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The Bible Witness Bible Land Study Tour was truly unforgettable, marked by God’s providence and grace from beginning to end. One day before departure, we were shocked to learn of our flight cancellation! Helpless, we turned to God in prayer, and He enabled us to reschedule our departure flight the following day. With the help of our tour agent, Immanuel Tours, our site visits were rearranged. This early trial reminded us to trust Him continually for a smooth and safe journey.

Among the 45 participants were elderly individuals, toddlers, and some with health struggles. Yet the Lord’s grace proved sufficient, strengthening and guiding us throughout our journeys in Greece and Turkey, the very lands where the Gospel first spread from Jerusalem to the nations. Walking in the footsteps of the apostles, we were freshly reminded that God’s Word is living, powerful, and still shaping lives today.

In Thessaloniki, we stood where Paul had reasoned with the Jews out of the Scriptures. In Philippi, by the riverside where Lydia’s heart was opened, we gave thanks that God has also opened our hearts to believe. In Troas, Pergamum, Smyrna, Ephesus, and Assos, we reflected on the stedfast apostles and the early churches that stood firm amid trials, and we prayed for grace to remain faithful ourselves too. On Patmos, where John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we marvelled at God’s eternal plan and rejoiced in the hope of Christ’s return. In Athens and Corinth, where Paul bore bold witness, we were challenged to greater courage in proclaiming the Gospel.

This journey was far more than a tour, it was a spiritual pilgrimage. Our faith has been strengthened, our love for Christ has deepened, and our hearts have been stirred with renewed devotion. We return with joy and gratitude, giving all glory to God, who was with us every step of the way. 

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:33–48
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st September 2025

READ:

Galatians 1:10b

^10b Do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

EXHORTATION:

Christianity is not about following any man-made philosophical system or way of life. Neither is it about winning the approval of men at any cost. The Christian ministry’s main concern is to follow Christ and please God.

The Gospel that Paul preached was “according to the will of God” (Galatians 1:4). He warned the Galatian Christians that those who preached a different Gospel from what they had heard from him were attempting to “pervert the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7). He even pronounced them as “accursed”! “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9). The apostle’s pronouncement of curse on the perverters of the Gospel proves abundantly that he was not a man-pleaser.

In fact, he repeatedly condemned such who perverted the Gospel. Paul was firm in guarding the truth: “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you” (Galatians 2:4-5). He was uncompromising when it came to false teaching – “he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be” (Galatians 5:10); “I would they were even cut off which trouble you” (Galatians 5:12). Evidently, Paul was not a flatterer. He was not the kind of preacher who cajoles a congregation by playing on their vanity.

Many churches nowadays, being driven by the marketing principles of the secular world, have sought to be “seeker-friendly”. Such churches do not take firm doctrinal positions based on God’s Word. They view strong doctrinal convictions as unhelpful to the growth of the church. Neither do they rebuke worldliness and sin among their people. Any man-pleasing approach that compromises the biblical truths is contrary to the service of Christ. Man-pleasers are not Christ-pleasers. Anything that pleases man which displeases the Lord is accursed conduct in the Christian ministry. Thus Paul advises us, “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6).

READ:

Galatians 1:4a

^4a Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world.

EXHORTATION:

Herein Paul declares in a sentence the grand plan of God concerning our salvation. He begins with Christ’s self-sacrifice for our salvation. He says that Christ “gave himself for our sins”. Christ’s death on the cross was voluntary. He came into this world for that purpose. On numerous occasions, our Lord declared that His mission on earth was to lay down His life for the redemption of sinners. He had Himself said, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The apostle John recorded Jesus as saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). His death was neither accidental nor forced upon Him. Prior to His death, Jesus said, “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again” (John 10:18).

Christ’s giving of Himself for our sins was the perfect and final divine act of redemption. His death appeased God’s just wrath against sinners, reconciled people to God, and provided for their redemption. So Paul said in Titus 2:14 that Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

One purpose of Christ’s death is to deliver us from the present evil world. By His death, Christ delivers believing sinners from the power of the present world system. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an emancipating message. His death draws us to Him and separates us from the governing power and influence of this present world’s wickedness. It is deliverance from the power of this world, fuelled by its threefold seductiveness “in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16)!

Unsaved persons live under the corrupting influence of this world and its god, Satan. As 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” But Christ’s death frees all who have trusted Him from the defiling world. Those whom Christ has saved by His death will have His saving power that liberates them from the pollutions of this evil world. We are saved to love Christ and His righteousness, certainly not this world and its ungodly ways of life.

READ:

Philippians 4:20

²⁰ Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

EXHORTATION:

This is one of the many doxologies in the Bible. A doxology is an utterance or a short hymn of praise to God. The word “doxology” comes from the Greek words, doxa (“glory, grandeur”) and logos (“word, speaking”).

Giving glory to God is the believers’ greatest duty on earth. It is their natural inclination to ascribe to God the glory (i.e. the honour and praise) due unto Him. Glory is due unto our God. His people are repeatedly exhorted in the Scriptures to be mindful of this chief end. “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2). Similarly, “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts” (Psalm 96:8).

Observe the apostle Paul’s utterance, “God and our Father”. In the previous verse, he had said, “my God shall supply all your need”. Paul was speaking assuredly of God’s gracious provision for all his needs and those of the believers. Here he calls all believers to join him to give glory to God by referring to Him as “God and our Father”. We must, like Paul, urge one another to gather together in the church to praise God as His children. How wonderful it is to glorify God as our Father!

God is our Father in Christ Jesus. Jesus taught us to pray and glorify Him, saying, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9). We must praise our God because “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13). We should never regard Him as a despotic ruler of the universe. He is no tyrant, but a kind and loving Father to all His people. As a father is concerned for his children, so is God concerned for all the believers. He will supply all our need “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Therefore, to God our Father, be glory for ever and ever!

May it never be said of us that we have not returned to give glory to God our Father. Let us be God’s thankful and worshipful people always. One activity of God’s people here on earth that will continue into eternity, even after their life on earth is over, is their giving of praise unto God. All His redeemed and the angels shall praise Him in His celestial glory for ever. God is to be praised for ever. “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).

READ:

Philippians 4:19

¹⁹ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

EXHORTATION:

Being thankful for the love and concern expressed by the brethren in the Philippian church through their financial support, Paul was moved to utter these words. Just as the brethren were concerned for Paul’s well-being, he was also concerned about theirs. He knew that they showed generosity towards him not because they themselves were free from financial needs. Paul could do little to help them on his own, but he prayed that God would provide for all their needs. Essentially, he was saying, “Brethren, I am unable to return your kindness, but I pray that my God will supply all your need just as He has supplied my want through you.”

The expression “my God” conveys Paul’s confidence in God as his unfailing Provider in all of his life’s needs. God was his most benevolent benefactor. The sentiment conveyed here by Paul is very much like that of David who said, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Because God has been wholly in charge of all of his life’s needs, he is also assured that God will attend to the needs of his fellow Christians at Philippi.

Paul’s words, “my God shall supply all your need”, exalt God as the most merciful and faithful Provider of all His people. God’s ability and willingness to supply all our need, as well as His commitment to do so as our covenant God, are conceived in Paul’s words. God undertakes to meet all our needs. Yes, our needs (both temporal and spiritual) are many, but the extent of His supply is “according to his riches in glory”. God gives unto His children, not as a poor man who struggles to provide in the face of scarcity, nor as a rich man who gives grudgingly. He supplies according to His boundless riches in glory. He will look after us till we get to the glorious celestial home which He has prepared for us.

How inadequate words are in describing the riches of God! The grandeur of His supply is conspicuous throughout the universe – in the light of the sun, in the starry sky, in the flowers of the field, in the birds of the sky, in all things both seen and unseen. “The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3). It is God’s inexhaustible supply that is promised to us which will be channelled to us by Christ Jesus. Christ is the guarantee of the divine supply. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

READ:

Philippians 4:13

¹³ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

EXHORTATION:

This is the solemn witness borne by the apostle Paul while he was bound in chains and imprisoned for Christ in Rome. His confinement and intimidating situation could have broken his spirit and left him in utter distress. He could have wept over his inability to do what he had been doing before his arrest and confinement in the high-security prison of the Roman emperor’s palace. As he was not allowed to visit the churches which he loved so dearly, he was left yearning for their fellowship which was deprived him. “For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:8). Being also severely hampered in the oversight of all that he had been praying and planning for the Gospel’s advancement, he was most concerned about the preaching ministry in those churches and their spiritual safety (cf. Philippians 1:15- 16, 27-30).

Regardless of all those heart-breaking deprivations, Paul was absolutely confident that his Saviour and Lord would continue to strengthen him to do all that he had been called to accomplish. He did not fear that his present imprisonment would shut him away from divine purposes and power. Instead, he believed with all his heart that all that had happened to him would lead him to new frontiers of Gospel advancement.

Earlier in this epistle, Paul had comforted the Philippian Christians who were anxious about his arrest and confinement by reporting to them that the Lord had paved a way to new Gospel frontiers through his incarceration. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). In the next verse, he explained that the palace (of Caesar) and its vicinity had heard of his suffering for Christ. Apparently, the Lord had given him opportunities to explain his faith to the guards, officials and workers whom he met in the palace’s prison. Thus, the Gospel spread quickly through those who believed through Paul’s testimony. Even within the palace, some had turned to Christ, as Paul wrote at the end of this epistle that “all the saints” in “Caesar’s household” joined him to salute the Philippian Christians (Philippians 4:22). Paul could not have devised a plan so effective as this to enter Caesar’s palace with the Gospel, Caesar being a sworn enemy of the Gospel. In effect, it was Christ who sent Paul into the palace as a prisoner to preach the Gospel! Christ can fulfil all His will concerning us, just as Paul had testified.

READ:

2 Thessalonians 3:13

¹³ But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

EXHORTATION:

As much as this exhortation is a warning to Christians against becoming weary in well doing, it is also an encouragement to continue in their commitment to be charitable and helpful to others in need. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are urged to be welldoers. Jesus exhorted His followers in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Likewise in Titus 3:8, we are instructed by Paul “that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”

The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” So, how do we know what are the good works that God wants us to fulfil? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that “All scripture is given … that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” In pursuing well doing, we are obeying the will of God revealed in the Bible.

Even among those who oppose us, we are commanded to show our good works. We read in 1 Peter 2:12, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, Christian women are told that what is proper for godly women is not so much “broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” as “good works”. In 1 Timothy 6:18, rich Christians are admonished to be mindful “that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate”. Though widows are often needy people, they too are encouraged to be engaged in well doing, so that they may be found worthy to be in the list of women who can be entrusted with responsibilities in the church. In 1 Timothy 5:10, Paul advised that such a widow should be “well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.”

Quite often, we may be disappointed and even discouraged by the ungratefulness and abusive reaction of the recipients of our kindness. However, we should not allow our hearts to grow weary in well doing.

READ:

2 Thessalonians 3:7

⁷ For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.

EXHORTATION:

The early Christians paid much attention to learning from the apostles. Acts 2:42 records, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship”. In fact, the early Christians also paid attention to the apostles’ conduct. Many of the early Christians, who came from heathen families and societies, were accustomed to immoral and ungodly ways of life. Even those who came from Jewish background needed to shed their hypocritical, legalistic way of life. They knew that the best examples they could pattern their lives after, were the lives of the apostles and those who walked after them.

The apostles had always been careful to provide an example for the early Christians. So Paul could undoubtedly say, “for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you”. In his earlier epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them, “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:10). The lives of the apostles constitute an irrefutable testimony of the kind of godly living which they could hold up before all Christians and say, “Now, follow us.” Paul said, “Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Corinthians 4:16). Again he said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” To the Philippian saints, he beseeched, “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:17).

It is God’s will that the ministers of the Word should be examples to the flock. To Timothy, his protégé in the ministry, Paul said, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). In similar fashion, Peter admonished the elders, “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). An important and abiding duty of every leader of the church in all ages is that he should so live his life that his people can follow his example to live a life of piety. Unfortunately, many leaders of the churches today are seen having the “Do as I say, not as I do” philosophy. Leading by example is often missing in many pastorates in these days. A pastor should never live in a manner which another believer cannot do likewise. In both public and secret areas of his life, he must be blameless and worthy of emulation. So, pray for exemplary pastors!

Our youths on campus face numerous challenges, including intellectual doubts, peer pressure, and temptations that aim to silence their Christian testimony. Yet the Word of God provides all that is needed for spiritual strength and steadfastness. The psalmist declares, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). A life of testimony begins with a life rooted in Scripture. Daily meditation in and obedience to the Word equip the heart to resist sin and to shine as a light before others.

Prayer is another vital pillar. Daniel, though a youth in Babylon, “kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God” (Daniel 6:10b). His prayer life gave him courage to stand boldly even when threatened. In the same way, campus youths must cultivate disciplined prayer. They must pursue personal and corporate prayer life, seeking the Spirit’s wisdom and power to bear witness to Christ.

Fellowship among like-minded Christian youths is essential for living a strong life of testimony on campus. Godly companionship not only strengthens the believer, but also guards against the dangers of isolation. Scripture reminds us, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). This principle was exemplified in the life of the early church, for they “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Indeed, isolation weakens faith, but godly friendships provide accountability, mutual exhortation, and a collective witness for Christ before the world. 

Through fellowships and Bible study, Gethsemane Campus Ministry becomes a training ground for our youths to be bold witnesses for Christ amidst the challenges of campus life. Testimony on campus is not optional; it is the very calling of every Christian youth. When youths walk in purity, pray in faith, and fellowship in love, they become living epistles known and read of all men (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:2). We encourage our youths in tertiary educational institutions to participate in Gethsemane Campus Ministry.

Gethsemane Campus Ministry: An Avenue for Christian Exhortation and Fellowship

The Campus Ministry focuses on students in their tertiary education, through the weekly online Campus Bible Study (CBS) meetings, held every Thursday, via the Google Meet platform. By God’s grace, these are usually well-attended by Gethsemane youths and students, mainly from National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). 

We thank God for Pastor Koshy, who has been ministering to us during the past year on the theme: “Characteristics of God”, reminding us of His sovereign presence and guidance throughout the students’ life endeavours. Over the weeks, we have been enriched through the learning of God’s unchanging nature, perfect love, grace, and holiness—truths that anchor our faith and strengthen our walk with Him. From June 2025, Pastor has embarked on a new Q&A series, focusing on topics and common issues pertaining to making godly choices in Christian living. 

One memorable occasion of this academic year was the fellowship dinner on 14th August, where CBS members gathered physically to reflect on the Lord’s goodness and sustenance upon us all. We trust that such occasions not only strengthen our bonds of friendship, but also the unity we share in Christ. Pastor Koshy gave a short exhortation on “Always Putting God First”, which was a timely reminder for us, in view of our upcoming academic year’s responsibilities. We also shared much joy and laughter over dinner and games, before we took time to remember one another in prayer. 

Indeed, the Campus Ministry has been pivotal in encouraging youths from other churches as well. The regular Bible study sessions have been essential to keep us grounded in our precious faith, amidst the demands of our ever-increasing commitments. As we progress into a new academic year, our prayer is that the LORD will continue to sustain this ministry and the friendships forged, that more youths will join us to become shining testimonies for His glory!

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).