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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 #14

Elisha gets a double portion of Elijah's effectiveness (2Ki 2:9-15). Elijah confronts Ahab for killing Naboth to take his vineyard (1Ki 21:1-29). Elijah illustrates the difficulty in the life of a believer. A prophet was to take a stand against evil. God's plan elevated a prophet over a king -- spiritual over political. Elijah believed the word of the Lord enough to die for it. Ahab could have killed him. Ahab is as guilty as his wife. Ahab repented, but the Lord followed through on the manner of the deaths of Ahab and Jezebel. Elijah confronts Ahaziah when he seeks guidance from an idol (2Ki 1:1-4, 1Co 10:20). Ahaziah sends men to get Elijah three times (2Ki 1:5-15). The third captain humbled himself and was spared and Elijah confirms God's word about Ahaziah (2Ki 1:15-17). Elijah fulfilled his purpose. He bought time for people. Elisha and Elijah goes to the cities of the schools of the prophets before the chariot of fire comes to get Elijah (2Ki 2:1-15).

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