A Word on Worship Order of Worship Volume 29, IssuE 15 12 JUNE 2016 Worship arises from grateful hearts, for it is the expression of heartfelt gratefulness towards God. Psalm 100:4 says, Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. God welcomes only grateful hearts into His courts for worship. Ungrateful hearts have no right to be in His presence. So let us remember all His benefits as we draw nigh unto God to worship Him (cf. Psalm 103:1-2). Scripture Memorisation Do Good James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. Call to Worship Elder Alan Choy Hymn 25: The Lord Is King!* Invocation & Gloria Patri* Responsive Scripture Reading* Psalm 34 Hymn 92: He Ransomed Me Collection of Offerings Doxology & Prayer* Hymn 408: I Gave My Life for Thee Scripture Memorisation Pastoral Prayer Sermon Pastor Prabhudas Koshy Christ s Tenets for the Ministry Matthew 10:7-15 Hymn 466: Go Labour On* Benediction & Threefold Amen* * Congregation Standing
duty roster Today, 12 June 2016 Next Lord s Day, 19 June 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: Ushers: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Junior Worship: Musician: Usher: Venue: English Speaker: Dialect Speaker: Pr Daniel Lim Pr Daniel Lim Eunice Choy Roscelle Lim Jenn Lee Robert Ooi & Lawrence Ng Eld Alan Choy Pastor Koshy Dorcas Koshy, Sarah Lee Ng Kwan Teng, Stephen Yap Theodore Wang, Danial Wong David Ng, Julius Del Rosario Aileen Tan Crew No. 1 Diana Koh Yeo Geok Hien, Roscelle Lim Mary Chan, Lena Chan Pr Jeremiah Sim, (Stella Tan) Sharon dela Cruz, (Jasmine Low) Samuel Yong Norefel Resuma Pr Dennis Kabingue Dorcas Koshy Jomart Tindaan Daryl Kabingue 9 Bishan Street 13 Arvind Pawa Pr Jeremiah Sim MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP Musician: Flowers: Ushers: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Junior Worship: Musician: Usher: Venue: English Speaker: Dialect Speaker: Gan Chin Hwi Pr Kelvin Lim Angeline Wong Lee Kim Lei Maggie Ho Cayson Chok & Jonah So Eld Ng Poh Kok Bro Andrew Koh Eunice Choy, Chloe Pawa Andy Lee, Marcus Peh Lawrence Ng, Chan Tuck Whye David Lau, Linus Kok Mong Jee Pawa Crew No. 2 Diana Chan Roscelle Lim, Chong Shu Mun Rachel Teo, Lim Hua See Pr Dennis Kabingue, (Jasmine Tan) Angeline Wong, (Chloe Pawa) Pr Ho Kee How Eric Delina Pr Dennis Kabingue Duaine Kabingue Anthony Evangelista Joy Del Rosario 487 Bedok South Ave 2 Pr Jeremiah Sim Elder Alan Choy 2
12 June 2016 Creationists amongst Evolutionists! Prabhudas Koshy We live in a world that is full of unbiblical philosophies and practices, which have pervaded and deeply influenced societal thinking and attitudes. Our firm convictions and commitment to holiness are often viewed with contempt, scorn and even hatred! Jesus, being aware of the hostility that we will face in the world, has prayed for us: I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world (John 17:14-16). Our faith in the truth of God s Word will not only be tested and challenged, but will also be hated as well. Faithful Christians, be they adults, youths or children, all are facing many difficulties in society, schools and workplaces, simply because of their adherence to the doctrine of creation. The evolutionists would like to depict us as anti-scientific and irrational people. The tension that Biblebelieving Christians feel today is multi-faceted and very severe. The idea of atheistic evolution has crept into almost every academic discipline of our time and even our workplaces. Let us therefore be prepared to bear a bold and yet holy witness for the Lord. As Jesus has forewarned, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). If you are taught evolution, it is not necessary that you walk out of the class immediately. You can listen attentively to what is being said, but with biblical discernment (cf. 1 John 4:1). If the lecturers are against Scripture, you must not subscribe to what is being taught, but reject it. Study the issue further in the light of Scripture through research and interacting with knowledgeable Christians. Of course, the matter of exams is, admittedly, a sensitive issue. Though exam is not about whether you believe what has been taught but rather about Pastoral Exhortation 3
Pastoral Exhortation how well you recall the content taught, to reproduce what is being taught which is against your biblical convictions can be rather troubling to one s conscience. It is like being pressured to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar s golden image to escape the fiery furnace (cf. Daniel 3:14-15). This undue desire to be acceptable to the scholarly (but godless) world runs counter to the biblical injunction to be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). We strongly advise that if your conscience is stifled or severely affected in taking such courses, then prayerfully consider pursuing another course of study. This is surely one application of biblical separation. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). Christians should exercise godly wisdom at all times to discern and to keep away from projects and works that compel you to compromise your faith. Be it research or project work, one needs to ensure that one keeps away from promoting unbiblical theories and philosophies. Do not be partakers of unbiblical endeavours! It is very evident that many unregenerate teachers in schools, colleges and universities attempt to brainwash Christians with their pseudoscientific arguments to deny the truths of Scripture. Please know that this is one of the devil s subtle weapons against Christian youths. When such an effort is made against our biblical convictions, be wise as serpents and turn it into a witnessing event to explain to them and other Christian friends why the Bible is the truth and that they are in error. Never compromise your faith in the Biblical truths! Though the nonbeliever may not be concerned with the accuracy of the Biblical truths, whenever the opportunity presents itself, explain to him why his theory is scientifically flawed and that the evidence supports the Biblical facts. As Christians, we must conduct ourselves in an honourable manner at all times. We should be harmless as doves and not foolishly disrupt the class to protest the teaching of the lie. We must act wisely in a cordial and peaceful manner as much as possible (cf. Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18), showing submission to authority (cf. Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:17). If we have to be involved in discussions or debates, we must present our points logically and clearly. With the wisdom that God will give us (cf. Psalm 119:98-99), we are to 4
refute the fallacies of the atheistic evolution worldview by presenting scientific evidence correctly in support of Biblical facts. But at all times, we must pray that we will be able to speak in meekness (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). Remember, arguments with non-believers who are set in their hearts against the Scriptures, will achieve very little. On the other hand, if a Christian educator needs to mention evolution as a part of the curriculum, he must not hesitate to point out the fallacies of that theory. Thus, he must not miss that excellent opportunity to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) of the world, by pointing out the problems of lies attached to that theory. We must not miss such an opportunity to refute atheistic education. Show to your students why evolutionistic claims are not facts but myths, and thus are downright lies to discredit the Biblical account of Creation. The Christian educator, while explaining the evolutionary theories, must not be afraid to point out their fallacies. In academia, it is acceptable (and, in fact, expected) practice to challenge theories with substantiated arguments. However, if in the event that we are forbidden to disprove widelyaccepted though unsubstantiated theories (in which case, the regulatory board is no longer regarded as upholding academic honesty), there is a clear bias in that educational institution. We then have to make a stand for God s truth! Jesus said, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). God will make another way for us, and He promises to take care of us (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). May we be strengthened by the sterling words of testimony uttered by the ancient saint, Joseph But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive (Genesis 50:20). Dear Christians, we need to rise and shine for the Lord in this dark world of unbelief and ungodliness. Ephesians 5:11 reminds us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. We are further exhorted: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17). Pastoral Exhortation 5
junior worshipper s text page Have You Been Numbering Your Days? Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Illustration by Melissa Neo Man s life on earth is limited by God. No one can live beyond the time set by God. Even a child cannot be sure whether he will live into his teenage years or into adulthood. Even if one would live to a ripe old age, those years will pass very quickly. So Moses, who wrote Psalm 90, prayed to God to teach us to number our days. In other words, it is a prayer to help us remember that the days of our lives on earth will quickly come to an end. With God s help, we will be wise to realise that with each passing day, we are closer to the end of our life on earth. At the end of each day, let us remember that the number of opportunities for us to live for God and to fulfil our responsibilities is irreversibly reduced. If we wait for the end of each year to remind us of the nearness of our lives end, we would have let 365 days slip by unaccounted for. It is far better to take stock of the shortness of our life by each passing day than on a yearly, or monthly, or even weekly basis. Suppose a school student prepares for his final exams only at the end of the school year he will definitely not do well! A wise student will instead work hard every day of his school year so as to do well in the final exams. Likewise, if we learn to make every day of our lives count for God s glory, we will rejoice when we meet our Lord, the Judge. Therefore, we must pray for God s help for us to wisely use our daily opportunities to please and glorify God. That is why Moses also prayed that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Prabhudas Koshy 6
Collections LORD S DAY on 5 June 2016 Tithes: 2,850.00 Offerings: 7,584.20 Bldg Fund (Project): 200.00; 100.00; 50.00; 50.00; 8.00 Designated Gifts: TGCM (local) 300.00; 200.00; GBPC (Ethiopia) 20.00 SPECIAL FUND UPDATE (as of 5 June 2016) Building Fund (Project): $2,001,597.80 And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land, which thou, O LORD, hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the LORD thy God, and worship before the LORD thy God Deuteronomy 26:10 Give generously towards our Church Building Fund. Gethsemane Young Adults Fellowship Date & Time: Fri, 17 Jun, 7.30pm Speaker: Pr Samson Hutagalung Chairperson: Bro Matthew Peh Venue: Home of Sis Lee Kim Lei Blk 408 Fajar Road, #10-349 Singapore 670408 (Dinner is provided.) 12 th Bible Witness Retreat Theme: The Excellencies of Christ Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy Venue: Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Date: 7th 9th September 2016 (Wed Fri) Fees: $350 Single occupancy $280 Twin occupancy $260 Triple occupancy $180 Child aged 4-12 with extra bed $130 Child aged 4-12 without extra bed A non-refundable deposit of $70.00/ person is required. (All fees include transport, accommodation, meals and notes.) Registration form is available at the reception table or can be downloaded from www.biblewitness.com/retreat. For more information, please contact Lok Kwok Wah at 6741 1910 or 9022 5508 or send an email to bwmm.gbpc@gmail.com Gethsemane Youth Fellowship Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim Chairman: Bro Zacharias Tan Date & Time: Sat, 18 Jun Choir Practise: 2.00pm - 3.30pm Bible Study: 3.45pm - 5.00pm Venue: Home of Sis Katherin Wu Blk 27 Balam Road, #07-31 Singapore 370027 Gethsemane LADIES Fellowship Lessons from the Book of Ephesians: Is Forgiveness Conditional? Speaker: Pr Ho Kee How Chairperson: Sis Melissa Mah Date: Sat, 18 Jun 2016 Time: 3.00pm - 5.00pm Venue: Home of Sis Rhodora Resuma Blk 298D Compassvale Street, #13-46 Singapore 544298 - a 3-minute walk from Compassvale LRT Station (Exit B). A concurrent separate programme will be catered for children aged 4-12. announcements 7
announcements Gethsemane Young Mothers Fellowship Prayer and Sharing Session (Outing) Date: Friday, 24 Jun 2016 Time: 4.00pm - 6.00pm Chairperson: Sis Merisa Teong Venue: Pasir Ris Town Park Pavilion near Carpark F (More details to follow.) Topic: Weaning and Weaning Off Kindly submit your questions on this topic to gethsemaneyoungmothers@gmail.com before the next meeting. far eastern bible college basic theology for everyone July November 2016 Monday Night Class Deuteronomy by Rev Dr Quek Suan Yew Commencing on 18 July Thursday Night Class Systematic Theology III - Soteriology by Rev Dr Jeffrey Khoo Commencing on 21 July Registration forms are available at the reception table. Church Camp 2016 Campers, please remember to pay your Church Camp fees to Bro Aron Ong or Bro Ng Kwan Teng. 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 NAFA Semestral Break Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer 8.00pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study Resumes in mid-july Wednesday Night GBI-Online Class resumes in mid-july Thursday Seniors Ministry 11.00am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim) Friday Morning Prayer 7.45am 8.30am @ Church Resource Centre Friday Campus Bible Study SUTD Semestral Break 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