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1 Thessalonians 2:2—“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”

Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that the gospel first came to them through suffering, not comfort. Before arriving in Thessalonica, he and Silas had been publicly beaten, imprisoned, and humiliated at Philippi (Acts 16:22–24). Such cruel treatment might have silenced many, yet it only strengthened their resolve to continue proclaiming Christ.

Paul says, “we were bold in our God”. Their courage did not arise from natural bravery or self-confidence but from their confidence in God. The Lord who had called them to preach also strengthened them to endure persecution. Christian boldness is not fearlessness but steadfast faith that obeys God despite fear, hardship, or hostility.

Paul also describes preaching the gospel “with much contention”. The word points to intense conflict, opposition, and spiritual struggle. Gospel ministry has never been free from resistance. Wherever Christ is faithfully proclaimed, the kingdom of darkness opposes the advance of the truth. Yet such opposition must never discourage Christ’s servants from fulfilling their calling.

This verse reminds every believer that faithfulness to Christ often involves sacrifice. We may encounter ridicule, rejection, or persecution for standing upon God’s Word. Nevertheless, the gospel remains “the gospel of God”, carrying His authority and power to save. Therefore, let us not shrink back in the face of opposition, but, like Paul, find our boldness in the Lord and faithfully proclaim His saving truth, trusting Him to sustain us and to accomplish His gracious purposes through His Word.

John 16:27—“For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

The Lord Jesus gave His disciples this remarkable assurance before He left the quietness of the upper room communion. Having encouraged them to pray confidently to the Father in His name, Christ now reveals the tender reason for that confidence. The Father does not receive believers reluctantly or merely through persuasion by the Son. Rather, “the Father himself loveth you”. This is a profound declaration of the Father’s personal affection for all who belong to Christ.

The Lord explains that the disciples’ love for Him and their faith in His divine mission distinguished them as God's redeemed people. Their love and faith were not the cause of the Father’s love in the ultimate sense, for God first loved His people before they ever loved Him (1 John 4:10, 19). Instead, their coming to the Father in love was evidence of their saving relationship with God through Christ. Those who truly believe that Jesus is the eternal Son sent by the Father will inevitably love Him (John 14:21, 23).

This verse also highlights the perfect harmony between the Father and the Son in the work of our redemption. The Father sent the Son in love (John 3:16), and those who receive the Son are welcomed into the Father’s own love and fellowship. There is no division of heart or purpose within the Godhead.

O what comfort this gives every believer! We approach God not as fearful strangers but as beloved children. The Father’s love assures us of His welcome, care, and faithful provision. Therefore, let us continue to love Christ, trust Him wholeheartedly, and draw near to the Father with joyful confidence, knowing that His everlasting love rests upon all who are united to His Son. As the Apostle John said in his first epistle, chapter 3, verse 1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”

Report by Pr Cornelius Koshy

About a year ago, Rev. Reggor shared with me his desire for a team of youths from Singapore to encourage the youths in the Philippine churches so that through the fellowship around God’s Word and the godly example of youths from Singapore, the second generation of Christians in the Philippines would be strengthened and stirred to be steadfast in the faith (Colossians 2:6–7).

Indeed, there is great benefit in having God-fearing young men and women, whose words and conduct bear testimony to a living faith and joyful service for Christ, to be role models for youths who often learn by example and look up to older brothers and sisters in church (Titus 2:6–8).

When I shared with the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship concerning the outreach to the Filipino youths, thirteen responded, and I thank God for them! God willing, more will share in this ministry of encouragement through future youth mission trips. We are also thankful to the Board of Elders for their prayers, and the support of a $1,000 love gift from the Mission Support Fund. Praise the LORD!

From the outset, I reminded the team that we were to be mission-minded. Though we are young (1 Timothy 4:12), God who “is able to do exceeding abundantly” will use us in special ways, “above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). We were to endeavour to be a blessing to the brethren. Dns Diana and I divided the various responsibilities so that every member of the team had an area to serve (Ephesians 4:7, 16). Preparation then began in earnest. To the praise of God, every participant served faithfully and with excellence.

The highlight of the trip was the combined youth retreat, attended by 86 participants, including about 40 youths from Cebu, Bohol, Bogo, San Antonio and Singapore. Five messages were preached on the theme, Forgiven to Forgive, together with two workshops on The Biblical Response to LGBTQ Issues and Managing Disappointment and Rejection. Besides the retreat, we joined the brethren for the Midweek Prayer Meeting, the Lord’s Day worship service, and also served in the Junior Worship and children’s outreach held at Sis. Ophelia’s home.

A week after the trip, Rev. Reggor sent us this encouraging message:

“Maayong Buntag (Good morning) Pr Cornelius, trust that everyone in the mission team has rested well after the 5-day ministry here in Cebu. The brethren here, especially the youths, are still talking about their experience during the retreat, particularly the lessons learned from God’s Word and fellowship. We had our prayer meeting last night and every one’s sharing their thanksgiving for the combined retreat and the mission team’s coming. Praise God!”

The following are brief reports of our daily activities, written by members of the mission team:

Wednesday, 24 June 2026 (by Titus Lim)

Upon our safe arrival at Mactan airport, Rev. Reggor and many brethren warmly welcomed us. That evening, the Cebu youths hosted us for an authentic Filipino dinner.

At the Midweek Prayer Meeting, the mission team presented a hymn, and Sis. Grace Ho testified of God’s faithfulness in preserving her and Bro. Titus Ho through a motorbike accident in December 2025, and of God’s sustaining grace upon Pr Kee How during his four-month ordeal following a brain haemorrhage and ongoing hydrocephalus.

Pr Cornelius then preached from 2 John 1:7–11 on the dangers of going back to the old ways, going  beyond the limits set by God’s holy standards, and going with worldly people. The prayer meeting ended with prayers in small groups.

Thursday, 25 June 2026 (by Ruben Skariah)

We thank God for the safe journey to Carcar Eco Resort for the start of the combined youth retreat. After enjoying lunch together, Pr Cornelius began the opening message on the theme, Forgiven to Forgive. In the afternoon, Bro. Marcus, Ruben and Nathan organised games that helped everyone get to know one another better. The joy and laughter shared during these activities created a warm and encouraging atmosphere for the rest of the retreat.

Before the evening message, we had a special singing segment entitled “Meditations in Song”, where the chairman read out some lines to prepare the congregation to understand the lyrics in their biblical context, and then the congregation responded in song. At some stanzas, members of the mission team sang solos and duets, while at other times the whole congregation joined in to lift our voices to the Lord.

Friday, 26 June 2026 (by Nathan Resuma)

After breakfast, the Lord blessed us through Pastor Reggor’s morning devotion on the uncompromising stand of Daniel from Daniel 1:8. After Pr Cornelius’ third theme message, we had an interactive youth activity for buddies to learn more about one another. This was followed by the first workshop on The Biblical Response to LGBTQ Issues.

After lunch, we boarded the buses for an outing. At Estino Milk Station, some enjoyed ice cream made from fresh milk while others tried horse riding. At Mantayupan Falls, a group of daring youths went on a wooden raft under the waterfall! Most of us were content to dip our feet in the cool waters. We returned safely to Carcar Eco Resort for dinner and the night programme. The day ended with a time of prayer in pairs for various items and for one another before being dismissed to rest in our rooms.

Saturday, 27 June 2026 (by Jeremy Cheah)

The day began with a devotion by Bro. Johnny Rey from 1 John 2:15, reminding us not to love the world. He preached in English mixed with Cebuano, so that some of the youths who struggled with English could follow along! After the concluding message of the theme, and the second workshop on Managing Disappointment and Rejection, we shared a final lunch together with lechon! We thank God for all the fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Many were grateful for the new Christian friendships forged as well as old friendships rekindled.

At night, we gathered together with our Cebu youths for a dinner at Jollibee (a must-try in the Philippines)! Thereafter, some of us tried balut – a delicacy indeed! Thank God for keeping us safe, blessing us with journey mercies, and a wonderful time with our friends from Cebu.

Sunday, 28 June 2026

On the Lord’s Day, God’s Word from 2 Kings 5:20–27 warned us that if we run greedily into riches, we run certainly into ruin! We were exhorted once again on the dangers of covetousness and the blessings of contentment. Many in the team attended to the children at Junior Worship, teaching them lessons from the life of Ruth. After a sumptuous lunch fellowship, the team taught about 40 children the lessons from the global flood and Noah’s Ark at the children’s outreach, with the help of Bro. Clate, Julius and Johnny as interpreters.

Conclusion

Looking back, we give all glory to God for His goodness throughout this mission trip. While we went with the desire to encourage the brethren in the Philippines, we returned convinced that we ourselves had received far more than we had given. The warm Christian fellowship, the joyful spirit of service, the evident work of God among the brethren, and the opportunity to labour together in the Gospel were a rich encouragement to our own hearts. As we sought to “consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24), the Lord used the fellowship of His people to strengthen us all alike. We also witnessed the truth of Paul’s words: “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God” (1 Thessalonians 3:9).

May the Lord establish our youths in the faith, raise up more labourers for His harvest, and grant that future youth mission trips may likewise be used to strengthen His people and glorify His great name.

Sermon Text: Psalm 139:13–14
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 12th July 2026

John 16:24—“Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

During His earthly ministry, the disciples had brought their requests directly to Him. But with His death, resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they would enter a new privilege of prayer. They would approach the Father through Christ, their risen Lord and perfect Mediator.

To ask “in my name” is to come before God relying wholly upon Christ’s person, atoning work, and prevailing intercession. It is to seek those things that accord with His will and promote the glory of God, just as Christ Himself did throughout His earthly ministry. It is to seek God’s will in submission to His authority and for the glory of His name (John 14:13–14; 1 John 5:14–15). Such prayer is offered with confidence, not because of our worthiness, but because of Christ's righteousness.

Until that time, the disciples had not prayed in Jesus’ name. They brought their requests directly to Him during His earthly ministry. They also have not yet approached the Father based on the full knowledge of the accomplished atoning work of Christ. 

The Lord's command, “ask”, reminds believers that God delights in hearing the prayers of His children. He invites us to bring every need before Him that seeks the glory of Christ’s name, trusting in His perfect wisdom, goodness, and faithfulness. His promise, “ye shall receive”, assures us that He will answer every prayer that accords with His holy will, though His answers may come in ways and at times that best accomplish His gracious purposes.

The result is “that your joy may be full”. True joy is not found merely in receiving earthly blessings, but in living in communion with God and experiencing His faithful care. Prayer deepens our fellowship with the Father, strengthens our faith, conforms our hearts to His will, and fills us with the abiding joy that Christ alone can give. Therefore, let us continually seek the Father through the Son, rejoicing in the rich privilege of prayer.

John 16:23—“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

This is a precious promise concerning prayer that the Lord Jesus gave to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion: “That day” refers to the new era inaugurated by Christ's resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The disciples would no longer need to ask Jesus for explanations as they had done during His earthly ministry, for the Spirit would illuminate Christ’s teaching and lead them into the truth (John 16:13).

The Lord then directs their prayers to the Father. Through His finished work as the only Mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5), believers now enjoy direct access to the Father. To pray “in my name” is not merely to append the words “in Jesus’ name” to our prayers. It means approaching God on the sole basis of Christ's person, merit, and redeeming work, seeking those things that accord with His revealed will and bring glory to Him (John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15).

Christ’s promise, “he will give it you”, is not a guarantee that every personal desire will be granted. Rather, God faithfully answers prayers that are offered in faith, according to His will, and for the advancement of His kingdom. He may answer by granting, withholding, or delaying, yet every answer is governed by His perfect wisdom and fatherly love.

Therefore, let every believer draw near to the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Because Christ has opened the way to the Father, we may pray with reverence, faith, and joyful assurance, knowing that our heavenly Father delights to hear and answer His children's prayers for Christ's sake.

John 16:20—“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

On the eve of His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus foretold the deep grief that would seize His followers when they witnessed His arrest, crucifixion, and burial. Meanwhile, His enemies would celebrate, thinking they had silenced Him forever. Yet their triumph would be short-lived, for God's sovereign purpose was unfolding through the cross.

The disciples’ sorrow was real, but it was never intended to be permanent, for Jesus said, “ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy”. The resurrection of Christ would transform their despair into unshakable joy. What seemed like defeat would prove to be the greatest victory, for through Christ’s death and resurrection God accomplished the redemption of His people, conquered sin and death, and secured eternal life for all who believe (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:54–57). The resurrection of Christ would greatly increase their joy, for it would confirm His promise that the Holy Spirit would soon come to abide with them, guiding, strengthening, and equipping them for the God-given ministry that lay before them.

The Lord’s promise reveals an enduring principle for every believer. God often permits seasons of sorrow, affliction, and perplexity, yet He never abandons His children to despair. He is able to transform present grief into spiritual blessing according to His wise and gracious purpose. As the psalmist testified, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Likewise, Peter reminds suffering saints that, though now they are “in heaviness”; they shall “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” when Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:6–8).

Therefore, let believers endure present trials with steadfast faith. Because Christ lives, sorrow will never have the final word. Our risen Saviour turns mourning into lasting joy, both in this life through His sustaining grace and perfectly in the glory to come.

John 16:13—“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

As Jesus continued His discourse on the night before His crucifixion about the coming ministry of the Holy Spirit among His true followers, He said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” The eleven apostles who first heard these words were assured that the Holy Spirit would complete Christ’s revealing of divine truth and enable them to proclaim and record it faithfully. Through this divine guidance, the New Testament Scriptures were given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, making the Bible God’s complete and sufficient revelation (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21). 

The Holy Spirit is called “the Spirit of truth” because He is the divine Author, Teacher, and Interpreter of God’s truth. He never originates a message independent of the Father and the Son, for Christ said, “he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak”. This reveals the perfect unity within the Godhead. The Spirit faithfully communicates the will of God and glorifies Christ rather than Himself, as  Jesus said in the next verse, “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14).

The promise that “he will shew you things to come” was fulfilled as the apostles received divine revelation concerning the future, including the growth of the church, coming trials, Christ’s return, and the consummation of all things. This prophetic ministry is preserved in the New Testament, especially in the Revelation of Jesus Christ.

Although believers today do not receive new revelation, the Holy Spirit continues to illuminate the inspired Scriptures, enabling us to understand, believe, and obey God's truth (1 Corinthians 2:12–14; Ephesians 1:17–18). He leads us not by private revelations or human imagination, but by the written Word He inspired. Therefore, every Christian should humbly depend upon the Spirit, diligently search the Scriptures, and gladly submit to the truth that sanctifies the soul (John 17:17).

John 16:8—“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion as He prepared His disciples for His departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s ascension would not leave His people abandoned; instead, the Spirit would continue Christ’s saving work by powerfully confronting the world with divine truth.

The word “reprove” means to expose, convict, and bring guilt to light. The Holy Spirit does not merely stir emotions or improve human morality. He uncovers the sinner’s true condition before God. The singular noun “sin” narrows the focus from sins in general to one fundamental offence: the refusal to believe in Jesus Christ, from which all other sins flow. So Jesus said in verse 9, “Of sin, because they believe not on me.” No sinner genuinely repents apart from the Spirit’s gracious conviction.

The Spirit also convicts of “righteousness” (John 16:10). Jesus said in verse 10, “Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.” Christ's return to the Father proved His perfect righteousness and the acceptance of His atoning work. The Holy Spirit reveals that true righteousness is found not in human merit but in the righteous Saviour alone (cf. Philippians 3:9). He leads sinners to forsake self-righteousness and trust in Christ's imputed righteousness.

Finally, the Spirit convicts of “judgment”. In verse 11, Jesus said, “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” Satan, “the prince of this world”, has already been judged through Christ’s victory at the cross. This assures all that God’s final judgment is certain, and every unbeliever who remains under Satan's dominion will likewise face eternal condemnation.

This ministry of conviction remains indispensable today. The church must faithfully proclaim God’s Word, while depending entirely upon the Holy Spirit to awaken consciences, produce genuine repentance, and draw sinners to Christ. Believers, too, should welcome the Spirit’s searching work, allowing Him to expose sin, deepen holiness, and strengthen assurance in Christ’s righteousness.

John 16:7—“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

The disciples were overwhelmed with sorrow as Jesus spoke of His departure. They could not imagine how His leaving could possibly benefit them. Yet Christ assured them, “It is expedient for you that I go away”.  What appeared to be a painful loss was, in God's perfect plan, intended for their lasting spiritual gain. Christ's departure was not a loss to His church but the necessary means by which the blessings of His finished work would be effectually bestowed upon His people.

Jesus' departure referred to His death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation to the Father's right hand. His death secured atonement, His resurrection declared His victory over sin and death, and His ascension and exaltation inaugurated His heavenly reign as the Mediator and High Priest. From His exalted position, Christ would send the Holy Spirit, according to the Father's promise (John 15:26; Acts 2:33), to apply the redemption He had accomplished and to equip the church to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).

The Spirit was not absent from God's people before Christ's ascension, for He had long regenerated, sanctified, and empowered believers (Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:10-12). His coming at Pentecost inaugurated the fullness of His new covenant ministry, bringing illumination, sanctification, assurance, and spiritual gifts for the church's service.

The disciples naturally desired Christ's visible, bodily presence, yet the divine plan was that His church would be strengthened through the ministry of the unseen, yet present Holy Spirit in their lives. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but glorifies Christ (John 16:14) through the Word, producing conformity to His image. 

Believers, therefore, should never think themselves abandoned. Though Christ is now enthroned in heaven as our great High Priest and Advocate, He has not left His church comfortless and helpless. He has sent His Spirit to abide with us forever (John 14:16). Let us therefore walk daily in humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit who Christ has sent to us.