If Christmas is pagan, should Christians be involved?

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 - January 20, 2003

A Faith That Endures #2

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James is explaining discipleship, not eternal salvation; recurring subjects -- trials, wisdom, lust, saved by works, death, tongue, doer of the word, and hearer only. Key verse: Jam 1:12 -- blessed is the one who endures temptation. Active idea in the Greek -- triumphant endurance -- receiving the Crown of Life for loving the Lord. The plan and purpose of God is working in us through suffering. Churches scattered from Saul's persecution (Act 8:1-4, Jam 1:1-4). "Patience has its perfect work in the school of delay" (E.M. Bounds). We are God's masterpiece (2Co 5:17, Eph 2:8-10, Gal 2:20). Illustrated by Rom 5:1-5, Paul's writings complement James'. "Hope" is confident expectation (1) the power of the word gives us assurance (Jam 1:21 ); (2) hope is purifying (1Jn 3:3); (3) providential plan of God (Rom 8:28); (4) living hope (1Pe 1:3); (5) the promise of God (Joh 14:3); (6) the blessed hope (Tit 2:13, 1Jo 2:28). Suffering reveals a need (Jam 1:5-8). Wisdom is the ability to live life God's way. God gives wisdom in accordance with need. If you've been already been given it, God expects a step of faith -- "the answer will come as you go". When wisdom comes (Luk 3:5, 1Co 1:30) it takes the lowly and lifts them, and takes the proud and humbles them. "Let" -- He wants us to permit Him to unleash His power in our lives (Col 3:15-16; Isa 30:18). "Waiting on the Lord" means "Let God have His way". Everyone - high or low -- is equal in Christ. "Count it all joy" knowing 7 things: (1) Providence of God (Jam 1:1-4, Rom 8:28); (2) Power of prayer (Jam 1:5-8, 1Jo 5:14-15); (3) Position in Christ (Jam 1:9-11, Col 3:1-4); (4) Perversion of sin (Jam 1:13-15, 2Co 11:3); (5) Purpose in His plan (Jam 1:16-18, Rom 8:29); (6) Power of word (Jam 1:19-21, Rom 1:14, Rom 1:17); (7) Practice as a disciple (Jam 1:22-27, Heb 5:14).

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: James 1:19-21, James 1:5-8, James 1:5-8, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:29, John 2:28, Romans 8:28, Galatians 2:20, James 1:16-18, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 5:14, James 1:1-4, Ephesians 2:8-10, James 1:13-15, John 14:3, James 1:22-27, Isaiah 30:18, James 1:1-4, Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:28, Romans 1:17, Colossians 3:15-16, Acts 8:1-4, James 1:9-11, John 3:3, Romans 1:14, Luke 3:5, James 1:12, John 5:14-15, James 1:1