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For internal circulation only Vol 32 No 09 03 March, 2019
Glorifying God through obedience
In Exodus 24, God instructed Moses during his 40-day stay on Mount Sinai to build the Tabernacle and an Ark. The Ark is commonly known to us as the “Ark of the Covenant”. The Ark of the Covenant, which served as a physical manifestation of God’s presence on earth, was an important religious symbol to the Israelites. The Ark could only be carried by the Levitical priests who were sanctified and set apart by God (Joshua 3:2-3).
God used the Ark as an indicator of when He wanted the Israelites to travel and when they should stop as they travelled through the wilderness into the Promised Land. The Israelites also went to the Ark to seek God's guidance and wisdom for the nation (Numbers 7:89).
On several occasions, God also allowed the Ark to be brought into battle and the Israelites won their battles with resounding victories (Numbers 10:35, Joshua 6:6). However, in 1 Samuel 4:10, we read for the first time that the Israelites lost to their enemies despite bringing the Ark into battle. Their losses were very significant. About thirty thousand foot soldiers lost their lives. On top of that, the Ark was captured. Eli, the priest, upon hearing that the Ark was captured, fell back, broke his neck and died. His sons, Hopni and Phinehas, were both killed on the same day.
Why did the Israelites lose despite bringing the Ark into the battle?
Knowing who God really is While God told Moses and Joshua to set forth the Ark into battle, this was not the case for the Israelites in 1 Samuel 4. After they lost their first engagement with the Philistines, they were more interested in finding out the external root cause for their failure than in questioning their own attitude and faith. They concluded that they needed to involve God by bringing the Ark into the next battle. None of the elders sought God’s will about going into the next battle, much less how to go about it. In effect, the
Israelites thought that they had God in a spot. They believed that God would have to protect them to protect His own honour. How wrong they were! The Israelites were taught two important lessons that day. God would rather suffer shame than allow them to continue in a false relationship with Him, and He would allow His people to be disappointed with Him if it would awaken them to the sort of God He really was [1]. This is a reminder to us that we cannot manipulate God through our church attendance, ministries, Bible studies, prayers, tithes, and offerings.
Our obedience matters As we read 1 Samuel 4:5, we sense the strong confidence of the Israelites in their Ark. So strong was their confidence that their shout literally shook the ground. However, their confidence was short-lived and they paid a heavy price: the lives of thirty thousand foot soldiers. They were under the terrible delusion that they could still lay hold of God’s promises while ignoring His demands of the covenant. Hopni and Phinehas, both unbelievers (1 Samuel 2:12) and warned by God of the coming judgment years before (1 Samuel 2:34), thought that they could escape judgment and reap the rewards of victory. They were killed for their disobedience. We cannot have Jesus Christ as our Saviour without having Him as our Lord.
The glory of God 1 Samuel 4 ends on a sad note. The wife of Phinehas went into pre-mature labour and died after giving birth to a son. While the Israelites and the two brothers were using the Ark as a lucky charm and Eli was concerned for the safety of the Ark, Phinehas’ wife showed the most spiritual insight. She was burdened for the glory of God and thus named her son “Ichabod” – “the glory is gone” – before she died[2]. It is a stark reminder to us to examine our lives. Recall Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17:20-23: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them”. Our obedience and submission to God are intricately intertwined with His glory.
All of us belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ have a responsibility to show forth God’s glory. May God help us to live our lives in complete obedience and submission to Him for His Glory. Reference: [1] Dale Ralph Davis. (2017). 1 Samuel - Focus on the Family. Christian Focus Publication [2] Warren W. Wiersbe. (2007). The Wiersbe Bible Commentary. David Cook
Dn Sim Chow Meng
(Editorial Writers: 10 Mar – Ps Daniel Tan; 17 Mar – Dn Luwin Wong)
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PRAYER ITEMS
“…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
CHURCH Hermon Children and Youth Ministry (HCYM) – Thank the Lord for the love of Christ that compels and directs the HCYM teachers/leaders to serve sacrificially week after week. Pray that they may persevere in learning and teaching God’s Word to the children and the youth. Ask the Lord to grant them wisdom and strength to manage their many other commitments at home/school/work. Pray also for continued growth in personal holiness and Christlikeness.
Leadership – As a group of members are being approached by the BOE to pray and seek God’s leading on them in their service in leadership roles, pray that God may speak to each of them. Pray also that as members are invited by BOE for a briefing on Sat 09 Mar, that all whom God calls would be willing and available to attend the session.
Extraordinary Congregation Meeting – Pray for a Spiritual unity of heart and mind and strength amongst the family of Hermon, as we decide upon an important agenda at the Extraordinary Congregational Meeting today. Pray that God will give the leaders a clear vision to lead Hermon to become a church that truly loves, glorifies and enjoys God.
LOCAL/WORLD EVENT Singapore Social Fabrics – Pray for Singapore’s political and economy stability. Pray also that the relationship with our neighbour Malaysia will be more amicable and the ongoing negotiations on the water agreement will benefit both countries.
Japan Earthquake – A 5.5 magnitude earthquake jolted Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido last week. Thank God that there was no tsunami risk following the jolt and the Japanese government was able to manage the situation.
PASTORAL CONCERN Birthdays – We rejoice with our members whose birthdays fall this week (03-09 Mar): Doris Ong, Priscilla Chan, Doreen Ee-Chang, Fanie Guo-Lau, So-Lim Chin, Onn Wee Toon, Bernard Liew, Yeo Howe Chien, Dr Jan Lee, Tang Kwee Beng and Terence Paik.
03 Mar: Kortia Yeo/10 Mar: Angela Choo
PRAYER MEETING – Wed (13 Mar), 8.00pm @ Peter room Prayer leader: Dns Tang Lai Kin Focus: CCKBC Kindergarten
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A warm WELCOME to all who are here this morning. If this is your first time with us, please fill in a Visitor’s Card and drop it into the offering bag during the Offertory. We invite you for fellowship after Service at the Love Fellowship Hall on the ground floor.
VISITORS’ CORNER. Last Sun we are glad to have had Mr Kenji Joo worshipping with us.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TODAY, 1.30PM IN JERUSALEM SANCTUARY
Members’ attendance is necessary as we have to meet the quorum for the ECM to proceed and to decide on an important agenda.
Members are requested to be seated at Sanctuary before 1.30pm.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCH TODAY. Please be encouraged to stay back and fellowship over lunch (free-will offering) after Service at Fellowship Hall.
HOLY COMMUNION for March will be on 24 Mar in view of the Kindergarten presentation on 17 Mar.
BETHANY NURSING HOME VISTATION (Sat 16 Mar). Please meet at 1.45pm at the Home Lobby. All are welcome to join us in this outreach to the Home residents.
NEW CATECHISM CLASS for Baptismal Service on 14 Jul will start on 17 Mar, 1.30pm at #02-03A. If you have been worshipping with us for more than 6 months and have decided to settle in Hermon as a member by baptism (a public confession of your faith), membership transfer (from another Bible-believing church) or re-affirmation of faith (for children above 12 and have been baptised during childhood), please get a form from the Steward i/c after Service today.
CHURCH CAMP (09–12 Jun, Sun–Wed). Invite your Mandarin-speaking family and friends along for this year’s combined camp with Mt Gerizim! Venue: Holiday Inn, Melaka. Camp speaker: Rev Dr Rohintan Mody. Theme: Strengthening our roots. He will be preaching on the book of Galatians. We will depart from church after lunch on 09 Jun and depart from Melaka after lunch on 12 Jun. Registration starts next
Sunday, 10 Mar. See you there! – Lu Yanwen 4
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
2019 CCKBC KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE AND REGISTRATION. Tomorrow Phase 1 (members of Hermon, Carmel, Hebron, Horeb, Gerizim) Registration opens 8.30am to 2.30pm for Nursery (children born in 2016) and Pre-Nursery (children born in 2017). Phase 2 (siblings of present/ex-students) – Fri 08 Mar; Open registration – Wed-Fri 06 to 08 Mar. For more information, please read the notice at our noticeboard or call Vera at 6637502 or visit website at cckbck.sg.
2019 (MAR-JUN) THANKSGIVING FLOWERS CHART is displayed on the Notice Board at Love Fellowship Hall for your offering of an answered prayer, thanks to God or a happy occasion. Three slots left.
HOLY MATRIMONY. Our warmest congratulations and blessings to Chua Hsien Wen & Farah Ng on their holy matrimony held at CCKBC on 02 Mar.
NEW BIRTH. Our congratulations to Han Khun & Lita on the safe delivery of their 2nd son, Jacob Lee Kay Wen, on Fri 22 Feb. Both mother and child are well.
TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE EQUIP COURSE (Mar-May). Coming lay training equip courses - Social Issues in Minor Prophets, Christian Leadership, Old Testament Survey and Hebrews: Persevering in Faith. More details are available in brochure at our notice board. If you are interested, register online at www.ttc.edu.sg.
ETCA ASIA is looking for a Librarian and a Registrar. More details are available in brochure at our notice board. Interested applicants please email your resume to [email protected]. Closing date: 15 Mar.
STAFF MOVEMENT. 1) Gillian Lim is on leave till 07 Mar. 2) Ps Daniel will be teaching at FEC in Myanmar from 13-17 Mar. 3) Tang Lai Kin will be attending the GB Camp from 15-17 Mar. 4) Zebedee Lee will be attending the BB Camp from 16-18 Mar.
` MEETINGS
Today
Vocal Team Practice 8.45am–9.30am Paul room #04-14
Worship Practice 8.45am–10.30am Ebenezer Chapel
ECM 1.30pm–3.30pm Jerusalem Sanctuary
10, 24 Mar; 07, 14, 21 Apr
DSG Practice 1.30pm–3.00pm Gideon/Samuel rooms #04-07/08
10, 24 Mar Choristers Practice 1.30pm–3.00pm Jerusalem Sanctuary
10 Mar CG Leaders Equipping 9.00am–10.45am Timothy/Titus #04-15/16
17 Mar Missions comm mtg 1.45pm–3.45pm Resource #04-01-02
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COVENANT GROUP MEETINGS
CG & Leader Date Venue / Occasion Agape Lester Cheng 09 Mar, Sat, 7.30pm Pang Wee & Christina’s home
CCK Open Care 14 Mar, Thu, 7.30pm Gideon room #04-07
de Vine Tan Swee Sin 08 Mar, Fri, 9.00am Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping’s home
El Shaddai Gillian Lim 16 Mar, Sat, 10.00am Peter room #04-02
Immanuel Karen Sim 09 Mar, Sat, 10.00am Gideon room #04-07
Jehovah Jireh Dns Malar Thomas TBA TBA
Klema Eld Ho Hian Chye 15 Mar, Fri, 8.00pm Moriah Sanctuary
Koinonia Dn Simon Toh 15 Mar, Fri, 8.00pm Joseph room #01-07
Living Water Daniel Woon 16 Mar, Sat, 7.00pm Peter room #04-02
Morning Glory Jeanette Ler-Lee 15 Mar, Fri, 9.00am Peter room #04-02
Oxley Lee Yew Mun 22 Mar, Fri, 8.00pm Noah room #01-08
Paideia Gene Tan TBA TBA
Young Adults Dn Luwin Wong 15 Mar, Fri, 7.30pm Peter room #04-02
YOUTH BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am–1.00pm
ROOM MARCH
Senior Youths (Post Sec)
Gideon/ Samuel (#04-07/08)
Teaching Leader:
Philip Chan
Group Leaders:
Post Sec Girls – Priscilla Chan
Post Sec Boys – Philip Chan
Junior Youths (P6–Sec 4)
Peter (#04-02)
Teaching Leader: John Chua
Group Leaders:
Junior Girls Grp 1 – Fong Wen Wei
Junior Girls Grp 2 – Lu Yanwen
Junior Boys Grp 1 – Dominic Lim
Junior Boys Grp 2 – Samuel Ang
CHILDREN BIBLE CLASS Time: 11.30am–12.30pm
ROOM MARCH
Faithfulness (P4-P5) Nehemiah (#02-04) Dns Malar Thomas
Goodness (P1-P3) Abraham (#01-04) Teo Mei Yee
Peace (3’s–K2) Jacob (#01-06) Corina Oon / Lydia Li
ATTENDANCE
(Last Week) OFFERING AND PLEDGES
Fund Last week Month-to-date Jan-to-date Avg per week
Adults 177 Children 17 Total 194
General Fund $11,473.95 $49,986.65 $94,072.55 $11,759.07
Dev Fund $51,950.00 $57,264.00 $80,325.22 $10,040.65
Please issue cheques to Mount Hermon BP Church (for General Fund),
Mount Hermon BP Church – Development Fund (for Development Fund).
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:7, 12)
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GOD’S MESSAGE
Date: 03 March 2019 Speaker: Eld Elgin Chan Sermon Title: Finding God in the Wrong Places Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 4 Introduction
Background
Lessons learnt:
A) Israel’s ___________________ B) God’s ____________________ Conclusion
Reflection Questions: When you face difficult challenges and/or obstacles in your life, what is your natural response? Do you have a tendency to take things into your own hands and attempt to sort things out by yourself?
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Tim 3:5). Do you find yourself trapped in a web of religious piety and practices, without experiencing the real power and deliverance of the Lord Jesus? What do you think you need to do to free yourself? 7
Order of Worship 03 March, 2019, 11.00 am
Church Theme 2019: “Strengthening Our Roots”
Welcome & Announcement
Call to Worship 1 Peter 2:4-9
Opening Song I Will Glory in My Redeemer
Opening Prayer
Worship in Songs The Lord is My Salvation My Worth is Not in What I Own Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
Offertory/Doxology
Pastoral Prayer
YOUTHS & CHILDREN LEAVE FOR THEIR BIBLE CLASSES
Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 4
Message Finding God in the Wrong Places
Closing Hymn Take Time to be Holy
Benediction/Three-Fold Amen
Sermon text: 1 Samuel 4 Speaker: Eld Elgin Chan Worship Leader: Dn Lee Pak Choon Pianist: Rebecca Li Vocalists: Trina Oh (ic), Gladys Phua, Bernice Oh and Divina Thomas Scripture Reader: Anant Tyagi Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Ps Daniel Tan Announcer: Dns Malar Thomas PA: Samuel Chan, Joel Mak and Joseph Ho Projectionists: Chew Kian Chong and Bornson Wong Stewards: Shaji Thomas & Team A Thanksgiving Flowers: Chua Hsieh Wen & Farah; Eld & Mrs Tan Kim Ping Floral ic: Millie Mak Chrysalis: Mary Lim & team Lunch: Ladies Fellowship
NEXT SUNDAY’S SERVICE (10 MAR) Sermon text: 1 Samuel 5-7 Speaker: Ps Daniel Tan Worship Leader: Eric Chan Pianist: Lenith Cheng Vocalists: Hannah Ee (ic), Inez Tan, Naomi Ee and Natalie Chong Scripture Reader: May Seah Pastoral Prayer/Benediction: Eld Choo Yoo Keong Announcer: Dn Richard Yew PA: Daniel Woon, Benson Fong, Edward Lim and Ken Lee Projectionists: Samuel Chua and Timothy Chua Stewards: Nelson Chong & Team B Thanksgiving Flowers: Gene & Peggy Tan Floral ic: Jessie Lim-Choy Chrysalis: Mary Lim & team Refreshment: Oxley CG
Pastoral / Ministry Staff
Rev Daniel Tan (Pastor)
9751 7740/O-Extn 11
Dn Luwin Wong
9230 5363/O-Extn 12
Mr Zebedee Lee
8813 8944/O-Extn 13
Dns Tang Lai Kin
9842 6551/O-Extn 14
Board of Elders
Eld Peter Seah (Moderator)
Rev Daniel Tan
Eld Elgin Chan
Advisory Pastor
Rev (Dr) David Wong
Session
Dn Mike Fong
Dn Lee Pak Choon
Dns Justina Ng
Dn David Oh
Dn James Quek
Dn Sim Chow Meng
Dns Tang Lai Kin
Dns Malar G. Thomas
Dn Simon Toh
Dn Sandor Wang
Dn Luwin Wong
Dn Richard Yew
Administrator
Ms See Siew Kee
97477726/O-Extn 18
Sunday Service 11.00am- 12.30pm
Children & Youth Bible Class
11.30am–12.30pm
Prayer Meeting Every 2nd & 4th Wed
8.00pm–9.30pm
10 Choa Chu Kang St 52
#04-01 CCKBC
Singapore 689284
Tel: 6766 8903
www.hermon.org.sg
