G e t h s e m a n eBible-Presbyterian Church

‘Not my will, but Thine, be done’ (Luke 22:42)Volume 22, Issue 17 28th June 2009

Living in the last of the last days is scary. Imagine, when wicked men will continue to deceive many, when pestilences will not regard both the weak and the mighty, when earthquakes will shake many a city, when sin will have its way, and when what is certain is uncertainty, don’t you think our lives in the last days will be horrifying? Be warned! Jesus said, “For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be” (mark 13:19).

Brethren, to manage our lives in this ever-darkening world, it is good to revisit and examine our origin. There are great blessings and comforting thoughts that will help us brave through life in the last days if we get to know our beginning better. Let us study Genesis 2:7, for in it we have a good guide on how to live our lives in the end-times. “and the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).

Firstly, let us remember God created us to depend on Him! In Genesis 2:7, we are told that when the first man was still without life, he was already called a man. his condition at that point of time was very much like that of a person who just died. The body was perfect but lifeless. he was not capable of doing anything at all. take note that he only started to function as a living person the moment he became a “living soul” and that is when God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.

This is a fact that must cause us to ponder over it, for it speaks to us the solemn truth that will guide us as to how to live our lives in the end-times: we are created to depend upon God our Creator. We are useless without God’s grace and help. We are not capable of doing anything good on our own. We need his provision. If this truth is really and truly working in our hearts, then it will make us a people who are dependent upon God.

many are learning to depend on God through the hard way. This is because they are disillusioned with what is reality. since health and wealth make them powerful in performing a variety of things,

Romans 5:1212 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered

into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

Our Pastor: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy (M: 9001 1119, H: 6788 1721, Email: gethsemane@pacific.net.sg)Our Office: 510 Geylang Road, #02-06, Singapore 389466. Tel: 6741 1910, Fax: 6741 1016

Pastoral Exhortation

Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.Psalm 29:1-2

A Guide To Live In The End-times

An Application of Genesis 2:7Pr Dennis Kabingue

Call to Worship Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy

* O God, Our Help in Ages Past (21)* Invocation & Gloria Patri

* Scripture Reading in Unison (Psalm 121)

God is Still on the Throne (43)Collection of Offerings

Doxology & Prayer

Channels Only (245)Children’s Sermon

Pastoral PrayerSermon

Rev Reggor Galarpe “The Lord, Our Helper”

(John 8:30-32)

* Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (348)* Benediction & Threefold Amen

* Congregation Standing

memorizationScripture

to all worshippersWelcome

of today’s worshiporder

2

Our Church Session: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy (9001 1119), Elder Mah Chin Kwang (9325 0668),Elder Alan Choy (9853 9556), Dn Arvind Pawa (9642 8954), Dn Paul Cheng (9169 2415),

Dn Daniel Lim (9385 0371), Dn Lok Kwok Wah (9022 5508) & Dn James Wong (9023 3003).

they tend to think that they are “gods” themselves. so they disregard God and forget him. That is why God has to act drastically in their lives that they may learn to depend on him. Let us not go through this learning experience. It is a very painful way.

In these last days when our lives are guaranteed to face unimaginable trials and difficulties, let us remember the origin of man. Let us remember that unless God intervenes in our lives, we will not be able to make it. so let us depend on him every step of the way.

Listen to the testimony of David. “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. and all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands” (1 samuel 17:45-47).

Secondly, let us remember that God created us to communicate with Him! When we think of ourselves as a “living soul”, one important teaching that will guide us as to how to live our lives in the last days is that God designed our soul to communicate with him. We are not machines or robots.

many of us probably could not imagine the kind of stress that our soul is exposed to. Let it be known that our soul is our life principle on earth. In other words, our soul upholds our life. Our thinking process, our decision-makings, our feelings and stresses, even our physical ailments, all these are managed by our soul. to function well in this world, our soul has to cope with all these burdens of life.

having said this, can you imagine how many a burden our soul has to put up with? If you will stop your soul from crying out to God for help, in no time your soul will break down. In the last days, we must take advantage of how God designed us. God gave us the great privilege to communicate with him; so let us communicate with him in prayer. Instead of worrying, let us convert our fears and anxieties into prayers and make them known unto God. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).

Thirdly, let us remember that God created us to submit to Him! In Genesis 2:7, we are told that the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. as our Creator, we must remember always to submit to his reign and control. This is another important guide for us in the end-times.

many are puzzled as to why God has to require adam and eve not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). It was to keep them at their proper place as creatures under God. Though adam was the vice regent of God’s creation, yet he is but a man.

When he remained under submission, his life was blessed, fruitful and beautiful. he had the privilege to have fellowship with God. he enjoyed the beauty of creation and the good food from the fruits of creation (Genesis 2:8-9). he was living the kind of heaven’s comfort on earth. But when he rebelled against God, everything changed! he had to struggle with nature. The ground was cursed. he had to struggle cultivating with much sweat to bring food to his home (Genesis 3:17-19).

Brethren, obedience and submission will bring you God’s richest favour and honour! In these last days, you may not know what is going on in your life but you have to depend upon God because he knows what he is doing in your life. “submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:7-10).

I hope this study of our beginning will help us to go back to the basics of our existence in this world. may this application of Genesis 2:7 guide us as to how to live our lives in the end-times. Just remember that you are a living soul designed by God to depend on him, communicate with him and submit to him. Live it out and you will overcome every hardship that you will have to face in the end-times!

Pastoral Exhortation

Our Staff: The Gethsemane Care ministry Dn Paul Cheng (9169 2415), Gethsemane Chinese service Dn Daniel Lim (9385 0371), Gethsemane Filipino service Pr Dennis Kabingue (9643 7549), Gethsemane Children’s ministry Pr Kelvin Lim (8268 2828)

Church Office Diana Koh, Bible Witness Dn Kwok Wah, Kenneth, John, Melissa Mah, Eric & Ruth

Junior Worshipper’s Devotion

3

have you heard about the woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus? according to the context of the above-mentioned verse, Jesus was in Bethany, and there came a woman to anoint him with precious ointment. Jesus gives an assurance that the work of this woman will be told as a memorial for her wherever the Gospel is preached. Is this not a wonderful promise from the Lord Jesus Christ? There are two things which we can learn from the deed of the woman: she came to Jesus with a gift, and it was her best.

Firstly, the Bible tells us this woman came to Jesus with a gift. In other words, this woman did not go to Jesus simply because he was there in Bethany. she went to Jesus because she wanted to give him a gift. Do you come to church with a gift for Jesus? Is it not true that we come to church to meet Jesus? Like this woman who came to Jesus with a gift prepared, we should also come to church with our gift prayerfully prepared for our Lord Jesus Christ. When we do this, it will please the Lord to use our gift as a means to extend his kingdom on earth.

secondly, the Bible tells us this woman had prepared a box of very precious ointment for Jesus, and had come with the intention

to anoint him with it. Jesus’ disciples were unhappy with her for the wastage of such precious ointment but he corrected their displeasure. he revealed to them the significant of the woman’s gift and her deed. It was to prepare him for his burial! It was a good work and it will be remembered (cf. matthew 26:10). During that time, to have a box of precious ointment does not come easy! The word “precious” means the ointment is expensive. another proof of its value can be seen from the disciples’ rational: “For this ointment might have been sold for much” (matthew 26:9). as it was expensive, it must have taken the woman a long time to save it, but she gave it all for Jesus’ sake.

The lesson for us to learn is: when we give to the Lord Jesus Christ, it must be the best! another thing to note is: the best gift cannot be measured by its worth but the thought behind it. This gift which the

woman gave to Jesus was her best, and this deed was acknowledged by God. The Bible teaches

that God remembers the gift and work of his saints, and their works do follow them (cf.

hebrews 6:10 & Revelation 14:13). Let us be assured that whatever we do for

the Lord Jesus Christ, it will be remembered.

Your Work for Jesus Will be Remembered!by Pr Kelvin Lim

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.

Matthew 26:13

AnnuAl CHurCH CAmP30th november 2009 - 4th December 2009

Speaker: Rev Reggor GalarpeVenue: Klana Resort, seremban, malaysia

Camp fees, including 2-way coach transport: $430 (Single Room), $320 (Twin-sharing), $240 (Child* with bed),

$180 (Child* without bed). Infants below 4 - free (* Child - aged 4-12 years)to help in the planning, please sign up early at the reception table. Those who require to apply for annual leave, please do so early to avoid disappointment.

CHinESE SErViCE 6th Anniversary Thanksgiving

This will be held on the Lord’s Day, 26 July 2009, at the seminar Room on level 2. The Worship service will commence at 10:00am to be followed by a thanksgiving lunch at 12:00pm. Lunch is catered at $4.00/person. Please sign up at the reception. In view of this, Filipino service will commence at 1:30pm.

ADultS’ FElloWSHiPLesson 7 - “HistoricaL

Books: JosHua”

next meeting: 4th July 2009 at 4:00pmSpeaker: Rev Dennis KwokChairman: Bro Kee how

Venue: singPost seminar Room annexe

Joshua is the first of the twelve historical books (Joshua-esther). This book continues the history of Israel begun in the five books of moses and is an important link in the chain of God’s plan of salvation for man. This book also teaches us that victory comes through faith in God and obedience to his Word, rather than military might or numerical superiority. hence, let us all come and study God’s Word so that we are able to apply his Word in our daily lives.

4

Sunday Collection(June 21 English Service)

Tithes: $446.40

Offerings: 3,458.65

Malayalam Fellowship: 400.00

Gifts: Pastor Koshy (300.00) Paul Cheng (300.00, 200.00) Dennis Kabingue (300.00) Lok Kwok Wah (100.00) Engida (30.00)

Our Place of Worship: SingPost Auditorium (Level 5), 10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore 408600Our Websites: www.gethsemanebpc.com; www.biblewitness.com

Mon - Sat Activities June 29 - July 04

Tuesday Prayer Gathering (8:00pm) Venue: SingPost Seminar Room #02-31

Wednesday Lunch Hour Bible Study (12:45pm) Venue: Bible Witness Media Ministry Bookroom (Tel: 6438 0578), Hong Lim Complex

Thursday Seniors’ Ministry (11:00am) Venue: Please contact Dn Daniel Lim for more information at 9385 0371.

Friday Morning Prayer (6:30am - 7:15am) Venue: Church Resource Centre (For more info, please call Pr Kelvin Lim at 8268 2828.)

Young Adults’ Fellowship (Every 2nd and 4th Friday, 8:00pm) Please contact Sis Kamala for more information at 9026 0401

Satu

rday

Church Choir Time: 2:00pm Venue: SingPost Seminar Room #02-31

Adults’ Fellowship Please refer to page 3 for more details.

Gethsemane Children’s Ministry

Time: 4:00pm Venue: SingPost Seminar Room #02-31Teachers: Sis Carolyn & Sis Stephanie

Song Leader: Sis RuthRefreshment: Sis Luan Kheng & Sis Carolyn

GYBHTime: 4:00pm Venue: SingPost

Chairman: Bro Julian YapActivity: Evangelism

non-Sunday CollectionGeneral Fund: 311.90

Bible Witness: 3,900.00

Catechism ClassThose seeking baptism, reaffirmation of faith or transfer of membership, please register with sis Diana Koh. Catechism class will commence next Lord’s Day, 5 July 2009. all catechumens please meet Dn arvind Pawa at 4.45pm for the first lesson.

2010 Ethiopian Assignmenttarget: $500,000.00Collection (as of 21st June): $352,569.92We urgently need to raise $150,000 for the construction of the church and the Bible college. Please give cheerfully and pray for God’s abundant blessing to accomplish this task before this year ends.

Holy land Bible Study tourWelcome back our Pastor Koshy and 25 brethren after touring the holy Land. Thank God for safety, good health and protection throughout the 13-day travelling. trust that they have a fruitful time of learning, fellowshipping and edification during this study tour.

Holy matrimonyBro Chu Guangzhi, Danny & sis Poon seong Yeng will unite in holy matrimony on saturday, 11 July 2009. solemnization of marriage will be held in this sanctuary at 11:00am. The couple would like to invite Gethsemaneans and friends to witness this happy occasion and thereafter to a reception at the foyer outside this auditorium.

Sunday Activities June 28 July 05Li

ons

Hom

e M

inis

try

(10:

00am

) Venue:

Suspended SuspendedEnglish:

Chinese/Dialect:

Get

hsem

ane

Filip

ino

Serv

ice

(12:

30pm

)

Worship Leader: Bro Eric Deliña Bro Eric Deliña

Preacher: Rev Reggor Galarpe Pr Dennis Kabingue

Usher: Bro Donald Bro Arnold

Pianist: Sis Carmen Wong Sis Chloe Pawa

Refreshment: Sis Daryl Kabingue Sis Cecille Batrina

Get

hsem

ane

Chi

nese

Ser

vice

(2

:30p

m)

Worship Leader: Bro Stephen Yap Bro Kelvin Lim

Preacher: Pr Daniel Lim Pr Daniel Lim

Pianist: Sis Sarah Yap Sis Jollyn Low

Ushers: Jerry & John Cayson & Simon

Refreshment: - Sis Katherine Peh

Get

hsem

ane

Engl

ish

Serv

ice

(2:3

0pm

)

Worship Leader: Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy Elder Mah Chin Kwang

Preacher: Rev Reggor Galarpe Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy

Pianists: Chloe Pawa & Jollyn Low Carmen Wong & Flora Ng

Ushers: Andy, Jerah, Sean, Eric,

Benjamin & Tuck Whye Carolyn (Greeter)

Dn Kwok Wah, Dn Pawa, Francis Lim, Kelvin,

Arnold & Danial Mong Jee (Greeter)

Junior Worship: Mong Jee Pawa, (Sherry), Dn Lok Kwok Wah

Melissa Mah, (Mabel), Engida

Children’s Choir: Stefanie Wong & Melissa Mah Stefanie Wong & Melissa Mah

AV Ministry: Matthew Peh & Benjamin Crew No. 1

Flowers: Low Siew Lian Mong Jee Pawa

Refreshment Duty:

Gina Sim, Corliss & Diana Chan

Amy Peh, Kim Lei & Alice

Adult’s Bible Class (4:45pm) “Evaluation of Charismaticism” “Evaluation of Charismaticism”

Malayalam Fellowship (6:30pm) Venue: SingPost Theatrette Room No. 2

FEBC night ClassesFeBC Basic Theology for everyone courses will begin on 20th July 2009. monday class “The Book of Daniel” by Rev Dr Quek suan Yew. Thursday class “The Book of Isaiah” by Rev Dr Prabhudas Koshy. We encourage all worshippers to attend and equip yourselves in God’s Word. Registration forms are available at the reception.