The Word on Worship Order of Worship

Psalm 5:7But as for me, I will come into thy house

in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship

toward thy holy temple.

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* Congregation Standing

Call to Worship Deacon Lok Kwok Wah

Hymn 197: All Glory, Laud and Honour*

Invocation & Gloria Patri*

Responsive Scripture Reading* 1 Corinthians 10:1–13

Hymn 253: Standing on the Promises

Collection of Offerings

Doxology & Prayer*

Hymn 339: When I Fear My Faith Will Fail

Children’s Sermon & Scripture Memorisation

Pastoral Prayer

Sermon Pastor Prabhudas Koshy

“Christ, the Word, and the Devil’s Temptations”Matthew 4:1–11

Hymn 436: Sound the Battle Cry!*

Benediction & Threefold Amen*

Scripture Memorisation

Debt (Spiritual)

Romans 1:14-15 I am debtor

both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel

to you that are at Rome also.

Today, 25 May 2014 Next Lord’s Day, 1 June 20149.00 – 10.00 am CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR CHURCH CHOIR & CHILDREN’S CHOIR

MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP MALAYALAM FELLOWSHIP

10.30 amCH

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EWorship Leader: Eld Alan ChoyPreacher: Pr Daniel LimMusician: Eunice ChoyFlowers: Ivy Seah Refreshments: Ivy SeahUshers: Cayson Chok, Chan Tuck Whye

Worship Leader: Gan Chin HwiPreacher: Pr Daniel LimMusician: Sarah YapFlowers: Roscelle Lim Ushers: John Peh, Jerry Chan

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Worship Leader: Dn Lok Kwok WahPreacher: Pastor KoshyMusicians: Ellyzabeth, Dorcas KoshyUshers: Leow Beng Wee, Jimmy Tan, Ho Kee How, Jeremiah Sim, Randy Laurencio, Jason LowGreeter: Low Siew LianAV Ministry: Crew No. 1Flowers: Jessie NgRefreshments: Roscelle Lim, Davina Lim, Chong Shu MunJunior Worship: Kamala (Fidelia Mah), Carolyn Koshy (Sarah Yap), Annie Ho

Worship Leader: Eld Ng Poh KokPreacher: Pastor KoshyMusicians: Chloe Pawa, Sarah LeeUshers: Johnny Lim, Edwin Quek, Marcus Lim, Danial Wong, David Tan, Benny SkariahGreeter: Winnie YapAV Ministry: Crew No. 2Flowers: Mong Jee PawaRefreshments: Karen Quek, Esther Quek, Valerie LeowJunior Worship: Diana Chan (Eunice Choy), Aileen Tan (Chu Seong Yeng), Pr Kelvin Lim

1.30 pm

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ICE Worship Leader: Eric DelinaPreacher: Pr Dennis KabingueMusician: Dorcas KoshyUsher: Julius Del RosarioRefreshments: Juvy Baybayanon

Worship Leader: Norefel ResumaPreacher: Pr Dennis KabingueMusician: Dorcas KoshyUsher: Anthony EvangelistaRefreshments: Rowena Delina

3.30 pm

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ME Venue: 41 Toa Payoh Rise

English Speaker: Eld Mah Chin KwangDialect Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim

Venue: 487 Bedok South Ave 2 English Speaker: Dn Arvind PawaDialect Speaker: Eld Alan Choy

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“Sovereign” is not a word that resonates well with modern people, especially in democratically governed nations. Its meaning, “a supreme ruler”, “a monarch” or “a person ruling over the world as the pre-eminent one or as the one with supreme and independent power”, is an intolerable idea to most people of our time. In fact, there is a strong aversion towards the idea of sovereignty in the minds of people. The modern philosophy is that there are no absolutes, even in the spiritual and moral realms; and because of this, monotheistic thinking is highly unpopular everywhere. Nonetheless, we are taught in the Bible that God is sovereign.

In fact, none else is sovereign, in its absolute sense, but God. In the words of Charles Hodge, “Sovereignty is not a property of the divine nature, but a prerogative arising out of the perfections of the Supreme Being.” According to Arthur W. Pink, God’s sovereignty is “the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that

God is sovereign is to declare that God is God.” To say that God is sovereign is to declare that He is the “only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).

He reigns supreme, not only in heaven, but also on earth. “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine” (1 Chronicles 29:11a). He is also sovereign above all His creatures. Not even a tiny atom is allowed to spin out of His design and control. “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). These portions of Scripture and many more show us that the sovereignty of God is universal. It extends over all His creatures from the highest to the lowest.

His sovereignty is also absolute. None can limit His authority. “Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all” (1 Chronicles 29:11b). He

25 May 2014

God’s Sovereignty Prabhudas Koshy

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doeth His pleasure in the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. He “worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Ephesians 1:11). If God is not sovereign over all things, He is not God at all.

Another important aspect of God’s sovereignty is that it is unchangeable or immutable. None can challenge His sovereignty and forfeit it. It is truly unassailable and unstoppable. “Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3). The sovereignty of God is limited by nothing outside God. “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Daniel 4:35).

Sovereignty characterizes the whole being of God. The concept of sovereignty encompasses the entire plan of God in all of its intricate details of design and outworking. Although He often allows things to take their natural course according to laws which He designed, it is the sovereign God who is working all things according to His wise plan. His sovereignty also encompasses all His attributes. In other words, He is sovereign in all His attributes. He is

sovereign in the exercise of His power, His mercy, His love, His justice, etc.

The doctrine of God’s sovereignty is not a mere abstract, theoretical dogma which is devoid of practical value. It produces a powerful effect upon the Christian’s character and actions.

This absolute, perfect sovereignty of God instils within us an awe-inspiring reverence for Him. It teaches us to fear God. It deepens our veneration of God. It calls us to worship Him in the beauty of holiness and with full preoccupation of His glory. Thus it also prevents our worship of Him from degenerating into a man-pleasing endeavour. Every service we engage in is but a “dead work” unless it be done for the glory of God.

It moulds the affections of the heart and gives a right direction to conduct. It teaches us to adore Him as our Lord at all times, and keep the world and the devil away from our lives. Because we think of Him as our sovereign God, we pray earnestly, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:13).

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It lays the foundation for His people’s peace and confidence. They are assured that the Lord God omnipotent reigns supreme; and that neither necessity, nor chance, nor the folly of man, nor the malice of Satan can thwart God’s good pleasure concerning them. It also

helps them to have stability in thought and behaviour as they face times of troubles. While it produces gratitude in prosperity and patience in adversity, it affords comfort for the present and a sense of security concerning the unknown future (cf. Psalm 91).

Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings to you all in the blessed name of our Lord!

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4).

This prayer of Paul to the believers in the Church of Colossae is so meaningful to us when we think of Gethsemane B-P Church. We thank God for a most blessed month whereby I, together with my wife Molly and our two grandchildren, Aquilas and Andrew, could spend in Singapore. We praise God for the opportunity to see and experience your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and your love for the saints. We lack words to express our heartfelt thanks to you all for the love you have shown towards us through words and deeds. You have showered us with

your deeds of love by treating us to delicious meals, and giving us many love gifts. Truly, you have been very kind and exemplary. Above all, we were greatly heartened by the thriving of various ministries of Gethsemane B-P Church, and we praise God at every remembrance of you. May the name of our God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be exalted.

Having known you more closely, we can now pray for you more effectually and with better understanding. We will continue to remember you and will regularly pray for the growth of GBPC and all its ministries.

We request your prayers for us to ever remain true to the LORD and to His Holy Word.

With lots of love and prayers,Yours in the bond of Christ’s love,Bishop Dr M. K. Koshy

Thanksgiving Note

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Prabhudas Koshy

Just like in a family, in the church there are also babies, children, youths and adults. Obviously, they are not

of the same spiritual maturity. New and young believers need to be nurtured in their faith and knowledge.

In such a situation, God expects the stronger ones to be gracious to help those who are

weak. The strong ones should always show concern for the weak by encouraging them, praying for them, giving counsel to them, teaching them, and being ready to offer assistance at anytime.

We should never be like some bullies who humiliate and make fun of the weaker ones. God’s children should never act like the rowdies who despise, denounce and thrash the weak in order to show their strength. Instead, we must use our God-given strength to help the weaker ones to walk with us and thus be nurtured.

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Illustration by Melissa Neo

Help Those Who Are Weak

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

— ROMANS 15:1

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“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;

not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

2 Corinthians 9:7

LORD’S DAY on 18 MAY 2014Tithes 4,353.00Offerings 7,901.25Bldg Fund (2015) 1,200.00; 500.00;

100.00; 100.00; 25.00; [50.00; 50.00 (Chinese Svc)]Designated Gifts

GBPC – Ethiopia 1,000.00 Kelvin Lim 150.00

NON-SUNDAY GIFTSMissionary Conf 2014 280.00

ETHIOPIA VAN FUNDTotal as of 18 May 2014 63,872.90

BUILDING FUND 2015Total as of 18 May 2014 300,796.50

MISSIONARY CONFERENCE 2014Total as of 18 May 2014 34,062.00

Special fundS

collectionS

Sermon dVd/cdRecordings of the following are

available for order at the reception table:

Bible Witness Retreat: “I Have Somewhat Against Thee”

GAF Seminar: “Biblical History II – Judges”

GCM Parents’ Seminar: “Nurturing Our

Children Biblically”

inauguration of miSSion church in pangaSinan &

holy matrimony of pr donald dela cruz

Pastor Koshy and a team of Gethsemaneans will be travelling to Pangasinan for the Inauguration of

our Mission Church on the Lord’s Day, 8 June 2014.

They will also be attending the Holy Matrimony of

Bro Donald dela Cruz & Sis Jang Se Jin on Sat, 7 June 2014.

Pray for journey mercies and a blessed time of fellowship.

daily Vacation BiBle School

Date & Time: 11–13 Jun: 9.30 am – 3.30 pm 14 Jun (Finale): 4 pm – 6 pm

Venue: 202B Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue

Singapore 829662

For children aged 4 to 12.Volunteers are needed. Do avail

yourself to serve the Lord in this event. Please contact Dn Kelvin @ 8268 2828.

Please submit your registration form and payment to Sis Melissa Mah

or Sis Winnie Yap.

Sunday fellowShip lunchThose who would like packet lunch after worship service for the month of June,

kindly place your order and make payment to Sis Aileen Tan.

eVangeliSmThere will be an evangelism session today.

Please meet Dn Arvind Pawa @ 1.30 pm at the foyer.

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Time & Place of Worship10.30 am

Level 5 Auditorium Singapore Post Centre

10 Eunos Road 8 Singapore 408600

(next to Paya Lebar MRT station)

Prayer Hotline8138 8139

SMS or Whatsapp your prayer item

Our Office510 Geylang Road, #02-06

Singapore 389466 Tel: 6741 1910 Fax: 6741 1016

Our Websitesgethsemanebpc.com

biblewitness.com

Our PastorPastor Prabhudas Koshy

Mobile: 9001 1119 Email: pastor.gbpc@gmail.com

Our SessionPastor 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

Tuesday Night Bible Study & Prayer8.00 pm @ L5 Auditorium, SingPost Centre

Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study1.15 pm @ Bible Witness Bookroom

Thursday Seniors’ Ministry11.00 am (Please contact Pr Jeremiah Sim)

Friday Morning Prayer6.45 – 7.30 am @ Church Resource Centre

For more information, please call the church office at 6741 1910.

Please stay back after worship to join us for:

Refreshment & Fellowship12.30 pm – 1.30 pm

Adults’ & Youths’ Bible StudyCancelled in view of evangelism

Children’s Bible StudyCancelled in view of evangelism

Post-Worship Activities

Weekday Activities

Bible Witness Magazine

Bible Witness Web Radio

Church Weekly

gethSemane 4th 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

Registration forms and conference flyers are available at the reception table. Please sign up

to confirm your attendance.Closing Date: 30 May 2014

Those who have signed up, please make your payment to Bro Ng Kwan Teng or

Bro Leow Beng Wee.

miSSionary conference fundPlease give generously to the fund.

gethSemane youth fellowShipgyf goSpel rally

Date & Time: This Sat, 31 May @ 7 – 9 pmTopic: “Jesus, the Only Divine Saviour”

Speaker: Pastor KoshyChairperson: Bro Amoz Choy

Venue: Function Room, Simsville CondominiumInvitation is extended to ALL.

Please avail yourself of the invites and sign up TODAY!

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