Heb 10:12, Heb 10:14, Joh 19:30). Salvation was wrought before Christ died while on the cross. The cross gives us our criteria and perspective of the resurrection. Moses violates the principle of the cross (Num 20:10-11). God gave water in grace, but the mark of spirituality is the cross with joy. God responds to Moses (Num 20:12-13) Moses didn't believe, obey, nor glorify God. The Lord invites us to join in His glorification; if we don't He still glorifies himself. Speaking to the rock is what is necessary - "...call upon His name..." (Rom 10:13). The Law cannot lead you to victory, but must lead you to Christ. Moses recounts the scene (Deu 3:23-28). The Law giving way before Christ is Moses handing over command to Joshua. Moses directly prophesied Christ "the Prophet" (Deu 18:15-19). Moses and Elijah will be recognized (Luk 9:28-30). They represent the Law and the Prophets. The transfiguration (Joh 1:14). Moses and Elijah have work yet to do (Rev 11:3-12) to establish right relationships with God. This was prophesied (Mal 4:1-6). They'll turn hardened rebellious people back to the Lord during the tribulation.

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 34:1-3, Romans 10:13, Jude 1:9, Malachi 4:1-6, Exodus 17:6, Luke 24:27, Numbers 20:12-13, Deuteronomy 34:9, Revelation 11:3-12, Numbers 20:7-8, Galatians 3:24, Numbers 20:10-11, Isaiah 59:1-2, John 1:14, John 17:1-26, Romans 3:21, John 19:30, Hebrews 6:18, Luke 9:28-30, James 4:11, Hebrews 10:14, Deuteronomy 34:4-6, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Numbers 20:6, Hebrews 10:12, Romans 3:20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28, Numbers 20:1-6, Hebrews 10:10

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