The Word on Worship Order of Worship Volume 28, IssuE 22 26 JUly 2015 Psalm 96:9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Scripture Memorisation Despair & Despondence Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Call to Worship Hymn 5: Command Thy Blessing From Above* Invocation & Gloria Patri* Dn Kelvin Lim Scripture Reading in Unison* Isaiah 55 Hymn 284: Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus Collection of Offerings Doxology & Prayer* Hymn 389: Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord Scripture Memorisation Pastoral Prayer Sermon Pastor Prabhudas Koshy Sacred Prayer Matthew 7:7-12 Hymn 358: What a Friend We Have in Jesus* Benediction & Threefold Amen* * Congregation Standing
duty roster Today, 26 July 2015 Next Lord s Day, 2 August 2015 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 Francis Tan Magdalene Lim Robert Ooi Sam Cheah Dn Kelvin Lim Pastor Koshy Jasmine Low, Sarah Lee Cornelius Koshy, Andrew Teong Jason Low, Low Chip Hung Marcus Lim, John Peh Low Siew Lian Crew No. 3 Lee Kim Lei Cecilia Siah, Chong Shu Mun Edeliza Ballega Dorothy Ng, (Jasmine Tan) Melissa Mah, (Chloe Pawa) Eld Alan Choy Norefel Resuma Pr Dennis Kabingue Dorcas Koshy Jordan Ballega Roscelle Lim 41 Toa Payoh Rise Bro Edwin Quek 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 Daniel Lim Sarah Yap Lee Kim Lei Cayson Chok John Peh Eld Alan Choy Pastor Koshy Eunice Choy, Dorcas Koshy Ng Kwan Teng, Stephen Yap Theodore Wang, Danial Wong David Ng, Randy Laurencio Winnie Yap Crew No. 4 Carolyn Koshy Diana Chan, Corliss Tan Lena Chan Pr Kelvin, (Mabel Ng) Kenneth Wong, (Violet Quek) Low Chip Hung Norefel Resuma Pr Dennis Kabingue Dorcas Koshy Anthony Evangelista Cecille Batrina 487 Bedok South Ave 2 Dn Arvind Pawa Pr Jeremiah Sim 2
26 July 2015 What shall I do if someone who is close to me come out to say I am gay? Prabhudas Koshy Just a week ago, a young Christian sister shared with me how troubled she felt when her long-time school friend revealed that he is a gay. As a Christian, she was also deeply concerned as to what is the right way to relate to her friend who has now openly come out as a homosexual. Should she continue to associate with that friend or separate herself completely? Can she maintain some kind of friendship with that friend, who now openly lives as a homosexual, so that she may have opportunities to share the Gospel with him? There was another similar situation not too long ago, when I was asked what Christian parents should do if any of their children say to them that he or she is homosexual? Before I give my response to the above questions in the light of Scripture, I would like to exhort all Christian parents to teach their children Scripture s categorical condemnation of homosexuality as a sin and its warning of God s wrath against those who practise and would not repent from it. Parents biblical instruction and supervision of their children till they grow into adulthood is very important (see Proverbs 22:6, 15; 29:15, 17). We must prayerfully give ourselves to the spiritual nurture of our children so that they may be guided and nurtured in the way of holiness, even in the midst of the world s increasing attempts to influence them with its wickedness. As with all sins (such as pornography, fornication, greed, selfishness, lying, theft, pride, murder, drug addiction and gambling), homosexuality is also being increasingly promoted in our modern society. What should Christians do if a friend or a family member suddenly comes out as a gay? The biblical principles for Christians response to homosexuals are no different from the biblical counsels concerning Christians response to all other unrepentant men and women who live in unbelief and immorality. Whether it be homosexuality or other forms of sexual immorality or for that matter, any other sin, we are admonished not to associate with those who utterly reject the Gospel and shamelessly engage in immoral deeds (Psalms 1:1-2; 26:4-5; Proverbs 4:14-15; Pastoral Exhortation 3
Pastoral Exhortation Acts 15:20; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17; Ephesians 5:3-7, 11). While we dissociate ourselves from the unbelieving sinners in order that we be not partakers and promoters of their sins and that we be not contaminated by their sins, we should not miss opportunities to show grace and kindness, and also to lovingly preach the Gospel to them, that they may turn from their errors to the salvation and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Otherwise, how would they know the Gospel, if we do not even communicate with them (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; Philippians 2:15)? However, we must be prepared to be accused and even attacked (verbally or physically) by those who take offence against the divine condemnation of sin, and the exclusive claim that Christ alone is the Saviour (cf. John 15:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 23; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Peter 4:16). If the sin is committed by one who claims to be a Christian, then he must be first confronted in a loving and yet firm manner. The severity of the sin in the light of Scripture must be explained to him, with a view to his repentance and restoration to a life of holiness and good testimony to God s truth and glory (cf. Matthew 18:15; James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1; Jude 22-23). If he would not take heed to the biblical correction and repent at the first confrontation, then he must be approached again, with the help of matured and godly men, to persuade him to repent (cf. Matthew 18:16). If he repents at this point of confrontation, he should then be accepted with love and grace, and be carefully instructed, guided and strengthened by godly men. If he still would not repent, then he ought to be put away from the church. Christians should stop fellowshipping with such a person (cf. Matthew 18:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14; 1 Timothy 6:5; 2 John 10). Be not deceived: the one who claims to be a Christian and yet continues to live in sin without any repentance not only distorts the truth of God s Word, but also seduces other Christians with his false claims about the Bible and his sinful pattern of life. Christians response towards such a person is clearly and emphatically stated in 1 Corinthians 5:13 Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person! Christians, especially church leaders, have the moral duty to guard the purity of the church and to keep God s flock from ungodly and corrupt influences. 4
BWWR Spread the Gospel Blessings Our Bible Witness Web Radio (BWWR) continues to spread the blessings of God s wisdom and truth around the world. The testimonies we receive from around the world speak of these. Below is a communication between a listener from Australia and BWWR s Sis Melissa Mah: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Thank God for the ministry of Bible Witness Web Radio. It has been a source of great blessings for me as I have been following the broadcast messages, especially those on Women of Virtue. As a working adult Christian, I constantly seek to find some good biblical material to listen to while I am at work and this need has been met by BWWR. I am greatly blessed by the Q & A sessions, where the questions discussed are addressed with support from the Bible and based on teaching from God s Word. Truly, I realise that the issues that have been brought out through such discussion are very relevant to the sisters of our time, such as how to dress modestly and the role of women in the church. Thank God for the labour of love in this ministry and I will continue to uphold the ministry in prayer. In Christ, Angeline Australia Dear Sis Angeline, Thank you for sharing your thanksgiving for this ministry. We are very thankful to the Lord for His enabling grace and strength to do His work. Of our own selves we are unable to accomplish anything, but we trust in God s promises that He will grant us all that we need in the Gospel work, including His guidance and provisions. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers. The Women of Virtue segment is planned by Sis Carolyn Koshy, who co-labours with Pastor Koshy and the Bible Witness Media Ministry team to produce this weekly programme. Praise God for the Q & A sessions; in this respect, please pray that the Lord will guide us to select topics that are of great spiritual benefit to BWWR listeners in general, and the ladies in particular. In Christ, Melissa Mah for BWWR Testimony 5
Wars & Rumours of Wars Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. junior worshipper s text page In recent years, wars are being fought around the world practically every day. News reports on the internet, television, radio, and in the newspapers present frightening images of war around the world almost daily. According to reports in recent times, more than 10,000 people get killed each year because of wars. Apart from international wars, there are also ongoing civil unrest and anti-government protests that end up in deaths of hundreds of people. Some current examples would be the Tibetan protest and the Brazilian protests. On top of these, there are also extremists groups (like ISIS) destroying cities and killing thousands. Are you troubled that the world is full of terrifying wars? According to Christ s prophecy, the increasing armed struggles around the world are a sign that it is moving towards the endtime. There are still a few more things to be fulfilled before the end-time arrives; but the end of all things shall come. Let us therefore not fear, for the Prince of Peace, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, shall come to reign on this earth for a thousand years. Then all the wars on earth shall end. So, even as we hear of wars and struggle with all the conflicts, let us pray, Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20). Prabhudas Koshy 6 Illustration by Melissa Neo
Collections LORD S DAY on 19 July 2015 Tithes: 4,100.00 Offerings: 8,358.85; AUD40 Bldg Fund 2015: 2,000.00; 1,000.00; 1,400.00; 300.00; 250.00; 100.00; 90.00; 10.00; 15.00; [100.00 (Chinese Svc)] Designated Gift: Reggor Galarpe 300.00; GBPC (Pangasinan) 100.00; Eric Delina 300.00 SPECIAL FUND UPDATE (as of 19 July 2015) Building Fund 2015 $$1,020,368.50 Give generously towards our Church Building Fund. S$5 million by the end of 2015! Thoughts of Cheerful Givers Church Building Fund Dear Pastor, Elders, Deacons and members of Gethsemane BPC, We enclose a love gift for Gethsemane BPC church building project. Even though this sum of money is but a drop in the bucket of the required amount, we trust that the Lord will send showers of blessing and provide every dollar for this building project. We are praying alongside you all in this work. Friends of Gethsemane Gethsemane Young Adults Fellowship Date & Time: Sat, 1 August, 4.00pm Venue: Home of Mr & Mrs Low Boon Siang 686C Jurong West Central 1, #14-158 Singapore 643686 Activity: Song Presentation Practice Chairman: Bro Ng Kwan Teng Gethsemane Youth Fellowship Topic: Systematic Theology - Theism Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim Chairman: Marcus Peh Date & Time: Sat, 1 Aug, 4.00-6.00pm Venue: Home of Pr & Mrs Jeremiah Sim 725 Tampines St 71, #06-167 Singapore 520725 Tithes for July 2015 Without God I have nothing, With God I have everything I need. Since I have no shortage, the joy is in me to tithe. Not for myself but for His Kingdom. Everything belongs to God, I shall not steal. A Gethsemanean 7 GETHSEMANE BIBLE INSTITUTE (GBI-Online) A series of lectures on BIBLIOLOGY (Systematic Theology II) will be taught by Pastor Koshy. These lectures will be recorded in order to make them available on GBI-Online at a later time. Day: Every Wednesday night Time: 7.45pm-9.15pm Duration: 5 th Aug - 25 th Nov 2015 Venue: TGCM premises (Transport from Punggol MRT station at 7.30pm.) 8 more places available. Please register at the reception table today! (Cost of lecture notes is $8.) Gethsemane Youth camp 2015 in Cebu Date: 21st - 25th Dec 2015 Estimated Fee: S$550-S$600 1 last ticket is available for the youth camp. If you are interested, please see Bro Andrew. Sunday Evangelism There will be an evangelism session today. Please meet Dn Arvind Pawa @ 1.30pm at the foyer. announcements
announcements Gethsemane CHILDREN S MINISTRY PARENTS Seminar 2015 Modern Challenges to Biblical Parenting Speaker:Pastor Koshy Date: Monday, 10 August 2015 Time: 9.30am 1.30pm Venue: Calvary Pandan B-P Church 201 Pandan Gardens, Level 3 Singapore 609337 Please sign up at the reception table to facilitate lunch arrangement. Contact Dn Kelvin Lim at 8268 2828 for further enquiries. THE GETHSEMANE CARE MINISTRY 10 TH THANKSGIVING SERVICE Date & Time: Mon, 10th Aug, 7.30pm Venue: Level 5 Auditorium, Singapore Post Centre 10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore 408600 We encourage all worshippers to attend and also to invite your friends. Please sign up at the reception table. Annual Reports of Ministries & Fellowship Groups Leaders of respective ministries/fellowship groups are to submit a short write-up for collation as Annual Report (July 2014-June 2015) for the upcoming ACM. Please send it to bwmm.gbpc@gmail.com by 29 July 2015. Post-Worship Activities Please stay back after worship to join us for: Refreshment & Fellowship 12.30pm 1.30pm Bible Study (Adults, Youths & Children) Cancelled in view of Evangelism Weekday Activities Monday Campus Bible Study 6.00pm @ 826 Tampines St 81, #02-92 Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer 8.00pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study 1.00pm @ Bible Witness Bookroom Wednesday Campus Bible Study NAFA Semestral Break Wednesday Night GBI-Online To resume on 5 August 2015 Thursday Seniors Ministry 11.00am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim) Friday Morning Prayer 7.45am 8.30am @ Church Resource Centre 8 Friday Campus Bible Study SUTD Semestral Break For more information, please call the church office at 6741 1910. 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 Arvind Pawa Deacon Daniel Lim Deacon Lok Kwok Wah Deacon Kelvin Lim Deacon Francis Lee