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 - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 14

He is not ashamed to call us brethren (Heb 2:14). Paul uses Elijah as example to illustrate the role of the remnant during times of apostacy (Rom 11:1-6). "There is a remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom 11:5). Grace is God's invitation (Rom 5:8). Faith is the response to the call. When Grace and faith come together, that's "the election of grace". We should have the confidence that the remnant has. Has God forsaken Israel? No (Rom 11:1). Paul knew he was part of the remnant in a theocratic nation. Today there is a remnant (Rom 11:5). Out of the national people of God were a few who were of the spiritual people of God (Christians). Paul stood accountable to God (1Co 4:3-4, Joh 16:7-11).

Scripture References: Romans 5:8, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:1-6, Hebrews 2:14, John 16:7-11, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:1

More Messages

Powered by Series Engine