The Word on Worship Order of Worship Volume 26, Issue 48 26 Jan 2014 John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Scripture Memorisation Dawn 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Call to Worship Dn Arvind Pawa Hymn 18: Come, Thou Almighty King* Invocation & Gloria Patri* Responsive Scripture Reading* Psalm 96 Hymn 255: Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart Collection of Offerings Doxology & Prayer* Hymn 303: Saved, Saved! Children s Sermon & Scripture Memorisation Pastoral Prayer Sermon Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Wise Men Still Worship Christ Matthew 2:1 12 Hymn: The Church & Her Christ Benediction & Threefold Amen* * Congregation Standing
duty roster Today, 26 jan 2014 Next Lord s Day, 2 Feb 2014 9.00 10.00 am CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN S CHOIR CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN S CHOIR 10.30 am 1.30 pm 3.30 pm CHINESE SERVICE ENGLISH SERVICE FILIPINO SERVICE LIONS HOME MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Flowers: Refreshments: Ushers: Pr Kelvin Lim Pr Kelvin Lim Eunice Choy Lee Kim Lei Magdalene Lim Sam Cheah, Leow Beng Wee Worship Leader: Dn Arvind Pawa Preacher: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Musicians: Chu Seong Yeng, Sarah Lee Ushers: Low Chip Hung, Stephen Yap, David Ng, Chan Tuck Whye, David Tan, Theodore Wang Greeter: Low Siew Lian AV Ministry: Crew No. 1 Flowers: Stephanie Lee Refreshments: Cecilia Siah, Fidelia Mah, Mabel Lim Junior Worship: Dorothy Ng (Sally Lum), Melissa Mah (Chloe Pawa), Jenny Lok Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Venue: English Speaker: Dialect Speaker: Bro Donald dela Cruz Pr Dennis Kabingue Chloe Pawa Norefel Resuma Roscelle Lim 41 Toa Payoh Rise Bro Edwin Quek Pr Jeremiah Sim MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Flowers: Ushers: Gan Chin Hwi Pr Daniel Lim Sarah Yap Winnie Yap Cayson Chok, Chan Tuck Whye Worship Leader: Eld Alan Choy Preacher: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Musicians: Jollyn Low, Chloe Pawa Ushers: Linus Kok, Max Selvakumar, Andy Lee, Ng Kwan Teng, Randy Laurencio, Jerah Tan Greeter: Winnie Yap AV Ministry: Crew No. 2 Flowers: Carolyn Koshy Refreshments: Yeo Geok Hien, Corliss Tan, Valerie Leow Junior Worship: Ruth Low (Lok Qian Hui), Gina Sim (Violet Quek), Pr Kelvin Lim Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Bro Donald dela Cruz Pr Dennis Kabingue Dorcas Koshy Norefel Resuma Roscelle Lim Venue: 487 Bedok South Ave 2 English Speaker: Dn Arvind Pawa Dialect Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim 2
26 January 2014 The Lord has been pleased to permit us to plan for the 8 th Bible Witness Retreat. Dn Lok Kwok Wah is the coordinator of this retreat and he will be assisted by Bro John Peh. Dn Lok has secured Pulai Springs Resort, Johor, a very conducive and pleasant resort for our retreat. This was the venue of our very first Bible Witness Retreat, and we still have fond memories of that retreat. I would like to exhort you to join this retreat. Bible Witness retreats have been a time of spiritual renewal and physical rest for many. You will have an excellent opportunity to be in the presence of God to hear His Word, and also to be in the company and fellowship of Christian brethren. If you are bringing children with you, they will have their own special programme conducted by Sis Carolyn Koshy. The theme for the upcoming retreat I Have Somewhat Against Thee (Revelation 2:4). There is a great need for the members of the Lord s church to know why He would say that He has somewhat against the church. Why would the Lord speak such severe and punitive words against the church? You should not miss this opportunity to hear why the Lord is so displeased with the church. You will also have an opportunity to meditate on Revelation 2:1-7 like you never had before. Don t miss this opportunity. It is better to hear Him say I have somewhat against thee now, and not later at His coming. Now you have an opportunity to know and correct your errors. At His coming, it will be too late to amend your ways. Sign up quickly. Your early registration would help us to plan and co-ordinate well. Moreover, there are only limited places. pastoral exhortation 3
pastoral exhortation In these days, Christians generally think that it is rather a shame for them to suffer affliction. They are often told by very popular, secularminded preachers that God would not let any of His children suffer. So they think that suffering Christians are an embarrassment to God s name. But the Apostle Peter exhorts us, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (1 Peter 4:16). Christians often have to endure the society s rejection, ostracism, violence, and even official persecution. The unbelieving world hates every genuine Christian. Jesus had forewarned, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Mark 13:13; cf. Matthew 5:11; 10:22; 24:9; Philippians 1:29). Ashamed of Your Suffering? Prabhudas Koshy Should a Christian feel embarrassed or weakened or abandoned by the opposition and troubles he suffers? The verse for our meditation today tells us that the Christian who is afflicted has no reason whatsoever to be embarrassed, but has every reason to exult in God and praise Him. All have troubles, but it makes a very great difference when one suffers for his faith in Christ. The man who bears sorrow for the Lord is an honourable man in the sight of God. He has no reason to be ashamed of his sufferings, because as a Christian his life is marked by devotion to Christ and His righteousness. He is not persecuted for the evil he has committed, but for the devotion to Christ that he exhibits. Why is it that a Christian who suffers, should not be ashamed? Because his suffering proves that he is a lover of Christ, His truth and His righteousness. Because his suffering is not meted out for a crime that he has committed, but for doing Christ s will. Because his suffering is inflicted on him not for a mean and damnable thing he has done, but for a nobler and blessed cause of exalting Christ, his Saviour. Ironically, a genuine Christian often suffers for his actions, in spite of the purest motives that proceed from his love for the blessed Master. Nevertheless, in his suffering, he shall be the brightest of examples that others can imitate. So, the suffering Christian is exhorted to glorify God but let him glorify God on this behalf. Even under suffering circumstances, a Christian s duty is to glorify God (cf. John 21:18-19). He must rejoice and worship God, like Paul and Silas who sang and praised God in the Philippian jail (cf. Acts 16:22-25; 1 Peter 4:13). When the suffering Christian boldly clings onto his faith in His Saviour, and testifies of Him to those who ask about 4
his faith, he glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). He who remains faithful to God even in the midst of suffering, glorifies God (cf. 1 Peter 2:12; 4:14). For your further meditation and encouragement in the midst of your afflictions, I list more relevant verses below: wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (cf. James 1:2-4). Hebrews 12:2-3 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 1 Peter 3:17-18 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Romans 5:2-5 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Hebrews 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. Thoughts of Cheerful Givers From the offering bags. 19 January 2014 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Psalm 103:2). This was the verse written on 2 Jan 2014 of the BWMM calendar. God in His loving fashion has sustained me through 2013. It is an honour and privilege to give to God s work. } And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability (Matthew 25:15). What can man do if God does not endow him with talents that enable him to work? By His grace we live, work and give. Thank God for His bountiful blessings. 5 pastoral exhortation
junior worshipper s text page The Light of Christ in the Bible Prabhudas Koshy We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 The Apostle Peter was writing about Christ s majestic glory when Moses and Elijah appeared to commune with Him on the Transfiguration Mount. To the onlooking disciples, that was a very convincing experience about Christ s glory which we all shall see in the future ourselves. However, Peter says, the Bible is a more sure word of prophecy than that awesome experience he had. According to this verse, there can be no other reliable and perfect source of truth about the future than the Bible. The Bible is a more sure source of future events than any other experience that some people claim to have. Some people would try to convince us about a certain teaching by claiming that they had an unusual dream or vision or some miraculous encounter. Let us then remember that there is no other sure source of truth than the Bible itself. No matter what spectacular things people might claim to have, let us not accept them, for the Bible is a more sure word of prophecy. All that the Bible says is sure. Nothing it mentions is open to doubt. Moreover, it is as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. Its 6 truth dispels all dark and gloomy doubts, fears and sadness from us. It gives us the light of assurance, peace and joy. When you believe the truths of the Bible, it will drive away all the darkness of your heart and will enlighten it, like the sunrise brightening the sky ( until the day dawn ). How could the Bible help you to have such a wonderful light? Peter says it is because it helps you to have the day star arise in your hearts. The words the day star is the title of Jesus Christ. The Bible helps you to know Jesus Christ, the Saviour, who takes away all our sins, fear of death, etc., and gives us the light through assurance of salvation, peace and joy. #
collections LORD S DAY on 19 JAN 2014 Tithes 4,692.00 Offerings 4,531.65 Bldg Fund (2015) 5,000.00; 1,000.00; 1,000.00; 500.00; 100.00; 26.00; [50.00, 50.00 (Chinese Svc)] Designated Gifts Missionary Conference 2014 1,000.00; 67.00 GBPC (Ethiopia) 400.00 Bible Witness 10.00 NON-SUNDAY GIFTS GBPC (Bogo) 200.00 Special funds ETHIOPIA VAN FUND Total as of 19 Jan 2014 46,222.90 BUILDING FUND (2015) Total as of 19 Jan 2014 176,910.65 SERMON CD/DVD Recordings of the sermons preached during Church Camp 2013 are ready for your order at the reception table. Gethsemane YOUNG ADULT FELLOWSHIP The usual fellowship meeting on the 1st Friday of the month (31 Jan 2014) will not be held. The next meeting is on Fri, 14 Feb 2014. Gethsemane Youth Fellowship The usual fellowship meeting on the 1st Saturday of the month (1 Feb 2014) will not be held. The next meeting is on Sat, 15 Feb 2014. Parents Seminar Organised by GCM Nurturing Our Children Biblically Speaker: Pastor Koshy Date & Time: Sat, 1 Mar, 2.30 pm 6.00 pm Venue: City Beach Resort 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540 There will be a separate programme for children aged 4 12. Kindly sign up at the reception table. 8 th BIBLE WITNESS RETREAT I Have Somewhat Against Thee Speaker: Pastor Koshy Date: Wed Fri, 19 21 Mar 2014 Venue: Pulai Springs Resort Johor, Malaysia Adults Fees: Single $400/adult Twin/Triple $285/adult Children s Fees: (4 12 years old) With extra bed $180/per child Without extra bed $150/per child Register quickly registration forms are available at the reception table. Apply for your leave early! announcements 7
GETHSEMANE 4 th missionary conference Primacy of God s Word in the Ministry of the Church Post-Worship Activities Please stay back after worship to join us for: Refreshment & Fellowship 12.30 pm 1.30 pm Time & Place of Worship 10.30 am Level 5 Auditorium Singapore Post Centre 10 Eunos Road 8 Singapore 408600 (next to Paya Lebar MRT station) announcements Venue: The Chevrons 48 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609961 Date: Mon Fri, 23 27 June 2014 Morning Sessions: 10 am 12 noon For pastors, preachers and missionaries only. Afternoon Sessions: 2.30 pm 9.30 pm For all to attend. missionary conference Fund We desire in the Lord to bring all our missionaries to attend the Conference. The Church Session has estimated that S$30,000 is needed to bring all of them to the Conference. Your cheerful and generous giving is much appreciated. evangelism There will be an evangelism session today. Please meet Dn Arvind Pawa @ 1.30 pm at the foyer. Adults & Youths Bible Study Cancelled Children s Bible Study Cancelled Weekday Activities Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer 8.00 pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study 1.15 pm @ Bible Witness Bookroom Thursday Seniors Ministry 11.00 am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim) Friday Morning Prayer 6.45 am 7.30 am @ Church Resource Centre Bible Witness Magazine For more information, please call the church office at 6741 1910. Bible Witness Web Radio Church Weekly Prayer Hotline 8138 8139 SMS or Whatsapp your prayer item Our Office 510 Geylang Road, #02-06 Singapore 389466 Tel: 6741 1910 Fax: 6741 1016 Our Websites gethsemanebpc.com biblewitness.com Our Pastor Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Mobile: 9001 1119 Email: pastor.gbpc@gmail.com Our Session Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Elder Mah Chin Kwang Elder Alan Choy Elder Ng Poh Kok Deacon Arvind Pawa Deacon Daniel Lim Deacon Lok Kwok Wah Deacon Kelvin Lim Deacon Francis Lee 8