A Word on Worship Order of Worship Volume 29, IssuE 33 16 OCT 2016 Our God is to be praised, for He has not despised nor abhorred us in our wretched conditions. He has shown great mercy to save, sanctify and strengthen us. His compassion towards us ceases not; His mercies are new every morning (cf. Lamentations 3:22-23). His pity towards us has been like that of a gracious and generous father (cf. Psalm 103:13; Matthew 6:32). So, let us exalt Him with thanksgiving, and by renewing our faith in Him and submitting to His glorious counsels. Scripture Memorisation Doers of Evil Warned Psalm 119:115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Call to Worship Dn Low Boon Siang Hymn 5: Command Thy Blessing From Above* Invocation & Gloria Patri* Responsive Scripture Reading* Isaiah 42:1-25 Hymn 40: God the Omnipotent Collection of Offerings Doxology & Prayer* Hymn 65: And Can It Be That I Should Gain? Scripture Memorisation Pastoral Prayer Sermon Pastor Prabhudas Koshy God s Beloved Servant s Mission Matthew 12:14-21 Hymn 100: He Lifted Me* Benediction & Threefold Amen* * Congregation Standing
duty roster Today, 16 October 2016 Next Lord s Day, 23 October 2016 9.00 10.00am CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN S CHOIR CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN S CHOIR 10.30am 1.30pm 3.30pm CHINESE SERVICE ENGLISH SERVICE FILIPINO SERVICE LIONS HOME MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP Musician: Flowers: Refreshments Ushers: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Refreshments: Junior Worship: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Venue: English Speaker: Dialect Speaker: Elder Alan Choy Pr Daniel Lim Gan Sze Huey Tay Soo Thian Maggie Ho Cayson Chok & Jonah So Dn Low Boon Siang Pastor Koshy Dorcas Koshy, Ellyzabeth Cornelius Koshy, Stephen Yap Jason Low, Low Chip Hung Marcus Lim, John Peh Sally Lum Crew No. 3 Carolyn Koshy Yeo Geok Hien, Chairine Chayadi Jolyne Cho, Lena Chan Elder Mah Chin Kwang, (Lok Qian Hui) Pawa Mong Jee, (Priscilla Toon) Dn Lok Kwok Wah Eric Delina Pr Dennis Kabingue Duaine Kabingue Anthony Evangelista Daryl Kabingue 487 Bedok South Ave 2 Arvind Pawa Pr Kelvin Lim MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP Musician: Flowers: Refreshments Ushers: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Refreshments: Junior Worship: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Venue: English Speaker: Dialect Speaker: Gan Chin Hwi Pr Daniel Lim Angeline Wong Roscelle Lim Rose Chua Ah Moey John Peh & Lawrence Ng Eld Mah Chin Kwang Pastor Koshy Chloe Pawa, Jasmine Low Ng Kwan Teng, Marcus Peh Theodore Wang, Danial Wong David Ng, Chan Tuck Whye Violet Quek Crew No. 4 Lee Kim Lei Catherine Choy, Lok Qian Hui Mary Chan, Karen Quek Dorothy Ng, (Lok Qian Hui) Melissa Mah, (Sally Lum) Pr Samson Hutagalung Cancelled in view of GDM Reformation Lectures 9 Bishan Street 13 Edwin Quek Kenneth Wong 2
16 October 2016 Soteriology and Prayer Prabhudas Koshy Since July, 35 students of theology have been meeting on Wednesday nights to study Soteriology as part of the Gethsemane Bible Institute Online classes. (By the way, this is the 3rd in the series of GBI s Systematic Theology classes). I am happy to report that all the students come with tremendous enthusiasm and give themselves to learning. Soteriology is the study of the Scriptural doctrine of salvation. This division of theology deals with a keen study of God s provision of salvation for sinners through Jesus Christ and all salvific blessings He offers to those who trust in Christ. Topics, such as Election, Atonement, Substitution, Propitiation, Expiation, Satisfaction, Forgiveness, Limited Atonement, Effective Call / Irresistible Grace, External Call, Internal Call, Regeneration, Repentance and Saving Faith, Justification, Reconciliation, Adoption, Sanctification, Glorification, are studied. It is really thankworthy that as the students grow in the knowledge of the biblical doctrines, not only their doubts, questions, lack of clarity and misunderstandings are driven away, but their spiritual fervour and devotion to the Lord have also increased enormously. During last Wednesday s class, the students responded with much delight to the Scriptural truths they learned thus far. The topic of study was God s effectual calling of a sinner to Himself through the general Gospel call via Christians presentation of the Gospel (cf. Romans 10:14-15). They were asked how they would pray for the effectiveness of their personal and collective Pastoral Exhortation 3
Pastoral Exhortation evangelistic efforts. They were encouraged to think of the truths that they have learned and make them their prayers. Remarkably, the students (one after another) shared about 20 or more prayer points that they would include in their prayers for evangelism. At the end of the class, some testified that they had never realised how profound and solemn their prayers for evangelism can be when they pray with clear and sound knowledge of divine truths. Certainly, the deeper knowledge of God s Word enables God s people to pray with understanding of His Will and with earnestness. I would like to share some of the prayer points that we have discussed in GBI so that you can be strengthened in your prayers for the work of the Gospel. Praise God for: 1. Praise God for His rich grace towards sinners, and provision of Jesus Christ as our great Saviour. 2. Thank God for the wonderful Gospel and the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Pray for: 3. Take and use me as a Gospel channel each day. 4. Lead me to (or send to me) Thy elect people who have not yet known the Lord Jesus Christ, that they may be led to the knowledge and belief of the Gospel. 5. Grant me open doors to declare the truths of Christ. 6. Grant me the Spirit s empowerment to do the work of evangelism. 7. Remove all fear and anxiety and grant me boldness to present the Gospel. 8. Grant me courage and an unashamed spirit when I will be scorned at or opposed or even persecuted for witnessing for Christ. 9. Soften (or open) the hearts that are hardened (or blinded) by sin and Satan. 10. Fill me with wisdom to answer questions and doubts of those whom I reach out to. 11. Fill my mouth with proper words to declare the Gospel truths faithfully and effectively. 4
12. Grant me humility in my conduct and preaching. 13. Endue me with perseverance in my efforts to bring the Gospel to others. 14. Grant me a fearless spirit to rebuke sin and unbelief. 15. Grant me patience to explain the truths of the Gospel to those who ask about them. 16. Grant me compassion and love for sinners, that I may be ever willing to preach the Gospel. 17. Keep me from pride and self-dependence as I go about witnessing. 18. Prevent me from perverting the Gospel. 19. Protect and guide me away from sinful temptations, that I may be a holy and clean vessel for the Lord. 20. Deliver me from Satan s hindrances. 21. Remove all obstacles, interruptions, interferences, and other problems that could prevent evangelistic efforts. 22. Provide safe journey, good weather, good atmosphere, etc. 23. Pray for evangelistic materials, like good tracts. 24. Bestow upon the listener the Holy Spirit s (not man s) working and conviction. 25. Grant understanding of the Gospel, repentance and true faith. 26. Grant new believers illumination to behold the Glory of Christ and His Salvific Work. 27. Grant readiness and power to those who repent and believe to turn away from sinful lifestyles. 28. Grant new converts the joy of salvation. 29. Pray that more labourers may be called, equipped and sent to the harvest field near home and far away. 30. Pray that in all our Gospel attempts, Christ s Name may be exalted. Pastoral Exhortation 5
junior worshipper s text page Job 14:1-2 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. A Brief Life of Trouble Illustration by Melissa Neo The Bible often teaches us to consider the fact that life is short. Death is real and it can come upon anyone at any time, as God has appointed it (cf. Hebrews 9:27). Not only old folks die, even children also die. There is nothing to be proud about ourselves and what we have. Whether we be rich or poor, all alike will die. Likewise, the educated and uneducated also die. The brevity of life and certainty of death are real to all. Many children have been snatched away by death. Youths also are not spared. We see the tombstones of many youths in our graveyards. Even if a man lives to a ripe old age, life to him appears as very brief. Like the beautiful leaves and flowers on the trees that fall to the ground and perish, man s life also comes to an end. This short life that we have on earth is also full of trouble. From childhood to old age, everyone will face many troubles. Let us, therefore, be humble and seek the LORD for salvation, help and hope beyond death. Only Jesus Christ can give us the hope of a blissful life after death. Jesus said in John 11:25, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Children, be sure that you trust the Lord Jesus and follow Him. In this brief and burdensome life, Christ alone is our joy and hope. Prabhudas Koshy 6
Collections LORD S DAY on 9 October 2016 Tithes: 2,364.00 Offerings: 9,489.45; PHP1,500.00 Bldg Fund (Project): 200.00; 200.00; 100.00 Designated Gifts: Bible Witness 400.00; 100.00; 50.00; TGCM (local) 500.00; 160.00; 50.00; GBI (local) 50.00; Ephrem (Ethiopia) 150.00; Sujith Samuel 100.00; Kenneth Wong 200.00 NON-SUNDAY GIFT General Fund: 3,000.00; 400.00; 400.00 Bible Witness: 200.00; 100.00 TGCM (local): 500.00 SPECIAL FUND UPDATE (as of 9 October 2016) Building Fund (Project): $2,052,402.20 Christmas Gospel Concert 24th December 2016 Saturday, 7.30pm-9.30pm Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School (Secondary) Those who have taken tickets for friends who declined their invitation, are advised to return their tickets to Dn Lok Kwok Wah. This would enable others to participate. Gethsemane Young Adults Fellowship Topic: Love God and Love Man Date & Time: Fri, 21 Oct 2016, 7.30pm (Dinner provided by host) Speaker: Pastor Koshy Chairperson: Bro Anthony Evangelista Venue: Home of Dn & Mrs Low Boon Siang Blk 686C Jurong West Central 1, #14-158, Singapore 643686 Gethsemane ADULTS FELLOWSHIP Topic: Book Study of Colossians Date & Time: Sat, 22 Oct at 4.00pm Speaker: Pastor Koshy Chairman: Bro Benny Skariah Venue: Home of Mr & Mrs Benny Skariah Blk 690D Woodlands Drive 75, #04-190 Singapore 734690 (Transport from Admiralty MRT station at 3.40pm. Pls contact Dn Kelvin Lim @ 8268 2828) A concurrent separate programme will be catered for children aged 4-12. Pastoral Visitation Central/South Region Date: 28th Oct 2016, 8.00pm Venue: Home of Dn & Mrs Francis Lee 35 Moonbeam Terrace Singapore 277308 7 Gethsemane Young Mothers FellowshiP Topic: What is Expected of a Father in Taking Care of Children? Speaker: Pastor Koshy Chairperson: Sis Fidelia Mah Date & Time: Fri, 28 Oct, 4-6pm Venue: Home of Sis Merisa Teong 15 Ah Soo Garden, Singapore 539971 Please email any questions related to the above topic to gethsemaneyoungmothers@gmail.com before the next meeting. GYAF Retreat Dead Yet Speaketh Speaker: Rev Quek Suan Yew Date & Time: Sat, 29 Oct 2016, 10.00am-5.00pm Venue: City Beach Resort 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540 Pick-up time at Labrador Park MRT station at 9.30am Note: Sign up early at the reception table or use online registration. Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship 15th Anniversary Combined with English Service Lord s Day, 30 Oct 2016, 10.30am Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy In thanksgiving to our God for 15 years of Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship. announcements
announcements Gethsemane Defenders Ministry Battle for the Bible Knowing the history of the church will enable us to be informed and better equipped Christians for the spiritual battles of our time. So please plan to attend. 23 rd October (1.30pm 3.30pm) 16th Century Battle for the Bible by Andrew Koh 30 th October (1.30pm 3.30pm) 21st Century Battle for the Bible by Prabhudas Koshy GETHSEMANE CHILDREN S MINISTRY Daily Vacation Bible School Date: 7th-8th December 2016 Time: 9.30am-3.30pm Venue: Changi Seafront Chalet C Aloha Changi Registration form is available at the reception table or our church website. For any enquiry, please contact Pr Kelvin Lim @ 8268 2828. Missionary Conference 2017 Date: 5-9 June 2017 (Monday-Friday) Venue: Hilton Kuching Camp Fees (excluding airfare): Single $500/camper Twin-sharing $360/camper Triple-sharing $360/camper Child (4-11) $135 (with bed) Child (4-11) $75 (without bed) Child (below 4) Free (without bed) Participants are advised to book plane tickets on their own as soon as possible. Post-Worship Activities Please stay back after worship to join us for: Refreshments & Fellowship 12.30pm 1.30pm Bible Study (Adults, Youths & Children) 1.30pm 3.00pm Weekly Activities Tuesday Campus Bible Study 1.30pm 2.30pm @ NAFA Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer 8.00pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study 1.00pm @ Bible Witness Bookroom Wednesday Night GBI-Online 7.45pm 9.15pm @ TGCM Thursday Seniors Ministry 11.00am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim) Friday Morning Prayer 7.45am 8.30am @ Church Resource Centre Friday Campus Bible Study 11.00am 12.00pm @ SUTD Sunday Lions Home Ministry For enquiry, contact Pr Jeremiah Sim For more information, please call the church office at 6741 1910. Bible Witness Magazine 8 Bible Witness Web Radio Church Weekly Time & Place of Worship 10.30am Level 5 Auditorium Singapore Post Centre 10 Eunos Road 8 Singapore 408600 (next to Paya Lebar MRT station) 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 Pastor Prabhudas Koshy Mobile: 9001 1119 Email: pastor.gbpc@gmail.com Our Session Pastor Prabhudas Koshy Elder Mah Chin Kwang Elder Alan Choy Elder Ng Poh Kok Deacon Daniel Lim Deacon Lok Kwok Wah Deacon Kelvin Lim Deacon Francis Lee Deacon Low Boon Siang