Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols

Please join us for Westminster Presbyterian Church's Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols at 6:00 p.m., December 24.

Westminster Adult Education Classes

New Westminster Presbyterian Church adult education classes begin Sunday, January 6: Craig Bouvier, Thinking Christianly in a Postmodern World We will examine what it means to take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” in a Postmodern world. We will study worldviews, critical thinking and consistent Christian culture. Our goal is to ensure that “no one takes [us] captive through philosophy and empty deception.” Eric Zellner, Christianity Explored Christianity Explored is a video series that explores the Gospel of Mark and focuses on three questions: Who is Jesus? Why did he come? What does Jesus demand of those who follow him? Fred Rice, Old Testament Introduction and Survey During the fall of 2007 we considered some general introductory matters regarding the Old Testament: its authority as the Word of God, its progressive revelation of the purposes of God, and how we are to interpret it. Then we surveyed the books of Genesis through Joshua. During the upcoming semester we will do an overview of the remaining books of the Old Testament. Lynne Wingard, Women’s Class: The Book of Isaiah Isaiah has been called the Romans of the Old Testament. Interested women of the church are invited to join us as we explore the grand themes of Isaiah 36- 66: judgment and salvation, ruin and redemption, sinners and a Servant Savior. Isaiah is unquestionably one of the greatest literary masterpieces of all time, but more importantly, it is God’s word. Learn to interpret Isaiah’s message, trust its promises, and worship its God.

Vail Proposal - Congratulations Ryan & Amy!

Directing Traffic - The New England Way

Providence, Rhode Island

Incarnation, Cell Phones, and Manners

Ken Myers provides very thoughtful commentary on emerging technologies, and their potential to dehumanize ordinary relationships.

Meyer's observes: "With few exceptions, religious people have not given enough thoughtful attention to the social and cultural consequences of emerging technologies. When technical devices are used for obviously immoral purposes (e.g., pornography on the Internet), Christians express concern. But church leaders and theologians give far too little attention to the subtle ways in which technologies reshape our lives and thereby re-configure our moral understanding of the world."

He challenges Christians to "give some attention to cell phone etiquette. A thoughtful set of manners regarding cell phones could be a small but significant way of reducing the sum total of dehumanizing behavior in American culture. Such manners could demonstrate the high value Christians place on embodiment, expressed in our doctrines of Creation, Incarnation, and Resurrection."

"What could cell phones possibly have to do with the Incarnation? Both involve the significance of physical, embodied presence before others. The presence of another person before us is a kind of moral claim, asking for the recognition appropriate to a fellow human being. Likewise, when we make ourselves present to others, we are showing respect. Thus when we visit someone in the hospital or in prison (a situation Jesus alludes to in Matthew 25) instead of just phoning or sending flowers, we demonstrate by our presence a higher level of regard for their well-being."

Read the entire article. Many of us view advancements in communication technologies as unqualified boons. Our uncritical stance toward cellphones, e-mail, and the like can have the unintended consequence of robbing others of our our personal presence, either by using technology as a substitute for face-to-face encounters (why go see him when I can e-mail) or by devaluing the quality of our time with each other (interrupting conversations to field phone calls).

God with us in the person of Jesus is the profound message of the incarnation. The church is at its best when we are with each other and for each other in Christ. The dehumanizing side effects of emerging technologies gives the church a sterling opportunity to present a powerful alternative culture of embodied presence.

Let our cell phone manners be the occasion or considering afresh the rich implications of our doctrine of the incarnation.

(HT: Justin Taylor)

"God with Us"

Danny Hyde's blog and books provide excellent materials for Reformed pastors and congregation. I hand out his Reformed Worship: A Visitor's Guide at our church's Inquirer's Class.

That's why I am looking forward to reading his new book, God with Us: Knowing the Mystery of Who Jesus Is.

Here are some of the endorsements:

“'Why the God-Man?' Athanasius’s question frames the entire complex of Christian faith, piety, worship, and practice. With devotional warmth and doctrinal clarity, Pastor Hyde makes an excellent tour guide through the treasures that lie at the heart of history--indeed, at the heart of God himself. Whatever the stage in the Christian pilgrimage, God with Us will lead readers from meditation to doxology."
—Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

"Danny Hyde has provided the church with an outstanding study explaining the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is clear, biblically faithful, and impressively comprehensive given its concise length. This book is guaranteed to provide all sorts of people in and outside the church with a better understanding of the Savior and of why understanding who he is, is so important. I highly recommend it."
—David Van Drunen, Robert B. Strimple Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics, Westminster Seminary California

I look forward to reading this book as we continually give thanks for him "who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man" (The Nicene Creed).

Equals?

"I like pigs.
Dogs look up to us.
Cats look down on us.
Pigs treat us as equals."

- Winston Churchill

(HT: Damien & Sienna Howard)

Praying for Our Military Personnel

Major Bill Rice with Iraqi boys (photo taken December 9).

A good reminder to pray for those serving our country and defending our freedoms.

Below are those members of WPC and children of WPC members currently serving in United States military:

David Acker, USA
Glen Boronow, Iraq
Nat Causey, USA
Josh Lott, USA
Philip Martin, USA
Matthew Nelson, USA
Mark Peace, Italy
William Rice, Iraq
John Roberts, USA
Michael Roberts, USA

"O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the military of our country; Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

- Adapted from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

2007 Huntsville Marathon

Thomas and I enjoyed running the Huntsville Marathon today. He finished at 4:09, an excellent time for his first marathon. He did not run more than 10 miles on any given day during his training, which makes his time all the more impressive.

Nothing impressive about my time. Until mile 8 I ran precisely according to my plan. By mile 16, I was the most protected man in Huntsville - dead last in the race, the trailing police or HEMSI vehicle puttering along behind me. I recovered enough to pass five people near the end, and thus avoided (if any of them reached the finish line) last place. Although "the last shall be first" has dominical authority, it doesn't apply to marathoning.

During my long stretch in last place, I thought about telling race officials that there had been a mistake on my entry form, and that I was really Eric Zellner. The plan had little chance of success, and was abandoned.

One of the gentleman working the race had the responsibility of shutting down aid stations. I passed him several times, and at about mile 25 he told me I cost him money. He had bet that I would finish last place. A nice, encouraging guy, so I'm sorry I cost him some cash.

Bob Uecker turned a less than mediocre baseball career into a comedy routine that made him boatloads of money. I'd like to do the same with my marathoning, but to this point no beer company has sought my product endorsement.

In any case, I had a fantastic time, all the more because I got to run it with Thomas. Huntsville is a great city and offers a great marathon.

The Prayers of Paul

I am enjoying again D. A. Carson's A Call to Spiritual Reformation. I meet with a group of ministers on Friday mornings, and we are working together to build our prayer lives. I have previously read this book with other groups of ministers, and I recommend it as a classic work on Christian prayer.

In the book Dr. Carson prints Paul's prayers and references to prayer. He writes, "If we follow Paul's example, then, we will never overlook the monumental importance of praying for others. . . . We will see it is part of our job to approach God with thanksgiving for others and with intercessions for others. In short, our praying will be shaped by our profound desire to seek what is best for the people of God." (pp. 74-75) He invites "[a]s a a spiritual discipline, slowly read through the prayers of Paul every day for one month. Record in what ways this discipline influences your praying." (p. 77)

Below are Paul's prayers and words about prayers from the English Standard Version:

Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

Romans 10:1 Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 15:5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— 6 even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— 7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 16:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

2 Corinthians 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

2 Corinthians 12:7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 13:7 But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.

Galatians 6:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 6:19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

1 Thessalonians 1:2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God’s wrath has come upon them at last!

1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10 as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

2 Thessalonians 3:2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

1 Timothy 1:12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service.

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Titus 3:15b Grace be with you all.

Philemon 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

Philemon 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.