2007..... MAY IT BE A YEAR OF GROWTH

I want to wish all of you a very blessed New Year
May we all as believers strive this upcoming year grow closer to our Lord and Savior through the study and application of His Word.

Thank you to Jeremy Strong and Family

All of us here at PCC want to thank Jeremy Strong and his parents who are from Tenth Presbyterian church for leading us today song.
Jeremy was filling in for Brian Bivans who was away with his family this weekend.

HOW TO LISTEN TO A SERMON.....By Dr. Philip Ryken

How to Listen to a Sermon
Shortly before college I read Mortimer Adler’s little classic How to Read a Book. That may sound like an odd title. After all, how could somebody read the book unless they already knew how to read? And if they did know how to read, then why would they need to read it at all?


How to Read a Book turned out to be one of the most important books I have ever read. Adler quickly convinced me that I didn’t know how to read a book after all—not really. I didn’t know how to ask the right questions while I was reading, how to analyze the book’s major arguments, or how to mark up my copy for later use.


I suspect that most people don’t how to listen to a sermon, either. I say this not as a preacher, primarily, but as a listener. During the past thirty-five years I have heard more than three thousand sermons. Since I have worshiped in Bible-teaching churches all my life, most of those sermons did me some spiritual good. Yet I wonder how many of them helped me as much as they should have. Frankly, I fear that far too many sermons passed through my eardrums without registering in my brain or reaching my heart.


So what is the right way to listen to a sermon? With a soul that is prepared, a mind that is alert, a Bible that is open, a heart that is receptive, and a life that is ready to spring into action.


The first thing is for the soul to be prepared. Most churchgoers assume that the sermon starts when the pastor opens his mouth on Sunday. However, listening to a sermon actually starts the week before. It starts when we pray for the minister, asking God to bless the time he spends studying the Bible as he prepares to preach. In addition to helping the preacher, our prayers help create in us a sense of expectancy for the ministry of God’s Word. This is one of the reasons that when it comes to preaching, congregations generally get what they pray for.


The soul needs special preparation the night before worship. By Saturday evening our thoughts should begin turning towards the Lord’s Day. If possible, we should read through the Bible passage that is scheduled for preaching. We should also be sure to get enough sleep. Then in the morning our first prayers should be directed to public worship, and especially to the preaching of God’s Word.


If the body is well rested and the soul is well prepared, then the mind will be alert. Good preaching appeals first to the mind. After all, it is by the renewing of our minds that God does his transforming work in our lives (see Rom. 12:2). So when we listen to a sermon, our minds need to be fully engaged. Being attentive requires self-discipline. Our minds tend to wander when we worship; sometimes we daydream. But listening to sermons is part of the worship that we offer to God. It is also a prime opportunity for us to hear his voice. We should not insult his majesty by looking at the people around us, thinking about the coming week, or entertaining any of the thousands of other thoughts that crowd our minds. God is speaking, and we should listen.


To that end, many Christians find it helpful to listen to sermons with a pencil in hand. Although note taking is not required, it is an excellent way to stay focused during a sermon. It is also a valuable aid to memory. The physical act of writing something down helps to fix it in our minds. Then there is the added advantage of having the notes for future reference. We get extra benefit from a sermon when we read over, pray through, and talk about our sermon notes with someone else afterwards.


The most convenient place to take notes is in or on our Bibles, which should always be open during a sermon. Churchgoers sometimes pretend that they know the Bible so well that they do not need to look at the passage being preached. But this is folly. Even if we have the passage memorized, there are always new things we can learn by seeing the biblical text on the page. It only stands to reason that we profit most from sermons when our Bibles are open, not closed. This is why it is so encouraging for an expository preacher to hear the rustling of pages as his congregation turns to a passage in unison.


There is another reason to keep our Bibles open: we need to make sure that what the minister says is in keeping with Scripture. The Bible says, concerning the Bereans whom Paul met on his second missionary journey, “that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11; NKJV). One might have expected the Bereans to be criticized for daring to scrutinize the teaching of the apostle Paul. On the contrary, they were commended for their commitment to testing every doctrine according to Scripture.


Listening to a sermon—really listening—takes more than our minds. It also requires hearts that are receptive to the influence of God’s Spirit. Something important happens when we hear a good sermon: God speaks to us. Through the inward ministry of his Holy Spirit, he uses his Word to calm our fear, comfort our sorrow, disturb our conscience, expose our sin, proclaim God’s grace, and reassure us in the faith. But these are all affairs of the heart, not just matters of the mind, so listening to a sermon can never be merely an intellectual exercise. We need to receive biblical truth in our hearts, allowing what God says to influence what we love, what we desire, and what we praise.


The last thing to say about listening to sermons is that we should be itching to put what we learn into practice. Good preaching always applies the Bible to daily life. It tells us what promises to believe, what sins to avoid, what divine attributes to praise, what virtues to cultivate, what goals to pursue, and what good works to perform. There is always something God wants us to do in response to the preaching of his Word. We are called to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22; NKJV). And if we are not doers, then we were not hearers, and the sermon was wasted on us.


Do you know how to listen to a sermon? Listening—really listening—takes a prepared soul, an alert mind, an open Bible, and a receptive heart. But the best way to tell if we are listening is by the way that we live. Our lives should repeat the sermons that we have heard. As the apostle Paul wrote to some of the people who listened to his sermons, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:2-3; NKJV).

HAPPY NEW YEAR........2007

As a new year is upon us and as we begin to make our new years resolutions, lets keep in mind one fact that may slip our minds at times.

and that is this is the day God chose to give us yesterday is gone tomorrow is not ours but today if you have breath in your body that is given to you by Almighty God is in your hands.

The question is what will you do with it, as the new year approaches lets begin now by taking each day that God gives us as an opportunity to be used by the King to usher in His Kingdom here on earth.

We can only do this if we take each day as a gift given to us to use for His Glory Alone. And by being obedient to every Word that proceeds from His mouth.

LET US ALL PRAY, STUDY HIS WORD, TAKE EACH DAY AS HIS GIFT, AND TOGETHER TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

HAVE BLESSED NEW YEAR
AS YOU SERVE THE KING

PRAY FOR DR. AL MOHLER

From Al Mohler's blog:


Dr. Albert Mohler is recovering at Louisville's Baptist East hospital following abdominal surgery. Dr. Mohler was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday after experiencing abdominal pain. During a three-hour procedure, surgeons removed scar tissue from a 1980s operation. Dr. Mohler is expected to be released from the hospital next week and will continue his recovery at home. Dr. Russell Moore, dean of the School of Theology and Senior VP for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will host The Albert Mohler radio program until he is able to return to the air. Dr. Mohler's blog and commentary posts will resume as soon as he is able. Please join the Southern Seminary community in praying for Dr. Mohler's quick and total recovery.

Book recommendation

I have read many books on prayer, and some were very meaningful.
But I want to recommend for your reading a book that I believe is the best book I have read on the subject of prayer.

TITLE... When You Pray making the Lords Prayer your own.

BY..... Dr. Philip Graham Ryken

UPDATE..... ON DR. JAMES KENNEDY

12/29/2006

Rick Phillips

I want to thank everyone who is praying for Dr. D. James Kennedy. His condition is improved, though very serious. I spent a good deal of time with him today, praying and reading Scripture. He recognized me and was clearly responsive, although his condition remains very serious. Please pray for continued improvement and a full restoration to health. I was able to assure him of the prayers of many Christians and he was able smile in response

By Rev. Rick Phillips

PRAYER FOR DR. JAMES KENNEDY

12/29/2006

Rick Phillips
Please pray for Dr. D. James Kennedy, his wife and daughter, and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Dr. Kennedy is in grave condition following a heart attack last evening.

Jim's health has deteriorated markedly in the last several months, and he has manfully continued his ministry to the best of his ability. During all my interactions with him even during this trying time, he has exhibited his characteristic good cheer, charm, and force of mind. Along with being a man with great vision for the kingdom of Christ, Jim Kennedy is a true Christian gentleman. Please pray for God to restore him to full health and give him grace as his situation should require

By Rev. Rick Phillips

WASHINGTON DC.

I went to Washington DC yesterday to view the Gutenberg Bible on display at the library of congress. It was amazing to see these works of art up close and just how much of their lives not only went into hand writing these bibles but also into living the Word of God out in their lives. Their were many other bibles on display such as John Bunion along with pilgrims progress.

Q&A WITH DR. RC. SPROUL

How should we be in the world but not of it? What does "not of it" mean?

The New Testament tells us that we are not to be conformed to this world but that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Rom. 12:2).

Let’s look at those two words that are crucial to that discussion in Scripture, the difference between conformity and transformation. The prefix con-means “with.” And so to conform to this world means literally to be with it. That’s one of the strongest drives and temptations that we have as Christians. Nobody wants to be out of it; we want to be “with it.” We want to be up-to-date. We want to fit in. And we’re often engulfed by peer pressure that wants us to imitate and participate in all of the structures and the styles of this world. The Bible says we are not to be conformed to the patterns of this world.

Now, when we hear that as Christians, so often we think that all we have to do is to become obvious nonconformists. So if the world wears buttons and bows, we don’t wear buttons and bows, or if the world wears lipstick, we don’t wear lipstick. We try to show ways in which we are different from the world. But that’s not what the Bible is talking about. It’s not just a matter of being different from the world; we are to go beyond nonconformity to transformation. That fits with everything the Scripture tells us of being salt and light to the world. Something that is transformed is something that is changed. The prefix trans-means “above and beyond.” We are to be above and beyond the standards of this world, not in the sense that we are to elevate ourselves in lofty status above everybody else, but that we are called to a more excellent way of life.

That doesn’t mean you drop out of the world; this world is my Father’s world, and this is the arena of God’s redemption. The tendency has always been to flee from the world and hide in the upper room, but God the Holy Spirit won’t tolerate that. He sends his people into the world. Luther said it this way: “There’s a normal pattern for Christian behavior. The person who’s converted out of the world spends his first days as a Christian in a tendency to completely withdraw from the world, as Paul went to Arabia, for example, or we might have a desire to be so far removed from the stains and the pollution of this world that we become monastic in our thinking—withdrawing, stepping out of the world altogether.”

But Luther said a Christian doesn’t reach maturity until he reenters the world and embraces the world again, not in its worldliness and its ungodly patterns but as the theater and the arena of God’s redemption. That’s what Jesus did; he went into the world in order to save the world. This world is the world that God has committed himself to renew and redeem, and we are to participate in that with him.

PART 2 CHRISTIAN BEHAVOR. BY JOHN CALVIN

That you present your bodies. Therefore, the principal requirement for doing good works is for us
to understand that we are consecrated to the Lord; and from this it follows that we must cease to
live to ourselves, and devote all the actions of this life to obedience to him. Thus, there are two
things to consider: first, that we are the Lord’s; secondly, that we ought for this reason to be holy;
for it is an indignity to the holiness of God that anything should be offered to him unless it first
becomes holy. Granted this, it follows that our whole life should be an exercise in holiness and that
we would not be free from sacrilege if we lapsed into uncleanness; for sacrilege is nothing else
than to profane what is consecrated.
Throughout this passage, Paul uses his words with great propriety. To begin with, he says that we
are to offer our bodies as a sacrifice to God; this implies that we are not a law to ourselves, but
have come entirely under the power of God; which can mean nothing else than that we must renounce
and thus deny ourselves. Then, adding two adjectives, he tells us what kind of sacrifice this ought
to be. Living signifies the nature of our immolation before God; that is, the destruction of our former
life, by which we shall be quickened to a new life. By holy, as we said before, he designates the
quality of the sacrifice offered to God; for a sacrifice is valid only if it has already been sanctified.
The third adjective (acceptable) reminds us that our life is shaped rightly when by our sacrifice we
seek to please God. He offers us a rare consolation when he teaches us that, when we devote
ourselves to innocence and holiness, our labor is pleasing and acceptable to God.
By bodies Paul means not only bone and skin, but our whole being; he uses the word bodies, which
is a part of a man to signify the whole of him, for the members of the body are the means by which
a man acts; but he demands of us integrity not only of the body, but also of the soul and spirit (1
Thess. 5:23). In bidding us to present ourselves, he alludes to the Mosaic sacrifices which were
presented at the altar, as it were in the sight of God. But still, he shows us beautifully that we should
promptly lay hold of God’s commandments and obey them without delay.
So we learn that mortal men err miserably and wander blindly, unless they set themselves to worship
God. Thus we also know what kind of sacrifice Paul recommends to the Christian church. Since
we have been reconciled to God by the sacrifice of Christ alone, by his grace we all have been
made priests, that we may dedicate all we have to the glory of God. . . .

PART 1.... CHRISTIAN BEHAVOR..... BY JOHN CALVIN

1. WORSHIP AND ETHICS

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom. 12:1.


Paul has so far dealt with the things necessary for the building of the Kingdom of God: namely,
for our righteousness to call upon God alone; to seek our salvation from his mercy alone; and to
recognize that the sum of all good is found and is offered us daily in Christ alone. He now rightly
proceeds with the formation of our conduct. If it be true that the soul is, as it were, regenerated for
a heavenly life through a saving knowledge of God and Christ; and if our life itself is formed and
shaped by the holy exhortations and precepts of God — it is futile to search zealously for the
elements of a good life unless it is first established that the source of all righteousness among men
is in God and Christ, that is, in the resurrection of the dead. Here is the difference between
Christianity and philosophy. However splendidly and with whatever great and praiseworthy
inventiveness the philosophers discourse on the subject of morals, yet their ornate and striking
precepts are after all splendid superstructures without a foundation; for, having omitted the first
principles, they present us with a mutilated teaching, not unlike a body without a head. And papal
teaching is not very different; for although the papists say something in passing about faith in Christ
and the grace of the Holy Spirit, it is clear that they are much nearer to the heathen philosophers
than to Christ and his apostles. As the philosophers, before they set down the rules of morality,
discuss the ultimate good, and inquire into the source of all the virtues, from which they draw and

derive all the duties of men; so, also, Paul lays down the first principle from which flow all the
elements of a holy life, that the Lord has redeemed us for no other purpose than that we may
consecrate ourselves and all our members to him. . . .

JOHN CALVIN ON........ KNOWING GOD

1. By the knowledge of God, I understand that by which we not only conceive that there is some
God, but also apprehend what it is for our interest, and conducive to his glory, what, in short, it is
befitting to know concerning him. For, properly speaking, we cannot say that God is known where
there is no religion or piety. I am not now referring to that species of knowledge by which men, in
themselves lost and under curse, apprehend God as a Redeemer in Christ the Mediator. I speak
only of that simple and primitive knowledge, to which the mere course of nature would have
conducted us, had Adam stood upright. For although no man will now, in the present ruin of the
human race, perceive God to be either a father, or the author of salvation, or propitious in any
respect, until Christ interpose to make our peace; still it is one thing to perceive that God our Maker
supports us by his power, rules us by his providence, fosters us by his goodness, and visits us with
all kinds of blessings, and another thing to embrace the grace of reconciliation offered to us in
Christ. Since, then, the Lord first appears, as well in the creation of the world as in the general
doctrine of Scripture, simply as a Creator, and afterwards as a Redeemer in Christ,—a twofold
knowledge of him hence arises: of these the former is now to be considered, the latter will afterwards
follow in its order. But although our mind cannot conceive of God, without rendering some worship
to him, it will not, however, be sufficient simply to hold that he is the only being whom all ought
to worship and adore, unless we are also persuaded that he is the fountain of all goodness, and that
we must seek everything in him, and in none but him. My meaning is: we must be persuaded not
only that as he once formed the world, so he sustains it by his boundless power, governs it by his
wisdom, preserves it by his goodness, in particular, rules the human race with justice and Judgment,
bears with them in mercy, shields them by his protection; but also that not a particle of light, or
wisdom, or justice, or power, or rectitude, or genuine truth, will anywhere be found, which does
not flow from him, and of which he is not the cause; in this way we must learn to expect and ask
all things from him, and thankfully ascribe to him whatever we receive. For this sense of the divine
perfections is the proper master to teach us piety, out of which religion springs. By piety I mean
that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until
men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he
is the author of all their blessings, so that nought is to be looked for away from him, they will never
submit to him in voluntary obedience; nay, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they
will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity.

Q&A WITH DR. RC. SPROUL

How do we reconcile the fact that God is sovereign with the fact that he has given us free will as persons?
I don’t see any problem in reconciling the sovereignty of God with man’s free will as long as we understand the biblical concept of freedom. With respect to mankind, human beings are given the ability to make free choices, but our freedom is a limited freedom. We are not absolutely free. Remember, God said to Adam and Eve, “You may eat of all of the trees in the Garden.” But then he added a restriction: “Of this tree you may not eat. If you do, you will surely die.”

Now, God is a being who has the ability to make free choices, and I am a being who has the ability to make free choices. The difference, however, is that I am not sovereign. God is sovereign. God has more authority than I do. God has the right and the power and the authority to do whatsoever he pleases. I have the power and the ability and the freedom to do those things that I can do, but my freedom can never override the power or the authority of God. My freedom is always limited by the higher freedom of God. What is a contradiction is God’s sovereignty and human autonomy. Autonomy means that man can do whatever he wants without being worried about judgment from on high. Obviously those two are incompatible, and we do not believe that man is autonomous. We say that he is free, but his freedom is within limits, and those limits are defined by the sovereignty of God. This is a simple analogy: In my house I have more freedom than my son. We both have freedom, but mine is greater.

MERRY CHRISTMAS...... 2006

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, but also ask what would be the best gift you could give this or will give this day?

Well I am sure your mind is racing to think of many things you wrapped already or many gifts you put a lot of thought into.

But you see if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and He is your Lord and Savior then the most fitting gift you can give is you.

Romans 12:1 Paul tells us....."PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE HOLY, ACCEPTABLE TO GOD.

You see our bodies are to be used for Gods purpose
WHAT SHALL I GIVE FOR CHRISTMAS TO HIM WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME?
TO HIM I GIVE MY LIFE MY LOVE, FOR TIME AND ETERNITY.

REMEMBER
GIVE YOUR ALL TO CHRIST HE GAVE HIS ALL FOR YOU.

THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS

Well its Christmas eve morning 2006 and can you say this has been and will be a CHRIST CENTERED CHRISTMAS.

In Luke 2:18 we read ALL THOSE WHO HEARD IT MARVELED AT THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE TOLD THEM BY THE SHEPHERD'S.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself this question do I MARVEL at the birth of Jesus Christ, and does my life as a Christian show outwardly that I have in fact had an inward transformation of my heart.

As we celebrate Christmas may we be filled with wonder at His Love and His coming.

A WONDER FILLED LIFE IS YOURS WHEN YOU KNOW THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS.

IF WE KNOW HIM THEN LETS SHOW HIM TO ALL THE WORLD..........

? OF THE DAY BY DR. SPROUL

How can I prevent my personal Christian growth from becoming stagnant?

There’s only one absolute way I know of to keep your Christian growth from becoming stagnant, and that is to die. The only time Christian growth stops altogether is at death. That’s because we don’t need to grow any further; we’re ushered into the state of glorification. If a person is in Christ and Christ is in that person, it is impossible for the Christian not to move, to grow. It may seem at times as if our Christian growth has been totally arrested and is in a stagnant state, but I think that’s merely an outward appearance.

Obviously our Christian growth can move at various speeds, and we tend to have a kind of ebb and flow. Sometimes we’re moving ahead in leaps and bounds and other times at a snail’s pace. When it’s moving in such a laboriously slow fashion, we may think that it has become utterly stagnant. Again, if there is no evidence of growth whatsoever then I would say it’s time to examine our souls and our hearts to see if we’re in Christ at all because where the spirit of Christ indwells a person, he will not permit total stagnation.

If we want to increase the pace of Christian growth, I think there are some important practical keys we need to plug in. Christian growth, biblically, is usually described in terms of discipleship. To be a disciple of Jesus means to be a learner in the school of Christ. That doesn’t mean simply heaping up intellectual data or head knowledge, so to speak, but coming to an understanding of what it is that pleases God and what it is that pleases Christ. It means learning how to imitate him in our different ways of walking before him.

The word discipleship is very close to the English word discipline. To grow requires the achievement of spiritual discipline. How do you get it? When we are trying to progress in any area, so many times that involves discipline— whether it’s mastery of piano technique, an athletic endeavor, or learning in a public school or college. We have to understand that discipline doesn’t happen by magic. The best way I know of becoming disciplined is by first learning patterns of discipline under somebody else’s tutelage. If you’re having trouble growing, get yourself as fast as you can into a Christian growth group where you are under the discipline of a pastor or a spiritual leader, where as part of a team, you are learning the skills of personal growth together.

REFORMATION TRUST

Orlando, Fla., July 7, 2006 — Reformation Trust Publishing, a new book publishing imprint, will produce theologically solid, practical books true to the historic Christian faith from Dr. R.C. Sproul and the best of today’s contemporary authors and theologians. An imprint of Ligonier Ministries, Reformation Trust will publish Dr. Sproul’s newest title on principles of worship, A Taste of Heaven: Worship in the Light of Eternity, this month. Next in line to release this fall is Foundations of Grace, by Dr. Steve Lawson. This book is the first in a series of five titled A Long Line of Godly Men, which will trace the unbroken line of men throughout history who have taught the foundational truths of God’s sovereign grace.

Commenting about the newly launched imprint, Dr. Sproul explains the name: “The word Reformation defines the theological perspective we’re committed to propagating at Ligonier. Trust involves the idea of a legacy. Our legacy, our trust, is to be faithful to the biblical apostolic tradition. We want to produce materials that are consistent and faithful to the divine tradition.”

Stating the purpose of Reformation Trust, Director of Publications Greg Bailey points out, “Reformation Trust, in accordance with the highest standards in publishing, will seek to be a trusted resource for pastors and laypeople as they seek to build their libraries of essential Christian literature. Our goal is that Reformation Trust books, true to everything Ligonier is known to represent, will be written at an accessible level, will be beautifully designed and produced, and will have a long shelf life.”

Scheduled for a Christmas release, Dr. Sproul’s latest children’s book, The Lightlings, is a delightful allegory with beautiful illustrations that tells the story of the fall of man and the redemption of God’s people by Jesus Christ.

A DEVOTION FROM DR. JAMES BOICE

The Impossible Possible for God

Luke 1:26-38

Theme

Believing the "unbelievable": This week’s lessons teach us that our God is all-powerful.

Lesson


I like something the great English bishop J.C. Ryle wrote years ago about the God of the impossible. He said,


There is no sin too black and bad to be pardoned. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin. There is no heart too hard and wicked to be changed. The heart of stone can be made a heart of flesh. There is no work too hard for a believer to do. We may do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. There is no trial too hard to be borne. The grace of God is sufficient for us. There is no promise too great to be fulfilled. Christ’s words never pass away. And what he has promised, he is able to perform. There is no difficulty too great for a believer to overcome. When God is for us, who shall be against us? The mountain shall become a plain. With God all things are possible.

I want to make one more point. I said that the word of Gabriel to Mary was the last word he spoke, and that is true. But it is not the last word of the story. After Gabriel had told Mary how the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the One who should be born would be called "the Son of God," and after Gabriel had added the fact that Elizabeth, a relative, would have a child, and he said, "Nothing is impossible with God," Mary had a response as well. What Mary said was this: "I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said." That is the end of the story, and it indicates this willing acceptance on the part of Mary for the will of God.

Sometimes we have difficulty with the promises of God, and that is often because our plans intrude into what we would have God do. We hear what God says, but we say, "No, that isn’t what I want. I would rather God did something else." I suppose that for Mary this was a very courageous thing for her to do, as well as an indication of the grace of God in her life, because Mary risked a great deal by submitting herself to the will of God in this matter. She would possibly be accused of being an adulterer, a fornicator, and that was punishable by death in that day. She risked the end of her engagement with Joseph because who could possibly imagine that Joseph would understand. She certainly risked the loss of her reputation. And yet this was what God had for her. And so, in those magnificent words that end the story, she said, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said."

Maybe you have to say those words today if God is doing something in your life that seems difficult, or perhaps even something that you’ve been rebelling against. You’ve been asked to live in a difficult situation that you seem unable to change. You want to break free of it, but that is not God’s will for you. God’s will is given clearly in Scripture. You don’t see how you can obey God at that point. However, you can, because God will give you the power to do it. With God, all things are possible. You may say to yourself, "I’ve lost a husband [or wife]. Now I’m asked to go on in older age alone. I don’t see how I can do that and remain a cheerful Christian." God will give you strength.

Or maybe you have an impossible boss. Demands are made upon you that you can hardly live with. You say, "My job is boring. I find myself doing the same dull thing day after day, year after year. At one time, I thought I was going to get a promotion, and now I’m reconciled to the fact that I’ll probably keep on doing this till retirement." God is not only able to give you strength to do it; he’s able to transform it. He is able to transform you, making you a joyous person to be around, and your work place–however boring externally–an exciting place where God is at work in the lives of other people. But for that to happen, you have to submit to God’s will, not to fight it, as many of us do. You have to say, as Mary did, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said." When Mary submitted herself to God, God sent the Savior.

Study Questions

• How did Mary respond to Gabriel’s message?
• Why do we sometimes have difficulties with God’s promises?

Reflection

Are you willing to take the risks that Mary took? If not, the least you can do is pray and ask for a willing and submissive heart.

Key Point

You have to say, as Mary did, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said."

CHECK OUT ...9MARKS.ORG

I have met and heard Mark Dever at many conferences, I see this web site as a point of growth for the serious Christian leader.




Dear Friend,



Have you ever considered what it means for a church to be healthy? Have you ever thought about how that health is nurtured and sustained? If so, have you reflected on why you answer those questions the way you do?



These are the questions that have captured us at 9Marks. Perhaps you've been mulling over these same questions in the context of your own church for a while now; or maybe this is the first time you’ve ever encountered them. Either way, we'd like to personally invite you to think with us about the health of the local church and the methods God has designed to promote it.



Contrary to much popular wisdom, we think that God has spoken clearly in the Bible regarding the purpose, leadership, organization, and methods of the local church. So we want to challenge you to join us in reconsidering the clarity of God's Word when it comes to the healthy growth of local congregations. We believe God designed the church to be fundamentally a display of His own glory and wisdom (Eph 3:10). And we think He has deliberately structured that display in the shape of a loving community that illustrates for a watching world the close fellowship of the Trinity and the redemption that He has accomplished for us in Christ Jesus (John 13:34-35).



Our goal is not simply to point out all the problems with the church; nor do we intend to suggest a fresh approach to "doing church". In fact, there is nothing really new or innovative here at all. Rather, our goal is to point the way back to healthy church life by calling attention to the timeless Biblical priorities, principles, and methods that God has ordained for the maturity of the local church - God’s work, God’s way. Whether you read as a concerned member or as a vocational pastor, we hope that what you discover here is not just a plug-and-play method, but a God-centered mindset. We're glad you're here. Welcome to the website of 9Marks – the Word building the church.



Your brother in the Lord,

Mark E. Dever

CHRISTMAS QUESTIONS

Ten Questions to Ask at a Christmas Gathering

Many of us struggle to make conversation at Christmas gatherings, whether church events, work-related parties, neighborhood drop-ins, or annual family occasions. Sometimes our difficulty lies in having to chat with people we rarely see or have never met. At other times we simply don't know what to say to those with whom we feel little in common. Moreover, as Christians we want to take advantage of the special opportunities provided by the Christmas season to share our faith, but are often unsure how to begin. Here's a list of questions designed not only to kindle a conversation in almost any Christmas situation, but also to take the dialogue gradually to a deeper level. Use them in a private conversation or as a group exercise, with believers or unbelievers, with strangers or with family.

1-What's the best thing that's happened to you since last Christmas?
2-What was your best Christmas ever? Why?
3-What's the most meaningful Christmas gift you've ever received?
4-What was the most appreciated Christmas gift you've ever given?
5-What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?
6-What is your favorite Christmas tradition now?
7-What do you do to try to keep Christ in Christmas?
8-Why do you think people started celebrating the birth of Jesus?
9-Do you think the birth of Jesus deserves such a nearly worldwide celebration?
10-Why do you think Jesus came to earth?


Of course, remember to pray before your Christmas gatherings. Ask the Lord to grant you "divine appointments," to guide your conversations, and to open doors for the gospel. May He use you to bring glory to Christ this Christmas.

FIGHTING FOR THE TRUTH

BY DR. JOHN MACARTHUR

Rather than respond to the contemporary infatuation with postmodern ambiguity in a completely positive and nonpolemical way, I find myself compelled to echo the inspired words of Jude and exhort my readers who truly love Christ: you need to contend earnestly for the faith. Truth is under heavy attack, and there are too few courageous warriors who are willing to fight. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, believers from this generation will not be able to justify their apathy by complaining that the strife of conflict over truth just seemed “too negative” for the kind of culture we lived in—or that the issues were “merely doctrinal” and therefore not worth the effort.

Remember, Christ rebuked the churches in Revelation 2–3 who had tolerated false teachers in their midst (2:14–16; 20–23). He expressly commended the Ephesian church for examining the claims of certain false apostles and exposing them as liars (2:2). Churches have a clear duty to guard the faith against false teachers who infiltrate. Christ Himself demands it.

At the same time, we need to notice carefully that a polemical defense of the faith by no means guarantees a healthy church, much less a healthy individual Christian. Christ also rebuked the doctrinally sound Ephesians for departing from their first love (Revelation 2:4). As vital as it is for us to enlist in the Truth War and do battle for our faith, it is even more important to remember why we are fighting—not merely for the thrill of vanquishing some foe or winning some argument, but out of a genuine love for Christ, who is the living, breathing embodiment of all that we hold true and worth fighting for.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

A Prayer

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient cradle song,

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given
While angels sing with pious mirth.
A glad new year to all the earth.

Martin Luther

YO...... ROCK

Phil Ryken
12/20/2006
"The more I go to church, and the more I turn myself over the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now."

Can you guess the source of this quotation?
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It is Sylvester Stallone, star of the sixth and final installment of the Rocky double trilogy: Rocky Balboa. Stuart Shepherd writes of a recent conversation with Stallone in "The Gym of the Soul," an article at www.citizenlink.org. In the interview Stallone talks about his Catholic upbringing, about looking to God and becoming reborn, and about Rocky as a Christ figure.

As a reminder, the opening shot of the original film is a painting of Jesus looking down on Rocky in the boxing ring of a rundown gym. "It's like he was being chosen," Stallone said. "Jesus was over him, and he was going to be the fella that would live through the example of Christ. He's very, very forgiving. There's no bitterness in him. He always turns the other cheek. And its' like his whole life was about service."

Stallone went on to admit that his life has often failed to follow the pattern of Jesus. But now he is seeking to follow the right path, which includes going to church as "the gym of the soul."

REVIEW OF THE ... THE NATIVITY STORY... BY REV. RICK PHILLIPS

Rick Phillips
12/18/2006
I took my family today to see The Nativity Story. It is a tremendous movie. It is not only reverent but extremely moving. The script if faithful to the Bible, though with the usual artistic liberties (such as the three magi arriving the night of the birth and the Magnificat being sung by Mary as they depart for Egypt).

The screenwriter has said in an interview that he approached Mary and Joseph by examining the biblical account for their character traits, and then fleshing these out in the script. This was very successful. He also chose one of the plausible theories for the star of Bethlehem and applied that approach to the magi. Also well done.
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The strengths of the movie are the way it portrayed the primitive conditions of life in ancient Israel, the dignity and reality displayed by all the main characters: Zechariah, Elisabeth, Mary, Joseph, and also the political oppression of the Jews. It reminds you that when the Jews thought of the Messiah primarily in military and political terms, they had reasons for doing so. I also thought the depiction of Herod was terrific, as was the depiction of Zechariah. The movie is restrained in showing the slaughter of boys in Bethlehem and also the actual births, so it is kid friendly.

Some themes that came out strongly are these:
1) Depicts Joseph and especially Mary as real people -- which they were. Mary is de-sainted -- you know what I mean -- and comes across in a most lovely way. As others have recently urged, we need to regain our interest and love for Mary -- not as a demigodess but as one blessed among women indeed.
2) Joseph comes to life as an exemplar of godly manhood. He plays a very large role in the movie and it is done beautifully. A great example of what a godly man is. There is also a great scene when Joseph and Mary are traveling to Bethlehem, where they imagine what this child will be like. "Will I be able to teach Him anything?" Joseph wonders.
3) The Mary - Elisabeth relationship is powerfully -- if briefly -- brought to life. There is one beautiful scene where the young girl and her older cousin -- one bearing the Messiah and the other his forerunner -- place their hands on each other's womb with looks of wonder. It is not difficult to imagine this happening in real life. Also, the movie brings out the point that barren Elisabeth's pregnancy was a confirmation to Mary of the angelic promise made to her. Though she believed, she must have wondered -- and Elisabeth's pregnancy and faith must have been a great encouragement. I was disappointed however, that the Magnificat was not placed here.
4) The movie also brings out the theme of faith gaining understanding. All the main characters believe the word that is spoken to them. But then they have questions and doubts. Their faith is then confirmed by a sign. Mary through Elisabeth, Joseph through the angel. It shows how God is so good to nurture weak faith, and also how faith comes first and only then comes seeing. We live by faith, and then faith gains sight.

Take your family to see this movie. It deserves the support of Christians, since so few others seem to be showing interest. Just as there was no room in the inn for baby Jesus, there also was no one in the theatre to see the story of his birth. (Besides my family, there were only two others for the matinee.) And if you are not moved when Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem with birth pangs upon her, as Joseph races from door to door seeking a place for the birth, and then as the light of the star shines upon the faithful couple as the Savior is born -- well, I just don't know what to say. Seeing this movie helped to focus our family on the Lord this Christmas in a wonderful way.

TENTH COMES TO PCC

Thank you so much to the staff of Tenth Presbyterian church for your visit today
and for all of your support.

THE STAR OF BETHLEHAM...... BY DR. PHILLIP RYKEN

The star was so beautiful, large, and clear,
That all the other stars of the sky
Became a white mist in the atmosphere.
And by this they knew that the coming was near
Of the Prince foretold in prophecy.


Thus wrote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow concerning the star of Bethlehem, which of all the signs and wonders surrounding the first Christmas is perhaps the most mysterious.


The Bible says that some time after Jesus was born, “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’ ” (Matt. 2:1-2). The Magi obviously had an interest in astronomy. Probably they were astrologers, men who consulted the stars to make predictions about what was happening in the world. As they studied the heavens, they saw something to indicate that a king had been born in Judea, but what, exactly, did they see?


There have been many theories. Some Christians think that the star was a supernatural light—something never seen before, or since. They imagine it hovering over the Magi on their journey, directly guiding them until finally coming to rest a few feet over the house where Jesus was. Others think it was a comet or a conjunction of planets. Johannes Kepler thought it was a supernova—an exploding star. Still others think it was a meteor shower. In 2001, the noted British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore published a book arguing that the bright light that identified the birthplace of Christ could only have been caused by shooting stars [The Star of Publishing, Canopus, 2001].


What are we to make of this and other theories? The place to start is with the biblical facts. First there is the word “star,” which seems straightforward enough. However, the Greek word does not settle the matter because it can also refer to other heavenly objects.


The next fact to notice is that the Star of Bethlehem made a sudden appearance. Literally, the Wise Men saw it “rising in the east” (Matt. 2:2). Presumably they had never seen anything like it. Otherwise, why would they have followed it? The star’s sudden emergence is confirmed by King Herod, who “called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared” (Matt. 2:7).


The star disappeared just as suddenly as it appeared. This is why the Magi stopped in Jerusalem to ask for directions instead of going straight to Bethlehem. Then the star reappeared! This is the clear implication of verses 9 and 10: “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.”


It is of course possible that the Magi saw some supernatural light that God kept bringing in and out of the sky as needed. However, in that case one would expect other people to have seen it and perhaps even to have followed it. The trouble is that there is no record of any such celestial event during the appropriate time period. Nor are there any records of comets or novas. In all probability the Star of Bethlehem was a subtler sign, the kind of thing that only experts like the Magi would have even noticed.


The most convincing explanation is that they witnessed several conjunctions of Jupiter, the planet that represented kingship. A number of such conjunctions took place in the years leading up to the death of Herod. In its annual program “Star of Wonder,” Chicago’s Adler Planetarium makes a persuasive case for one of these celestial events. This view is also advocated by Craig Chester of the Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy, who writes,

In September of 3 b.c., Jupiter came into conjunction with Regulus, the star of kingship, the brightest star in the constellation of Leo. Leo was the constellation of kings, and it was associated with the Lion of Judah. The royal planet approached the royal star in the royal constellation representing Israel. Just a month earlier, Jupiter and Venus, the Mother planet, had almost seemed to touch each other in another close conjunction, also in Leo. Then the conjunction between Jupiter and Regulus was repeated, not once but twice, in February and May of 2 b.c. Finally, in June of 2 b.c., Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest objects in the sky save the sun and the moon, experienced an even closer encounter when their disks appeared to touch; to the naked eye they became a single object above the setting sun. This exceptionally rare spectacle could not have been missed by the Magi [Craig Chester, “The Star of Bethlehem,” Imprimis, December, 1993, Vol. 22, No. 12].


When the Magi saw this “star,” they headed for Jerusalem. The Bible does not say that they followed the star at this point in their journey, but only that they went to Judea. They did follow the star to Bethlehem. They would have seen Jupiter and Venus in the south, and followed it the five miles to Bethlehem. When they reached the village they would have seen it above the horizon—from their perspective stopping over the place where the child was.


If one of these astronomical events involving Jupiter is the right interpretation, it is a remarkable testimony to God’s sovereignty. It means that from the very creation of the world, God organized the solar system—and indeed the entire universe—in a way that would signify the birth of his Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.


It is also a remarkable testimony to God’s grace. How strange it is that the Savior’s birth was first revealed to astrologers. God had always forbidden astrology. Nevertheless, he used a heavenly sign to lead the Magi to Jesus. This does not mean that God condones horoscopes. It does mean that he speaks to people where they are, in ways that they can understand, in order ultimately to lead them to himself. The Magi did not know anything about Jesus when they first set out for Judea. But they followed the one clue that God gave them, and in the end they met him as their Savior and Lord.


Jesus said “he who seeks finds” (Matt. 7:8). That is still true today. Everyone who truly seeks after God will find him. God is not likely to send you a star, or even a planetary conjunction. But he has given you a clue. Tonight he has led you to a church where a word from God will be preached from this pulpit. If you keep seeking him you too will find him.

THE HISTORY OF X--MAS.

"Xmas" and "X-mas" are common abbreviations of the word "Christmas". They are sometimes pronounced "eksmas", but they, and variants such as "Xtemass", originated as handwriting abbreviations for the pronunciation "Christmas". The "-mas" part came from the Anglo-Saxon for "festival", "religious event": Crīstesmæsse or Crīstemæsse. This abbreviation is widely but not universally accepted; some view it as demeaning to Christ, whilst others find it a helpful abbreviation.


This 1922 Ladies' Home Journal advertisement uses "Xmas".The word "Christ" and its compounds, including "Christmas", have been abbreviated for at least the past 1,000 years, long before the modern "Xmas" was commonly used. "Christ" was often written as "XP" or "Xt"; there are references in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as far back as 1021 AD. This X and P arose as the uppercase forms of the Greek letters χ and ρ), used in ancient abbreviations for Χριστος (Greek for "Christ") (see Labarum), and are still widely seen in many Eastern Orthodox icons depicting Jesus Christ.

Some people believe that the term is part of an effort to "take Christ out of Christmas" or to literally "cross out Christ"; it is also seen as evidence of the secularization of Christmas or a vehicle for pushing political correctness, or as a symptom of the commercialization of the holiday (as the abbreviation has long been used by retailers).

The occasionally felt belief that the "X" represents the cross Christ was crucified on has no basis in fact; regardless, St Andrew's Cross is X-shaped, but Christ's cross was probably shaped like a T or a †. Indeed, X-as-chi was associated with Christ long before X-as-cross could be, since the cross as a Christian symbol developed later. (The Greek letter Chi Χ stood for "Christ" in the ancient Greek acrostic ΙΧΘΥΣ ichthys.) While some see the spelling of Christmas as Xmas a threat, others see it as a way to honor the martyrs. The use of X as an abbreviation for "cross" in modern abbreviated writing (e.g. "Kings X" for "Kings Cross") may have reinforced this assumption.

In ancient Christian art χ and χρ are abbreviations for Christ's name. In many manuscripts of the New Testament and icons, X is an abbreviation for Christos, as is XC (the first and last letters in Greek, using the lunate sigma); compare IC for Jesus in Greek. The Oxford English Dictionary documents the use of this abbreviation back to 1551, 50 years before the first English colonists came to North America and 60 years before the King James Version of the Bible was completed. At the same time, Xian and Xianity were in frequent use as abbreviations of "Christian" and "Christianity"; and nowadays still are sometimes so used, but much less than "Xmas". The proper names containing the name "Christ" other than aforementioned are rarely abbreviated in this way (e.g. Hayden Xensen for the actor name "Hayden Christensen"). Pop artist Christina Aguilera is known to spell her first name as 'Xtina'.

This apparent usage of "X" to spell the syllable "kris" (rather than the sounds "ks") has extended to "xtal" for "crystal", and on florists' signs "xant" for "chrysanthemum" (though these words are not etymologically related to "Christ"; "crystal" comes from a Greek word meaning "ice", and "chrysanthemum" from Greek words meaning "golden flower", while "Christ" comes from a Greek word meaning "anointed").

A CHRISTMAS POEM

In todays day and time,
it's easy to lose sight,
of the true meaning of Christmas
and one special night.

When we go shopping,
We say "How much will it cost?"
Then the true meaning of Christmas,
Somehow becomes lost.

Amidst the tinsel, glitter
And ribbons of gold,
We forget about the child,
born on a night so cold.

The children look for Santa
In his big, red sleigh
Never thinking of the baby
Whose bed was made of hay.

In reality when we look into the night sky,
We don't see a sleigh
But a star, burning bright and high.

A faithful reminder,
Of that night so long ago,
And of the child we call Jesus,
Whose love, the world would know.

BY Brian Walters




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THE MANGER OF YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER

The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.
Martin Luther

LETS DO TODAY WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO.

How soon not now becomes never.
Martin Luther

BIBLE EXHIBITION

Bible Exhibition
Jessie Bible sent this in:

I recently heard that there is an illumined, hand calligraphied Bible being done by Donald Jackson under the auspices of a Benedictine Abbey. It's called the Saint John's Bible. I've seen some of the illuminations online, and they are absolutely breathtaking. You can learn more at http://www.saintjohnsbible.org

The Saint John's Bible manuscripts for Psalms, the Gospels, Acts, and the Pentateuch is on display at the Library of Congress in Washington DC through December 30. A number of rare Bibles will be on display as well. You can get information on the exhibition called "Illuminating the Word: the Saint John's Bible" at http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/ex-current.html

One person who had seen facsimiles of the Saint John's Bible commented that seeing them made her want to run out and see the originals. I can totally understand - after seeing what I have seen, I feel compelled to go to DC before the exhibition closes. (The exhibition schedule runs through 2009 & does not show any more exhibitions on the East Coast).

posted by M Clark of tenth press.

OH NO!!!!!!! NOT THE CHRISTMAS TREE CHARLIE BROWN

Should Christians have Christmas trees?

Answer:
I see nothing wrong with the traditional Christmas tree. However, some have taught that it's wrong for anyone to have a Christmas tree in their home. But are their reasons valid? We don't think so. Let's look at the two most common objections people make against having a Christmas tree.

First, some object on the basis that Christmas trees have pagan origins. It is believed that Boniface, English missionary to Germany in the eighth century, instituted the first Christmas tree. He supposedly replaced sacrifices to the god Odin's sacred oak with a fir tree adorned in tribute to Christ. But certain other accounts claim that Martin Luther introduced the Christmas tree lighted with candles. Based on that information you could say the Christmas tree has a distinguished Christian pedigree.

However, even if a pagan background were clearly established, that wouldn't necessarily mean we could not enjoy the use of a Christmas tree. Perhaps the following analogy will help.

During World War II the American military used some remote South Pacific islands for temporary landing strips and supply depots. Prior to that time the indigenous tribal people had never seen modern technology up close. Large cargo planes swooped in filled with an array of material goods, and for the first time the islanders saw cigarette lighters (which they deemed to be miraculous), jeeps, refrigerators, radios, power tools, and many varieties of food.

When the war was over, the islanders concluded that the men who brought cargo were gods, so they began building shrines to the cargo gods. They hoped the cargo gods would return with more goods.

Most people do not even know about this religious superstition. Similarly, few know anything about the worship of trees. When a child pulls a large present out from under the Christmas tree and unwraps a large model cargo plane, no one views that object as an idol. Nor do we view the Christmas tree to be some kind of gift god. We understand the difference between a toy and an idol just as clearly as we understand the difference between an idol and a Christmas tree. We see no valid reason to make any connection between Christmas trees and wooden idols or the worship of trees. Those who insist on making such associations should take note of the warnings in Scripture against judging one another in doubtful things (see Romans 14 & 1 Corinthians 10:23-33).

Another common objection is the claim that Christmas trees are prohibited in Scripture. Jeremiah 10 is commonly used to support this viewpoint. But a closer look at the passage will show that it has nothing to do with Christmas trees and everything to do with idol worship. Verse eight says, "A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine."

Idol worship was a clear violation of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:3-6 says, "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments."

There is no connection between the worship of idols and the use of Christmas trees. We should not be anxious about baseless arguments against Christmas decorations. Rather, we should be focused on the Christ of Christmas and giving all diligence to remembering the real reason for the season.

WHY DECEMBER 25TH ????????

Why do Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25?

Answer:
December 25th is the traditional anniversary of the birth of Christ, but most scholars are unsure about the true date for Christ's birth.

The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25th was made sometime during the fourth century by church bishops in Rome. They had a specific reason for doing so.

Having turned long ago from worshiping the one true God and creator of all things, many early cultures in the Roman empire had fallen into sun worship. Recognizing their dependence on the sun's yearly course in the heavens, they held feasts around the winter solstice in December when the days are shortest. As part of their festivals, they built bonfires to give the sun god strength and bring him back to life again. When it became apparent that the days were growing longer, there would be great rejoicing.

The church leaders in Rome decided to celebrate Christ's birth during the winter solstice in an attempt to Christianize these popular pagan celebrations. For the most part their efforts failed to make the people conform, and the heathen festivities continued. Today we find ourselves left with a bizarre marriage of pagan and Christian elements that characterizes our modern celebration of Christmas.

Regardless of the pagan background of so many December traditions, and whether or not Jesus was born on December 25th, our goal is still to turn the eyes of all men upon the true Creator and Christ of Christmas. The light of the world has come. And the Christmas season and celebration presents the church with a wonderful opportunity to preach the good news-that men can be made righteous and have peace with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

MAKING SURE CHRIST STAYS IN......CHRISTMAS....

It is not hard today to see how a person can get caught up in the hype at Christmas time. With all of the adds for gifts and the stress we all feel to see the smiles on the faces of those we love when Christmas morning finally comes.

But with all of the hustle and bustle how do we as believers in Jesus Christ keep the Christ in Christmas.

I think one of the first things that we can do is use this time of the year as a way to show the world the true Christ of the Christmas story, to show why God the Father sent His only Son to this earth, and also why this Jesus is no longer the baby in the manger. But that He sits at the right hand of the Father as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Keeping Christ in Christmas this year depends on true believers all over the world not keeping the Christ that lives within their hearts a secret.

Lets share with everyone we meet the true CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS.

HAVE A MARTIN LUTHER CHRISTMAS.....Dr Phiilip Ryken

Somehow the legend persists that Martin Luther wrote the famous Christmas carol “Away in a Manger.” The truth of the matter is that the carol was not written in German but in English, and that it did not make its first appearance—right here in Philadelphia—until the 1880’s. However, according to the famous Luther scholar Roland Bainton, “Away in a Manger” may have been written in 1884 to honor the German Reformer on the 400th anniversary of his birth. And in a way the legend is appropriate, because as much as any other theologian, Luther had a passion for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas [see Bainton’s introduction to Martin Luther’s Christmas Book (1948; repr. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg, 1997), p. 7].



Over the course of more than thirty years in ministry, Luther often preached from the Christmas narratives in the Gospels, and from other passages related to the incarnation of God the Son. Typically he would preach on Christmas several times a week throughout Advent, carefully working through each passage verse-by-verse. He also wrote at least five Christmas carols, composing the music as well as coming up with the lyrics.



What were some of the main themes in Luther’s theology of Christmas and the cross? The famous Reformer often emphasized the humble circumstances of the people who witnessed the Savior’s birth. He characterized Mary as “a lowly maid from a mean town,” and said that among “the downtrodden people she was one of the lowliest, not a maid of high station in the capital city, but a daughter of a plain man in a small town” [pp. 12–13]. Of the shepherds he said, “That was a mean job, watching flocks by night. Common sense calls it low-down work, and the men who do it are regarded as trash” [p.35].



Luther used similar language to describe the earthiness of our Savior’s birth. “Bad enough,” he wrote, “that a young bride married only a year could not have had her baby at Nazareth in her own house instead of making all that journey of three days when heavy with child. The inn was full. No one would release a room to this pregnant woman. She had to go to a cow stall and there bring forth the Maker of all creatures because nobody would give way” [p. 30]. So it was that when the wise man came to worship the newborn King, “they saw but a tumbled down shack and a poor young mother with a poor little babe, not like a king at all” [p. 58].



These sufferings were all part of God’s saving plan. In order for God the Son to do the work of redemption—and to save ordinary sinners like Mary and the shepherds—he had to become a man and endure all the difficulties and degradations of our human situation.



We might be tempted to think that if we had been in Bethlehem, we would have given the baby Jesus the welcome he deserved. “If only I had been there!” Luther imagines us saying. “How quick I would have been to help the Baby.” And yet, said Luther, “You only say that because you know how great Christ is, but if you had been there at that time you would have done no better than the people of Bethlehem. Why don’t you do it now? You have Christ in your neighbor. You ought to serve him, for what you do to your neighbor in need you do to the Lord Christ himself” [p. 31]. Spoken like a true pastor, always trying to encourage his congregation to put their faith into practice.



Throughout his preaching on the incarnation, Martin Luther had a pressing concern for Christmas to make its way into our hearts. “We must both read and meditate upon the Nativity,” he preached. “If the meditation does not reach the heart, we shall sense no sweetness, nor shall we know what solace for humankind lies in this contemplation. The heart will not laugh nor be merry” [p. 15].



The true believer’s response to the true meaning of Christmas is beautifully expressed in a carol that Luther wrote for his young children—a carol commonly known by its opening words: “From Heaven High.” The carol seems to have been written for a Christmas pageant to be performed in Luther’s church. First an angel sings, announcing the Savior’s birth. The final stanza of the angel’s song goes like this:



Look now, you children, at the sign,
A manger cradle far from fine.
A tiny baby you will see.
Upholder of the world is he.



These words serve as the cue for the church’s children to come forward and worship the Christ. With reverent wonder they sing:



How glad we’ll be if it is so!
With all the shepherds let us go
To see what God for us has done
In sending us his own dear Son.



Look, look, my heart, and let me peek.
Whom in the manger do you seek?
Who is that lovely little one?
The Baby Jesus, God’s own Son.



Be welcome, Lord; be now our guest.
By you poor sinners have been blessed.
In nakedness and cold you lie.
How can I thank you—how can I?



O dear Lord Jesus, for your head
Now will I make the softest bed.
The chamber where this bed shall be
Is in my heart, inside of me.



Then the whole congregation joins the song, celebrating Christmas the Martin Luther way, and the way of every true believer in the Christ of Christmas:



To God who sent his only Son
Be glory, laud, and honor done.
Let all the choir of heaven rejoice,
The new ring in with heart and voice [pp. 71–72].

WHAT IS THE SEASON OF ADVENT

Advent (from the Latin Adventus, sc. Redemptoris, "the coming of the Saviour") is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. It is the beginning of the Western Christian year and commences on Advent Sunday. (The Eastern churches begin the year on 1 September.)

Adventus is the Latin word for "coming", and is the exact Latin equivalent for the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Thus the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ.

Advent is the period preceding the Christmas season. It begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle, and covers four Sundays. Because the day it begins changes from year to year, so does the length of each Advent season. In 2006, Advent begins on December 3.

The word advent, from Latin, means “the coming.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. Even as the Christmas season has become more secular-with advertisers urging holiday gift-givers to buy and buy some more-Advent still brings joy and the observance of ancient customs. Christian families find quiet moments lighting candles in the Advent wreath, and children use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas.

The History of Advent
Advent has probably been observed since the fourth century. Originally, it was a time when converts to Christianity readied themselves for baptism.

During the Middle Ages, Advent became associated with preparation for the Second Coming. In early days Advent lasted from November 11, the feast of St. Martin, until Christmas Day. Advent was considered a pre-Christmas season of Lent when Christians devoted themselves to prayer and fasting. The Orthodox Eastern Church observes a similar Lenten season, from November 15 until Christmas, rather than Advent.

Many Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus. In the last fifty years, however, it has also come to be thought of as a time of anticipating the Nativity, on Christmas Day.

Advent Wreaths
Advent wreaths have their origins in the folk traditions of northern Europe, where in the deep of winter people lit candles on wheel-shaped bundles of evergreen. Both the evergreen and the circular shape symbolized ongoing life. The candlelight gave comfort at this darkest time of the year, as people looked forward to the longer days of spring.

Later, Eastern European Christians adopted this practice. By the sixteenth century, they were making Advent wreaths much as we know them today. An advent wreath traditionally contains four candles-three purple and one rose. Purple dyes were one so rare and costly that they were associated with royalty; the Roman Catholic Church has long used this color around Christmas and Easter to honor Jesus. The three purple candles in the Advent wreath symbolize hope, peace, and love. These candles are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. The rose candle, which symbolizes joy, is usually lit on the third Sunday.

Sometimes a fifth candle is placed inside the Advent wreath. This candle is lit on Christmas Day. It is white, the color associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.

Because Advent wreaths are an informal celebration, not all are the same. Instead of purple candles, some people use blue, which recalls the color of the night sky before daylight returns. Others use all white candles.

Advent Calendars
An advent calendar is a card or poster with twenty-four small doors, one to be opened each day from December 1 until Christmas Eve. Each door conceals a picture. This popular tradition arose in Germany in the late 1800s and soon spread throughout Europe and North America. Originally, the images in Advent calendars were derived from the Hebrew Bible.

Considered a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas, many Advent calendars today have no religious content. Now, alongside traditional Advent calendars depicting angels and biblical figures are those whose doors open to display teddy bears, pieces of chocolate, or photos of pop stars.

Dying Well By Dr Phil Ryken

Shortly after the death of my father-in-law, I had the opportunity to thank his pastor for the spiritual care he received from the church in his last days of life on this earth. I will always remember the words of encouragement the pastor gave me. “Jim Maxwell died well,” he said, before adding, “Not everyone does, you know.”



No, not everyone dies well, but only those who are strong in faith, bold in courage, and well prepared to meet their God. The Puritan Edmund Barker said, “Every Christian hath two great works to do in the world, to live well, and to die well.” This is one of my own spiritual ambitions: to be ready to die when the time comes, and to die well. It is never too early to start preparing for something as important as dying well. So what are some practical ways to get better prepared for the last moments we have on earth before our first moments in eternity?



We can prepare to die well by thinking often about death and the life to come. This is what Moses was doing when he prayed, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12). This is always the way to prepare for things we know we have to face in the future. By thinking clearly and soberly about what lies ahead, we are better prepared to handle it with dignity and grace when the time comes. We should think about the moment of death itself, when we will have to say farewell to everything we have in this life, and also about what comes after death, when every believer will be “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). And we should think about these things often. Charles Spurgeon said: “We are flying, as on some mighty eagle’s wing, swiftly on towards eternity. Let us, then, talk about preparing to die. It is the greatest thing we have to do, and we have soon to do it, so let us talk and think something about it.”



If it is good for us to talk and think about death, we will do well to learn what the Bible says on the subject. “We must all die,” the Scripture says; “we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again” (2 Sam. 14:14). The Bible also gives us many examples of people who died well—people like Jacob, who blessed his children (see Gen. 49), or like Joshua, who in his dying days spoke words of spiritual wisdom for the people of God (see Josh. 24). But the best example of all is our Lord Jesus himself, who in his dying hours was setting an example for us by meditating on Scripture (see Matt. 27:46; cf. Ps. 22:1), by forgiving his enemies (see Luke 23:34), by sharing the gospel (see Luke 23:39-43), by caring for his family (see John 19:26-27), and by entrusting his body and his soul to his Father in heaven (see Luke 23:46).



We can prepare to die well by paying close attention to the spiritual experience of others in death and grief. As we watch our loved ones suffer, we should consider whether they are dying well. If they are not, we should consider why not, but if they are, we should consider what we can learn from the example of their faith. We can learn similar lessons when we attend funerals or go to graveside burial services. The brothers and sisters who go before us—including the ones we read about in good Christian biographies—are teaching us how to die.



Then we can prepare to die well by singing great hymns and meditating on their meaning. Many of the best hymns touch in one way or another on the believer’s faith for the hour of death. As a preacher, one of my favorites is “There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood,” which partly goes like this:



Ee’r since by faith I saw the stream
Your flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I’ll sing your pow’r to save,
When this poor lisping, stamm’ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave.



But there are many good hymns for getting ready to die, like “Abide with Me,” “Rock of Ages,” “The Lord’s My Shepherd,” “Amazing Grace.” Or consider the closing stanza of “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”:



When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul.

The words of that hymn are really a prayer, which is yet another way we can prepare well for death: by praying for the grace we need even before the time comes for us to die. Like any other future difficulty, we should take our coming death to the Lord in prayer. We should pray like this: “In my dying hour, Lord, help me to hold on to you by faith, and let the people I love see your grace in me.”



There are many other things we can do to get ready for our dying day. We can exercise good stewardship of our earthly possessions, preparing to leave a legacy that provides for our families and advances the kingdom of God. We can reconcile broken relationships so as not to leave any unfinished interpersonal business behind. We can also practice daily self-denial—sacrificing our selves for the sake of others, like Jesus did. If we are putting ourselves to death every day (see Col. 3:5), then the day of death itself will turn out to be the day we have been preparing for all our lives.



But of course the most important thing we can do to prepare to die well is to put our faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross, and who passed from death to everlasting life in his resurrection. If you trust in Jesus, your salvation is secure. Death has lost its sting for you (1 Cor. 15:55), and your Savior will be with you in your dying hour. After that, he will take you to his Father’s house—the place you have been longing to go all your life. Then when it is time for you to die, the only thing you will have to do is to die, and to die as well as you can. Everything else is already arranged.

DR. RC SPROUL

Right Now Counts Forever by R.C. Sproul

When someone orders us to do something, or imposes an obligation, it is natural for us to ask two questions. The first question is, “Why should I?” and the second is, “Who says so?” The why and the authority behind the mandate are very important to the question of forgiveness.

The why for forgiving others is rooted in the fact that we have been the recipients of extraordinary mercy and compassion. We are all debtors who cannot pay their debts to God. Yet God has been gracious enough to grant us forgiveness in Jesus Christ. It is no wonder that in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs His disciples to say, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” There is a parallel, a joint movement of compassion, that is first received from God and then we in turn exercise the same compassion to others. God makes it clear that if we lack that compassion and harbor vengeance in our heart, rather than being ready to forgive again and again, we will forfeit any forgiveness that has been given to us.

Thus, the foundation for a forgiving spirit is the experience of divine grace. It is by grace that we are saved. It is by grace that we live. It is by grace that we have been forgiven. Therefore, the why of forgiving is to manifest our own gratitude for the grace that we have received. Why should we forgive? Simply, because God forgives us. It is not an insignificant thing to add on to the why the point that we are commanded by that God of grace to exercise grace in turn.

When we look at the question of forgiveness, however, we also have to ask the second query, “Who says so, and under what conditions are we to keep this requirement?” It is often taught in the Christian community that Christians are called to forgive those who sin against them unilaterally and universally. We see the example of Jesus on the cross, asking God to forgive those who were executing Him, even though they offered no visible indication of repentance. From that example of Jesus, it has been inferred that Christians must always forgive all offenses against them, even when repentance is not offered. However, the most that we can legitimately infer from Jesus’ actions on that occasion is that we have the right to forgive people unilaterally. Though that may be indeed a wonderful thing, it is not commanded. If we look at the commandment that Jesus gives in Luke 17:3, He says, “If your brother sins, rebuke him.” Notice that the first response to the offense is not forgiveness but rather rebuke. The Christian has the right to rebuke those who commit wrong doing against him. That’s the basis for the whole procedure of church discipline in the New Testament. If we were commanded to give unilateral forgiveness to all, under all circumstances, then the whole action of church discipline to redress wrongs, would itself be wrong. But Jesus says, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents...,” – here is where the command becomes obligatory – if the offender repents, then it is mandatory for the Christian to forgive the one who has offended him. It is transgression against God when we refuse to forgive those who have repented for their offenses to us. This is the teaching of Jesus. It is the mandate of Jesus. As we are united in Christ, we are to show that union by extending the same grace to others that He extends to us.

HAVING AN IMPACT IN MY LIFE

I believe that the Lord places people in our lives to have a great impact on us for the Gospel. Dr John MacArthur was one of the first in my life to not only help guide me towards the truth of scripture but to help me see the need to have it be my Daily Driving Force.

The list now goes on to include Dr RC Sproul,Dr Steven Lawson,Dr Ligon Duncan, Dr Al Mohler

I would also like to thank Dr Phil Ryken and the staff of Tenth Press for all of your help and guidance that you are to me. I am currently doing my internship with Tenth and it has been a life changing and life growing time.

Thank you all very much.

memorial bench

Memorial Bench

This past Saturday, Elmer and Aaron Snethen unveiled the memorial Sherry Snethen bench that sits in the Liacouras Center just outside the basketball arena. Sherry, who died last January, was an avid Temple basketball fan.

HEY BUTCH YOU STILL GOT GAME

"Butch" Snethen

So, Elmer Snethen's sister sends an email to the new Temple basketball coach, Fran Dunphy. She wants to get a Temple jersey with Elmer's old number when he played at Temple in the 1960's. She eventually gets a reply telling her to give him a call. She does and begins explaining who Elmer is. Coach Dunphy interrupts her by saying, "Is this the same 'Butch' Snethen who used to play at Aronimink?" It so happened that he played pickup games in college with some of the "older" guys who had graduated. Here is "Butch" with his jersey.

COMING TO THE LORDS TABLE..SUNDAY DECEMBER 3RD

Coming to the Table
Sunday we will be observing the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In preparation, consider these words from John Calvin's Institutes:

Let us remember that this sacred feast is medicine to the sick, comfort to the sinner, and bounty to the poor; while to the healthy, the righteous, and the rich, if any such could be found, it would be of no value. For while Christ is therein given us for food, we perceive that without him we fail, pine, and waste away, just as hunger destroys the vigour of the body. Next, as he is given for life, we perceive that without him we are certainly dead. Wherefore, the best and only worthiness which we can bring to God, is to offer him our own vileness, and, if I may so speak, unworthiness that his mercy may make us worthy; to despond in ourselves, that we may be consoled in him; to humble ourselves, that we may be elevated by him; to accuse ourselves, that we may be justified by him; to aspire, moreover, to the unity which he recommends in the Supper; and, as he makes us all one in himself, to desire to have all one soul, one heart, one tongue. If we ponder and meditate on these things, we may be shaken but will never be overwhelmed by such considerations as these, how shall we, who are devoid of all good, polluted by the defilements of sin, and half dead, worthily eat the body of the Lord? We shall rather consider that we, who are poor, are coming to a benevolent giver, sick to a physician, sinful to the author of righteousness, in fine, dead to him who gives life; that worthiness which is commanded by God, consists especially in faith, which places all things in Christ, nothing in ourselves, and in charity, charity which, though imperfect, it may be sufficient to offer to God, that he may increase it, since it cannot be fully rendered.

CHARLES SPURGON ON WAITING

Know How to Wait

He that believeth shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)

He shall make haste to keep the Lord's commandments; but he shall not make haste in any impatient or improper sense.

He shall not haste to run away, for he shall not be overcome with the fear which causes panic. When others are flying hither and thither as if their wits had failed them, the believer shall be quiet, calm, and deliberate, and so shall be able to act wisely in the hour of trial.

He shall not haste in his expectations, craving his good things at once and on the spot, but he will wait God's time. Some are in a desperate hurry to have the bird in the hand, for they regard the Lord's promise as a bird in the bush, not likely to be theirs. Believers know how to wait..

He shall not haste by plunging into wrong or questionable action. Unbelief must be doing something, and thus it works its own undoing; but faith makes no more haste than good speed, and thus it is not forced to go back sorrowfully by the way which it followed heedlessly.

How is it with me? Am I believing, and am I therefore keeping to the believers pace, which is walking with God? Peace, fluttering spirit! Oh, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him! Heart, see that thou do this at once

PRAYER REQUEST----PEG GREEN

Please pray for PEG GREEN she is in FranKford Hospital I spoke with her today on the phone she said she fell about a week ago, and did not think anything of it but when she did go to the hospital their are some broken bones in her back.

she is in good spirits and I will be visiting with her today, and will give an update on her condition.

Update: I visited with Peg today she seems to be in good spirits but is in pain, she does have three chipped bones in her tail bone area, the doctors want to send her for physical therapy out patient and possibly release her from the hospital tomorrow.

Lets keep Peg in our prayers