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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 11, 2000

Elijah #8

Daniel had a faithful, devoted and disciplined life (Dan 9:1-19); his prayers were based on the word of God. Daniel confessed the sins of Israel as if he was complicit. Prayer demands separation and isolation (1Ki 18:41-46, Mat 6:6). Prayer in faith expects answers. Prayer in power perseveres; Elijah prayed 7 times (1Th 5:17, Luk 18:1). Prayer is the exercise that develops spiritual muscle in the Christian life (Mat 26:41, Isa 40:31). Prevailing prayer includes suitable action; Elijah "girds up" and we need to as well (1Pe 1:13, Eph 6:14, Heb 12:1). Prevailing prayer empowers one spiritually (1Ki 18:46). Prayer appropriates Gods power for whatever is required (Act 4:29-31). Prayer is a Grace provision and gift. Through prayer we have access to the throne room of the Omnipotence of God (Rom 5:1-2).

Scripture References: Matthew 26:41, Luke 18:1, Romans 5:1-2, Matthew 6:6, Acts 4:29-31, Daniel 9:1-19, Hebrews 12:1, Ephesians 6:14, Isaiah 40:31

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