GETHSEMANE BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Not my will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42)

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1 ORDER OF WORSHIP Volume 25, Issue th Sept 2012 Call to Worship Dn Lok Kwok Wah * Hymn 25- The Lord Is King! * Invocation & Gloria Patri * Responsive Scripture Reading Psalm 32 Hymn Like a River Glorious Collection of Offerings * Doxology & Prayer Hymn When I Fear My Faith Will Fail Children s Sermon & Scripture Memorisation Pastoral Prayer Sermon Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Assurance of Salvation - Selected Scriptures * Hymn Blessed Assurance * Benediction & Threefold Amen * Congregation Standing Welcome to all worshippers Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. Psalm 99:9 Scripture Memorisation CHRIST S ACTIVE OBEDIENCE Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. GETHSEMANE BIBLE-PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Not my will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42)

2 Sept 16 Sept am Church Choir & Children s Choir Church Choir & Children s Choir 09-10am Malayalam Fellowship Malayalam Fellowship Chinese Service 10.30am English Service 10.30am SUNDAY DUTY ROSTER Worship Leader: Pr Daniel Lim Preacher: Pr Daniel Lim; Pianist: Sarah Yap Flowers: Winnie Yap; Refreshment: Ivy Seah Ushers: Robert Ooi & Johnny Lim Worship Leader: Dn Lok Kwok Wah Preacher: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Musicians: Dorcas Koshy & Eunice Choy Ushers: Maverick, Stephen, Kee How, John, David & Jerah; Greeter: Sally Lum AV Ministry: Crew No. 3 Flowers: Choy Luan Kheng Refreshment Duty: Karen Quek, Esther Quek & Lynn Koh Junior Worship: Lynn Koh (Stefanie Wong), Mong Jee Pawa (Jasmine Low), Stephen Yap Worship Leader: Pr Daniel Lim Preacher: Pr Daniel Lim; Pianist: Eunice Choy Flowers: Zuo Bai Ye; Refreshment: Katherine Peh Ushers: John Peh & Jerry Chan Worship Leader: Dn Francis Lee Preacher: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Musicians: Sarah Lee & Chu Seong Yeng Ushers: Jeremiah, Max, Marcus Lim, Francis Lim, Danial & Benny; Greeter: Diana Chan AV Ministry: Crew No. 1 Flowers: Gina Sim Refreshment Duty: Cecilia Siah, Joanna Lim & Low Hui Lin Junior Worship: Sarah Yong (Fidelia Mah), Dn Kelvin Lim (Violet Quek), Dn Arvind Pawa Filipino Service GCM 1.30pm Lions Home 3.30pm Worship Leader: Pr Dennis Kabingue Preacher: Pr Dennis Kabingue Pianist: Dorcas Koshy; Usher: Julius Del Rosario Refreshment: Emma Laurencio Song Leader: Sarah Yong Nursery-P2: Edwin Quek P3-P6: Andy Lee Venue: 487 Bedok South Ave 2 English Speaker: Dn Arvind Pawa Dialect Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim Worship Leader: Pr Dennis Kabingue Preacher: Pr Dennis Kabingue Pianist: Josias Pawa; Usher: Anthony Evangelista Refreshment: Vicky Amor Cancelled in view of evangelism Venue: 41 Toa Payoh Rise English Speaker: Dn Francis Lee Dialect Speaker: Pr Kelvin Lim Page 2

3 INTRODUCTION Christians are overcomers because they follow Christ, the Great Overcomer. As soldiers of His kingdom, we are called to be overcomers by the power and wisdom of our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Word of God affirms that Christ is greater than the prince of this world, Satan, and because He dwells in believers, they have become overcomers of Satan s army in this world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Likewise, in 1 John 5:4-5, we read, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? In other words, we are born into His kingdom to be overcomers of this world and its prince, the devil. Many hindrances and dangerous obstacles may be laid before us; but as Paul declared in Romans 8:37, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 16 September 2012 Pastoral Exhortation Prabhudas Koshy Christians: The Great Overcomer s People Page 3 Without Christ, we cannot be overcomers. It is in Him that our victory is assured. So let us consider our Great Overcomer! CHRIST, THE GREAT OVERCOMER Jesus declared that He has overcome the world: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). No human being could genuinely claim, I have overcome the world. Only a man of presumption and pride would make such a claim. So when Jesus said that He has overcome the world, He was declaring Himself to be God. The Lord Jesus must have been more than mere man to make such an assertion about Himself. The wonder of this claim of Christ is that He said it while He was preparing Himself for His arrest and crucifixion. He said this just before His agony of Gethsemane and the crucifixion which followed it. Yet, He stated emphatically, I have overcome the world. Jesus claimed this victory before the battle so to speak. Was Jesus just giving Himself and His disciples a pep talk like a football coach

4 might do before a big game? Okay team, we are going to win this one! Certainly not. He was not merely predicting but affirming that He is the Great Overcomer of all time. Since Christ affirmed that He has overcome the world, let us consider the world that He has overcome. The world that He has overcome Here, the world means that which lieth in the wickedness (1 John 5:19). It refers to the ungodly system of Satan that is at work in this world. It includes the ungodly people, customs, fashions, maxims, forces, principles, desires, governments, etc., which is the present system of all things in this fallen state, for everything has come under satanic dominion because of sin. Christ was referring to the world of sinful temptations, defiance of God s will and purposes. It is also characterised by opposition and persecution that bring about the tribulation of believers (John 16:33). Let us also recall that Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). About this wicked world, Paul advised Christians, Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed (Romans 12:2). The manner in which He has overcome the world When Jesus said, I have overcome the world, He was not just saying, I am going to overcome the world. The grammatical nuances of His statement reveal much more. In Greek, the verb for overcome (nikao) is in the perfect tense, which denotes a past action or experience with Page 4 abiding consequence or effect into the future. So when Jesus said, I have overcome the world, He clearly indicated that He had already overcome the world and will continue to be the overcomer of the world. Christ was speaking of His past, present and future experience as an overcomer of the world. He has been triumphant over the world thus far and He will continue to triumph over the world even in the future. His birth as the virgin-born was a triumph over Satan, for it fulfilled God s promise of her seed who will bruise Satan s head. In Genesis 3:15, God did indicate that Christ who will be born as her seed (i.e. the virgin-born son of Mary) will be bruised by Satan and his seed, but He will crush the head of that old serpent. God said in Genesis 3:15, And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The apostle Paul s words in Galatians 4:3-5 further demonstrate the truth that Christ s birth itself had proven Him to be an overcomer of Satan, as He came to deliver us from the curse of the law under which Satan has kept everyman in sin. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:3-5).

5 In a similar vein, 1 John 3:8b affirms: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Hebrews 2:14-15 declares: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Another proof of Jesus overcoming of the devil s plot was seen when Herod s attempt to kill baby Jesus was thwarted (Matthew 2:13-15). There are more such events in the New Testament that unequivocally prove Christ s overcoming power. His act of cleansing the temple by chasing out all the covetous men that made it a den of thieves was a display of His triumphant power over ungodliness of the world that had crept into the house of the Lord (John 2:14-22). Moreover, His teachings were a display of the triumph of the truth over the devilish teachings, ideas and practices (Matthew 7:29; 15:1-9; 23:2-6, 15-24). His miracles, especially the casting out of demons, were a demonstration of triumphant authority and power over the demonic powers (Luke 4:36, Luke 9:1; Mark 7:37; Matthew 9:33; 12:2-23; 15:31). While He taught, He also spoke of His victory over Satan through His death on the cross - Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out (John 12:31). Christ s earthly life, ministry, death and resurrection were a full manifestation of His power to overcome the world and Satan. Page 5 Jesus claim that I have overcome the world also indicates His certainty of victory with respect to the impending battle. Jesus had fully committed Himself to do His Father s will by dying for sinners. He knew that in His death there is victory over death. Hence, He was able to speak as if Calvary lay behind Him. CHRIST S VICTORY, OUR CHEER O Christians, your Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Great Overcomer. In the midst of your tribulations, remember that you are following the Great Overcomer of the world. His victory is your cheer. So Jesus said, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). The phrase be of good cheer expresses His desire that we will be of good courage in this hostile world. If you keep looking to Jesus by faith and follow Him in obedience, all your fears will be quelled, and all the agitations of heart will cease. So you can be of good comfort. Christ will bring you into the higher domain of gladness, for it is our courage and joy in Him that guarantees our victory. Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious: See the Man of Sorrows now; From the fight returned victorious, Every knee to Him shall bow; Crown Him, crown Him, Crown Him, crown Him, Crowns become the Victor s brow, Crowns become the Victor s brow.

6 Junior Worshippers Page Kelvin Lim Walking Perfectly Before God And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect (Genesis 17:1). The LORD appeared to Abram after a period of thirteen years. He said to Abram, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. He came to prove to Abram that He is a covenant-keeping God, and to renew His covenant with Him. He also instructed Abram to walk before Him, and be perfect! The phrase I am the Almighty God teaches us that the LORD is the self-sufficient God! He exists by Himself, and He is the living and true God. He has the power over life and death, and He has the power to forgive sins. Next, the LORD commanded Abram, saying, Walk before me, and be thou perfect. To walk before the LORD means to go in the ways He had set! The phrase be thou perfect was a command for Abram to follow God s instructions wholeheartedly. However, Abram was not walking in the way of the LORD. He walked in the way of the world when he took Hagar, Sarai s handmaid, and went in to her. In this matter, Abram was not faithful to the LORD as he had sinned against Him. But, the LORD remained faithful and forgiving towards him. Having forgiven Abram, the LORD instructed that he walk blamelessly before Him. My young reader, the LORD also expects Christians like you and me to walk perfectly in His ways. The LORD is gracious to us all and has forgiven our sins. Hence, He desires that we live according to His instructions from the Bible. Page 6

7 ANNOUNCEMENT COLLECTION Sunday (09/9/2012) General Offering 3, Tithes 3, Bible Witness 1,000.00, Pastor Koshy Ho Kee How Non-Sunday Gifts General Fund 1,000.00, , Seniors Ministry Bible Witness SPECIAL FUNDS (Total as of 9 th September) Ethiopia Bldg Fund 1,043, Ethiopia Van Fund 21, Grace Tiu 11, Date and Time: 22 September 2012 at 4pm Speaker: Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo Topic: Book Study on Galatians Chairman: Elder Mah Chin Kwang Venue: Home of Mr & Mrs Edwin Quek Blk 457, #08-307, Pasir Ris Drive 4 Date: Thursday, 27 September 2012 Venue: Aloha Loyang Time: 9.30am pm (Lunch & Dinner provided) Speaker: Pastor Koshy The Seniors Ministry urges you to invite your unbelieving friends and relatives to this event. Please sign up at the reception table. For more information, you may contact Pr Jeremiah Sim ( ) or Eld Mah Chin Kwang ( ). Date: Saturday, 29 September 2012 Venue: Gardens By The Bay (BAY EAST) Time: pm Pickup: 3.15pm at Stadium MRT Station (Circle Line) More details to follow. Those who require transport, please sign up at the reception. Page 7

8 POST-WORSHIP ACTIVITIES Please stay back after worship to join: Refreshment & Fellowship ( pm) Adults and Youth Bible Study ( pm) Children s Bible Study ( pm) TUESDAY-FRIDAY ACTIVITIES Tuesday Prayer Gathering (8.00pm) Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study (Cancelled) Thursday Seniors Ministry (11.00am) Friday Morning Prayer ( am) Date: 22 September 2012 Time: 4pm Meeting point: L2 of SingPost Date: Fri, 28 Sept 2012 Time: 7.00pm Topic: "Being An Active Watchman" Speaker: Rev Dr Paul Ferguson Venue: Calvary Pandan B-P Church Main Sanctuary Dinner preceding at 6.00pm. To facilitate the ordering of dinner packets, please reply to your respective FCM Student Coordinators. This will be held on the Lord s Day, 30 Sept, at 1.30pm in this auditorium. All communicant members, please collect a copy of the ACM documents from the reception table today. You are advised to read through the documents before attending the meeting. If you have any questions concerning the reports, please write them down on a piece of paper and pass it to the Clerk-of-Session or them to the church office ( gethsemane@pacific.net.sg) one week before the meeting. This will enable us to answer your questions during the meeting. Page 8 Time and Place of Worship 10.30am SingPost Centre Level 5 10 Eunos Rd 8 (Next to Paya Lebar MRT) Prayer Hotline SMS your prayer item Our Office 510 Geylang Road, #02-06, Singapore Tel: ; Fax: Our Websites gethsemanebpc.com biblewitness.com Our Pastor Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Mobile: gethsemane@pacific.net.sg Our Session Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy, Eld Mah Chin Kwang, Eld Alan Choy, Dn Arvind Pawa, Dn Daniel Lim, Dn Lok Kwok Wah, Dn Kelvin Lim & Dn Francis Lee