Living the Abundant Life

Transcription

1 Living the Abundant Life The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV) Introduction Some modern preachers want us to believe that the promise of Christ in John 10:10 refers to His blessings of wealth, health and success in life, commonly referred to as the Prosperity Gospel teaching. Not surprisingly, they attract big crowds of followers and worshippers who are eager to be blessed with life s abundance. At times, we hear statements from believers such as, I am so blessed with a wonderful spouse and two lovely and healthy children! or, I am so thankful for the job promotion that I ve been waiting for I feel so blessed! or, The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful house in a good location or, We are so blessed to have been able to enjoy the beauty of God s creation during our recent trip overseas. But what happens when you don t feel so blessed in your current circumstances for example, when you are struggling with marital or relationship issues, work-related issues (being bypassed for a promotion, dealing with a difficult boss or colleague, etc.), health-related issues, job or business losses, insufficient retirement savings, and uncertainty about the future? Does this mean you are no longer considered blessed? Why do we often associate the abundant life with being blessed with positive circumstances, success, material comfort, health, and the absence of life s afflictions? Is it because many of us have a very short-term and shallow view of what it means to be blessed? This begs the question: what does it mean to be blessed with an abundant life? For internal circulation only Vol 30 No March, 2018

2 Biblical Context of John Chapter 10 The context of John Chapter 10 tells us that Jesus is our true Shepherd, and as believers, we hear His voice and follow Him. He is also the Door and if anyone enters by Him, he will be saved and will go in and out and find true pasture (John 10:9). The thief (meaning the Devil) comes only to steal and kill and to destroy us, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. The phrase more abundantly is the Greek word perissos meaning beyond, more, and above measure. Not only does Jesus promise an abundant life in eternity for Christian believers, He also gives it to us now through His abiding presence within us. His indwelling presence, guidance and sustenance is what makes our life worth living in spite of the absence of material well-being and comfort. The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 that he has learnt to be content in every circumstance, whether in plenty or hunger, abundance or need. He goes on to share his secret to living the abundant life: I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). God s Affirmation It is enlightening that the primary definition of the word blessing does not refer to wealth or success, but rather to being made holy, or endowed with divine favor and protection. Since we are made holy through salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord, the truest form of being blessed and living the abundant life is to be made aware of our wretched state, being led to sincere repentance of our sin, enjoying His divine fellowship, favour and protection, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a channel of blessing to those around us. When you focus on being a blessing to others, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance (Joel Osteen). Today, we are honoured and privileged to join in the 50 th anniversary celebration lunch for Eld Tan Kim Ping and Mrs Tan s 50 th wedding anniversary. Throughout their married life, they have given consistently of their time, talents and financial resources in the service of the Lord, both in Hermon as well as in the early years of Mt Carmel BP Church. They have opened their hearts, their home and their wallets to members, friends and strangers who needed a helping hand and a warm heart to cheer them on. In giving of themselves so generously to others, especially to the needy and marginalised, they have demonstrated the experience of Joel Osteen: that when you focus on being a blessing to others, God makes sure that you are always blessed in abundance. May their hospitality and generosity of spirit encourage us to be a blessing to others. Amen. Eld Elgin Chan (Editorial Writers: 25 Mar Dn Luwin Wong; 01 Apr Ps Daniel Tan) 2

3 PRAYER ITEMS For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Ephesians 5:29-30 CHURCH Hermon Children and Youth Ministry (HCYM) Staff Meeting, 24 Mar Pray for Dn Chow Meng and team as they meet to discuss the programmes and plans for the HCYM ministry. Ask the Lord to grant them wisdom, discernment as well as unity of hearts and minds. OM Geylang Outreach Ministry (23 Mar, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 11 May) Thank God for the good response in sign-up. Pray for the members own preparation and God s working in the hearts of those they meet. Combined BPCIS Maundy Thursday Service, 29 Mar The service will be held in CBC, with Mt Carmel hosting the BPCIS member churches. Pray for good turnout and a meaningful experience for all who attend, and for our Hermonites who will be serving during the service (12 Elders and Deacons for Holy Communion and 16 singers for the Choir). Easter Week Pray that we will all prepare ourselves to commemorate Maundy Thursday, Easter Sunrise and Easter Sunday. May our reflection upon Calvary fill our hearts with gratitude and thanksgiving and cause us to live out Philippians 1:21. Prayer Thank God for a good turnout at the last prayer meeting. Pray that God will continue to move the hearts of His people to attend prayer meetings regularly, in particular those who are involved in the ministry. God has given us the beautiful gift of prayer to be connected to Him. Let us use it! WORLD/ LOCAL Ethnic clashes in DR Congo Several ethnic clashes have occurred in DR Congo since December, with hundreds killed and over 200,000 people displaced. Pray that humanitarian organisations would have adequate resources to deliver aid to affected civilians. May God grant wisdom and courage to the leaders to initiate peace talks to resolve the conflicts. PASTORAL CONCERNS Birthdays We rejoice with our members whose birthdays fall this week (18-24 Mar): David Oh, Emily Lim-Tan, Eh Jye Tong and Colin Ang. 18 Mar: Deborah Engelsen / 25 Mar: Angela Choo PRAYER MEETING Wed (28 Mar), Peter room Prayer leader: Lee Pang Wee Focus: Maundy Thurs & Easter 3 2

4 A warm WELCOME to the CCKBC Kindergarten children, parents, teachers and all who are here this morning. If this is your first time with us, please fill in a Visitor s Card and drop it into the offering bag during the Offertory. Please join us for a lunch fellowship after Service. ANNOUNCEMENTS OM GEYLANG OUTREACH MINISTRY. For those who have registered, please meet Kok Eng after Service in the Sanctuary for a briefing. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LUNCH TODAY. Let s stay back after Service to rejoice with Eld Dr & Mrs Tan Kim Ping on the joyous occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration lunch. CATECHISM/MEMBERSHIP CLASS starts this afternoon. Today s lesson: Our Salvation Part 1 Teacher: Eld Choo Yoo Keong Time: 1.30pm- 2.30pm Venue: Joshua room #02-03A EASTER WEEK 25 Mar, Jerusalem Sanctuary Sermon text: Matthew 26:31 75 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan 29 Mar, Combined BPCIS Service, Mt Carmel B-P Church, 152 West Coast Rd (127370) Speaker: Rev Chris Chia Holy Communion will be administered Transport sign up at Notice Board Closing date for sign up: 18 Mar Or No Maundy Thurs Service at CCKBC 01 April, 6.30am to 7.30am at MacRitchie Reservoir Jointly organised by BPCIS and SCCC Offering collection will go to HealthServe that does ministry amongst migrant workers 01 Apr, Mt Hermon & Mt Gerizim combined bilingual Service, 11.00am, Jerusalem Sanctuary Rejoicing together in Jesus Christ s victory over death Speaker: Preacher Daniel Ho Holy Communion will be administered & lunch will be served 4 2

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS PHOTO-SHOOT WITH SASCO Senior Citizen s Home. Photographers, befrienders, instant photo printers and props required for the visit on 21 Apr (Sat), 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Bring a smile to the residents. Contact Kok Eng. NOMINATION FOR SESSION ELECTION ( Term). Nomination for the office of Elder, Deacon and Deaconess will be closed next Sun, 25 Mar 2018, 5.00pm. Get the form from the table outside the Sanctuary and submit your nomination to any of the Board of Elders. BRISK WALKING (Sat 24 Mar). We will be walking from Henderson Wave to Mount Faber. You are welcome to bring your relatives, friends and neighbours to join us. Either meet at Dover MRT Station taxi stand at 5.00pm or meet at Telok Blangah Park at 5.30pm. Eld Choo Yoo Keong YOUTH MINISTRY. Come to Moriah Sanctuary on Sat 24 Mar, pm and find out what the Bible says about responding to anxiety and stress as a Christian! Speaker: Dn Luwin Wong. Invite your friends. MEN S FELLOWSHIP (Wed 21 Mar, Peter room #04-02). I/C: Dn Sandor and Kwee Beng. Topic: God s Transcendence (taken from A W Tozer s Attributes of God ). Let s return to the root of our belief to know more about God and His attributes and be encouraged to entrust our lives to Him, obey Him and enjoy His presence. This is our prayer for all men. Please join us, walk with us and grow together. Dn James Quek HOLY MATRIMONY. Our warmest congratulations and blessings to Tan Jiahan and Melissa Loon on their holy matrimony held at CCKBC yesterday. STAFF MOVEMENTS. 1) Peggy Tan will be on leave on 19 Mar. 2) Siew Kee will be off on 19 Mar. MEETINGS Vocal Team Practice 8.45am 9.30am Paul #04-14 Today Worship Practice 8.45am 10.30am Ebenezer Chapel Session mtg 2.00pm 5.00pm Peter # Mar Pulpit Ministry mtg 1.30pm 3.00pm Resource # Mar, 29 Apr CM Equipping 12.30pm 2.00pm Isaac # Apr CM Junior Fellowship 11.30am 12.30pm Nehemiah # Apr, 06 May CG Leaders Equipping 1.45pm 3.45pm Peter # , 15, 29 Apr DSG Practice 1.30pm 3.00pm Gideon/Samuel #04-07/08 08 Apr, 13 May YM Senior Equipping 1.30pm 3.30pm Joshua #02-03A 5

6 COVENANT GROUP MEETINGS CG & Leader Date Venue / Occasion Agape Lester Cheng 24 Mar, Sat, 7.30pm Titus room #04-16 CCK Open Care 22 Mar, Thu, 7.30pm Samuel/Gideon rooms #04-07/08 de Vine Tan Swee Sin 23 Mar Fri, 9.00am Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping s home El Shaddai Sally Chan 14 Apr, Sat, 9.30am Peter room #04-02 Immanuel Karen Sim 14 Apr, Sat, 10.00am Samuel room #04-08 Jehovah Jireh Dns Malar Thomas 24 Mar, Sat, 7.30pm Dean & Ramona Martin s home Klema Eld Ho Hian Chye 06 Apr, Fri, 8.00pm Moriah Sanctuary Koinonia Dn Simon Toh 06 Apr, Fri, 8.00pm Joseph room #01-07 Living Water Daniel Woon 24 Mar, Sat,7.30pm Peter room #04-02 Morning Glory Jeanette Ler-Lee 23 Mar, Fri, 9.00am Peter room #04-02 Oxley Lee Yew Mun 23 Mar, Fri, 8.00pm Noah room #01-08 Paideia Gene Tan 24 Mar, Sat, 7.30pm Shawn Ang & Meng Choo s home Young Adults Dn Luwin Wong 06 Apr, Fri, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02 YOUTH BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am 1.00pm Senior Youths (Post Sec) Junior Youths (P6 S4) YOUTH & CHILDREN ROOM Gideon/ Samuel (#04-07/08) Peter (#04-02) MARCH Youth Teaching Leader: Zebedee Lee Youth Group Leaders: Post Sec Boys Zebedee Lee Post Sec Girls Priscilla Chan Youth Teaching Leader: John Chua Youth Group Leaders: P6-Sec 2 Girls Teo Mei Yee P6-Sec 2 Boys Grp A Jason Chan P6-Sec 2 Boys Grp B Dominic Lim S3-S4 Girls Lu Yanwen S3-S4 Boys Samuel Ang CHILDREN BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am 12.30pm ROOM MARCH Faithfulness (P3-P5) Nehemiah (#02-04) Dns Malar Thomas Goodness (P1-P2) Abraham (#01-04) Lee Hwee Mei Peace (3 s K2) Jacob (#01-06) Corina Oon/Lydia Li ATTENDANCE (Last Week) OFFERING / PLEDGES Adults 227 Children 18 Total 245 Last Week Month-To-Date General Fund $11, $29, Development Fund $ $ Please issue cheques to Mount Hermon BP Church (for General Fund) Mount Hermon BP Church Development Fund (for Development Fund) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:7, 12) 6

7 GOD S MESSAGE Date: 18 March 2018 Speaker: Eld Dr Tan Kim Ping Sermon Title: Marriage Bliss or Blitz Scripture Text: Ephesians 5: Are marital conflicts normal or inevitable? 2. What investment ought a husband make into his marriage? 3. What is the divine destiny of a marriage? 4. How does a husband's love spell? C O U P L E 7

8 Pastoral / Ministry Staff Rev Daniel Tan (Pastor) /O-Extn 11 danieltan@hermon.org.sg Ms Tang Lai Kin /O-Extn 20 laikin@hermon.org.sg Dn Luwin Wong /O-Extn 12 luwinwong@hermon.org.sg Mr Zebedee Lee /O-Extn 13 zebedeelee@hermon.org.sg Mrs Lee Kok Eng /O-Extn 14 leekokeng@hermon.org.sg Board of Elders Eld Peter Seah (Moderator) Rev Daniel Tan Eld Elgin Chan Advisory Pastor Rev (Dr) David Wong Session Dns Elizabeth Chua Dn Mike Fong Dn Lee Pak Choon Dns Justina Ng Dn David Oh Dn James Quek Dn Sim Chow Meng Dns Malar G. Thomas Dn Simon Toh Dn Sandor Wang Dn Luwin Wong Dn Richard Yew Administrator Ms See Siew Kee /O-Extn 18 siewkee@hermon.org.sg Sunday Service 11.00am Children & Youth Bible Class 11.30am 12.30pm Prayer Meeting Every 2 nd & 4 th Wed 8.00pm 9.30pm 10 Choa Chu Kang St 52 #04-01 CCKBC Singapore Tel: church@hermon.org.sg Order of Worship 18 March 2018, am Church Theme 2018: "Building & Blessing Our Communities Welcome & Announcement Prelude Call to Worship Psalm 100 Opening Hymn How Great Thou Art Opening Prayer Worship in Songs Thanksgiving Item Offertory/Doxology Pastoral Prayer Blessed Assurance Because He Lives Thanks to God YOUTHS & CHILDREN LEAVE FOR THEIR BIBLE CLASSES Scripture Text Ephesians 5:21-33 Message Kindergarten Presentation Closing Song Benediction/ Three-Fold Amen Marriage Bliss or Blitz A Sunbeam 我欢喜因我属主耶稣 Jesus bids us shine 耶稣喜爱小孩 This little light of mine Give Thanks Give Thanks Speaker: Eld Dr Tan Kim Ping Worship Leader: Dn Lee Pak Choon Pianist: Chantel Tay Vocalists: Sharon Thomas (ic), Inez Tan, Bernice Oh, Elsa Tan, Trina Oh and Shirlynn Yew Scripture Reader: Angela Choo Pastoral Prayer/ Benediction: Ps Daniel Tan PA: Samuel Chan, Joel Mak and Joseph Ho Projectionists: Sheryl Yew and Leong Kam Chew Stewards: Dn Mike Fong and Team A Thanksgiving Flowers: Tan Jiahan & Melissa Chrysalis: James Chan & team Thanksgiving Lunch: DSG and Chrysalis team members NEXT SUNDAY S SERVICE (25 Mar) PALM SUNDAY Sermon text: Matthew 26:31-75 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Worship Leader: Lenith Cheng Pianist: Rebecca Li Vocalists: Josie Oh (ic), Dawn Tan, Dns Justina Ng, Chua Keng Chay and David Chong Scripture Reader: May Seah Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Elgin Chan PA: Daniel Woon, Benson Fong and Edward Lim Projectionists: Benjamin Chua and Steven Chua Stewards: Nelson Chong and Team B Thanksgiving Flowers: Alex & Emily Lim Chrysalis: James Chan & team Refreshment: Agape CG