Hit repeat and play all week. The latest arrangement of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel from Sovereign Grace Music's Christmas album.

VERSE 1 
O come, O come, Emmanuel 
And ransom captive Israel 
That mourns in lonely exile here 
Until the Son of God appear 

VERSE 2 
O come, Thou, Dayspring from on high 
And cause Thy light on us to rise 
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night 
And death’s dark shadow put to flight 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come to thee, O Israel 

VERSE 3 
O come, O come, true prophet of the Lord 
And turn the key to heaven’s door 
Be Thou our comforter and guide 
And lead us to the Father’s side 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall by His word our darkness dispel 

VERSE 4 
O come, our great High Priest, and intercede 
Thy sacrifice, our only plea 
The judgment we no longer fear 
Thy precious blood has brought us near 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Has banished every fear of hell 

VERSE 5 
O Come, Thou King of nations bring 
An end to all our suffering 
Bid every pain and sorrow cease 
And reign now as our Prince of Peace 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 
Shall come again with us to dwell 

The fundamentals of our sexuality.

What does it means to be human?

Who chooses my gender?

Can you be anybody you choose to be?

Last month we wrapped up a short series on the topic of gender. We answered some questions, but not every question.

How we answer the fundamental questions about gender shapes our answers to other important questions, such as "What are masculine traits?" or "What about gay marriage?" Get the fundamentals right and you are in a good position to answer the others right too.

What about Same Sex Attraction?

If there is one book we wish ever member of our church would read on the topic of homosexuality, it would be this one. A clear, concise, and compassionate answer to an important issue.

Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry

"the fact is that the gospel demands everything of all of us. If someone thinks the gospel has slotted into their life quite easily, without causing any major adjustments to their lifestyle or aspirations, it is likely that they have not really started following Jesus at all.” 

Sovereign Grace Music published a new Christmas project this year. We've already sung God Made Low. This Sunday we will learn "He Who Is Mighty".

VERSE 1 
Oh, the mercy our God has shown 
To those who sit in death’s shadow 
The sun on high pierced the night 
Born was the Cornerstone 

PRE-CHORUS 
Unto us a Son is given, unto us a Child is born 

CHORUS 
He Who is mighty has done a great thing 
Taken on flesh, conquered death’s sting 
Shattered the darkness and lifted our shame 
Holy is His name 

VERSE 2 
Oh, the freedom our Savior won 
The yoke of sin has been broken 
Once a slave, now by grace 
No more condemnation 

BRIDGE 
Now my soul magnifies the Lord 
I rejoice in the God Who saves 
I will trust His unfailing love 
I will sing His praises all my days 
 

Last Sunday, Pastor Eric preached from a text that challenges even the best theologians. How are we to understand the Apostle Paul's writings regarding head coverings?

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since it is the same as if her head were shaven." (1 Corinthians 11:3-5 ESV)

Given our interest in the topic "Gender and Our Relationship with Others: Can you be anybody you want to be?", many interpretive insights into this passage were left on the cutting floor. A few things were very clear:

1. The passage is ultimately about authority, not head coverings.
2. Masculine authority is a reflection of both the Trinity and the created order.
3. Men need women as much as women need men. The genders are mutually interdependent.
4. A beautiful woman wears authority on her head (i.e. a covering) like a crown.

And the answer to the big question last Sunday "Can you be anybody you choose to be?" is no. God has already chosen your gender and your gender is part of your calling. You can't choose this part of you. God did and now (as he has made you) you are free to be you. So be a man. Be a woman. Be your gender and by being your gender tell the truth about the Son of God.

Should women wear head coverings in church?

"Should, could, and must" are three different questions and Pastor Eric answered only one of them. The "must" question. "Married women are not commanded to wear a head covering during public worship."

The question of head coverings is an issue of application. How does the universal principle of masculine authority works itself out in the church? Then and now? Our top recommendation for further studies on this issue is an article by Tom Schreiner.

Head Coverings, Prophecies, and The Trinity

Theology on Tap is monthly conversations in an informal setting, with "men talking like men" about God. The topics are chosen to challenge the group, and the discussion leader always offers a few resources to prepare everyone before the meeting. Learn more here.

The "signs and wonders" gifts.

What distinction should we make between the "signs and wonders" gifts and the ordinary equipping of the saints? Is the gift of prophecy for the church today? What about the gift of healing? Read along as our current group discusses these questions this week. This is their homework for November (Please note that the following resources are for discussion purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect our churches doctrinal positions.).

The Case for Cessationism

The New Testament Gift of Prophecy

What do we believe about Spiritual Gifts?

The best essay ever written on spiritual gifts today.

One of the highlights from the Sovereign Grace Pastors Conference last month was a session entitled The Gospel and Growth by Rick Gamache. You can listen to it here.

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."  (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)

The Wonder Working God: Seeing the glory of Jesus in His miracles by Jared C. Wilson

This book would make for a great companion to our sermon series through the Gospel According to Mark. The author lead his readers into a deeper appreciation of the more "spectacular" moments in Christ's earthly ministry.

We are led to see that there's more than meets the eye when it comes to the miraculous events recorded in the Gospels.

"God cannot be boring. If we find him boring, it is we who are the problem, not God."

Sovereign Grace Music is releasing a Christmas album next week (Prepare Him Room). Praise God for brothers and sisters who love Jesus, love the church, and use their talents to bring both of them joy. May this music help us celebrate the entrance of the King into ranks of men.

God with us, the promise has come to be.