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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 - September 25, 2003

Ezekiel #5

Ezekiel #5

Ezekiel saw the throne of God mercy seat was under the shadow o f the cherubim wings. Ekeziel was sent to his people to warn of impending danger (Eze 3:17-19). “Stumbling block” is God’s turning over to failure based on what is in the person’s heart (Eze 3:20). Warning to a righteous man gets saved (Hab 2:4, Heb 10:38). God’s disciplinary process is first rebuke, chastening, scourging (Gal 6:2, Heb 11:5-8, 2Ti 3:16). The sin unto death is the next step (1Jo 5:16, 1Co 5:1-5). Israel had idols in their hearts and fell under severe judgment (Eze 14:1-23). JUMPS FORWARD TO Eze 4:12-17. Cycles of discipline are for a nation (Lev 26:18-35). (1) Ezekiel reaches hardened people (2) Ezekiel acts out the Word. (3) Ezekiel exemplifies what Peter had to do (1Pe 3:15). (4) Ezekiel was silent but acted per God’s commands (5) God wants us to be doers of the word (Jam 1:19-22) (6) what would be different if we were convicted that the word was true. (7) Ezekiel is a powerful challenge that God wants visual aids.

Scripture References: Ezekiel 3:20, Ezekiel 14:1-23, Ezekiel 3:17-19, John 5:16, Hebrews 11:5-8, Galatians 6:2, James 1:19-22, Hebrews 10:38, Leviticus 26:18-35, Habakkuk 2:4, Ezekiel 4:12-17

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