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Mark 8:34—“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” 

These words were spoken shortly after Jesus revealed His coming suffering and death to His disciples. When Peter resisted the thought of a suffering Messiah, the Lord corrected him and then addressed not only the disciples, but also “the people”. Christ made it clear that true discipleship involves more than admiration for Him; it requires wholehearted surrender to Him.

The command begins with “deny himself”. This does not merely mean giving up certain pleasures, but renouncing self-rule. Fallen man naturally seeks his own will, honour, and comfort. So Christ calls His followers to submit their lives entirely to Him. To “deny oneself” is to dethrone the ego, surrendering our rights, agendas, and autonomy to the Lordship of Jesus.

Next, Jesus says, “take up his cross”. In the Roman world, the cross was an instrument of shame, suffering, and death. To take up the cross means willingly embracing the reproach, sacrifice, and cost of belonging to Christ. True discipleship may involve hardship, rejection, and persecution, yet believers bear these things in fellowship with their Saviour.

Finally, Christ says, “follow me”. Christianity is not merely accepting truths about Jesus, but walking after Him daily in faith, holiness, humility, and obedience. Many desire Christ’s blessings that satisfy their carnal desires, but would not follow Him and His voice. They do not see self-denial, taking up the cross, and following Him as blessings He bestows on them. 

True life is found not in preserving self, but in losing ourselves for Christ’s sake. Death to self is not a call to misery, but to profound liberation from the bondage of sin and its consequences. The road of surrender is the only road that leads to life. The Lord still calls sinners graciously to Himself to pursue only that which He purposed for them. 

1 Samuel 1:27—“For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him.”

These words were spoken by Hannah as she presented young Samuel before the LORD at Shiloh. Earlier, she had stood in that same place “in bitterness of soul”, weeping and praying earnestly because of her barrenness. It was there that Eli the priest had once misunderstood her deep anguish and mistaken her silent grief for drunkenness. Now Hannah returns, not in bitterness, nor to triumph over her rival Peninnah, but to fulfil the solemn vow she had made unto the LORD, even to dedicate her long-awaited son wholly to His service. The child she now presents is a living testimony that God hears the cries of His people. Appropriately, she named him Samuel, meaning “heard by God”. Each time Hannah called his name, she was reminded afresh of the Lord’s mercy, faithfulness, and gracious answer to prayer.

Now, holding the child whom God had graciously given, she openly confessed that Samuel was the Lord’s answer to prayer. She testified to God's faithfulness in hearing the petitions of His people. Hannah did not attribute Samuel’s birth to chance, human strength, or natural fortune. She recognised the child as a direct gift from the LORD. Her testimony magnifies divine mercy and reminds believers that God is attentive to the cries of His children.

Samuel’s birth was significant not only for Hannah personally, but also for Israel nationally. Through this child, God would raise up a prophet who would guide His people during a spiritually dark period. Thus, the Lord’s answers to prayer often reach far beyond what His servants can initially perceive.

Hannah’s words encourage believers to persevere in prayer with humble dependence upon God. The Lord may answer immediately, gradually, or differently than expected, but He never ignores the cries of His people. He will show them the way and guide them forward according to His goodwill. When God grants mercies, believers ought also to respond as Hannah did with gratitude, worship, and willing dedication of His gifts back to Him. Every answered prayer should deepen our trust in the God who hears and remembers His children.

The Gospel ministry towards children is not a lesser ministry in the church; it is a vital and sacred stewardship entrusted to God’s people. Scripture consistently reveals God’s concern for children and His command to His people to diligently teach them His truth. Moses instructed Israel, “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). The Gospel ministry to children, therefore, is not merely educational; it is spiritual labour with eternal significance.

Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated special care for children. When the disciples attempted to keep children away, Jesus rebuked them, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14). Christ welcomed children, blessed them, and used them as examples of humble faith. Such passages remind us that children are part of the church’s present concern and responsibility.

Our children live in a world that is increasingly hostile to biblical truth. They are exposed early to worldly philosophies, moral confusion, entertainment-driven values, and countless distractions that shape their hearts and minds. In schools, even kindergartens, children are constantly exposed to undesirable behaviours through peer influence and the many things they hear, watch, and encounter around them.

Therefore, the Gospel ministry towards children must be intentional, faithful and persistent. Churches and Christian homes must work together to ground children in Scripture, prayer, worship, and godly discipline. If parents thoughtlessly expose their children to worldly influences, great spiritual dangers and devastating consequences may await them. Parents must not only teach and inculcate godly discipline, but also ensure that their children attend church-organised programmes for the benefit of their spiritual growth.

The aim of the children’s ministry is not simply to entertain, occupy, or produce moral behaviour. Our goal is that children may understand their sinfulness, hear the message of Christ crucified and risen, and be led to trust Him as Saviour and Lord. Paul reminded Timothy that “from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Salvation belongs to the Lord, and spiritual growth is His work. Parents, teachers, pastors, preachers and church members must sow the seed faithfully, trusting God to give the increase.

We thank God that our overseas mission stations likewise place great emphasis on the Gospel ministry among children. In today’s bulletin, we publish a photo report of the children’s outreach ministry in India. God willing, more reports from Ethiopia will follow next week.

Group photo

Pastor Sujith and Pr Buji addressing the children

Mealtime

Bro. Joshua Nah teaching songs

Nursery Class

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 4:8–37
Speaker: Preacher Cornelius Koshy
Date: 31st May 2026

1 Samuel 1:10—“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.”

These words describe Hannah during one of the deepest seasons of sorrow in her life. She was barren, deeply distressed, and continually provoked by Peninnah, who “provoked her sore, for to make her fret” (v. 6). In Israelite society, barrenness often brought reproach and inward grief. Her “bitterness of soul” (marat nefesh) was not a quiet disappointment; it was a raw and aching grief felt deep within. Hannah carried within her years of emotional pain and silent longing.

Yet her sorrow did not drive her away from God; it drove her to God. “She… prayed unto the LORD.” Hannah did not suppress her grief, pretend strength, or seek sinful escape. In the bitterness of her soul, she poured out her heart before the LORD. Her tears became prayers. Her anguish became supplication.

Scripture does not portray true believers as untouched by sorrow. Even the godly may experience seasons of deep emotional pain. Yet God invites His people to bring their burdens honestly before Him. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Hannah’s prayer also portrays the believer’s confidence in approaching God. The Lord who heard Hannah still hears the cries of His people today. She reminds us that God’s presence is not only for worship and praise, but also a gracious place where His people may pour out their sorrows before Him.

God is not indifferent to tears shed in faith. When bitterness overwhelms the soul, believers must not retreat into despair, but draw near to the throne of grace in earnest prayer, trusting the Lord who remembers, sustains, and answers according to His perfect wisdom.

John 6:37—“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Christ had just declared Himself to be “the bread of life” (v. 35), calling sinners to believe on Him. Yet many resisted His teaching in unbelief. As Jesus addressed that sceptical, murmuring crowd, He did not react with frustration, viewing His mission as a failure. Christ rests completely in God’s sovereign, unfolding plan of redemption. In response, Jesus revealed the sovereign grace of God in salvation and the certainty of His saving welcome toward all who truly come to Him.

The phrase “All that the Father giveth me” speaks of God’s eternal purpose in salvation. Those whom the Father gives to the Son will certainly come to Christ in faith. Salvation is not ultimately rooted in human effort or wisdom, but in divine grace. Yet this sovereign grace never discourages sinners from coming; rather, it guarantees that those drawn by God will indeed come.

Equally precious is Christ’s promise: “him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out”. No sinner who truly comes to Christ in repentance and faith will ever be rejected. The Lord does not cast out those burdened by guilt, weakness, failure, or unworthiness. His saving mercy is sufficient for every repentant sinner who trusts in Him.

Many fear they are too sinful, too broken, or too late to come to Christ. Yet Jesus Himself assures us that those who come to Him will never be turned away. The safest place for guilty sinners is at the feet of the gracious Saviour who receives all who trust in Him.

Ezra 3:11—“And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.”

This joyful scene took place after the Jewish remnant returned from the Babylonian captivity and laid the foundation of the Second Temple. Jerusalem still bore the scars of judgment and ruin, and the rebuilt structure would not match Solomon’s former glory outwardly. Yet the people rejoiced greatly because the restoration of God’s house signified the continuation of His covenant mercy toward them.

Their worship centred first upon the character of God: “because he is good”. True thanksgiving does not begin with favourable circumstances, but with the unchanging goodness of the LORD. Though Israel had suffered chastisement because of sin, God had not cast away His people. His “mercy endureth for ever toward Israel”. The same covenant love that preserved them through exile now gathered them again.

The laying of the temple foundation pointed beyond the physical building to God’s ongoing redemptive purposes among His people. The temple symbolised His presence, worship, atonement, and covenant fellowship in Christ, our Lord, who is the true foundation and meeting place between God and sinners.

Ezra 3:11 teaches believers to rejoice in even the smallest evidence of God’s restorative work. The foundation alone was laid, yet praise arose immediately. We must not withhold our deepest thanksgiving until our prayers are fully answered or our trials are completely resolved. Faith rejoices not merely in completed blessings, but in the certainty of God’s faithful purposes already begun. Our praise must anchor in God’s character rather than the finished product. When God lays the foundation of renewal, His people ought to respond with thanksgiving, worship, and confident hope in His enduring mercy.

Ruth 1:20–21—“And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: whythen call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?”

Naomi returned to Bethlehem carrying deep sorrow. Years earlier, she had left Judah with her husband and sons because of famine, but now she returned widowed, bereaved, and emptied of earthly security. Her words reveal the anguish of a heart wounded by painful providences.  Her change of name from Naomi (“pleasant”) to Mara (“bitter”) reflects a soul crushed by profound loss and economic vulnerability in the ancient world. Naomi believed her life had become marked by affliction rather than joy.

Yet even in her grief, Naomi did not abandon her belief in God’s sovereign rule over her life and circumstances. Naomi appears to have understood her suffering in Moab as coming under God’s chastening or afflicting hand. She repeatedly attributes her bitter circumstances to the LORD: “The Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” “The LORD hath brought me home again empty.” “The LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me.” She sensed divine displeasure or chastening in her circumstances.  Naomi did not attribute her suffering to blind fate or cosmic accident. She still recognised that her life was under the LORD’s rule. Naomi returned to Israel, yielding to God’s sovereignty though she could not yet see that God was already preparing future blessings through Ruth, Boaz, and ultimately the lineage of David and Christ Himself (cf. Ruth 4:14–17, 22)

Afflicted believers must remember that present emptiness is not the final chapter of God’s dealings with His people. The same God who wounds also heals; the same God who humbles also restores. In our darkest providences, His covenant mercy still quietly unfolds according to His perfect wisdom and grace.

Ruth 1:16—“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God”.

These words were told to Naomi by her daughter-in-law, Ruth, during a deeply sorrowful moment in her life. Having lost her husband and sons in Moab, Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem. She urged her daughters-in-law to remain in their homeland. While one of them, Orpah, kissed Naomi and departed, Ruth refused to depart from her. Her response reveals far more than natural affection; it demonstrates a heart transformed by faith in the God of Israel.

Ruth was a Moabitess, a Gentile outsider to the covenant nation of Israel. Yet by the grace of God, she turned away from her former heathenistic background and identified herself with Naomi’s people and, more importantly, Naomi’s God. Her confession, “thy God my God”, is the language of genuine conversion and covenant commitment. Ruth was not merely changing location; she was yielding herself to the LORD in faith. In order to be with the LORD and His people, Ruth willingly chose a future marked by poverty and vulnerability in a foreign land rather than the comfort and security she might have enjoyed in Moab.

What a beautiful illustration of God’s redeeming grace reaching beyond Israel to gather believing sinners from the nations. Ruth’s vow goes far beyond mere human affection; it is a magnificent picture of conversion and faithfulness. Ruth was not just joining Naomi; she was abandoning the gods of Moab to seek refuge under the wings of the LORD. Ruth would eventually become part of the lineage of David and ultimately of the Lord Jesus Christ. God delights to receive those who come to Him in humble faith.

Following Christ often requires us to leave behind familiar comforts and face uncertain roads. Today, ask yourself: Is your devotion to God conditional, or are you all in? Lay down your reservations, embrace His people, and commit your steps entirely to Him.

Jude 1:5—“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”

Jude reminds believers of a sobering historical lesson from Israel’s wilderness journey. Though God graciously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage through mighty signs and wonders, many later perished in unbelief because they refused to trust and obey Him. Their outward deliverance did not guarantee their spiritual transformation and faithfulness. Their spatial deliverance did not equal spiritual conversion. 

The phrase “I will therefore put you in remembrance” reveals the necessity of continual spiritual reminders. God’s people are often forgetful. Familiarity with biblical truth can lead to carelessness unless the heart remains humble and watchful. Jude’s warning confronts people’s tendency toward spiritual complacency. It is entirely possible to sit in a pew, speak the language of faith, and look back on a past religious experience, while currently harbouring an unbelieving, rebellious heart. 

This verse also teaches both the greatness of God’s saving mercy and the seriousness of unbelief. The same Lord who delivered Israel also judged those who persisted in rebellion. God’s requirement of holiness in His people is never diminished by the blessings He has sent to them by His grace. Privileges, experiences, and outward association with God’s people cannot replace genuine faith and perseverance.

Believers must guard against complacency. They can participate outwardly in Christian activities while harbouring an unbelieving heart. The Christian life requires continual trust in Christ, submission to His Word, and perseverance in holiness.

This verse calls us to examine ourselves carefully. Let us not merely remember God’s past mercies intellectually, but respond to them with enduring faith, reverence, and obedience unto the end.