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Daniel 3:17-18—“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.”

Nebuchadnezzar had commanded everyone to worship the golden image he had erected. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused, he threatened to cast them into a blazing furnace. He challenged them: “Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15). Their answer was courageous, resting on God’s power without presuming to know all that God had purposed.

“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us”, they declared (v. 17). The king’s furnace posed no obstacle to the Lord. By adding, “he will deliver us out of thine hand,” they affirmed that Nebuchadnezzar could not hold them beyond God’s appointed end. Yet they did not claim to know that God would spare them from the flames. “But if not,” they continued, “we will not serve thy gods” (v. 18).

Their obedience did not depend on receiving the outcome they desired. God alone was worthy of worship, whether He preserved their lives or permitted them to die. That conviction gave them the courage to answer the king without defiance for its own sake or compromise for safety.

God delivered them from the furnace (vv. 24–27), displaying His power before Nebuchadnezzar. Yet their resolve was made before they saw the deliverance. Believers today may face pressure to disobey God to protect their livelihood, reputation or comfort. We may pray confidently for His help while submitting the outcome to His wisdom. The question is whether we will remain faithful even when we cannot yet see how He will deliver us.

1 Peter 1:3—“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Writing to believers who lived as strangers and would face various trials (vv. 1, 6), he first directs them to praise God by recounting what He has done for them. The Father “hath begotten us again”. Just as we did not bring about our physical birth, we could not give ourselves spiritual life. Our new birth comes from God’s “abundant mercy”.

This new life brings us into “a lively hope”, a living hope grounded in the risen Christ. It reaches far beyond the wish that our present circumstances might improve. Its foundation is “the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. The Saviour who died for sinners is alive. Because He has risen, those who belong to Him may look forward to the eternal inheritance Peter describes in the next verse, an inheritance that cannot perish or fade (v. 4).

Trials can make the future seem uncertain. However, Peter reminds them that their hope rests on an event God has already accomplished: Christ has risen. Their present troubles cannot undo His victory. Because He lives, the inheritance awaiting them is as certain as His empty tomb.

If you are weary, bring your fears to the risen Lord. Give thanks that your new life began with His mercy, not your merit. Ask Him to help you endure today while you look toward the inheritance He has promised. With Peter, bless the Father who has given His people a living hope in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:2—“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

Peter writes to believers scattered across several regions (v. 1). They were strangers in the places where they lived, yet they were not strangers to God. Before addressing their trials, Peter reminds them that they are His chosen people.

Their election is “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father”. God’s choice rests in His own gracious purpose, not in a merit He discovered in them. God’s “foreknowledge” means that before time He knew and lovingly chose His people according to His gracious purpose, rather than merely foreseeing what they would do. Their belonging to Him is therefore secure even when their place in the world is uncertain.

Peter also speaks of “sanctification of the Spirit”. The Spirit sets believers apart for God and works in them so that they may live as His people. His work leads “unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ”. Christ’s shed blood cleanses sinners and brings them into a relationship with God in which they are called to obey Him. Forgiveness and obedience belong together; neither is a reason to neglect the other.

Notice how Peter speaks of the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ in one greeting. Our salvation is God’s work from beginning to end. That truth should make us humble and thankful, especially when obedience is difficult.

If you feel unsettled or opposed, remember whose you are. Seek the Spirit’s help to follow Christ, and draw near to God through His cleansing blood. Peter’s prayer is fitting for every believer: “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”

2 Thessalonians 1:10—“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 

Paul has been comforting believers who endure persecution. The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven, bringing righteous judgment on those who reject the gospel and rest to His afflicted people (vv. 6–9). Now Paul turns our attention to what that day will mean for believers: Christ will be glorified and admired among them.

At His coming, the saints will marvel at Christ’s glory. They will behold the Saviour in whom they have trusted, while His completed work in them will testify to His grace. The One they now know by faith they will then see face to face. What they now confess by faith will then be seen in His presence.

Paul adds, “because our testimony among you was believed”. The Thessalonians believed the apostles’ testimony and accepted the Christ they proclaimed. Despite opposition, they continued to trust Him.

This hope gives perspective on present suffering. The disapproval of those who reject Christ will seem small beside the joy of beholding Him in His glory. 

It also asks each reader a personal question: Have you believed the testimony about Jesus Christ? Future admiration of Him begins with receiving the gospel now.

Believer, when opposition wears you down, remember the promised day. Keep trusting the Lord, whose glory will be revealed, and let your life now honour the One you long to behold.

With deep sadness, we share that Gethsemane Children’s Ministry in Alem Gena, Ethiopia, has been shut down after authorities enforced compliance with their required syllabus and regulations. For more than a decade, we hosted about a hundred children brought by their parents every day (Monday–Friday), many of whom were poor and deeply appreciative of this ministry. Pastor Ephrem Chiracho and his co-labourers grieve this loss of opportunity to teach the children God’s Word and minister to them with Christian love. (A report of these events is published in today’s bulletin.)

Our mission partners in parts of China and India continue to face government and societal pressure to curb their ministries and close their churches. A recent report from India says, “Tough anti-conversion law kicks in this week, Mumbai pastors ask churchgoers to sign form [that] they are praying of their ‘free will’”.

Apostle Paul’s words in Acts 20:19 remind us that faithful service may involve painful trials and tears. “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.” These words describe the spirit in which he laboured and the hardships he endured.

The phrase, “Serving the Lord”, identifies who Paul’s true Master is and the purpose of his ministry. Though his ministry benefited people, his allegiance was to Christ. He therefore would not shape his message to win man’s approval neither compromise the Gospel truths. He faithfully declared what his hearers needed, including “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21).

“With all humility of mind” describes his inward disposition. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul knew that he must put on the humility of Christ. Humility enabled him to labour among others without making himself the centre of his ministry. With humility, Paul willingly accepted discomfort, ridicule, and persecution. 

His service involved “many tears”. He also recalled warning everyone “night and day with tears” (v. 31). His teaching carried earnest concern for their spiritual welfare. He proclaimed the truth with pastoral affection while enduring afflictions. “Temptations” here refers to trials, including the plots of Jewish opponents. Paul’s humility and compassion did not shield him from hostility. Yet opposition did not turn him from his calling.

These words call us to examine our service for our Saviour and Lord. Do we serve for Christ’s glory in submission to His commands? Are we accepting and enduring troubles that come as we care deeply for the souls? Faithful ministry requires steadfast obedience when difficulties arise. Let us ask the Lord for grace to serve with humility, tenderness, and endurance.

As we hear of this sad development in our mission field, let us humbly uphold those who have laboured, pray for the children and their families, and ask the Lord to open more doors for His Word. Though this ministry’s work must cease, “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). May we therefore remain “patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12), trusting the Lord to guide His servants in the days ahead.

A Sad Report from Pastor Ephrem (Ethiopia)

Dear Pastor Koshy, 

Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

We are very thankful to God for all His mercy, goodness and faithfulness towards His servants in Ethiopia. The LORD has been gracious to us as we have been labouring in His vineyards. We are also heartily thankful for all the prayers, visits, and sacrificial support that God’s work and His servants have received from Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore. May the Almighty God richly bless our leaders and all the brethren in Gethsemane!

Recently, government agents from the Oromia Education Bureau visited Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) in Alem Gena. Although they greatly appreciated our work supporting the needy by offering free education in a morally upright and disciplined church environment, they asked us to comply with the MOE requirements.

This compliance means we need to register GCM as a charitable school, adopt the government’s curriculum, segregate the space used for teaching children (including the playground, toilets, classrooms, etc.) using a barbed-wire fence, and prepare separate office, staff, Montessori, and first-aid rooms for GCM. We are told that this is the standard set by the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Oromia Education Bureau is required to enforce it in our case.

We went to the Oromia Education Bureau and discussed with the officer the possibility of a special privilege that would exempt our church from these requirements. However, the office is not willing to allow us to continue in the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry format. Furthermore, the office insisted that it cannot allow our church to continue its teaching and learning work unless we register with the Oromia Education Bureau and comply with the conditions it has stated.

Because of this difficult situation, we had no choice but to stop the teaching and learning ministry in GCM. Our church is greatly troubled by the whole situation. We are very sorry to share this sad news. This is one of the saddest things that has happened to our work here in Ethiopia.

When we called those poor parents who have been receiving free education at our GCM and informed them of the temporary cessation of this teaching ministry, they responded with tears. However, we could not help them since we could not go against the rules of the land. So, we wrote supporting letters for the parents, and they took their children to various schools.

Yet our leadership prayed over this situation to see if there was a chance to bring those children back to our church to learn God’s Word. We decided to call parents willing to send their children to Gethsemane on Saturdays so they can continue learning the Gospel. Some parents responded positively.

And last Saturday, we received 18 children who came and studied God’s Word, even though it was a holiday in Ethiopia. We hope to receive more children the following Saturday, as we continue to teach them the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ through a series of messages from the Gospel of John.

We have also realigned a few of our full-time GCM teachers to other areas of church ministry. It was a difficult time, but the LORD has been merciful to us through all our difficulties. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Please continue to pray for God’s work here in Ethiopia.  

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem Chiracho, on behalf of Gethsemane B-P Church of Ethiopia

2 Thessalonians 1:7—“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels”.

The Thessalonian believers were enduring persecution. Paul did not promise that it would end immediately. He directed their hope to the day when the Lord Jesus would be revealed from heaven.

In verse 6, Paul says that God will repay those who trouble His people. Verse 7 presents the other side of His righteous judgment: He will grant rest to those who are troubled. The words “with us” are tender. Paul and his companions looked forward to that rest alongside the Thessalonians. They belonged to the same Lord and shared the same hope.

Jesus will not remain hidden from the world. He will be revealed, “with his mighty angels”. His coming will demonstrate the authority that His persecuted people already confess by faith. The injustice they endure will not have the final word; the Lord Himself will judge justly.

This promise does not prevent us from seeking relief now. We should help those who suffer and pray for their deliverance. Yet our deepest hope cannot rest on present circumstances changing as we wish. It rests on Christ’s return.

If you are weary from opposition for His sake, bring your distress to Him and ask for strength to remain faithful. If another believer is troubled, stand beside that person as Paul stood beside the Thessalonians. Let the certainty of Christ’s coming sustain your patience and entrust both your longing for rest and your desire for justice to Him.

2 Thessalonians 1:4—“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.” 

Paul had just thanked God because the Thessalonians’ faith was growing and their love for one another was increasing (v. 3). Now he tells them that he speaks to other churches about their endurance. He is not encouraging pride in their strength. Their steadfastness gives him reason to praise God’s work among them.

The Thessalonians faced “persecutions and tribulations”. These were real pressures, not minor inconveniences. Yet Paul observed their “patience and faith”. Patience here means endurance: they held fast rather than giving up. Faith is their continuing trust in the Lord. Though their troubles continued, they held fast to the Lord.

Paul’s words challenge the notion that a faithful Christian will always be spared hardship. In the verses that follow, he assures the Thessalonians that God sees their affliction and will judge righteously (vv. 5–7). They did not need to secure justice by abandoning their faith or taking revenge.

Are you weary of doing what is right amid opposition? Tell the Lord of your distress and ask Him for strength to persevere. Stay close to fellow believers who can pray with you and help you bear your burdens. And when you see another Christian enduring faithfully, encourage him and thank God for His sustaining grace.

The Thessalonians’ witness was not that suffering was easy. It was that the Lord upheld them as they endured it. The same Lord calls His people to trust Him through every trial.

2 Thessalonians 1:3—“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”

Paul had prayed that the Thessalonians would grow in faith and love (1 Thessalonians 3:12; 5:8). Now he thanks God because that growth is evident. His gratitude is not a mere compliment. He says it is meet, right and fitting to give God thanks for what God is doing among His people.

Their faith “groweth exceedingly”. This does not mean they no longer faced difficulties or had no questions. In the next verse, Paul speaks of the persecutions and tribulations they endured. Their faith grew as they continued to trust the Lord under pressure.

Their “charity”, or love, was also increasing. Paul speaks of “every one” loving “each other”. The church’s growth was evident in how its members cared for one another, especially when suffering might have drawn them inward. Faith in God and love for His people went together.

These words invite us to examine our own lives. Are we learning to rely more steadily on the Lord? Is our care extending beyond those we find easy to love? Growth may manifest in patient service, a timely visit, practical help, or a willingness to forgive.

When you see such grace in a fellow believer, thank God for it and encourage that person. When you recognise your need to grow, ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and enlarge your love. The God whom Paul thanked is still at work among His people.

Ecclesiastes 5:2—“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” 

Solomon has just urged worshippers to draw near to God’s house ready “to hear” (v. 1). Now he warns against speaking hastily before God. A hurried promise, a careless prayer, or confident words about matters we scarcely understand may show that we have failed to consider whom we are addressing.

“For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth”. The Creator knows all things; we are limited and dependent. This difference calls for reverence and humility. It does not mean that God is too distant to hear us. It means that we must not approach Him as though our words were as wise and weighty as His.

“Let thy words be few” does not forbid earnest or lengthy prayer. Scripture records prayers that pour out grief and need before the Lord. Solomon warns against thoughtless speech, especially promises we do not intend to keep. The following verses press this point: if we make a vow to God, we must not delay fulfilling it (vv. 4–5).

Before worship or prayer, pause to hear God’s Word. Speak truthfully about your needs, confess your sins, and give thanks for His mercies. If you have made a promise to Him, take it seriously. When you do not know what He is doing, admit the limits of your knowledge.

The Lord invites us to pray, but His invitation is never a reason for carelessness. Let our words arise from hearts that listen to Him and fear His name.

Ecclesiastes 5:1—“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.”

Solomon here turns his attention to those who enter God’s house. “Keep thy foot” calls for care in how they approach Him. An Israelite might bring a sacrifice and appear devout, yet fail to listen to God’s commands. Such an offering was “the sacrifice of fools”: an act of worship emptied of obedience.

The danger is particularly serious because these worshippers “consider not that they do evil”. They may assume that appearing at God’s house is enough. Yet the Lord sees not only their offerings but also their hearts. Being “ready to hear” means more than staying quiet while Scripture is read. It means receiving God’s Word with a willingness to believe and obey it.

Christians do not bring animal sacrifices to church; Christ has offered Himself once for sins (Hebrews 10:12). Nevertheless, Solomon’s warning still calls us to examine our worship. We may attend a service, sing, and pray while refusing to heed a command that challenges us. Outward participation cannot take the place of a listening heart.

Before gathering for worship, ask God to make you attentive to His Word. When it exposes sin, confess it. When it issues a command, seek grace to obey. When it declares His promises, receive them in faith.

Let us approach the Lord reverently, grateful that He speaks to His people. The fitting response to His Word is not merely to hear its sound, but to take it to heart.