Without Murmurings and Disputings

23 Mar 2014
The Word on Worship
Psalm 99:5
Exalt ye the LORD our God,
and worship at his footstool;
for he is holy.
Order of Worship
Call to Worship Elder Ng Poh Kok
Hymn 5: Command Thy Blessing From Above*
Invocation & Gloria Patri*
Responsive Scripture Reading*
Isaiah 40:1–8
Volume 27, Issue 04
Hymn 61: O for a Thousand Tongues
Collection of Offerings
Scripture Memorisation
Death (Physical)
Psalm 89:48
What man is he that liveth,
and shall not see death?
shall he deliver his soul
from the hand of the grave?
Selah.
Doxology & Prayer* Hymn 111: Only a Sinner
Children’s Sermon & Scripture Memorisation
Pastoral Prayer
Sermon
Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
“The Voice in the Wilderness”
Matthew 3:1–6
Hymn 418: O Jesus, I Have Promised*
Benediction & Threefold Amen*
* Congregation Standing
Today, 23 Mar 2014
CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR
CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR
MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP
MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP
CHINESE
SERVICE
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician:
Flowers: Refreshments: Ushers: Dn Kelvin Lim
Pr Daniel Lim
Sarah Yap
Lee Kim Lei
Roscelle Lim
Sam Cheah, Leow Beng Wee
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician:
Flowers: Refreshments: Ushers: Eld Alan Choy
Pr Daniel Lim
Sarah Yap
Winnie Yap
Ivy Seah
Cayson Chok, Chan Tuck Whye
ENGLISH
SERVICE
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Refreshments: Junior Worship: Eld Ng Poh Kok
Pastor Koshy
Chu Seong Yeng, Eunice Choy
Low Chip Hung, Stephen Yap,
David Ng, Ng Kwan Teng,
Francis Lim, Theodore Wang
Aileen Tan
Crew No. 3
Gina Sim
Catherine Choy, Pansy Ng,
Violet Quek
Kamala (Sally Lum),
Mong Jee Pawa (Jasmine Low),
Samuel Yong
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musicians: Ushers: Greeter: AV Ministry: Flowers: Refreshments: Junior Worship: Dn Arvind Pawa
Pastor Koshy
Dorcas Koshy, Jasmine Low
Linus Kok, Max Selvakumar,
Jason Low, Ng Kwan Teng,
Randy Laurencio, Jerah Tan
Low Siew Lian
Crew No. 1
Diana Koh
Roscelle Lim, Davina Lim,
Chong Shu Mun
Diana Chan (Lok Qian Hui),
Annie Ho (Chloe Pawa),
Stephanie Lee
FILIPINO
SERVICE
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Norefel Resuma
Pr Samson Hutagalung
Jang Se Jin
Julius Del Rosario
Cecille Batrina
Worship Leader: Preacher: Musician: Usher: Refreshments: Eric Delina
Pr Dennis Kabingue
Chloe Pawa
Anthony Evangelista
Daryl Kabingue
LIONS
HOME
9.00 – 10.00 am
Venue: 41 Toa Payoh Rise
English Speaker: Bro Edwin Quek
Dialect Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim
du t y ro st e r
10.30 am
1.30 pm
3.30 pm
Next Lord’s Day, 30 Mar 2014
Venue: 487 Bedok South Ave 2
English Speaker: Dn Arvind Pawa
Dialect Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim
2
23 March 2014
Without Murmurings and Disputings
Prabhudas Koshy
“Do all things without murmurings
and disputings.” – Philippians 2:14
True religion is never merely
external observance of duties. Hence,
Paul admonished, “Do all things
without murmurings and disputings.”
All our activities must be rendered
Some murmur against God and
His servants, like the Israelites in the
wilderness when experiencing a time
of scarcity. In Numbers chapter 11,
we read about them: “And the mixt
multitude that was among them fell a
lusting: and the children of Israel also
wept again, and said, Who shall give
us flesh to eat? We remember the fish,
which we did eat in Egypt freely; the
cucumbers, and the melons, and the
leeks, and the onions, and the garlick:
But now our soul is dried away: there
is nothing at all, beside this manna,
before our eyes” (vv. 4-6; cf. Exodus
15:24; 16:7-9).
3
Others murmur because they are
discontented with and envious of the
godly men and women whom God
uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41;
Mark 14:5). There are also some
others who murmur because of their
unbelief and their bigoted desire to
spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2;
Jude 1:16).
The spirit of murmuring is perilous. The Word of God cautions us,
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them
also murmured, and were destroyed of
the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10).
Murmuring is often the result of envy,
discontentment, bitterness, pride and
unbelief. It results in much evil deeds
such as gossip, backbiting, slander,
usurping of authority, defiance,
sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man,
but also with God! So serve the Lord
without any murmur or dispute.
p a st o ra l e x h o r t a t io n
We are dissuaded from engaging
in two evils, namely murmuring and
disputing. Interestingly, the apostle is
concerned that some may engage in
spiritual activities with murmuring
and disputing. In other words, they
practise religion without sincerity and
joy. When God-given duties are
done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be
unacceptable. So, all Christians must
guard themselves against such evil
conduct. Both of those sins must be
abhorred and avoided, if our services
are to be effective and helpful.
cheerfully and willingly. Everything
God has given us to do must be carried
out with enthusiasm and readiness.
Whether one does God’s work alone
or with others, one must perform it
with a genuine spirit of compliance to
His will, coupled with diligence.
A Report on My Visit to Our Mission Fields in Ethiopia
p a st o ra l e x h o r t a t io n
Prabhudas Koshy
• Dehydrated upper cervical discs
As most of you know, I made a hurried trip to Ethiopia
on Thursday night (13th March) to visit our missionary
Rev Ephrem Chiracho, who has been unwell for some
time. From an email which Rev Ephrem sent to me, I
have learned that he has been recently experiencing
excruciating pain and numbness on the left side of his
body. As I prayerfully considered his situation, I was
moved by the Lord to make a quick journey to Ethiopia
and encourage our brother and his co-labourers. I thank
God that my son, Andronicus, who has been having a
month of school holiday, could accompany me. We have
been greatly aided by the Lord’s grace; we praise Him
for His goodness that enabled us to travel and minister
to Rev Ephrem, Pr Engida, Pr Imane. On Sunday, the
brethren from Addis Ababa came to Alemgena for
a combined worship service, in which the Lord has
enabled me to preach the Word. About 60 people
attended the worship service.
Rev Ephrem’s condition started to show signs of
improvement after being examined and treated by
a neurosurgeon in Addis Ababa. He has also been
undergoing intense physiotherapy over the last couple
of weeks, and he is advised to continue with it. The MRI
findings are as follows:
• Broad-based irregular disc herniation at C5/6
indenting the anterior cord and right nerve
root; narrowing the right neural exit
• C6/7 left lateral disc protrusion, narrowing the
left neural exit
Let us pray the Lord will fill him with His grace that
he may continue to preach in the churches and also
teach in Gethsemane Bible Institute.
IS
TH ING
M Y!
CO IDA
FR
Pastoral Visitation
Bedok North Region
Bedok North, Bedok Reservoir, Kembangan
Members and worshippers, please meet with the Pastoral
Visitation team at the home of Mr & Mrs Francis Tan:
Venue: Blk 91, #06-1523, Bedok North Street 4,
Singapore 460091
Date & Time: Friday, 28 March @ 8 pm
If you live in this region, please check that your name
is in the list placed on the reception table. If it is not,
please add it in.
4
They are also hoping to obtain two used vehicles – a
12-seater van for ferrying worshippers and a pickup truck (e.g.
Toyota Hilux) for transporting goods for the college and also
to visit rural areas (where roads are rugged and rough). These
can be stationed at either of the Gospel stations (Addis Ababa
& Alemgena) to help with their needs. If we can raise about
S$80,000/-, they will be able to obtain those vehicles. Let us
pray that the Lord will help us reach this sum soon, so that when
our Ethiopian missionaries come for the Missionary Conference
in June, we can present to them the funds. We thank God that
the Ethiopian van fund has already reached almost $50,000/-.
Let us pray and also cheerfully give as the Lord enables each of
us. We have trusted the Lord for various needs in the ministry,
and He has always provided in amazing ways. Let us trust Him,
and He will aid us to achieve this task before us. “Our help is
in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm
124:8). Praise the LORD! Amen.
5
Latest Email from
Rev Ephrem Chiracho
Dear Rev Koshy,
Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord!
Hope that you have arrived home safely
and have returned to your family in good
health. I praise God for the refreshing time
of fellowship which encouraged our hearts
greatly. Once again, thank you for coming
with Andronicus. Please convey our gratitude
to the Session of Gethsemane BPC and to
your family for their willingness to send you
both over to visit me during this period of
my illness, and also a big ‘Thank You’ to the
Church and all Gethsemaneans for their
sacrificial support for my medical expenses.
Please continue to uphold me in your
prayers as I continue with the treatment.
Please convey my regards to your
family and the whole Church.
Yours in Christ,
Ephrem
p a st o ra l e x h o r t a t io n
Our preachers, Engida and Imane, and their families are
generally doing well. However, all of them face unfriendly
responses from even evangelical churches, which have been
long influenced by the modern Charismatic movement. Our
reformed, fundamentalist, separatist stance irks them; and they
try to dissuade those who attend our worship services. Because
we do not agree with their tongue-speaking and unbiblical and
deceptive ‘signs and wonders movement’, they falsely propagate
that we deny the Holy Spirit and Trinity. Let us pray for our
preachers and church members that they will be steadfast and
unmoveable in their faith and service for the Lord.
G
‌ od’s Word Shall
Never Fail
text
junior worshipper’s
page
Prabhudas Koshy
Everything on this earth, no matter how beautiful and glorious it may
be, will soon wither and fade away. The things that we have achieved
and cherished in life will also vanish from our grip. In other
words, nothing of this world endures forever.
All mighty men, who once ruled the world with great
power, withered and faded away like the grass and
flowers. Those who love and care for us will also soon
be gone. This can be very troubling to us. But if we
trust in God and His Word, which shall never pass
away, we will find our strength and comfort.
It will do us good if we acknowledge that everything passes away,
except the Word of God. Only the Word of God will endure for
ever. We don’t doubt the permanence of God’s Word because God
the Almighty has clearly said that it will stand forever. Jesus said,
“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass
away” (Matthew 24:35). God will both preserve His Word and bring
to pass all that it says.
All that the Bible has declared is true, and therefore all its promises
and prophecies will be fulfilled. Not one word will fail. So we should
trust all of God’s promises. People and their promises may fail, but
God’s promises in the Bible shall never fail. Amen.
6
Illustration by Melissa Neo
“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the
word of our God shall stand for ever” — ISAIAH 40:8
collections
LORD’S DAY on 16 MAR 2014
Tithes5,715.00
Offerings
3,635.45; A$20.00
Bldg Fund (2015) 100.00; 100.00; 25.00;
21.55; [100.00; 50.00 (Chinese Svc)]
NON-SUNDAY GIFTS
Bldg Fund (2015)
5,000.00
Missionary Conf 2014
2,000.00
Special funds
ETHIOPIA VAN FUND
Total as of 16 Mar 2014 49,272.90
BUILDING FUND 2015
Total as of 16 Mar 2014 233,959.40
Date: Lord’s Day, 30 Mar
We encourage all worshippers to invite relatives
and friends to join us in praising God for
His goodness towards us for the past 26 years.
Buffet lunch will be catered.
Adults & Children aged 12 & above – $10/person
(subsidised)
Children under 12 – Free
To facilitate the ordering of food, please sign up at
the reception table today, and make your payment
to Sis Katherine Peh.
Good Friday service
Date & Time: 18 Apr @ 10.00 am
Chairman: Elder Mah Chin Kwang
Speaker: Pastor Koshy
Easter sunday service
Date & Time: 20 Apr @ 10.30 am
Chairman: Dn Francis Lee
Speaker: Pastor Koshy
A NOTE FROM THE OFFERING BAGS
There will be Infant & Adult Baptism and Transfer of
Membership. Parents who wish to have their babies
baptised, please register with Sis Diana Koh.
—1 Corinthians 3:9a
Youth Retreat
Theme: “Spiritual Hypocrisy”
Speaker: Pastor Koshy
Date: Fri–Sat, 18–19 Apr
Venue: National Community
Leadership Institute (NACLI)
Please make your payment of
$20 to Sis Ruth Low if you have
not done so.
Evangelism
Date: Sat, 29 Mar
Time: 4.00 pm
Venue: Blk 1, Eunos Crescent,
S’pore 400001
Meeting Time & Place:
Eunos MRT Station @ 3.45 pm
Holy Communion will be served.
MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 2014
Total as of 16 Mar 2014 15,932.00
“We are labourers together with God.”
GETHSEMANE
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
7
SPORTS DAY
Date: Thurs, 1 May
Time: 8.15 am – 1.00 pm
Venue: Pasir Ris Carpark C
To sign up, please see
Bro Cornelius Koshy.
a n n o u n c e me n t s
Designated Gifts
Missionary Conf 2014 1,000.00; 200.00
Van Fund (Ethiopia)
1,000.00
Bible Witness
50.00
Kelvin Lim
100.00
Gethsemane B-P Church
26th Anniversary
Thanksgiving
Evangelism
There will be an evangelism session today.
Please meet Bro Edwin Quek @ 1.30 pm
at the foyer.
Gethsemane
COMBINED FELLOWSHIP OUTING
Post-Worship Activities
Please stay back after worship to join us for:
Refreshment & Fellowship
12.30 pm – 1.30 pm
Adults’ & Youths’ Bible Study
1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Children’s Bible Study
1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
a n n o u n c e me n t s
Date & Time: Sat, 5 Apr, 3.30 – 6.00 pm
Venue: Sunplaza Park
For GCM, GYF, GYAF and GAF. Kindly mark this date
on your calendar and make time for spiritual bonding!
GETHSEMANE
th
4 missionary conference
Primacy of God’s Word in the Ministry of the Church
Venue: The Chevrons (48 Boon Lay Way)
Dates: Mon–Fri, 23–27 Jun
Morning Sessions: 10 am – 12 noon
For pastors, preachers and missionaries only.
Afternoon Sessions: 2.00 pm – 9.30 pm
For all to attend.
Weekday Activities
Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer
8.00 pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre
Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study
1.15 pm @ Bible Witness Bookroom
Thursday Seniors’ Ministry
11.00 am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim)
Friday Morning Prayer
6.45 – 7.30 am @ Church Resource Centre
For more information, please call
the church office at 6741 1910.
Registration forms and conference flyers are
available at the reception table.
Give towards the
missionary conference Fund!
Bible Witness Bible Witness
Magazine
Web Radio
8
Church
Weekly
Time & Place of Worship
10.30 am
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: [email protected]
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

Download Report