March/April 09 Newsletter
Touching Lives, Changing the World
Touching Lives, Changing the World
Church Newsletter March/April 2009 Volume 1 Issue 1
Bethlehem Punjabi Church: Our Mission
One Church different locations:
We welcome you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are a multicultural church. Our congregation is made up of Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Malyali, Urdu and Gayanese. Pastor Jatinder P. Gill who is a man of God ministers this church. We are located in Richmond Hill, (Queens) area of New York. Our second church is located in Punjab, India. We are a strong believer of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God has given us a burden to carry out the Salvation and healing message to the lost soul. With God’s help we have been planting prayer centers, cell groups and teaching about discipleship in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu speaking Communities Worldwide. We believe it is vital to live life according to the promise book (HOLY BIBLE) with all our heart, mind and soul. We are also affiliated with “Assembly of God” church. If you are ever in our area we encourage you to come join our Sunday evening worship service. We promise you will be blessed with spiritual food. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)
Spring is here: This is the season of singing, let us rejoice in the Lord. Song of Solomon 2:11,12 See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. 12 Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
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There is no trace of Easter celebration in the New Testament, though some would see an intimation of it in 1 Corinthians 5:7. The Jewish Christians in the early church continued to celebrate the Passover, regarding Christ as the true paschal lamb, and this naturally passed over into a commemoration of the death and resurrection of Our Lord or an Easter feast. A Muslim in Africa became Christian and some of his friends asked him, “Why have you done such a thing?” He answered, well, it’s like this: suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions. You didn’t know which way to go; and there at the fork were two men-one dead, and one alive-which would you ask to show you the way?” You choose dead or alive. A Christian minister wanted to conduct funerals just exactly the way Jesus did so he began to look into New Testament, he found that Jesus didn’t conduct funerals at all, He dealt with resurrections. In the world there are four major religions, which are not based on merely philosophies but on personalities. Out of these four only Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. In 1900 BC Judaism Father Abraham died. In 483 BC Buddhist writings say Buddha died. June 6, 632 AD Mohammed died. In 33 AD Jesus died but came back to life appearing to 500 people and many others over a period of 40days. For resurrection of Jesus not only empty tomb is the factor but the History is witness for that truth. Now what is history? History means “a knowledge of the past based upon testimony.” These apostles were flogged, stoned and beaten-up and killed on the basis of two things: the resurrection of Christ, and their belief in him as the Son of God. 1. The Apostles wrote as eyewitnesses of the events. Peter. 2 Peter 1:16 for we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. John. 1John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have
Inside this Issue
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Our Mission Let us Celebrate Resurrection by Pastor J. Gill -Article of the Month, -Article on St. Patrick’s Day -Kids Corner -Bible Quiz Church News: -Cell groups -Building Project -Prayer of Intercession -Membership, Water Baptism -India-Bethlehem Punjabi Church Upcoming Event: Miracle Service Palm Sunday Good Friday Service Easter Service -International News -Testimony -Kids Quiz -Adult Quiz
Let us Celebrate Resurrection by Rev. J. P. Gill
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Bethlehem Punjabi Church 87-47 111th Street Richmond Hill, NY 11418 Info@punjabichurch.org www.BethlehemPunjabiChurch.com Phone 718-785-5921
The word “pascha” comes from Aramic paccha' and Hebrew pecach, the looked upon, and our hands have Passover festival. The English word handled, concerning the Word of life and (es'-ter) comes from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre or Estera, a Teutonic goddess to whom the life was manifested and we have sacrifice was offered in April, so the name seen, and bear witness, and declare to was transferred to the paschal feast. The you that eternal life which was with the word does not properly occur in Scripture, Father and was manifested to us— although the King James Version has it in (Message Continues on 1:7) 1 Acts 12:4 where it stands for Passover. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...(ProverbsPage 4) ->
March/April 09 Newsletter
Touching Lives, Changing the World
Article of the Month: Esther a Priceless Jewel
The Jewish festival of Purim usually occurs in March. It is held on the day corresponding to the 14th day of Adar on the Hebrew calendar. This is found in the book of Esther in the last Chapter the origin of Purim which the Jews celebrate till now. The purpose of the book of Esther is to display the providence of God, especially in regard of His chosen people, Israel. The book of Esther records the institution of the feast of Purim and the obligation of its perpetual observation. The book of Esther was read at the feast of Purim to remind the great deliverance of the Jewish nation brought about by God through Esther. Jews today still read Esther during Purim. This book can be divided into three main sections. 1. Esther replaces Vashti, 2. Mordecai overcomes haman, 3. Israel survives haman’s attempt to destroy them. The noble Esther risked her own death as she realized the plot for Israelites. She proved to be a wise woman of God while remaining humble and respectful of the position of her husband (the king). At the center of this story is the ongoing division between the Jews and amalakites, which was recorded to have been begun in the book of Exodus. Haman’s goal is the final effort recorded in the Old Testament period of the complete eradication of Jews. His plans eventually end up with his own demise, and Mordecai was promoted to a higher post as well as salvation of Jews. Esther risked her life by going not once but twice (Esther 4:1-2; 8:3).She was not content with the destruction of Haman; she was intent on saving her people. The feast of Purim written was preserved for all to see and is still observed today. God’s chosen people, without any direct mention of His name, were granted a stay of execution through the wisdom and humility of Esther. This book shows the ongoing struggle of satan against the purposes of God. The entrance of Christ into the human race was predicted upon the existence of the Jewish race. Just as Haman plotted against the Jews in order to destroy them, so has satan set himself against Christ and his people. Just as Haman is defeated on the gallows he built for mordecai, so does Christ use the very weapon that his enemy devised to destroy Him and His spiritual seed. For the cross , by which satan planned to destroy Jesus, was reverted by the triumph of Jesus over sin and death. Through the example of Mordecai and Esther, the silent love language our Father often uses to communicate directly to our spirits is shown in this book. ----Christal Christian
St. Patrick’s Day:
Kids Corner:
(Understanding of St. Patrick) St. Patrick the patron saint of Ireland is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures. It is known that St. Patrick was born in Britain and at the age of sixteen he was taken as a prisoner by a group of Irish raiders who were attacking his family’s estate. They transported him to Ireland where he spent six years in captivity. During this time he worked as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. Lonely and afraid he turned to his religion for solace, becoming a devote Christian. This is also believed that Patrick first began to dream of converting the Irish to Christianity during his captivity. After six years of captivity God spoke to him to escape from there. He walked 200 miles to the Irish coast. Patrick reported that he experienced a second revelation –an angel from God in his dream telling him to go back to Ireland as a missionary. Soon after Patrick began a religious training, a course of study that lasted more than 15 years. After his ordination as a priest, he was sent to Ireland with a dual mission -to minister to Christians already living in Ireland and to begin to convert the Irish. He died on March 17th which is celebrated in his remembrance. It is the national holiday of Ireland. The first St. Patrick’s day parade celebrated in United States was in Boston in 1937.Today more than 100 cities hold parades, New York being the largest.
Hey Kids, how are you! Did you know, the character of David in the Bible was a little kid just like you guys when God had blessed him with a talent to play music? David loved playing music and singing songs to God. What a way to use the talent? God had his hand upon David. God had delivered David from the danger of lion and bear, not only that God gave David strength to stand up against the mighty giant. David used his sling and a stone and a kid just like you guys defeated Giant. Kids, how cool would it be to have blessings just like David? It is not hard kids. Let us follow little David’s example. Kids, let us sing songs to God and praise His name. Whenever you are scared just say God I know you love me and protect me because I am your child. David believed in God and God gave him victory over Giant. Would you like to have victory in your school, homework, sports, music and other things kids? So always believe in God, pray to God, read your bible daily and God will give you victory in every area of your life. What a wonderful God? Kids don’t forget to solve the p Kids test your Knowledge: puzzle on page 4. 1. When David was a little boy which music instrument did he play? 2. What was the name of the Giant? 3. Who did David believe in? 4. What was the name of the animal David’s family own? 5. Where did David’s stone hit Giant? (Hint: Read 1 Samuel 16 & 17) (Answers will be posted in the next issue)
(For Sunday School contact: Gayitri/Sanjulika)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...(Proverbs 1:7)
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March/April 09 Newsletter
Touching Lives, Changing the World
Church News:
Cell Groups:
Cells groups are basically groups of people fellowshipping during the week or the weekend. People take turns in hosting this fellowship. God is working in a might way through cell groups. People are getting stronger in their faith and gaining more knowledge about the Word. We encourage all to get involved in cell groups. Present Cell Group Locations: Richmond Hill, Yonkers, Flushing & long Island. (Please contact office with any questions) : 1Timothy 2:1-3 says when we pray for others it pleases God. We have a prayer & Intercession once a month on Saturday. Last month (February) as the Pastor prophesized people were filled with Holy Spirit. As a result of it, many people have experienced physical and spiritual healing. People have dedicated their lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We encourage each one to come and experience the prayer & Intercession. For more information contact: Hardeep / Raman
Building Project:
All the Praises go to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving us a vision to plant our own Church in Queens ( NY). We had been praying for it and God has revealed to us about the things He will be doing through our own Sanctuary. The whole congregation and others have been very generous in helping us for this God given vision. In the month of February at our monthly men’s meeting we had raised $9,000 within an hour. I thank God for dedicated men in our congregation. Others have been helping us monthly with their special Building Fund. We encourage all to keep the building project in your daily prayer. We are confident that God will accomplish his purpose through his people. If God is talking to you about sowing a financial seed for the Building Project, obey it. Luke 11:28 says "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." For update regarding Building Project, contact: Gladwin, Surjeet & Donald.
Prayer & Intercession
Membership and Water Baptism:
Bethlehem Punjabi Church-INDIA:
God is doing amazing things at our churches in India. More and more people are accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Pastor S. Gill ministers this church along with Pastor Tarsem and Pastor Victor. With God’s help church is being able to help the needy with everyday necessities. The church believes in teaching discipleship so more people can go and spread the gospel around the nation. People are participating in Gospel tract giving to save the souls. Praise God for that. Short term Bible school and prayer centers are being planted around the nation.
We strongly believe in Act 2:44-47 it says when people worked together as one body and shared things with their fellow believers God added more believers to their group. In the month of February Lord has added more believers to our Church. We Praise God for the decision those people have made to join us in spreading God’s word. We thank God for their dedication to serve His Church through different talents. Same day, some people had also taken Water Baptism. 1 Peter 3:21 says …But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death. If you are born again, we encourage you to take Water Baptism. Membership Ceremony:
Water Baptism ceremony:
Upcoming Events:
There will be a Miracle Service on March 28th at 6:30pm. We encourage all to come and watch God do miracles in people’s life. Palm Sunday Service will be held on April 5th at 4 pm. Good Friday service will be on April 10th at 12:00 afternoon. Easter Sunday service will be celebrated on April 12th at 4pm. We welcome all to come and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This Easter Sunday we are encouraging all to come dressed up in your cultural wear. There will be a song or drama presentation by different cultural groups. It will be a lot of fun as we worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ together.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge ...(Proverbs 1:7)
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March/April 09 Newsletter
Touching Lives, Changing the World
Message from Pastor J. Gill (continued): Luke. Luke 1: 2 just as those who from the beginning
were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, Acts 1:3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. The main content of these eyewitnesses’ testimonies were resurrection
2. They did not believe in the beginning. They went and hid (Mark 14:50). Only after ample and convincing evidence did they believe. Examples (a) Thomas doubted and said I would not believe until I put my finger into His nail prints. Later he died a martyr’s death for Christ in INDIA in 70 AD at Calamina (Chennai). (b) Peter denied Christ several times during his trial. Finally he deserted Jesus. But something happened to this coward. Just a short time after Christ's crucifixion and burial, Peter showed up in Jerusalem preaching boldly, at the threat of death, that Jesus was the Christ and had been resurrected. Finally was crucified upside down. Was he deceived? What happened to him? He saw Jesus rose from the dead (1Corinthians 15:5). (C) James the classic example of a man convinced against his will was James, the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). Although James wasn't one of the original twelve (Matthew 10:2-4), he was later recognized as an apostle (Galatians 1:19). When Jesus was alive, James -didn't believe in his brother Jesus as the Son of God (John 7:5). He as well as his brothers and sisters may even have mocked him. For James it must have been humiliating for Jesus to go around and bring ridicule to the family name by His wild claims. But something happened to James. His message was that Jesus died for sins and was resurrected and is alive (1Corinthians 15:7). !
Message Continues (Pastor J. Gill) Appearances of Christ after his Resurrection. Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, and appeared on eleven (Plus 2) different occasions to numerous witnesses, convincing even those who were the most doubtful, and after forty days ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives. He appeared to 13 different groups of peoples. To Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9,To the other women Matthew 28:9,To two disciples Luke 24:15,To the eleven disciples Luke 24:36,To Peter, l Corinthians 15:5,To the ten, Thomas absent John 20:19,To the eleven disciples John 20:26,At the Sea of Galilee (Tiberias) John 21:1,To five hundred brothers l Corinthians 15:6,To eleven disciples in Galilee, Matthew 28:17,To James, l Corinthians 15:7,At the time of his ascension Luke 24:50,To Paul at his conversion Acts 9:5; 1 Corinthians 15:8. Christ's resurrection is a fact and the guarantee of the resurrection of all other men (1 Corinthians 15: 20-22). Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever more. -Pastor Jatinder P.Gill
International News:
Christian Killed in Orissa February 25, 2009: Another Christian has been killed in Orissa’s state Kandhamal district. Wave of fear and shock enveloped the district late last week with the discovery of the body of 45-year- old Hrudyananda Nayak on February 19. Ashis Parida, an correspondent reported that Nayak left his village of Rudangia on February 18 to accompany his older sister to her village of Bandaguda, one and a half kilometres from Rudangia. It is alleged that an eyewitness saw Nayak being stopped by a group of extremists on his way back to the village and vanished thereafter. The area Christians informed the police of Nayak’s disappearance. A search team of policemen and Christians found the lifeless body of Nayak among some rocks in the forest near the village of Rudangia on the evening of Thursday, February 19. His face was disfigured with blood spots all over his body, they were marks around his neck and it is presumed that he was dragged towards the forest with a rope tied around his neck, according to reports. Rudangia is a mainly Christian village, about 260 kilometres from Bhubaneshwar, the state capital. Nayak’s death is the third such incident since October last year. Despite tight security measures, violence against Christians continues in the area since the worse outbreaks of anti-Christian persecution on August and September last year. Please pray for Orissa and for all the Christians who are suffering for their faith all over the World.
Last Thought:
We thank God for our man of God Rev. Dr. Jatinder P. Gill for all his hard work for this ministry. At our church we believe in equal opportunity. If anyone would like to participate in any church ministry we encourage you to contact the church office. If God is speaking to you about sowing a financial seed into this ministry or our Building (church) fund, please contact church office or you can donate by mail or online. For constructive comments and information regarding Newsletter please do not hesitate to email: Cecil / Christal
Email: Info@punjabichurch.org
Bible Quiz:
*Which of the four gospels shows a much different picture of Jesus than the other three? (Is it Matthew, Mark, Luke, John?) *Which Bible book does this verse come from? "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (Is it 1 Corinthians, Esther, Isaiah, John?). Test Your Knowledge: Answers will be provided in the next issue. God Bless You!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...(Proverbs 1:7)
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