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READ:

Genesis 1:1

¹ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

EXHORTATION:

The Bible begins with the record of the beginning of the universe. What was before the beginning? God was there dwelling in the grandeur of eternity. “For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:18). God is the uncreated, underived, self-existing eternal Spirit who transcends time. The Bible teaches us repeatedly that God is eternal. Psalm 90:2 declares, “even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” Isaiah 57:15 glorifies God as “the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity”. Various names of God in the Bible also attest to His eternal existence. He is the “God eternal” (Deuteronomy 33:27), the “everlasting king” (Jeremiah 10:10), “the King eternal” (1 Timothy 1:17).

The eternal God is the First Cause of all things. As Romans 11:36 says, “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” While asserting His glory as the Creator, God put forward to Job a rhetorical question: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:4). Since God is the Creator, there was a time when the creation did not exist but God did. While exalting God as the Creator of all things, Psalm 102:25 proclaims, “Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.”

This universe, with such superior style, arrangement and functionality, is the intelligent design of God, the Creator. Nothing had been formed by chance. The world around us bears witness to a great Designer or Creator. As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” God created all things out of nothing by His great power and wisdom. As the Scriptures say, “He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion” (Jeremiah 10:12).

Scripture, which is God’s revelation, provides us with the true record of the origin of the universe. It is utter foolishness to seek to be wise above what is written in God’s Word. Every pious heart must acknowledge and worship God as the Creator. God must always have pre-eminence in our thoughts and pursuits.

Sermon Text: Luke 17:1–10
Speaker: Pr Kelvin Lim
Date: 12th October 2025

READ:

Proverbs 15:29

²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

EXHORTATION:

The main message of this verse is that when it comes to the efficacy of prayer, the spiritual and moral state of the praying man matters. Outward religious zeal will not suffice, for God cannot be pleased with a mere observance of religious ceremonies and activities. One’s spiritual and moral nature and conduct are essential for the LORD’s acceptance and blessing of one’s prayers.

The statement, “The LORD is far from the wicked” is certainly not a repudiation of His omnipresence or omniscience. Neither does it in any way suggest that the LORD is afraid of the wicked, and hence He stays far from them. Scripture abundantly proves that God’s presence is everywhere and He will certainly deal with the wicked. Proverbs 21:12 forewarns, “God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.”

The main thrust of the statement is that the LORD is most displeased with the wicked, and hence He will not commune with them nor show His favour when they pray. The “prayers” of the wicked, without sincere repentance and faith in God, will be in vain. The LORD has already said in this chapter that “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD” (v. 8a), and that “The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD” (v. 9a). Proverbs 21:27 cautions, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” Proverbs 28:9 reiterates, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination” (cf. Psalm 66:18).

“But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” The LORD delights to commune with those who have abandoned their wicked ways and drew nigh unto Him in faith. He will attend to their prayers and show His favour unto them. Earlier in this chapter, it was said that “the prayer of the upright is his delight” (v. 8b), and that “he loveth him that followeth after righteousness” (v. 9b).

The LORD comforts all who seek Him in righteousness, that He will not forsake them. He will hear their prayers and aid them in their need. As Psalm 34:15, 17 assures us, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry…. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.”

Over recent months, the Lord has placed a growing burden on the hearts of some in our midst, particularly Pr Cornelius Koshy, for the many Burmese (Myanmar) friends living among us in Singapore—men and women working, studying, and seeking community far from home. We believe this is a providential opportunity to share the Gospel and to build up fellow believers in the Word, right here at our doorstep.

Two portions of Scripture that speak of God’s desire for people from all nations to be brought together, come to my mind:

• “…for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7b);
• “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19a).

Why a Burmese Fellowship?

The vision is threefold:

1. Evangelistic Outreach: to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to Burmese friends who do not yet know the Saviour.
2. Edifying Fellowship: to provide a biblical, Burmese-language gathering where believers’ faith is strengthened, and their lives are rooted in sound doctrine and in a loving community.
3. Myanmar Gospel Mission: to be ready to start Gospel missions in Myanmar, if the Lord will provide through GBF.

Hearing the Scriptures in one’s language opens doors for understanding, comfort, and transformation. We long to see Burmese men and women come to Christ and grow as disciples who love His Word and walk in His ways.

Leadership & Oversight

We thank God that He has moved Pr Cornelius to take preliminary steps to seek the BOE’s guidance on beginning this ministry. He has offered to organise and preach for this fellowship. Bro. Lal Hu Thang (Timothy), an FEBC student from Myanmar who worships with us, will interpret into Burmese and assist Pr Cornelius in his care for the participants. Pastor and BOE will provide counsel and leadership to this ministry. We pray that GBF will be a ministry that is doctrinally faithful, spiritually warm, and missions-minded, working in unity with our church’s leadership and vision.

What Will This Fellowship Look Like?

• Once a month Gathering (proposed): Worship, Bible exposition, prayer, and mutual encouragement.
• Evangelism & Visitation: Distribution of Burmese tracts, Bibles, and invitation pamphlets to Burmese. Encourage church members and friends who have domestic helpers, employees, neighbours, colleagues, etc., to bring them to GBF.
• Discipleship & Pastoral Care: Basic Biblical knowledge for new believers for their spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2), prayer, and fellowship for them to grow in the Lord.

Beloved, let us remember that people of many nationalities have come to our doorsteps by God’s design. May we be good and faithful stewards of this opportunity with joy and obedience. We are not merely starting a programme, but opening our hearts to God’s work around us, leading us to the Gospel door He has opened before us. “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord” (Acts 11:21).

Let us pray, and offer our support to GBF, which will hold its first meeting today. Make this a matter of earnest prayer: (i) for conversions and spiritual growth; (ii) for unity, wisdom, and strength; (iii) for Pr Cornelius and Bro. Timothy, and all others who will minister in GBF from time to time; (iv) for open doors in schools, workplaces, homes, etc.

If you know Burmese friends or colleagues, kindly invite them. Offer to accompany them to their first meeting.

Offer your labour of love in practical ways (transport, refreshments, etc., when needed). As the Lord leads, support this ministry with designated gifts.

May the Lord establish the work of our hands, and may His name be glorified among the people of Myanmar here in Singapore. Let us walk by faith together, and expect great things from our gracious God.

A Testimony of How the Lord Led Us to Start the GBF

Written by Pr Cornelius Koshy

It was in 2023, when our church resumed door-to-door evangelism, that I noticed an increase in the number of Burmese helpers employed in the homes of Singaporeans. Most spoke a smattering of English, which was enough to hold a simple conversation. Through these brief interactions, I learnt that many of the Burmese were Buddhists, and a handful were Christians (from Baptist or Pentecostal churches in Myanmar). Back then, we did not have any Burmese tracts to pass to these helpers. Realising the need, and with permission from Pastor, I contacted Rev. Biak Lawm Thang (pastor of First B-P Church in Yangon, Myanmar) to help translate the tract, “An Appointment to Keep”. Though it had been initially translated back in 2008 (by Eld. Ram Luai), upon my request, Rev. Biak arranged for Rev. Lal Lian Uk (assistant pastor of First B-P Church) to re-translate it, and the soft copy of the translation was sent to us. It was formatted by Bro. Matthew Peh, and with the coordination of Dn Lok, 5,000 copies of this Burmese tract were printed in Singapore. To date, we continue to use this Burmese translation of the tract to bring the Gospel to Burmese contacts during our monthly evangelism sessions.

The political unrest caused by the junta rule in Myanmar’s military has not improved. To be precise, it has been four years since the military carried out a coup d’état in February 2021. It is no surprise that, in Singapore, we see a growing Burmese community, especially in the food and service sectors. Some of us have Burmese colleagues at work and classmates in school, while others engage cleaning services provided by Burmese workers. Many Burmese have come through our door and sat with us in the pews. In my heart, the burden to reach out to them grew, but I could not speak the language: “…how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom 10:14b).

In June this year, Bro. Lal Hu Thang (known to us as “Timothy” or “Hu Te”), Rev. Biak’s son, started worshipping with us in Gethsemane. Having received God’s call to serve Him, Bro. Hu Te came to Singapore to study full-time at FEBC. He actively serves in the Church Choir and Audio Video Ministry, and regularly attends prayer meetings, seminars, and fellowship groups. He has expressed to me a burden to reach out to the Burmese community in Singapore. At 23 years old, he is young and eager to serve. Back in Myanmar, he used to teach English at an agency which sent Burmese workers to other countries. With this experience, Bro. Hu Te can also interpret simple messages from English to Burmese. This was God’s timely provision for a pressing need.

With a Burmese-speaking brother in our midst, and a handful of Burmese coming to our church, the fields are white for harvest (cf. John 4:35)! Two Sundays ago, when I was talking to a Burmese worshipper who attended our English service, I was also informed that Sis. Jesimiel Lim had recently befriended a Burmese lady working at the “Bibimbap” stall in SingPost Centre (Basement 1). She had given her an RPG (Burmese) and invited her to church. This lady, who recognises some Gethsemaneans who regularly patronise the stall, has an off-day on Sunday, 12 October 2025 (today), and agreed to visit our church (God willing). She also mentioned a Burmese friend of hers, working near SingPost Centre, who is seeking a church to worship. To me, it was clear that the Burmese Fellowship had to begin without delay, “because the king’s business required haste” (1 Sam 21:8b).

I spoke to Pastor the next day. Having also observed the growing Burmese presence in Singapore and the timely arrival of Bro. Hu Te, he supported the idea and advised me to quickly inform the Board of Elders. I wrote to the BOE on 03 October, explaining the background, pressing need, purpose and format of the proposed Gethsemane Burmese Fellowship (GBF). After answering a few questions, I thank God that everyone in the BOE heartily and fully supported the start of the GBF. God’s guiding hand is seen in the church leaders’ unanimity and blessing upon this work (cf. Psalm 133:1; Acts 15:28).

God’s providing hand was also seen in the procuring of Burmese Bibles and hymnbooks. What is a fellowship without God’s Word translated into the vernacular? Praise God for the Judson Bible, translated by Adoniram Judson (the American Baptist missionary to Burma in the 19th century), which is the Burmese translation of Scripture based on the divinely inspired and preserved Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Textus Receptus. These are the same texts underlying the KJV. The Judson Bible was our choice, but purchasing copies in Singapore was expensive. On the night of 07 October, I received a kind offer from Eld. John Leong and Pr Kelvin Li of Tabernacle B-P Church (who were on a planned mission trip to Myanmar from 08-13 October 2025) to bring back 10 Judson Bibles and 10 hymnbooks from Myanmar for the GBF. With coordination between the family members of some Burmese FEBC students, the Bibles and hymnbooks will be purchased this weekend and passed to the returning mission team. For the first meeting of GBF, the Burmese students in FEBC have loaned me their personal Bibles for our use. Praise God for this timely provision of Bibles and hymnbooks for the GBF (cf. Phil 4:19)!

With GBF’s small and humble beginning, and through the monthly meetings every second Sunday of the month (12.00pm to 1.00pm), I pray that we may (i) reach out to the Burmese community in Singapore with the Gospel (Matt 28:19-20), (ii) edify Burmese Christians through the preaching of God’s Word (Col 1:28), (iii) provide godly counsel and prayer support for Burmese brethren (Gal 6:2), and (iv) in the future, to extend the Gospel to the families of Burmese brethren in Myanmar through planned mission visits (cf. Acts 1:8). The GBF will model after other ministries in Gethsemane. Preachers who are able to avail themselves will be rostered to preach, with Bro Hu Te interpreting the message. The monthly meeting will include singing and prayer in Burmese.

The Lord has certainly led us to begin the GBF, and many have responded by earnestly praying and providing help; some have offered to play the piano or guitar for the fellowship, others have bought “Burmese snacks” for refreshments. Eld. Mah has recommended that an invitation pamphlet be printed for Gethsemaneans to invite Burmese contacts. This will be done in the coming weeks. Our prayer is that this ministry will continue to be upheld under God’s sovereign leading. May He open and bless the hearts of those who attend the GBF (cf. Acts 16:14; Eph 3:20). I covet your prayers and support for this ministry: “… pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thess 3:1).

Sermon Text: Luke 6:19–31
Speaker: Pr Kelvin Lim
Date: 12th October 2025

READ:

Proverbs 15:26

²⁶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.

EXHORTATION:

Nothing is hidden to the LORD, not even our thoughts. Every thought of man is known to Him. The LORD searches our hearts and discerns our thoughts. The LORD said in Isaiah 66:18, “For I know their works and their thoughts”.

The gospel-writers corroborate this crystal-clear fact. Matthew wrote: “And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4); Mark recorded Jesus as saying: “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:21-23).

Every man, being totally depraved, has a corrupt mind that cherishes evil thoughts. The LORD said in Genesis 8:21, “for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (cf. Genesis 6:5). Ecclesiastes 7:20 declares, “For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” Be that as it may, when people repent and turn to God for salvation, He says, “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16). When God saves people, He empowers them by His Word and His Spirit to be transformed by the renewing of their mind, that they may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (cf. Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24).

But the wicked in their unregenerate state, having neither the Spirit nor the Word, continually take pleasure in their thoughts that are abominable to God. Even though the wicked may appear before men as charitable and generous, the LORD knows that their thoughts are continually evil. A person may feign to be a righteous and kind person, but God searches his thoughts and finds them to be abominable or detestable.

However, the LORD takes pleasure in the words of those who have trusted Him for their cleansing. Their words reflect their thoughts, which are humble, contrite, grateful and obedient before Him. So let this be our prayer: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

READ:

Matthew 11:30

³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

EXHORTATION:

Jesus calls unto Him all who “labour and are heavy laden”, that they may find rest for their souls (v. 28). But all those who come to Him must take His yoke upon themselves, and learn of Him (v. 29). He also assures them that He is meek and lowly in heart (v. 29), unlike other masters who are domineering and proud. Now, He further encourages all those who would come to Him, saying, “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The yoke that Christ requires us to take is unlike all other yokes that man has come to know. All other yokes are heavy, burdensome and grievous. The yoke of sin, the yoke of the world, the yoke of Satan, the yoke of self-righteousness, the yoke of human efforts, the yoke of human traditions and all such are galling, enslaving and crushing. They leave the spirit of man in unbearable frustration, anxiety and despair.

But Jesus’ yoke that we are commanded to bear “is easy”. The Greek adjective translated “easy” (chr?stós) denotes what is good and pleasant. All that He will instruct us to believe and do are morally and spiritually good, profitable and delightsome to our souls. As the apostle John said, “his commandments are not grievous” (1 John 5:3).

Jesus also said that the “burden” that is attached to His “yoke” is “light” – “my burden is light.” The doctrines, counsels and commandments of Jesus to which we need to yield ourselves, are not at all heavy but light. They would never lead us to a troubled or burdensome life. Following His Word is not a painful drudgery, but a great deliverance from everything that could burden our souls.

Just as He has promised earlier, all who willingly pursue His command will only find rest for their souls. All those who have come to Christ to find the salvation rest He has promised, can confidently yield themselves to His yoke of tutelage. Under His blessed tutelage, we will experience joy and peace that no one else could provide. Under His loving rule, the wretched fear and despair that had wrecked our souls shall be completely expelled!

The teachings of Christ, if taken to heart, will indeed restore our whole being. Christ’s authoritative counsels are not only good for the soul, they also greatly benefit our physical life when properly heeded. The obligations of the Gospel show us the path of a restful life in Christ.

READ:

Matthew 11:29

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

EXHORTATION:

The Lord Jesus has just invited all who “labour and are heavy laden” to come to Him so that He may bless them with rest. But now He tells them to “take my yoke”. A “yoke” is a wooden bar that is fastened over the neck of an animal and attached to the plough or a cart with heavy stuff that it ought to pull. It is often used to symbolise submission to authority of some kind. How would a yoke placed on the neck of those who are already “heavy laden” grant them rest?

Jesus immediately explained what he meant by “Take my yoke upon you”. He said, “learn of me”. It was a familiar Jewish saying that a pupil “took the yoke of the teacher” when he submitted himself to a teacher. The Jews of old would talk about the yoke of the law, the yoke of God, etc. It was a similar thought, namely the yoke of instruction, that Jesus wanted them to grasp. So He said to them, “learn of me”. In other words, Jesus wanted all those who come to Him for the rest that He has promised, to submit to His teaching. It is a “yoke” that implies obedience.

When we turn to Christ to receive salvation and rest from sins’ weariness and desperation, there must be a willingness to have Him take control of our lives. We must come to Jesus not only as our Saviour, but also as our Lord. The exhortation “learn of me” was basically a call to discipleship.

Everyone who genuinely comes to Christ must be willing and ready to be a disciple and, therefore, a learner and follower of Christ. To be a follower of Christ is to be committed to learn from Him. Christ is not a taskmaster like the Pharisees and rabbis of that time. Jesus assured all who would come to Him, saying, “I am meek and lowly in heart”. He is gentle and humble in heart. In Him, there is no unreasonable sternness or ruthless demands. He is willing to receive the poorest sinner. He is also ever ready to instruct and guide even the most ignorant.

None who sincerely comes to Christ shall be disappointed. He affirms, “ye shall find rest unto your souls.” The Lord Jesus leaves no room for doubt concerning the certainty of spiritual rest that He has promised to all those who learn of Him. Without Christ, our lives would be marred with futile labour, heavy loads and hopelessness. So, let us hurry to Christ and hesitate no more. Follow His voice and learn of His gracious words.

READ:

Matthew 11:28

²⁸ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

EXHORTATION:

Herein is a special invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ to those who “labour and are heavy laden”. The Greek word for “labour” (kopiao) suggests “working hard to the point of fatigue”. It is also a present active participle verb, which indicates that those involved are in the process of wearing themselves out with toil. The words “heavy laden” translate a present passive participle Greek verb (phortíz?), which means “being overloaded”. Together, the words “labour and are heavy laden” convey the idea of people’s weary search for relief from the crushing load of sin and guilt, together with all the problems of a sin-laden life. Many are frantically and exhaustingly wearing themselves out, trying to earn their own salvation and find lasting peace to their troubled souls.

Jesus kindly invites to Himself all who have worn themselves out to find relief for their sin-plagued lives. Recognising their utter inability to find rest for their souls, Jesus tells them that their salvation is not by their hard work but by coming to Him, the only Saviour and Restorer of their souls.

Have you been distressed and worn out by your inability to find joy and peace for yourselves? Have you been overwhelmed by your sins, foolishness, anxiety, fear? Jesus here tells you that you should no more “labour” to find rest, but to go to Him at once, acknowledging your utter inability to deliver your weary soul.

You should not remain obstinate and rebellious any longer. Do not wander from the merciful and gentle Saviour who calls out to you, “Come unto me”. Let not your pride and folly cause you to despise His gracious call any more. Let us bid adieu to our false confidence, vain pursuit of worldly glory, self-righteousness, self-justification, etc. Let us draw near to the most compassionate Lord who beckons us, so that we may be comforted and our souls find the rest that they desperately need.

Jesus promises the weary ones who would come to Him: “I will give you rest.” This is not an offer of a life of idleness or inactivity or leisure. Instead, it is the promise of divine peace and tranquillity that come through the application of His pardoning grace by His Holy Spirit, the Comforter. The spiritual rest that Jesus promises is the gift of salvation, with all its accompanying blessings that restore and rejuvenate our souls.

READ:

Psalm 68:5

⁵ A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation!

EXHORTATION:

These words declare the infinite mercy and tender compassion of our gracious God. Though God is all powerful and great in His glory, He does not despise those who are poor and needy. Though He reigns in heaven in His holy habitation, He does not forsake His children who are afflicted and abused by cruel and wicked men in this unjust world. With pity He will attend to His suffering children, and be their help and defence. The fatherless, the widows, the persecuted – all will find Him to be their solace. To all those who trust Him, He proves Himself to be an all-sufficient God. He glories in that He is the Father of the fatherless. He magnifies Himself as the Defender of the helpless.

Scripture bears consistent testimony to the prayers of the helpless and their resultant deliverance. “… the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless... LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress” (Psalm 10:14, 17, 18). Psalm 146:9 declares, “The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow”.

God not only declares Himself to be the Defender of the afflicted, He also urges His people to do the same. The LORD spoke to Israel through Moses, “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:17-19). He even commanded the possessors of agricultural land to leave behind grains and fruits for the poor (cf. Deuteronomy 24:17-22). It must also be mentioned that Christians had been sharply rebuked for negligence of the poor in the church: “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16). Let us unite with our God in relieving those who are in great need. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).