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Joshua 1:9—“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

As Joshua stood on the brink of leading Israel into the promised land, the task before him must have seemed overwhelming. He succeeded Moses, one of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history, and was called to guide a nation into unfamiliar territory, filled with formidable enemies. 

In this moment of responsibility and uncertainty, the Lord addressed Joshua with both a command and a promise. He commands, “Be strong and of a good courage”. This strength was not merely natural boldness or self-confidence. Joshua’s courage was to arise from trust in the Lord and obedience to His Word. True spiritual courage does not come from human ability but from reliance upon God.

The Lord also confronts the power of fear: “Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed”. Fear and discouragement often arise when we focus on our own weakness or on the magnitude of the challenges before us. God calls His servants to resist such fear by remembering His faithfulness and power.

The source of Joshua’s courage rests in God’s abiding presence: “for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”. This gracious promise assured Joshua that he would never lead the people alone. The presence of the Lord would guide, sustain, and strengthen him for every step ahead, granting wisdom, courage, and steadfast confidence in every challenge he faced.

The same truth comforts believers today. Our courage is not rooted in ourselves but in the Lord who walks with His people. Wherever He leads us, His presence is our strength and assurance.

Joshua 1:8—“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” 

As Joshua prepared to lead Israel after the death of Moses, the Lord directed his attention not to Joshua’s personal abilities, strategy, or military strength, but to the Word of God. True success in the service of God would depend not on Joshua’s own powers, but on his faithful devotion to the Scriptures.

First, the Lord commands that “this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth”. God’s Word was to be continually spoken, rehearsed, and taught. Joshua was to lead with Scripture always upon his lips. Likewise, believers today should allow the truths of God’s Word to shape their conversation, counsel, and witness.

Second, Joshua was instructed to “meditate therein day and night”. Biblical meditation involves thoughtful, prayerful reflection upon God’s Word. It is not a hurried reading but a continual pondering of divine truth. By meditating on Scripture, the believer allows God’s Word to penetrate the mind, strengthen faith, and guide the heart to live in accordance with it.

Third, the purpose of meditation is obedience: “that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein”. God’s Word was never meant merely to inform the mind but to govern the life. True devotion to Scripture always leads to faithful obedience.

Finally, God promises blessing: “then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”. This prosperity is not worldly gain but the favour of God upon a life ordered by His Word.

Therefore, let us treasure the Scriptures, meditate upon them continually, and walk in humble obedience to the Lord.

Galatians 1:6—“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.”

In this solemn statement, the Apostle Paul expresses astonishment at the Galatian believers' spiritual instability. His words reveal both the seriousness of doctrinal error and the preciousness of the gracious gospel of Christ.

First, Paul marvels at the speed of their departure: “ye are so soon removed”. The Galatians had recently received the gospel through Paul’s ministry, yet they were already drifting from its truth. This reminds us how quickly believers can be unsettled when false teaching arises. Spiritual maturity requires vigilance, for error often enters subtly and persuades hearts before it is fully recognised.

Second, Paul describes their departure as being removed from Him who called them. To abandon the true gospel is not merely to change ideas; it is to turn away from God Himself. The gospel is God’s gracious call to sinners, summoning them out of darkness into the saving grace of Christ. Therefore, any distortion of that message threatens the very foundation of faith.

Third, Paul warns that they were turning “unto another gospel”. Yet, as he later explains, such a message is not truly another gospel. The Gospel of Christ proclaims salvation by grace alone through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Any addition, whether human merit, religious works, or ceremonial observances, corrupts that message and undermines the sufficiency of Christ.

This passage reminds all believers to guard themselves from drifting away from the purity of the gospel. We must cherish the grace of God revealed to us in the Gospel of Christ, and carefully test every teaching proclaimed in the Scriptures so that we may remain steadfast in its truth. The very gospel of Christ that saves us, we must continually hold fast and faithfully uphold.

Galatians 1:4—“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” 

The Apostle Paul sets before us the heart of the gospel. First, he mentions the voluntary sacrifice of Christ: “who gave himself for our sins”. The death of Christ was not forced upon Him; it was a willing offering. The Lord Jesus laid down His life as the substitute for sinners. Our sins demanded judgment, yet Christ bore that judgment in our place. Here we see both the gravity of sin and the greatness of divine love. The cross declares that our guilt was real, but it also proclaims that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient.

Second, Paul reveals the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice: “that he might deliver us from this present evil world”. This present age is marked by sin, rebellion, and spiritual darkness. Christ came to rescue us through His redeeming work. Believers who trust and obey Christ are being delivered daily from the dominion, values, and bondage of this fallen world and Satan. Though we still live in the world, we no longer belong to it. Our lives are now shaped by a different kingdom and a different hope.

Finally, we are reminded of the sovereign will of God: “according to the will of God and our Father.” Our salvation is rooted in God's eternal purpose. The cross was not an accident of history but the unfolding of the Father’s gracious plan.

Therefore, let us rejoice humbly in Christ’s sacrifice, refuse to live for this present evil world, but walk as those delivered from it, striving to do the gracious will of our heavenly Father.

Acts 17:11—“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

When Paul the Apostle and Silas arrived in Berea after opposition in Thessalonica, they again proclaimed the gospel in the synagogue. Luke records a remarkable commendation about the Bereans: they were “more noble”. Their nobility did not arise from social standing or education, but from their spiritual posture toward God’s Word.

First, “they received the word with all readiness of mind”. Unlike those who resisted the message, the Bereans approached the apostolic preaching with openness and eagerness. They were especially attentive because the apostle was expounding the Scriptures and showing their fulfilment in Jesus Christ. They did not dismiss the message out of prejudice or pride but welcomed the possibility that God was speaking through the Scriptures concerning Christ.

Second, they “searched the Scriptures daily”. Their eagerness was not naïve acceptance. Instead, it was accompanied by careful examination. The verb suggests deliberate investigation. They measured the apostolic teaching against the authoritative Scriptures to determine whether these things were so.

An important lesson this passage affirms is the supreme authority of Scripture. Even apostolic preaching was to be examined in light of God’s revealed Word. The Bereans model the right posture for every believer: humble receptivity combined with diligent discernment. Faithful Christians do not merely hear sermons; they test them by Scripture.

A noble heart welcomes God’s Word, studies it carefully, and gladly submits to its truth. Such a posture leads not to scepticism but to deeper conviction and faith.

Acts 14:22—“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

After suffering persecution in cities such as Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, Paul the Apostle and Barnabas returned to the very places where opposition had been fiercest. Their purpose was pastoral: to strengthen new believers and urge them to remain steadfast in the faith.

Luke records that they were “confirming the souls of the disciples”. This involved strengthening their inner resolve to trust the Lord Jesus and grounding them in the realities of Christian discipleship. The apostles did not promise ease or immediate triumph. Instead, they gave a sober theological reminder: “We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

This statement reveals an important biblical truth. Suffering is not accidental to the Christian life; it is often the pathway through which God matures His people. The kingdom of God has been inaugurated through the suffering and victory of Jesus Christ, and those who follow Him share in that pattern. Tribulation refines faith, deepens dependence on God, and detaches believers from the passing comforts of this world.

Believers must be prepared to face trials, recognising that hardship is part of discipleship. Faith must not be abandoned when hardship arises. Instead, trials should remind us that we belong to Christ and are journeying toward His kingdom.

Therefore, when afflictions come, they are not signs of God’s absence but occasions for steadfast trust. Through many tribulations, the Lord leads His people safely into His eternal kingdom.

John 3:3—“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

In this encounter, Jesus Christ speaks to Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus came with religious knowledge, moral reputation, and sincere curiosity. Yet Christ immediately directs him to the one reality that religion alone cannot produce—the new birth.

The double affirmation, “Verily, verily”, underscores the absolute certainty and importance of the statement. Jesus declares that entrance into the kingdom of God requires nothing less than being “born again.” The phrase indicates a radical spiritual transformation, a work of God whereby a person receives new spiritual life. Natural birth introduces us into earthly life, but spiritual birth introduces us into the life and rule of God.

Christ reveals the profound insufficiency of human merit, heritage, and religious performance. Nicodemus possessed learning, status, and devotion, yet Christ declared that without regeneration, he could not even “see the kingdom of God”. Spiritual blindness characterises the unregenerate heart.

Every person ought to examine whether they have truly experienced the renewing work of God’s Spirit. Christianity is not merely moral reform or religious affiliation; it is the miracle of new life from above. Where the Spirit grants this new birth, eyes are opened to the glory of Christ, hearts are turned from sin, and God’s kingdom becomes a present personal reality. The rule of God is no longer resisted but is received from Christ with faith and humble submission. The greatest question, therefore, is not what we know or what we achieve, but whether we have truly been born again and entered the kingdom of God.

If the Lord has given you good health and wisdom to earn money, enabling you to have enough for your needful expenditure, even leaving you with surplus savings, what shall you do with your riches? The apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:17-18, gives us the pure and perfect wisdom of God concerning how Christians ought to lay up their treasures: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate”.

Right Attitude towards Riches

The first attitude is that “they be not highminded”. As an old saying goes, “The mind grows wanton in prosperity, for it is hard to endure good fortune with calmness.” Abundance of money often makes people very proud of their achievements and causes them to consider themselves better than others. Ego compels them to live a luxurious life. The increasing prosperity and luxury invariably inflate the pride, which consequently hardens and debases our hearts. So if you have wealth, do not glory in it.

The second attitude is that we “trust (not) in uncertain riches, but in the living God”. Have you heard the saying, “Treat money like your God, and it will plague you like the devil”? The reason for such miserable ordeals in the life of a lover of money is that he is trusting in “uncertain riches”. The Book of Proverbs warns us, “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5). Since “riches are not for ever” (Proverbs 27:24a), we therefore should trust God more than our wealth. It is our living God “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (v. 17c). Our trust in God can only be verified if we by our lives prove that God, and not money, is our Master. Don’t let money be your master, but let it be your servant. It will do us much good if we can remember Martin Luther’s words: “God only, and not wealth, maintains the world; riches merely make people proud and lazy.”

The third attitude is that “they do good, that they be rich in good works”. The love of money is the parent of all wickedness. J.C. Ryle said, “Nothing I am sure has such a tendency to quench the fire of religion as the possession of money.” We must not allow the wealth that we have to affect our spiritual and moral commitment. Money is given unto us, that we may increase in “good works”. Good works are the fulfilment of the Lord’s will concerning us. Every work of self-gain and self-glory is evil work. Always remember that your money is to help you further God’s will. We can never be used or blessed by the Lord, if we do not have a full commitment to give all for His glory.

The fourth attitude is that we must be “ready to distribute, willing to communicate”. When we receive money, most of us immediately think of the best way of keeping or multiplying it. It is wrong to withhold from the needy, when the Lord has not withheld it from us though it was more than sufficient for all our needs. The Scriptural exhortation is: “distributing to the necessity of saints” (Romans 12:13); and “to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). More blessings come from giving than receiving (cf. Acts 20:35). Give according to your income, lest God make your income according to your giving! The right mindset is: “Get all you can, save all you can, and give all you can” (John Wesley). Note this attitude of giving must be accompanied with “readiness” and “willingness”. The words “ready” and “willing” in v. 18 call us not to delay when it comes to giving to the needs of the Lord’s work or for the poor. We should give as we would receive – cheerfully, quickly and without hesitation.

Laying Up Riches in Heaven

“Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:19). These further words of Paul assure us that if we cultivate the right attitude about investing the money we have (as per Scriptural teaching), we shall have “a good foundation against the time to come” – not only for the rest of the time in this world, but also for eternity.

This biblical attitude has also been corroborated through our Lord Jesus’ teachings. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Jesus also taught us that He will reward us – “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

We therefore do well to heed Paul’s exhortation to the Galatian Christians: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10). That is biblical investing of our lives and resources for sure returns!

Sermon Text: Psalm 129
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 8th March 2026

Mark 1:41—“And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.”

This brief verse reveals both the heart and authority of Christ. A leper, ceremonially unclean, socially isolated, and physically afflicted, approaches Jesus with humble faith: “If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (v. 40). He does not question Christ’s power, but only seeks His willingness.

Mark tells us that Jesus was “moved with compassion.” The Son of God is not coldly sovereign nor distant in majesty. His power flows from a heart stirred by mercy. This compassion reflects the very character of God revealed throughout Scripture “merciful and gracious, longsuffering” (Exodus 34:6). In Christ, divine holiness does not recoil from human misery; it moves toward it.

Most strikingly, Jesus “put forth his hand, and touched him.” Under the Law, touching a leper rendered one unclean (Leviticus 5:3; 13–14). Yet here, purity does not become polluted; uncleanness is overcome. Christ’s holiness is contagious in grace. When He touches the defiled, He does not become unclean; He makes the unclean clean.

“I will; be thou clean.” With sovereign authority, He speaks cleansing into reality. The leper’s restoration is immediate and complete.

This amazing story of Christ’s cleansing of the leper comforts the guilty and broken. No defilement is too deep for Christ’s touch. Those who come in humble faith will not find reluctance in Him. His heart is willing, His hand is powerful, and His Word is effectual. He still delights to cleanse all who seek Him.