The Christmas Gospel 12/8/2012

The Holy Spirit was abundant in blessing the proclamation of the glorious Gospel. Debby, Sai and Sharon were joined by Ruth, David, Mark, Elder Bob, the two Deans, and the two Steves.

"The Reason for the Season" was the recurrent theme as the Word was preached with passion and clarity as shoppers and moviegoers passed by the "Holiday" tree.

 Back in full voice, Mark emphasized the "happy holiday" known as Christmas, and told of how Jesus' birth provided the ultimate gift of a Savior to reconcile sinful men with the perfectly righteous God.

The Lord provided many witnessing opportunities. Sharon and Steve always seem to excel at sharing the Gospel with complete strangers in lengthy conversations. Many Bibles and tracts were given out, as well as invitations to the Christmas Concerts at CBC.

 Elder Bob boldly preached from Romans chapter one, while it is still legally permitted.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. . . because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:18-22)

 Dave joined up later, proclaiming the Gospel straight-forwardly, and engaging in several one-to-one sessions.

Elder Bob took his turn contending with our friend Roger "The Nemesis." One of many who embrace the spirit of the age, Roger asserts that one can only know God through intellectual pursuit of esoteric wisdom. He rejects the plain meaning of scripture, choosing to re-interpret the Bible according to the insights of "enlightened" men who put their faith in personal experience rather than the inspired and inerrant Word of God.

The Apostle Paul said of these men, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 18-21)