Advent Begins; ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem’

Pastor Barron will preach this Sunday from Zechariah 9:1-10. His sermon title will be “Rejoice, Your King Is Coming.”

Annual NGC/Woodlands Carol Sing December 9

We will join together with our Woodlands friends for a Christmas Carol sing on Sunday, December 9, at 4:00 p.m. in the Camellia Room. Following the sing, we will share refreshments in the Orchid Room.

Next Discussion Time December 16

On Sunday, December 16, we will have our monthly Church Discussion time. The article that will be our focus for the time is by Lowell A. Ivey and is entitled “Local Gospel Proclamation” It is found on page 70 of the November TableTalk. If you do not have the TableTalk, there are copies on the table at the back of the sanctuary. We will meet at the home of Billy and Sissy Barron, 5 Winsford Dr., Greenville.

Dorcas Ministry Collection December 16 For The Piedmont Women’s Center 

The Dorcas Ministry focus for December is for The Piedmont Women’s Center. We will receive monetary donations on December 16th. We will be participating in their “Baby Bottle Fund Raiser.” Be sure to get your bottles from Susan Williams.

Church Nursery Volunteers Sought

This Sunday, December 2, the church will begin to offer a nursery for children from infancy through age 3 during morning worship. It is the intention of the Session to provide nursery attendants from congregational volunteers on a rotating schedule. If you will agree to assist, please contact Pastor Barron.

Catechism Corner

Q. 32. How is the grace of God manifested in the second covenant?
The grace of God is manifested in the second covenant, in that he freely provideth and offereth to sinners a Mediator, and life and salvation by him; and requiring faith as the condition to interest them in him, promiseth and giveth his Holy Spirit to all his elect, to work in them that faith, with all other saving graces; and to enable them unto all holy obedience, as the evidence of the truth of their faith and thankfulness to God, and as the way which he hath appointed them to salvation.

(Westminster Larger Catechism)

Tabletalk Moment

The Extent Of Atonement:  If Christ died to atone only for the sins of the elect, then unbelief is truly covered, and the elect will certainly come to faith. None of them is punished for unbelief. But if Christ died for all the sins of all people, and unbelief sends people to hell, then either Christ did not actually atone for unbelief, or God is unjustly punishing the sin of unbelief for which Jesus died when He sends an unbeliever to hell. He is pouring out His wrath even though His wrath has been satisfied. (Tabletalk Magazine, November 29, page 60).

Note: this quote is a little hard to follow; it makes more sense if you read the entire page in case you missed it. This devotional is an outstanding explanation of the atonement, particularly the understanding of “Limited (or Particular) Atonement” that is the “L” in TULIP, or the so-called “Five Points of Calvinism.”


Short Items

Wednesday Prayer/Bible Study: We will continue our Wednesday night activities, moving into Romans 9:19. This is a significant passage, and suggests a comment. A recording of last week’s study is provided here. All Christians, and especially those holding to Reformed doctrines, are called to embrace the whole counsel of God. Romans 9 is one of those passages that are less preached on or taught about in many churches. This chapter deals with God’s sovereignty in election, established in eternity past within the counsels of the Holy Trinity and applied throughout redemptive history. As Reformed, Presbyterian people, we are often challenged by our Arminian brothers about election or predestination. Since many of these dear people have doubts about their assurance of salvation, understanding this chapter can help us bring blessings to these folks by bringing to them the clear teaching of scripture about our inability to save ourselves, God’s love expressed in grace and also His wrath against sin. Pastor Barron in this session works us through Romans 9: 1-13. If you missed the session, you might find this helpful in “…always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience…” (1 Peter 3: 15-16).

Sunday School: This Sunday at 9:30am in the Camellia Room, we will open a new Adult Quarterly, focusing on 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Our topic for Sunday will be, “Go Forward In Christ,” covering 1 Timothy 1. We will see an exhortation by Paul directed toward the young pastor, Timothy, focusing on true doctrine, sanctified living and the true gospel. These are timeless messages for pastors and laymen alike. 

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