NEW LIFE NEWSLINE NEW LIFE BIBLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURC H For the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ Rev.1: 9 E-Mail: nlbpc@singnet.com.sg Website: www.nlbpc.org 10 Marsiling Lane Singapore 739147 Tel: 63686322 Fax: 63682494 03 Jun 18 Vol. 34 No. 22 Private Circulation Only Church Theme: Mark 16:15 Reach Out to the unreached English Worship Service PRELUDE: Organist HOLY CONTEMPLATION: The LORD is in His Holy Temple CALL TO WORSHIP: Psalm 8:5-9 *HYMN OF WORSHIP: 17 All Glory, Laud, and Honor *INVOCATION: GLORIA PATRI Eld Yap Chee Kian SCRIPTURE READING: Haggai 1:12-15 *HYMN OF PRAISE: OFFERING: 75 Sing Praise to God 539 Singing I Go *Doxology - Praise God, from whom all Blessings Flow SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Phil 2:13 HYMN OF PREPARATION: 122 Grace Greater than Our Sin MESSAGE: LORD'S SUPPER *HYMN OF CONSECRATION: *BENEDICTION: ANNOUNCEMENTS: DISMISSAL HYMN: Response from the People - Rev Gabriel Gan - Rev Gabriel Gan 385 - Trust and Obey Threefold Amen Eld Yap Chee Kian The Lord Bless You & Keep You *Congregation to stand Worshippers are kindly urged to switch off / put to silent mode all mobile phones and electronic devices during worship. Memory Verse for this Week For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Phil 2:13 PASTORS: Rev. Gabriel Gan 6365 9789 (O) 9125 4310 (M) Rev. Lim Chee Boon 6365 9786 (O) 9489 6630 (M) Rev. S.V. Nathan 6365 9787 (O) 9738 7097 (M) ELDERS: Eld. Sim Chee Seng Eld. Yap Chee Kian DEACONS: Dn. Ivan Lim Dn. Tan Wee Boon Dn. Emmanuel Gumapon Dn. Ronnie Tan Dn. James Goh Dn. Freddie Tan Dn. Leni S. Hubert Dn. William Lee Dn. Tan Cheng Teck Dn. Lee Meng Kiong CHURCH STAFF Bro. Steve Tan 6368 6322 (O) Ms Lim Lee Lee 6365 9785 (O) Ms Young Yee 6368 2779 (O) Sis. Dorcas Chionh 6365 9784 (O) Sis. Hannah Nathan 6365 9787 (O) Pr Job Yeo 63682885 (O) Sis Sim Min Ling 63659788 (O) NEW LIFE KINDERGARTEN Principal: Mrs Agnes Chee 6368 9567 (O) nlkindergarten@gmail.com
The Problem of Forgiveness (by the late R C Sproul) Forgiveness is a problem for many people due to their misunderstanding of what forgiveness involves and confusion about what forgiveness really is. Part of the issue is that sometimes we are unable to distinguish between forgiveness and feeling forgiven. Sometimes our feelings can get out of sync with the reality of forgiveness. Once a man came to talk to me about feeling greatly distressed because of his guilt. He said that he had committed a particular sin and had prayed and prayed about it but hadn t received any relief. He wanted to know what he had to do to experience God s forgiveness. But since he had confessed his sin and begged God to forgive him, I told him that he needed to ask God to forgive him for a different sin the sin of arrogance. God says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When we don t believe that God has in fact forgiven us when we have confessed our sin, we are calling into question His faithfulness. We are saying that God s promise cannot be trusted. That is supreme arrogance, so we need to ask God s forgiveness for our refusing to believe His promise. There is more to this problem of forgiveness. When we sin, one of the most difficult things for us is accepting free, gracious, merciful forgiveness. We are creatures of pride. We think that God s forgiveness is fine for other people, but when we do something wrong, we want to make up for it. However, this is absolutely impossible for anyone to do. God requires perfect holiness. Once perfection is lost, we cannot regain it. We are debtors with a debt we cannot pay. This is difficult for us to accept because we want to be able to pay our own way. It s because of our pride and arrogance, both fruits of our sinfulness, that we refuse to accept the forgiveness of God.
Back to the distinction between forgiveness and feeling forgiven: forgiveness is objective but the feeling of forgiveness is subjective. I can feel forgiven but not be forgiven because I haven t repented. I can excuse myself when God has not excused me, and that false feeling of forgiveness can lead me astray. But I can also not feel forgiven even when I actually have been forgiven. If God declares that a person is forgiven, that person is in fact forgiven. Our lack of feeling forgiven does not negate the reality of what God has done. What is the authority in our lives? Our feelings, which are subjective, or the Word of God, which is objective truth? The Christian must live practically each day by the Word of God rather than by his feelings. The issue of forgiveness is not whether we feel forgiven, but whether we have repented. If we confess our sin and ask God for forgiveness through Christ, we can be assured that He forgives us. Forgiveness is objective but the feeling of forgiveness is subjective. Sometimes we don t forgive ourselves even though God has forgiven us. But who are we to refuse to forgive one whom God has forgiven? What makes us so wicked that God s forgiveness is not enough to cover our sin? In effect, we re saying that we re so evil that even the grace of God can t help us. No, we re so proud that we refuse God s grace. Now let s look at what forgiveness is. The Bible teaches that when God forgives us, He forgets our sins. This doesn t mean He erases them from His memory. It means that He doesn t hold them against us anymore. How many times has someone told you that he has forgiven a sin you committed against him, and then, the next time you have a fight, he brings up what you did the last time? That person has, in a sense, rescinded his forgiveness. God doesn t do that. If I am pardoned by God, it is settled and is never to be brought up again.
God puts those sins aside and will never speak of them. However, we often reopen old wounds. We allow them to disturb the relationship. If I have forgiven someone, I should never again mention that sin. Forgiveness means not bringing it up. There is another issue to look at, and that is our obligation to forgive others who sin against us. If such people confess their sin and repent, it is our moral obligation to forgive. However, if they don t repent, we are not required to forgive. We may forgive, as Jesus did for those who killed Him (Luke 23:34). But in doing that, Jesus didn t command that we must always forgive those who don t repent. You can go to those who have wronged you and tell them they have offended you (see Matt. 18:15). If they repent, you have won them. But you are not called to forgive if they don t repent. You are not allowed to be bitter or vindictive. You have to be loving, caring, concerned, and compassionate, but you don t have to forgive. You can still talk about it and seek public vindication. Here is one last problem related to forgiveness that we deal with often as elders in Christ s church. A husband or wife commits adultery, repents deeply, and then asks his or her spouse for forgiveness. In such a situation, the offended spouse must forgive the guilty partner. However, that spouse is not obligated to stay married to that partner. The Bible makes a provision for the dissolution of a marriage in the event of adultery. The person is required to treat the repentant person as a brother or sister in Christ but not as a spouse. Another example is a man stealing from us fifty times in our office and repenting each time. We must forgive him, but we can ask for restitution. We don t have to keep him in our employ, but we must still treat him as a brother in Christ. This situation is an important practical application of the concept of forgiveness. We can have forgiveness and restored relationships, but that does not necessarily mean there are no lasting consequences for our sin.
SUN PRAYER MEETING, Week #5: 3/6/18 ) (FOCUS: Work & Nation) Church Theme 2018 Reach Out to the Unreached And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15 Church Activities / Events A. Pulpit Ministry (10 Jun) Rev Gabriel Gan (English) Dn Ivan Lim (Tamil AM) Rev. Nathan (Tamil PM) Pr Job Yeo (Chinese AM) Pr Job Yeo (Chinese PM) Upcoming Messages in Jun 2018 Date Message Speaker 03 #2 Response from The People, Hag 1:12-15 Rev Gabriel Gan 10 #3 Reassurance to The Exiles, Hag 2:1-9 Rev Gabriel Gan 17 Free Topic Rev Peter Chua 24 #4 Reversal in Their Condition, Hag 2:10-19 Rev Gabriel Gan B. Sunday School wisdom for the teachers and attentiveness of the students. C. Junior Dept, Senior Dept, Adults & Joy Sunday. D. Movie Outreach (9 Jun): Pray for good turnout, saints to be inspired and souls to be saved. E. Painting of Church Building (Ongoing-15 Jun): Pray for safety and good painting work, and members co-operation. F. YAF Retreat (14-16 Jun): Pray for good bonding time. G. Session Retreat (15-16 Jun): Pray for godly wisdom as Session plans for God s business and good time of fellowship H. SAF Retreat (22-24 Jun): Pray for safety and good bonding time among SAFers. I. Lay Leaders' Training (9 & 23 Jun; 7 & 21 Jul; 11 Aug): Training to run smoothly and the participants will be faithful in attending the lessons. J. God s guidance concerning Redevelopment of the Church premise.
Work A. Godly wisdom and God s empowerment for our Elders, Deacons & members to balance Church service and family despite their work load. Pray that they will be salt & light for Christ in their workplace and witness for Him when opportunities arise. B. Pray that God will open doors for those seeking employment and they will be strong and trusting God in the midst of trials. Nations A. Singapore: 1) Wisdom for our government to rule justly; 2) For peace & harmony among the races and freedom to worship and preach the Gospel; 3) God s mercy and protection against pestilences and terrorist attacks. B. World & Israel: 1) Pray for God to protect Israel against her enemies & for her salvation; 2) Readiness for the Lord s Imminent Return. Prayer Requests Pleases pray for: 1) Bro Daniel - Speedy recovery for Dawn who is down with flu and Faith is down with cough. 2) 4 children from opposite would come to church regularly. 3) A safe trip for Bro Gabriel and Sis Lena Choo to Taiwan from 9/6-17/6. 4) God will grant Bro Willie strength to take care of his wife, and wisdom to take care of his condition. 5) Safety for NLK teachers trip in China. 6) Chinese congregation s Mission Trip to Calapan, Philippines on 4-9 Jun. Pray that God will bless the mission work there and they will be an encouragement to the people. 7) Dn Freddie - Speedy recovery for Phebe's cough, nosebleed and lung infection. Pray that her follow-up checkup will go smoothly and there will be no complications. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
ANNOUNCEMENTS Movie Outreach (9 Jun, Sat @2.30pm): The Movie Team will be screening "Fireproof" on 9 Jun @2.30pm at Church followed by light refreshments. Please invite your family and friends for the event. YAFers Retreat (14-16 Jun, Thurs-Sat): All young adults are cordially invited to the YAFers Retreat from 14-16 Jun 2018 at Changi CSC Chalet. There will be message / sharing and dinner on 15 Jun evening. Please contact Titus at 84981193 for more details. Session Planning/Retreat (15-16 Jun, Fri-Sat): All Session Members please attend this Retreat for a time of planning to advance God's Kingdom and time to bond & fellowship. Venue: CSC @ Changi. Combined B-P Youth Conference 2018 (18 Aug, Sat): Time: 9:30am 4:30pm. Topic: "Appointed, Attitude, Action". Speaker: Rev Lim Chee Boon. Let us come together and fellowship with other likeminded youth from other BP churches! Sign up on tinyurl.com/cbpyc2018. Lay Leaders' Training Schedule: Date: 9 & 23 Jun; 7 & 21 Jul; 11 Aug Time: 8.30am 12pm Venue: Conference Room Exterior Wall Painting of Church Building (Ongoing now until 15 Jun): Painting work will be carried out during this period from Mon to Sat, 8am to 7pm. No work on Sundays. Please be mindful of personal safety if you are in church during this period. Church Building Painting: Closure of some parking lots. Drivers are reminded that there is reduction of lots due to the above work next Sunday.
9.00am 9.15am 9.30am 9.30am 11.15am 11.30am 11.30am 2.45pm 7.00pm 7.00pm APPOINTMENTS FOR TODAY (03/06/18) Corporate Prayer - Eld Yap Chee Kian (Phil 4:19) Pre-Service Singing (English) ENGLISH SERVICE LS (1 st Sunday) Sp: Rev Gabriel Gan Cp: Eld Yap Chee Kian Song Leader: Bro Steve Tan TAMIL SERVICE Sp: Rev Nathan Pre-Service Singing (Chinese) Sunday School for All Ages CHINESE SERVICE Sp: Rev Lim Chee Boon Ju Eng Chapel No Chapel CHINESE 2 nd Service Sp: Rev Tan Eng Thye TAMIL 2 nd Service Sp: Dn. Leni WEDNESDAY (06/06/18) 8.00pm Prayer Meeting Cp: Rev Gabriel Gan 9.00am 9.15am 9.30am 9.30am 11.30am 2.45pm 7.00pm 7.00pm NEXT SUNDAY (10/06/18) Corporate Prayer - Dn Ronnie Tan (Prov 16:20) Pre-Service Singing (English) - Dn Ronnie Tan ENGLISH SERVICE Sp: Rev Gabriel Gan Cp: Dn Tan Wee Boon Song Leader: Bro Aaron Tan TAMIL SERVICE Sp: Dn Ivan Lim CHINESE SERVICE Sp: Pr Job Yeo Ju Eng Chapel No Chapel CHINESE 2 nd Service Sp: Pr Job Yeo TAMIL 2 nd Service Sp: Rev. Nathan Tithes/Offerings For 27/05/18 English Chinese A.M Chinese P.M Tamil A.M Tamil P.M J. Worship Total $11,151.85 3,519.00 202.00 462.00 143.00 176.05 15,653.90 BLESSINGS TODAY! FLORAL GIFT: Sis Jini & Sis Mabel FELLOWSHIP TEA: Tia Wee Toon ------------------------------- PAST 3 MEMORY VERSES Service Today: Ushering: Dn Freddie Tan Bro Mohan Bro Lee Chok Sin Bro Kevin Lim Bro Patrick Tay Bro Jeremy Chang Pre-Service Singing: Dn Ivan Lim PA: Bro Ang Puay Lun & Sis Odelle Pianist: Sis Janet Lee Service Next Week: Ushering: Dn James Goh Bro Roy Ho Bro Joel Pang Bro Yaw Lap Yip Bro Ang Puay Lun Bro Selvam Bro Tim Ho PA: Bros Nicodemus Ng, Bro Nathan Ng & Sis Jelene Hu Pianist: Bro James Pang Wed. Night Prayer Meeting (8.00-9.15pm) Do come and join the weekly Prayer Meeting. Philippines Mn Cambodia Mn MYR 1,100.00 100.00 1.00 Col 3:2 Col 3:23-24 Heb 4:12 The Church that prays together, stays together!