Recent Posts

READ:

Hebrews 3:12

¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

EXHORTATION:

E]veryone in the church is admonished to see to it that he has no evil heart. It is with brotherly love that such an admonition is given. The writer of Hebrews addressed them as “brethren” to show that his admonition is given not out of any hard feelings or distrust or jealousy, but rather, out of a loving care for their spiritual safety.

What does “an evil heart of unbelief” imply? It implies negligence and rejection of divine truths while pursuing sin. Such a heart would not submit to the claims of the Gospel of Christ. Indifference to the grace exhibited in the Gospel would be apparent. It would refuse the application of the Gospel truths to itself. That is the ultimate sign of unbelief. Just as it is by faith that a person receives Christ as his Saviour and Lord, it must also be asserted that it is a vivid manifestation of unbelief if one rejects Him. As submission to Christ’s righteousness is the greatest act of faith, rejection of His righteousness is conversely the greatest act of unbelief.

Some openly reject Christ and scorn His Word. Others do so secretly by merely paying lip service in their profession of faith. Their profession of faith is employed only as a cloak for their sins. While they claim to have given their hearts to Christ, they continue to yield themselves to hidden lusts lurking in their hearts. Their natural inclination is to sin, as sin reigns in them. It is impossible for unrestrained love for sin and faith in the Saviour to thrive in the same heart. While faith in Christ leads to sanctification, unbelief paves the way to more sins.

In an evil heart of unbelief, love for the world and for its pleasures, riches, honours always supersede the eternal things of God’s kingdom. In such a heart of unbelief, spiritual matters are deemed unworthy of its pursuit. Loss of material gain or comfort for Christ’s sake will not be tolerated, as it glories in the things of the world more than the things of Christ.

Such an evil, unbelieving heart will inevitably depart from the living God. Apostasy (or departure from God) first exists in one’s heart, and then is manifested in one’s life. Apostasy finally exposes the prideful, selfwilled heart of an individual. Such departing from the living God is an immense evil and the greatest insult to God! It is the worst tragedy one can bring upon oneself. So brethren, be vigilant against the apostasy of your hearts.

READ:

Hebrews 11:6b

^6b For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

EXHORTATION:

A person who approaches God in worship and prayer is aptly described as “he that cometh to God”. Such a person must believe the existence of the living and true God as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word. It is not sufficient to believe in some supernatural, powerful force or energy that some would vaguely refer to as “God”. One must believe that He is the God whom He Himself has revealed through His Word. And for us, that means to believe in the God who is also one with Jesus Christ. To believe in anything other than what He has revealed Himself to be, would mean that the true God is not at all worshipped and sought after.

The one who truly believes in God as He Himself has revealed about Himself, will love to come to His presence. Such a person will draw nigh unto Him constantly and will walk with God as Enoch did. A true believer comes to Him not only during occasions of worship and prayer, but at all times – every day and every moment! His life is a longing “march” towards Him. A true believer is not an occasional visitor to God, but one who always abides and communes with God.

We must not only believe that God is, but also that He is the rewarder of them that seek after Him. Everyone who approaches God must also believe in His goodness and faithfulness to answer prayers and bestow blessings upon all who come to Him in faith. When a sinner seeks Him in repentance and faith, the Lord will bestow upon him His salvation. No one can ever commend himself to God, for he has nothing to offer to God. He must approach God with a humble and sincere faith, trusting that He is gracious to bless him with peace and joy.

In fact, God is a lavish rewarder. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us”. He abundantly pardons and grants us eternal life. He gives His Holy Spirit to those who believe and blesses them “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. God will see that those who diligently seek Him in faith shall have all His bountiful blessings. Most of all, God Himself is the Reward of all those who seek Him.

READ:

Hebrews 11:6a

^6a But without faith it is impossible to please him.

EXHORTATION:

Let us consider what faith is all about. Faith needs to have the knowledge concerning God. In other words, one needs to take heed to what God has revealed about Himself and His will. Only by hearing the Word of God can one come to know God, His plan of salvation, His commandments, promises, etc.

However, a man’s mere knowledge of the Scriptures does not necessarily prove that he has faith. A man may know some Scriptural doctrine and yet not have faith. Granted, knowledge of God’s Word can lead to mental assent or agreement to all it says. Still, a man may not have true faith. He must receive it wholeheartedly for himself as the truth whereby he can be saved, and must willingly submit to live by its truths.

So, genuine faith is relying or leaning on the truth, saying, “I will trust God and His Word. I will trust the Gospel of Jesus Christ that it declares unto me. I will trust it for my salvation and take it as my guide all the days of my life.” Such a faith will be accompanied by repentance from sins and submission to obey God’s Word.

We read that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. No man has ever pleased God without faith. If a man is without faith, he will remain a sinner alienated from God. Faith is necessary to salvation because we are told in Scripture that works cannot save.

Without faith, no one will consent to God’s truth and declare it. When a man is without faith, he will reject the truth of God and promote falsehood by what he says and what he does. It is most displeasing to God that a man would embrace falsehood against the truth of His Word.

If a man is without faith, he will reject God’s warning about his sins and unbelief and continue in his unholy ways, which are displeasing to God. Faith makes one to submit oneself to God’s will and please Him.

Faith causes us to examine our life and see whether we live in a manner pleasing to God. Faith aims at God’s glory. Of Abraham, it is recorded that he “was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). How essential it is then that each of us examine himself diligently and make sure that he has faith. See to it that your life is conducted in faith lest you displease the Lord and incur His wrath.

READ:

Isaiah 41:10b

^10b I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

EXHORTATION:

A threefold commitment from the LORD God to His people is found in God’s “I will’s” — I will, I will, I will — in this portion of Isaiah 41:10. Oh, the certainty of the promise! His assurance to His people speaks of His foreknowledge and readiness to help them in the midst of their troubles. In its context, the Lord revealed to them the great troubles that the nation of Israel and the world around them would face. However, the Lord wanted them to know that He remained committed to them as their unchanging and unfailing God. He had already said in the early part of this verse, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”. The LORD God is not like those who abandon us in the hour of our need. He is a God who remains faithful to His people as their true companion. He wants His people to always remember, particularly in times of adversity, that they can count on Him to aid them.

Firstly, the LORD promised: “I will strengthen thee”. The Hebrew word for “strengthen” has the idea of making firm something that is exhausted and weakened, or emboldening a discouraged and distressed heart. In the earlier chapter, the LORD spoke illustratively about His strengthening ¬– “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Secondly, the LORD promised: “yea, I will help thee”. Now in this chapter of Isaiah, the LORD graphically portrayed His help – “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:13-14).

Thirdly, the LORD promised: “yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” The word “uphold” has the idea of laying hold of something to support it. The word “right hand” denotes strength and action. His right hand will never act unjustly, but always according to His everlasting righteousness. Just as He has promised, He will uphold us. All His words to us are a well-guaranteed promise. Let us rest in His promises.

Dear Rev. Koshy, Board of Elders, deacons, preachers, and members of Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore,

 Heartfelt greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! 

As we praise the LORD for His faithfulness and goodness towards Gethsemane BPC for 19 years of ministry in the Church and for 13 years of service in GBI, here is a brief report on what the living and true God has been doing in our midst. Through God’s mighty Hand working in us and through your constant prayer and support for the cause of Jesus Christ, God’s work in Gethsemane B-P Churches (Alem Gena / Addis Ababa) and GBI, Ethiopia, are progressing well. 

By God’s infinite mercy, the two churches are serving the LORD in their various weekly programmes. Currently, there are 15 brethren (including teens) in the Addis congregation and there are 50 brethren (including children and teens) in the Alem Gena congregation worshipping God, besides a few regular worshippers. Moreover, out of our GBI students, 17 trainees are joining us in the weekly services and evangelism outreach into our community. Currently, two new converts (a young man and a woman) are attending catechism class in preparation for baptism. All the brethren are joyfully serving the LORD according to their several gifts and abilities. Praise God for the unity of heart among the Gospel ministers and the members, in standing firmly for the Reformed Faith. 

In our Gethsemane Children’s Ministry, we have 100 children learning in the pre-school programmes in 5 sections. These children come from major religious groups. We have 8 teachers and 2 helpers, with Pr Bedada leading the work. This ministry has been an effective way to reach out to our community with the Gospel. Every Saturday, the children have a short worship service, whereby they sing praises to God, hear the preaching of the Gospel, and memorise Bible verses. Moreover, during the quarterly parents’ meeting, the Gospel is preached to the family members. Some of the parents who came to faith in Christ through this ministry are worshipping God with us, while others joined other evangelical churches. 

By God’s grace, GBI Ethiopia, has graduated 11 trainees during the Church’s 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service held on 1st June 2025. This new term, we have 18 trainees in the full-time programme and 4 in the part-time programme receiving sound theological, biblical and ministerial trainings. Through this ministry, Gethsemane BPC is able to spread the Bible-Presbyterian teachings of the Reformed Faith to the Evangelical Churches in Ethiopia. 

Once again, praise the LORD for your continued prayer and support towards God’s work in Ethiopia. May the Almighty God bless Gethsemane BPC for the works of love she has been doing for His name’s sake. Our continual hope and prayer to the LORD is that He may bless all His works here in Ethiopia and bring more sinners into faith in Christ, and prepare more labourers for the work of the Gospel. 

Please convey our regards to all Gethsemaneans and friends in Singapore and beyond.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem Chiracho
(On behalf of Gethsemane B-P Churches and GBI, Ethiopia)
[3rd June 2025]

Graduating students of GBI Ethiopia with Pastor Ephrem, Pr Engida and Pr Imane

Sermon Text: Ruth 1:1–18
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 15th June 2025

READ:

Isaiah 41:10a

^10a Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.

EXHORTATION:

These assuring words pertaining to God’s presence were given to Israel in the context of Isaiah’s prediction concerning the conquest by the Persian king, Cyrus. The latter is referred to as the “man from the east” in verse 2. Some two centuries before this Persian king was born, Isaiah predicted his victories, even calling him by name in later chapters (cf. 44:28; 45:1). According to verses 6 and 7, because of his all conquering military advance, the trembling nations would be driven to help and encourage one other and also to turn to their idols for help, but all to no avail.

However, the Lord assured His people: “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away” (vv. 8-9). God gives to His people the assurance of His protection and friendship. God has a purpose in the rise and fall of the nations; Israel did not have to fear (vv. 10, 13-14) because God was with them and working out His purposes.

Like Israel, we all will have fears in frightening and difficult circumstances. It is important that we do not turn to anyone else but to our God to overcome our fears. He is faithful to see us through all the frightening circumstances around us.

The first and foremost encouragement is found in the promise of Divine presence: “I am with thee”. He is ever by His people. As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” God is with us though He is invisible to us. He is with us in secret, sustaining power. He knows well how to deliver us in the midst of trouble, and to infuse strength into our distressed hearts.

Sometimes the spirit of dismay may overwhelm us, even though we are aware of the Lord’s presence with us. So the Word of God tells us: “be not dismayed, for I am thy God”. The Lord presents Himself to us as our God; He tells us to remember that He is our God. Is it not the most endearing relationship we can ever enjoy? Friends and relations may not be around to help us. Our possessions might be taken away. But the Lord is always with His people as their God. The Lord will not cast His people away. He is our covenant-keeping God; He will not leave us. So, let us not fear.

READ:

Psalm 16:11

¹¹ Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

EXHORTATION:

These words were penned by David as the last verse of a psalm in which he spoke of his assurance concerning the abiding presence of God’s goodness throughout his life. Incidentally, the last section of this psalm (namely verses 9 to 11) has been cited by the apostle Peter in Acts 2:25-28 to refer to Christ’s death and resurrection, saying, “For David speaketh concerning him”. According to Acts 13:35-37, the apostle Paul, while preaching at Antioch, also cited a portion from verse 10 of this psalm in reference to Christ’s resurrection, saying, “Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” So, these words of David transcended his own experience and became prophetically true in Christ.

Thus in a fuller sense, the joyful experiences associated with Christ’s resurrection are true of believers of all ages. Christ’s resurrection guarantees both spiritual and bodily resurrection to all who come to Him by faith. Our blessing of eternal life and hope of resurrection are all built upon Christ’s death and resurrection. We are all spiritually united in Christ’s experience of resurrection, for Paul says in Ephesians 2:6, “And (God) hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus”.

So like David, every believer can say with thanksgiving to the resurrected Christ, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Everyone who walks with the risen Lord will be shown the path of life, where His presence always provides fullness of joy while His right hand bestows pleasures. On earth and in heaven, we shall have these inexhaustible spiritual experiences continually.

The believer’s life is a journey with the risen Christ through the path of life. Even when he goes through the valley of the shadow of death, he can be filled with the hope of eternal life. With the risen Christ, sin and death cannot destroy his soul’s spiritual joy and pleasure. Only with the Lord Jesus Christ can one have those glorious experiences. No one can inherit those experiences on his own. Neither can one find them in the things of this world. Only Christ can show and provide the everlasting life, joy and pleasures.

READ:

John 15:5b

^5b He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

EXHORTATION:

There is great assurance for everyone who wants to triumph over his spiritual failures, dullness and fruitless condition. Jesus here gives to every Christian the most essential key to living a fruitful life. He gives everyone who is discouraged and despondent over his failures, reasons to cheer himself in anticipation of a fruitful life.

A fruitful Christian life is not about one’s sufficiency or ability. One might feel that he is full of weakness. Let him not be ashamed to confess his insufficiency before the Lord. No one can bear fruit by himself, for Jesus had emphatically said that “without me ye can do nothing.” Earlier in verse 4, Jesus said, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” Admitting one’s inability and failures before the Lord and pleading for His help is the first and foremost step to a fruitful Christian life.

Notice what Jesus said: “without me ye can do nothing.” It is when one attempts to live and do things by his own strength and wisdom that he fails. Even in a small attempt like saying a good word that will glorify God, we will utterly fail without His enablement. We have no power at all to begin or accomplish anything spiritual.

To everyone who recognises and admits his helplessness, Jesus says, “Abide in me and I in you” (v. 4). What a sympathising Saviour is our Lord Jesus! He welcomes His weak and frail child to abide in Him. Oh, what consolation it is that a disappointed and troubled Christian can depend on Christ. Abiding in Christ is to depend upon His wisdom and strength in living a life of faith and obedience to His doctrines and counsels, and in modelling our lives after His example.

Christ assures us that He will abide in everyone who abides in Him. Every Christian who lives in total dependence on and submission to Christ can most assuredly say, “Christ liveth in me.” Like the apostle Paul who lived a triumphant Christian life, everyone who abides in Christ can say, “to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). The glorious assurance is that Christ, who is the source and endless supply of a fruitful life, shall then abide in us and help us to bear fruit. A fruitful Christian pleases and glorifies the Lord, and becomes a blessing to those around him. So, let us always abide in Christ.

READ:

John 15:5a

^5a I am the vine, ye are the branches.

EXHORTATION:

First and foremost, we need to observe the sharp distinction that Christ has drawn between the vine and the branches. The branches are not to be confused with the vine, and the vine is to be regarded as very different from the branches. Likewise, the words, “I am” and “ye are” also point to the contrast that Christ wanted us to take note of.

Though there is a firm connection between the vine and the branches, they are never to be considered the same in essence and function. The “branches” can never be the “vine”. There is an absolute necessity for the branches to acknowledge their dependence on the vine. Branches cannot live or function without the vine.

Christ is the vine and believers are the branches. The branches should never assume themselves to be the vine. It is satanic to blur or disregard this very significant distinction that Christ has made here. Ignoring this distinction that Christ has drawn between the believers and Himself is tantamount to Eve’s error when she yielded to Satan’s lie that “ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5)!

There should not be any confusion or doubt regarding the fact that we are only the branches, while only Christ is the vine. To humbly acknowledge our inability to exist as the branches without the vine is an important step to spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Only then shall we see the necessity to abide in Him always, and appreciate and appropriate that vital union which Christ has offered to us.

Secondly, it is important to note that these words of Christ, which emphasise the distinction between the vine and the branches, also affirm the relationship that exists between them. He assuredly says to all those who genuinely trust in Him that they are to Him like the branches which are joined to the vine. Here the Lord portrays a picture of a firm and abiding union between His people and Him.

The Lord is most delighted to encourage us to abide in Him, so that we may be nourished with His love, grace, wisdom and strength. It is His utmost pleasure that we abide in Him and grow as fruit-bearing branches. He does not want us to be like the withering branches. Let us joyfully yield ourselves to abide in the Lord, just as the branches that abide in the vine.