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READ:

2 Timothy 2:24

²⁴ And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.

EXHORTATION:

The term “the servant of the Lord” here refers to the one who is called and appointed by the Lord to feed His flock through the preaching of His Word. Timothy, to whom the letter was written, has been ministering to the church in Ephesus. Timothy has to confront not only false teachers and disobedient members of the church, but also those who incite unprofitable arguments and disputes. So, the apostle Paul gave advice to Timothy on how to handle “foolish and unlearned questions” that would “gender strifes” in the church.

Timothy was reminded that as a servant of the Lord, he “must not strive”. The Greek word for “strive” (máchomai) is commonly used to denote fighting in a battle, or striving or disputing with words in a private quarrel. Not only here in this instance, but also on several other occasions, Paul emphasised that Christian leaders ought not to be quarrelsome. In 1 Timothy 3, while enumerating the qualifications for an elder, Paul wrote, “Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous” (v. 3). In Titus 1, a further list of the qualifications for an elder is given: he is to be “not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker” (v. 7). Every pastor, elder and teacher, being a servant of the Lord, is to be “gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient”.

Note that Paul is not averse to fighting against false doctrines. We must contend and fight for the truth that “was once (for all) delivered unto the saints” (Jude 1:3). In Ephesians 6:12, Paul exhorts: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” In fighting against Satanic forces with the spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:1-4), we must not end up quarrelling with opponents. True, in fighting for the truth, we uncompromisingly reject falsehood and sin, and boldly speak the truth. But we must be “gentle unto all men”. Let us take note that Paul says “unto all men”. We must be gentle even to those who oppose us! In the next verse, Paul tells us the reason for such gentle demeanour required of the preachers of the Word – “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:25). Gentleness in demeanour is requisite to being “apt to teach” others.

READ:

Luke 12:32

³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

EXHORTATION:

The Lord Jesus Christ is the loving Shepherd of all those who follow Him in faith and obedience. Jesus referred to His followers as His flock. Concerning them, He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Interestingly, He called them “little flock”, referring to the fact that they were few in number and defenceless on their own against their foes.

Jesus referred to them as “little flock”, not to ridicule their small frame or frail existence in this hostile world, but to tenderly assure them of God’s love. He knew how terrified they would be at the sight of the cruel and ravenous enemies surrounding them. Without the strength and means to defend or escape, they would be frightened and discouraged. So their kind Shepherd instructed them not to fear. He calmed their anxious, troubled hearts, saying, “Fear not, little flock”.

Throughout Scripture, the Lord has encouraged His people not to fear. In fact, Scripture has exhorted believers about 84 times to “fear not”, or “fear ye not”, or “fear thou not”. Let us not fear temptations, trials or sufferings or even death. Fear can wreck our peace and effectiveness. So our Lord does not want us to live in constant dread of troubles.

It is the Lord’s instruction that we constantly think of the heavenly Father’s good pleasure towards us. So He proclaimed, “for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Instead of thinking of those things that cause fear, we should think of the good pleasure of our God that gives us His kingdom. Instead of giving in to slavish fear, we should think of His goodness towards us which makes us heirs of His kingdom through His Son. Our minds must dwell upon God’s tender love towards us. Troubles may come upon us, but they will never succeed to hinder our heavenly Father’s love and goodness towards us.

We are now heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. As Paul said in Romans 8:17, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Let us endure the trials that would come our way as they only prove that we are not a people of this world ruled by Satan, but rather, heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

READ:

Deuteronomy 6:5

⁵ And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

EXHORTATION:

Jesus referred to this commandment as “the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). The very first thing we notice here is that the LORD our God asks for our love. The Almighty craves the affection of His people. His heart rejoices to see that all whom He has redeemed would love Him. The LORD regards Himself glorified when His people love Him wholeheartedly.

He commands their love because He loves them and presents Himself to each one of them as “the LORD thy God”. The LORD has revealed Himself as the only true God, thus delivering His people from the deception of their own hearts and false religions. It is after the proclamation, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD”, that He commanded that His people love Him. His people must love Him because He has proffered Himself as the true God to them. On their own, they would never have found Him to be the true God. It is His peculiar love for them which made Him declare unto them that the LORD is God, and there is none other.

Oh, how we ought to love our God for He has made Himself known to us and has also reconciled us to Himself through the offer of His Son for the forgiveness of our sins. We have Him now as our God for He has covenanted Himself to us by the blood of His Son. He is no more unknown to us; neither are we alienated from Him. He has given Himself to us that we may enjoy Him forever. His perfections, His power, His providence, His grace, and all His wondrous virtues are for us to delight in. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

The LORD also instructed His people as to how they ought to love Him. He said that they ought to love Him “with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” He who loves God with all his heart, loves Him above all else. Such a man is ready to give up or suffer anything to please and glorify his God. He is totally dedicated to the LORD with an undivided heart. He who loves God with all his soul and with all his life is ready to give up even his life. He would rather endure his sufferings and accept death than dishonour his God. He who loves God with all his strength exerts all the powers of his body and soul in the service of God. Total submission to God’s glory is the mark of one’s love for God.

Beloved in the Lord, 

During this Christmas season, let us move beyond tradition and celebration to worship Christ Himself, whose holy birth we commemorate. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Heaven’s proclamation raises our hearts beyond sentiment, and sets them upon salvation – for Christ was born not merely to be admired, but to be trusted, obeyed, and adored. 

The Child in the manger was the eternal Son, given for sinners, clothed in humility, that He might clothe us with righteousness. The angels praised God; the shepherds made haste to see Him; the wise men fell down and worshipped Him (cf. Matt 2:11). So, we too must hurry to worship and praise the Saviour who was born. Christmas worship is not passive; it is a reverent response to God’s gift of a Saviour. 

Therefore, let us worship Him with joy and holy awe. Let our hymns be sincere, our prayers fervent, and our hearts fixed upon Him. Set aside the noise and haste of the season, and behold the Lamb of God. May Christ be exalted in our homes, our church, and our lives.

On Christmas Day, this coming Thursday, we shall gather not empty-handed, but bringing hearts bowed in faith, gratitude, and submission. This holy day reminds us that God has kept His promise. The long-awaited Seed has come. The Light has entered our darkness. The Word has been made flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. 

Let us lovingly invite our relatives and friends to hear of our blessed Saviour. In a world worn down by sin and sorrow, Christ alone can cleanse sinners from guilt, reconcile them unto God, and give a living hope that reaches beyond the grave.

“O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.”

Testimonies of New Membership Candidates

Juliana Li

My uncle brought me to a Brethren church when I was four years old. I attended Sunday School till the age of 14. Along the way, a Sunday School teacher had led me in saying the “sinner’s prayer”. I held to the simple belief that God, as my Protector and Provider, was in control of my life. I was also blessed because I did not experience persecution from my family, nor did I have to follow other religious practices.

After the dissolution of that church, I thank God that through my aunt, He subsequently led me to a Bible-Presbyterian church, where I could learn and understand His Word through systematic teaching in sermons, Bible classes, fellowship meetings and camps over the next two decades. I am grateful to the Lord for the godly influence that He has placed in my life.

Finally, I thank God for His goodness and grace in seeing me through all these years and for leading me to Gethsemane BPC, where there is sound preaching, teaching and faithful service by the leaders and members. It is my prayer that I serve Him faithfully all the days of my life.

Joshua Loh

I was brought up in a Christian family, and had the blessing of growing up in Calvary Pandan B-P Church. Over the years, I was nurtured in the faith and was taught to love God’s Word. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour while undergoing Basic Bible Knowledge Class, and was baptized when I was 17 years old.

By God’s providence, He led me to Gethsemane B-P Church. Here, I have been joined by my fiancée (who comes from a Presbyterian church), to worship the Lord. After much prayer, discussion, and seeking of counsel, we both agreed that we could worship and serve the Lord here together in unity. From our first visits, we were warmly welcomed and ministered to, through faithful preaching, reverent worship, and a shared commitment to the truths of God’s Word. We thank the Lord for guiding us to a church, where we can grow together as a couple, grounded in sound doctrine and united in service.

Joanne Tey

When I was about ten years old, my aunt bought me a set of Bible story books. That was how I first came to know about the Bible and learned of God’s Word. Though I was young, those stories planted a seed in my heart.

Many years later, when my daughter was six, she asked me, “Mum, where can I continue Bible study?” She had been attending a church kindergarten, and her question stirred something within me. I turned to my aunt — who has always borne a faithful testimony of what a true Christian is — and she brought me and my children to Gethsemane B-P Church.

Thank God for Pastor Koshy’s preaching. His sermons were clear and faithful, expounding God’s Word plainly and boldly. I was also inspired by his testimony of how God has worked mightily in his life. As I continued to learn more from God’s Word, I came to know that Jesus Christ is truly our Saviour and Redeemer. I realised my need for His forgiveness and grace. In prayer, I received Him as my Lord and Saviour, and I desire to walk with Him daily, striving to be more Christ-like in all that I do.

I thank God for the love and warmth of the church — for the elders, preachers, deacons, and members who have welcomed me and my family with open hearts. Coming to church now feels like coming home, to a place where I truly belong. All glory be to God, who has led me, saved me, and called me His own.

Tan Bong Chee

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

I am 72 years old. For most of my life, I was an idol worshipper, following the traditions passed down to me. Although I was religious, deep in my heart there was no true peace or assurance, especially as I grew older and began to think more about life, death, and eternity. 

Two years ago, I started attending the Gethsemane Chinese Service every Sunday. As I listened to the preaching of God’s Word, I gradually came to understand who the true and living God is. Through the messages and the love and warm fellowship shown by the brothers and sisters, my heart was deeply encouraged. God’s Word also revealed my sins to me, and I felt a strong conviction that I was separated from God and in need of His forgiveness. I realised that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again, and that salvation is not found in idols or good works, but in Jesus alone. 

With a humble and repentant heart, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. From that day on, I am a child of God, experiencing a new peace and joy in my heart that I had never known before. 

Today, I have a strong desire to be baptized as an outward testimony of my faith in Jesus Christ. I also sincerely desire to follow the Lord for the rest of my life, to learn His Word, obey His teachings, and trust Him daily. I thank God for His grace and patience in leading me to salvation at this age of my life. All glory be to God.

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:161–168
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st December 2025

READ:

Amos 5:14

¹⁴ Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

EXHORTATION:

Earlier in this chapter, the prophet had repeatedly exhorted the Israelites to seek the LORD (vv. 4, 6, 8). This verse further explains the implications of the exhortation to seek the LORD. Those who seek the LORD will also seek to do His good will.

The “good” that God’s people ought to seek is not what they think is good, but what the LORD has revealed as good. All that His Word requires of us is good, which we must seek diligently to perform. The LORD said through Moses in Deuteronomy 12:28, “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.” The prophet Micah was also tasked by the LORD to instruct His people: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

Yet the people were not only doing evil, but also seeking it diligently. They rejoiced in all that which God detested. They sought out evil and the occasions for it. As long as they sought evil, they would not seek good. So they must first put away evil. As Isaiah has written, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16-17).

God’s people must be singular in their pursuit of good. They must seek good with total commitment. Unmitigated adherence to good and complete severance from evil is what God commands. In Romans 12:9, the apostle Paul instructs, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” The LORD requires that His people seek good wholly, not only occasionally. “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a). “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Pursuing the LORD and His good will have the guarantee of the highest blessings in the lives of God’s people. It has the promise of everlasting life and divine friendship. The “God of hosts” will be with them to guide, guard and garnish their lives with His blessings. He who follows the good ways of the LORD, has the LORD for himself.

READ:

Amos 5:6a

⁶ Seek the LORD, and ye shall live;

EXHORTATION:

The prophet Amos had just ended a lamentation over the impending death of the people of the “house of Israel” (5:1-5). A “lament” is a poem of grief sung at a funeral. Prophets used this poetic form to mourn the death of a city, people or nation (cf. Jeremiah 9:10-11, 17-22; Lamentations 1-5; Ezekiel 19; 26:17-18). Though Israel had been enjoying material prosperity under Jeroboam II, her judgment was so certain that Amos lamented her fall as though it had already happened. To his listeners, his lament would have been like listening to their own obituary being read out to them.

Despite the certainty of national judgment, individuals were encouraged to seek the LORD and live. Unless they would repent of their idolatry and wickedness, God Himself would see to their destruction. The admonition of the prophet is: “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel” (v. 6). Though Bethel (which means “house of God”) was a place of worship and blessing, they had desecrated it with their idols. All their activities of worship were an abomination to God. What matters was not the location, but their heart’s devotion to God. So, if they would continue to stay in Bethel but would not turn to God, they would inevitably experience what He has revealed Himself to be in Deuteronomy 4:24 – “the LORD thy God is a consuming fire”!

The command to seek the LORD has been repeated four times in this chapter (vv. 4, 6, 8, 14). It means that they must turn to Him at once. They should not hesitate nor procrastinate in returning to the LORD. Neither should they approach Him in ritualistic, disingenuous worship. Their hearts must seek Him with sincere love and fervent devotion.

The LORD promised that they shall live if they seek Him. The LORD promised to rescue them from the threat of impending calamities which were looming over the nation. But there was something more than their preservation from the impending peril. Turning to the LORD would also guarantee their souls’ eternal life. The LORD is merciful and calls sinners to turn to Him to enjoy the blessings of His good pleasure. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).

READ:

Psalm 19:7b

^7b The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

EXHORTATION:

David here refers to the Scriptures as “the testimony of the LORD”. In many other places, Scripture also refers to itself as the testimony of the LORD. For instance, Psalm 119 refers to the Scriptures as the “testimony” or “testimonies” of the LORD about 23 times. The Hebrew word for “testimony” (‘?dût) as used here means “that which is borne witness to”. Scripture is the LORD’s testimony because it is His own affirmation of all things that are recorded in it. The Bible is a Divine Witness. All that is revealed in Scripture is God’s own true report.

David says that “the testimony of the LORD is sure”. The Hebrew word for “sure” suggests ideas such as “faithful”, “established” and “verified”. The LORD’s testimony is absolutely true. God has attested to the faithfulness of all that the Scriptures say. Though many unbelieving men challenge the accuracy of the biblical records, God bears witness to their authenticity. The LORD has validated the absolute truthfulness of all that Scripture says. Whatever it says is true, whether it be the account of God’s creation of all things in six days, the universal flood of Noah’s time, the virgin birth, miracles, death and resurrection of Christ, or the prophecies concerning the last days. We can fully trust the veracity of all its doctrines, counsels, promises, history, prophecies, and all else that it says.

David also declares that God’s Word makes the simple wise. The Hebrew word translated “simple” refers to someone who is naive or undiscerning. Because of his ignorance and gullibility, he makes foolish choices and is easily deceived. Yet, if he pays heed to Scripture, it will make him wise. The word “wise” describes one who lives according to divine truths. He is guided in life by the knowledge that God’s Word provides. He submits to Scripture and applies its counsels to his circumstances. The Word of God thus transforms a simple-minded person with no discernment, and makes him skilled in all matters of life. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul reminds Timothy, who had been brought up in the knowledge of God’s Word, “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. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Studying and applying God’s Word in our lives will invariably make us wise.

READ:

Psalm 19:7a

^7a The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.

EXHORTATION:

David here speaks of the Scriptures as “the law of the Lord”. The Hebrew word for “law” (torah) means “teaching”, “instruction”, “doctrine”, “precept”, etc. It is used here to denote the instructive nature of the Scriptures. Through the Scriptures, God instructs us about all things with regard to our faith and conduct. It is through the Scriptures that God’s truth and wisdom are communicated to us in order to guide us according to His will.

The phrase “the law of the LORD” also indicates that the LORD is the source of all that is written therein. Scripture is God’s authentic, authoritative revelation. Its truths proceed from God’s mind. They are for our divine instruction. They are not human ideas and theories, but God’s truths revealed through His servants. As the apostle Peter said, referring to the Scriptures, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

Concerning the law of the LORD, David says that it is “perfect”. It is God’s complete, absolute, unerring truth. It is absolutely sufficient, lacking nothing in guiding His people in His truth. There is no error or ambiguity in the Scriptures. In the Scriptures, God’s people have His supreme wisdom to guide them in all matters of life. Hence, David also says, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Psalm 18:30). David’s high esteem of Scripture as the perfect Word of God is found in many of his psalms. For instance, in Psalm 119:127-128, he testified, “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.”

David not only speaks of the perfect character of Scripture, but also of its amazing power in “converting the soul”. The Hebrew word translated as “converting” also means “turning”, “restoring”, “transforming”, etc. When the truth of God’s Word is received into the soul, it has the power to convict and change a sinner into the way of salvation and righteousness. When its counsels are applied to the soul, the soul shall be restored. Scripture is the perfect manual which the LORD – the Restorer of our souls (Psalm 23:3) – has provided for our blessing.

READ:

Psalm 19:1

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

EXHORTATION:

Psalm 19 consists of two parts. In the first six verses, it speaks of God’s glory manifested in His work of creation, namely the heavens and the sun. The rest of the psalm speaks of God’s wisdom revealed in His Word. God’s glory revealed in the nature is referred to as His natural revelation, whereas God’s Word recorded in the Scriptures, which more clearly reveals God to us, is known as His special revelation.

The grandeur of God, as revealed in the natural world, is evident even to the heathen. As Paul says, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).

In all of the universe, including our earth, the power and wisdom of God can be seen. Even in little things of the earth, like the flowers of the field, the wisdom and glory of God the Creator are seen. However, David has particularly selected the heavens for our contemplation of God’s glory. The splendour of the world above us is so designed to lead us to contemplate the greatness of God the Creator.

David mentions twice in Psalm 19:1 that the heavens proclaim God’s glory. Everyone who scans the heavens should know that they bear witness to the glory of God. In our modern world, with all its technological advances, we are able to see more than ever before the great wonders of God’s creation in the heavens above us. Today, we can see the dazzling sights of the “outer space”, captured on printed pictures and on TV screens, through the powerful lenses that enable man to peer further and further into the vast endless space above us.

David affirms that the heavens above openly bear testimony that God is their supreme Architect. The heavens proclaim loudly and distinctly to us that they have been fashioned by His Hands. Like a beautiful fabric, the heavens above had been stretched out by God, and garnished with the shining sun and countless stars. They did not come together by chance. God is the Creator of them all. The spectacular sight that we behold in the heavens must draw us to the magnificence and grandeur of their Creator.