Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
- 1 -
Worshippers are invited to come forward for
personal prayers with elders/pastors in the front pew.
VO
L X
XX
XX N
O. 4
3
ORDER OF SERVICE 9.00 am/11.00 am 22 October 2017
Worship Leader: Chew Leong Ho Speaker: Eld Bruce Lockhart
Prayer: Rev Daniel Chua Scripture Readers: Rina Lai/Tan Mui Hong
Silent Prayer & Meditation
Prelude
Call to Worship
Opening Songs Only By Grace
10,000 Reasons
Opening Prayer “Gloria Patri”
Responsive Scripture Reading
Psalm 23
Worship in Songs The Lord’s My Shepherd
By Gracious Powers Before the Throne of God Above Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean
Offertory & Thanksgiving Prayer
“Doxology”
Congregational Prayer & Announcements
Scripture Text II Timothy 3:14-17
Message
Solus Scriptura
Closing Song Thy Word
Benediction
“Three-Fold Amen”
(FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY)
htt
p://w
ww
.carm
el.sg/w
ord
pre
ss/w
p-c
onte
nt/
uplo
ads/2
017/1
0/W
eekly
-102217.p
df
- 2 -
I. Introduction: Scripture and Tradition before the Reformation
II. Scripture and Tradition in Protestant Denominations
III. How Not to Use Scripture
IV. What Scripture Should Be for Us
Solus Scriptura II Timothy 3:14-17
- 3 - Come, join our prayer warriors in Room #03-06 on Wednesday @ 7.45 pm !
WORLD
World Leaders: Pray for leaders of countries around the world as they plan for the future. Pray for constructive discussion, for policies that target long-term stability rather than short-term relief, and that the politicians will keep to the promises they make.
Climate Change: Global temperature is expected to rise by an average of between 2 and 4.5 degrees Celsius in the next century. By 2050, the UN predicts there will be about 300 million environmental refugees, and at the same time about 1 million species of plants and animals will become extinct. Do pray for the governments of countries who have been involved in the climate summit, that they may be committed to the actions required to cope with the current trend.
THANKSGIVING
1. We give thanks to God for D'Vine CG who initiative and promote fellowship after worship service. Pray that many of us will stay for coffee & conversation after service to meet and mingle across the ages and with newcomers.
2. Thank God that this year, all the P6ers attended the joint P6s & Youth’s outing last Saturday. Pray for the P6ers to transit smoothly into the youth ministry by Dec.
3. Jubilee fund: We hosted 90 migrant workers, mostly Bangladeshi, last Saturday for lunch and grocery shopping last Sat. Our JF vouchers enabled these injured workers to buy grocery and basic household items. for their families when they return within the month.
Thank God for the distribution of JF vouchers to the needy in Bukit Merah through Breadline. We were able to visit them to hand the vouchers to them personally.
CHURCH
50th Anniversary Dinner: Pray for the last of this Jubilee celebration events as we all congregate to rejoice and praise our Lord God for His blessings, goodness and grace upon Mt Carmel. May Jesus be glorified and magnified on 27 & 28 Oct. Pray for the AV equipment to work well, all logistics in place, good health for all involved, and programme to run smoothly. Above all that in the midst of our celebration that we be good testimony to the restaurant management and workers.
Catechism: Thank God for the twenty-seven catechumens in the Christmas Catechism Class. May the Holy Spirit illumine their hearts and minds as they learn the theology of the Christian faith and may they also be transformed in the process. Pray for Dn Pak Wah the instructor.
Young Adults Ministry: Pray for wisdom and grace to grow young adults in their inner life and cultivate authentic relationships as they engaged one another in the Feasts & the Bible Study time.
Children Ministry: As God has faithfully provided the manpower each year to serve in this ministry, we look to Him to move Carmelites to serve as teachers, assistant teachers, co-ordinators, musicians, worship leaders and administers for next year.
Pastoral Search: Let’s commit to God, the need for two pastoral staff to join the team in the English congregation, praying for God’s choice of His shepherds. May God lead them to us.
PERSONAL
We pray for those among us who are unwell—Alan Lye, Mui Hong’s father, Grace Yu’s mother, Monica Teo’s mother and Terrie Teo’s mother, for God’s mercy, grace and healing in His time. Ask God for strength, love, patience for those who are caring for them.
PRAYER PAGE ””“Some people pray just to pray and some people pray to know God.” - Andrew Murray -
- 4 -
Built To Last
Once again, the en bloc fever is upon us. On 5th October 17, I read in the Straits Times an article entitled, “Amber Park sets freehold collective sale record.” It states that the 213,675 square feet plot has been sold for $906.7 million. Each of the 200-unit owners stands to receive $4.3 million for standard apartments or $8.3 million for penthouses. As much as this is a cause for rejoicing for those who have made a hefty profit, yet the article highlighted one owner who sold his apartment one year earlier for $2.08 million. I wonder how he is coping emotionally on missing out the extra $2 million had he waited a little longer.
This example highlights the pros and cons of en bloc sales. I believe many home owners think through carefully before giving their votes to endorse en bloc sales. Who would refuse a windfall of $500,000 to several million dollars profit for giving up an ageing home? While the debate will continue whether it is wise to give up one’s fond memories of one’s home in exchange for money, I am struggling with one issue concerning the short duration of a building.
Amber Park was built in 1986 and this means it lasted for only 31 years. This building was built with strong foundation for it is able to support about 26 storeys. It was built with steel and concrete. With such strong and durable materials, the building is meant to last a long time. The architect has designed it well and the construction workers have spent 1-2 years under the hot sun to build it. Such a building can last for at least 100 years, if not more. Yet within a short span of three decades, the building would be demolished. Imagine if I were the architect, I wonder how I would feel to see my work torn down?
When I see a building that is supposed to endure a long time but is slated to be demolished after only 31 years, I asked myself this question: “Would I like to build something only for it to be torn down a short time later?” The answer is a resounding “No!” I used to have a card with the following quotation: “The best use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” This quotation is teaching me that I should do something that will continue on even when I am long gone. This leads me to ask another question: “What kind of work will outlive me?”
This year 2017, the Protestant Churches are celebrating our 500 years of Reformation. The Roman Catholic Church was practising the Sale of Indulgences through which the salvation of loved ones could be attained through monetary offering. A Roman Catholic monk, Martin Luther found this teaching to be unbiblical and he wanted to reform the Church through his 95 Theses which he nailed on the door of a Church at Wittenberg. Little did he realize that this act on 31st October 1517 sparked the Reformation. This is an example of what a person did which outlives him many years after he had passed on.
Martin Luther built on something that has stood the test of time for 500 years. I think there are two factors that contribute to something that will have a long endurance. First, it must have something to do with God’s Word. Jesus Himself declares, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my Word will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Second, the leader must pass on the task of proclaiming God’s Word to the next generation so that there will be continuity. Since the days of Martin Luther, many other theologians and preachers have taught the doctrines of Reformed Theology to ensure continuity of the Protestant Movement.
On 25th April 2017, I attended the 180th Anniversary Celebration of Bible Society of Singapore. I was very interested to attend this event because I have never attended a 180th year Anniversary celebration. I wanted to find out what is its secret for its longevity in ministry. It started in 1837 (you can watch a short film on its beginning and mission (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CjbWxNWosY) and it
- 5 -
has survived through many difficult years in Singapore like World War 2, The Japanese Occupation and The Communist Insurgency. When I sat through the Celebration and observed the many presentations, I came to two conclusions why it has survived 18 decades and it is still thriving.
First, the Bible Society of Singapore has a purpose or mission which they are still holding onto for 180 years. Their mission is “to make the Word of God known to all people by making it available through the work of translation and publishing, accessible through distribution and literacy programmes, and credible through engagement and advocacy.” Second, the Bible Society of Singapore has guarded their leadership succession zealously so that in each generation, there is always a leader who whole-heartedly executes their mission. This leader must be able to share the vision and mission of the organization with people so that they buy into its purpose. When the people volunteer to carry out their leader’s vision and mission, the organization stays relevant to the needs of the community. In this way, the organization will be able to survive no matter what the tumultuous times they may face.
In 2017, Mount Carmel Bible-Presbyterian Church celebrates our 50th Anniversary. We should know our story very well. It began with Uncle Robert Ong who opened his home at 220-B Redhill Close in the 1960s. He would invite children to come to his home and he would tell them Bible stories. The rest they said is history. Today, Mt Carmel has grown from its humble beginning to become a Church with a congregational strength of 1200 to 1300 worshippers. While we give thanks to God that we have lasted 50 years, the challenge before us is this: “Will we become a stronger and bigger Church in 50 years’ time? For that matter, will we survive and thrive?”
To answer these questions, I like to refer to the article that one of our pioneers, Dr Ang Beng Chong, wrote in our 50th Anniversary Magazine. In his article entitled, “Built On Solid Ground - How Mount Carmel Came To Be,” this is what he wrote: “Mount Carmel originated from Uncle Robert’s conviction to spread the Gospel to a predominantly-Buddhist neighbourhood.”
Once again, I like to conclude that there are two factors why Mt Carmel has survived and thrived over the last 50 years. First, Mt Carmel has made a strong commitment to put the centrality of God’s Word as our main ministerial objective. Remember, in our name Mount Camel Bible Presbyterian Church, we have the word Bible. This word is a reminder of our missions – God’s Word takes central stage in who we are and what we do. Therefore, as long as we remain committed to preach the Word of God faithfully, biblically, relevantly and interestingly to both Christians and non-Christians, I believe Mt Carmel will survive the next 50 years.
A second factor that will ensure Mt Carmel will continue to survive and thrive is succession planning. In our history of 50 years, we have only three Senior Pastors. Ps David Wong has successfully passed the baton to Ps Daniel Chua at the end of 1993. In January 2016, Ps Boon Leong assumed his new role as Senior Pastor after Ps Daniel stepped aside to allow a younger protégé to take responsibility in overseeing the affairs of the church. Through our diligent planning for leadership succession, this will ensure that the key objective of our church is protected and propagated. I believe this is one way Mt Carmel can confidently continue to survive and thrive over the next 50 years.
Today, I see that many things are instant and temporary. Are we missing the idea of building something that can last forever?” Yes, we have options to go for things that are quick and fleeting. On the other hand, there are options for us to work on things that are built slowly but they will definitely outlast us long after we are gone. I trust you will have the wisdom to choose the better option that will allow you to leave behind a legacy.
Ps Peter Teo
- 6 -
Calling for volunteers to assist with the preparation of Holy
Communion. Commitment will be once a month (on the 1st
Sunday of each month).
Please contact Lai San @6779-5077 or email [email protected] if
you are available to serve in the above area.
Attention to all members and friends,
We are switching use of Fellowship Hall with Bible Church today
because they need the baptism pool in our hall. Please use the
Grace Fellowship Hall for all activities today (22 October). Thank
you.
(For Members Only)
For members born in October, please collect your birthday gift
AFTER the service next week on 29 Oct, ) at 10:30 am and 12:30
noon, outside Hope Sanctuary. Please bring your identity card (for
scanning purposes) in order to collect your birthday gift.
Ps Peter is away in Andaut, Cambodia until 22 Oct.
Ps Boon Leong is speaking at Mount Hermon BP Church this
morning.
- 7 -
NEXT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBER 2017
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT 1ST Service
MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT 2nd Service
Ushers Susannah Siew & Team Grace CG
Refreshment Jennifer Lim/Peck Har
Worship Leader Jerry Ng
Congregational Prayer Eld Ho Peng Kee
Musicians Week 5 Band
Welcome Corner Tan Choon Kiat Sim Hui Hoong/Joyce Lin
Scripture Readers Cynthia Wee Kim Kijin
AVA Crew Michael Teo/Alan Tan Low Ek Yong/Tan Chay Hoon
● Please make all cheques, including those for the Development Fund, payable to Mount
Carmel BP Church Ltd (exact payee name must be stated on the cheque).
● Please note that NO receipts will be issued for cheques received by the Church below
$5,000 except upon request.
● All Offerings and Pledges to Mount Carmel BP Church Ltd is not tax deductible.
- 8 -
PASTORAL TEAM
Senior Pastor Rev Oh Boon Leong
Missions & Strategic Planning Rev Peter Teo
Ladies, ConnexUs & Rhoda Ps. Assoc. Ang Lee Luang
Children Ps Asst Margaret Ong [email protected]
Youth & Family Rev Jabez Chia
[email protected] Young Adult & Youth
Ps Asst Marianne Wong [email protected]
Pastor-at-Large Rev Daniel Chua [email protected]
SEMS Ps Asst Joyce Goh
Mandarin Service Rev Goh Ngiam Heng [email protected]
Rev Ng Eng Chye [email protected]
Remnant Korean Service Rev Ezra Jang
BOARD OF ELDERS Eld Bruce Lockhart
(BOE Chairman)[email protected]
Rev Oh Boon Leong (Session Moderator)
Eld Yeo Siew Yam [email protected]
Eld Ho Peng Kee [email protected]
Rev Peter Teo
Rev Jabez Chia
TODAYTODAYTODAY
THIS WEEKTHIS WEEKTHIS WEEK
Mandarin Service Chapel 10.45 am
Rhoda Fellowship ACE Room 11.00 am Worship Leader: Marilyn Speaker: Ps Charles Chow - Our Faithful God
Youth Service Chapel 12.15 pm Marianne Wong - Solus Scriptura
Remnant Korean Service Chapel 2.30 pm
SEMS Service Sanctuary 7.45 pm
Ushers: Albunus Ng & Team/Shalom CG Refreshments: Bt Batok CG AVA: Timothy Chiam/Fiona Chee/Daryl Tan/Loh Kum Hoe Welcome Corner: Tan Mun Kiat/Dn Jonathan Lum/Sunny Yap Librarians: — Library Closed — Thanksgiving Flowers: Goh Leng Khiang & Swee Hong Harold & Esmond
NEXT SUNDAY 29 ONEXT SUNDAY 29 ONEXT SUNDAY 29 OCTOBERCTOBERCTOBER, 2017, 2017, 2017
English Services Hope Sanctuary 9.00 am/11.00 am Speaker: Dr Lai Pak Wah - Soli Deo Gloria (John 1:14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; John 13:31-35)
Rhoda Fellowship - Outing 9.00 am
Mandarin Service Chapel 10.45 am
Youth Service Chapel 12.15 pm Rev Jabez Chia - Soli Deo Gloria
Remnant Korean Service Chapel 2.30 pm
SEMS Service Sanctuary 7.45 pm
Wednesday, 25 October 7.45 pm ACE Room: Prayer Meeting Chairperson/Devotion: Rev Peter Teo
Thursday, 26 October 10.00 am Thursday Men’s Group (TMG) Visit to SCH
Thursday 8.00 pm Hope Sanctuary: Choir Practice
Saturday, 28 October 5.30 pm Chapel: SES Worship Leader: Quek Hung Hiang Congregational Prayer: Tan Thien Choon Speaker: Dr Lai Pak Wah - Soli Deo Gloria (John 1:14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; John 13:31-35)
Dear guests, we trust that you have a meaningful time of worship. We invite you to join us for Welcome Tea in the Fellowship Hall.
