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Jude 1:5—“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.”

Jude reminds believers of a sobering historical lesson from Israel’s wilderness journey. Though God graciously delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage through mighty signs and wonders, many later perished in unbelief because they refused to trust and obey Him. Their outward deliverance did not guarantee their spiritual transformation and faithfulness. Their spatial deliverance did not equal spiritual conversion. 

The phrase “I will therefore put you in remembrance” reveals the necessity of continual spiritual reminders. God’s people are often forgetful. Familiarity with biblical truth can lead to carelessness unless the heart remains humble and watchful. Jude’s warning confronts people’s tendency toward spiritual complacency. It is entirely possible to sit in a pew, speak the language of faith, and look back on a past religious experience, while currently harbouring an unbelieving, rebellious heart. 

This verse also teaches both the greatness of God’s saving mercy and the seriousness of unbelief. The same Lord who delivered Israel also judged those who persisted in rebellion. God’s requirement of holiness in His people is never diminished by the blessings He has sent to them by His grace. Privileges, experiences, and outward association with God’s people cannot replace genuine faith and perseverance.

Believers must guard against complacency. They can participate outwardly in Christian activities while harbouring an unbelieving heart. The Christian life requires continual trust in Christ, submission to His Word, and perseverance in holiness.

This verse calls us to examine ourselves carefully. Let us not merely remember God’s past mercies intellectually, but respond to them with enduring faith, reverence, and obedience unto the end.

Jude 1:3—“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Jude intended to write a warm and joyful letter about “the common salvation” shared by all believers in Christ. This salvation is “common” not because it is ordinary, but because all true Christians equally partake of its blessings through grace alone. Yet the spiritual dangers of false teachers confronting the church compelled him to warn against their doctrinal and practical errors. Therefore, it became “needful” for him to exhort believers to “earnestly contend for the faith”.

The phrase “the faith” refers not merely to personal belief, but to the body of divine truth revealed by God in Scripture, which He once delivered to the saints. This truth is not to be altered, modernised, or compromised. It was “once delivered”, meaning it is complete, authoritative, and permanently binding upon the church. It is completely and conclusively given to the church.

To “earnestly contend” carries the idea of strenuous effort and spiritual struggle. Contending for the faith does not mean being needlessly argumentative, but it does mean standing firmly against false teachings that compromise the truths of the Word. Christians are not called to quarrelsome pride, but to steadfast defence of biblical truth with courage, holiness, humility, and love for Christ.

In every generation, the church faces pressures to dilute doctrine and accommodate worldly thinking. Christ’s church has always been under spiritual assault from within. So Jude reminds believers that preserving the purity of the Gospel and the scriptural truths is not optional. We must know the truth, love the truth, live the truth, and defend the truth faithfully, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Before baptism is administered, our church carefully instructs baptismal candidates in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. This practice of catechetical instruction is rooted in Christ’s Great Commission itself, wherein He commanded the church not only to baptise, but also to “teach all nations” and to instruct disciples “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, baptism must be accompanied by biblical instruction, understanding, and discipleship.

Catechism classes serve this vital purpose. Through systematic teaching of the basic doctrines of Scripture, candidates are grounded in the truths of the Gospel and helped to understand the significance of baptism and church membership. Such instruction guards against shallow profession, doctrinal confusion, and careless participation in the holy ordinances of Christ.

The classes generally cover essential biblical teachings concerning: the existence and attributes of God, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit and His works, the authority, inspiration, infallibility and preservation of Holy Scripture, the sinfulness of man, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, repentance and faith, the church and its ordinances, Christian obedience and holy living, doctrine of the last days, etc.

Catechetical instruction is especially important in an age marked by widespread biblical ignorance and doctrinal instability. The church must ensure that those seeking baptism possess a credible understanding of the Christian faith and a sincere desire to follow Christ in obedience.

Furthermore, catechism classes provide opportunities for pastors and elders to know the candidates personally, answer spiritual questions, clarify doctrinal matters, and lovingly guide them towards a faithful church life.

For children born to Christian parents who received infant baptism, such instruction also serves to strengthen and confirm them in the faith and truths of God’s Word that they have been taught from their childhood.

Thus, catechism classes are not mere formalities, but an important pastoral and spiritual preparation for those who desire to receive the covenant sign of baptism and publicly identify themselves with Christ and His church.

Baptizing Them

Authority for Baptism

Baptism is one of the evident and emphatic elements of the Great Commission that Christ has given to His church. With the absolute authority He has over everything “in heaven and in earth”, Christ stipulates that all who respond in faith and obedience to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and become His disciples, ought to be baptized. For He has declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…” (Matthew 28:18–19). 

By virtue of His shed blood in His death on the cross to redeem His people and His resurrection from the grave, Jesus now wields full authority from the Father to institute baptism as a sign of the new covenant He has made with His redeemed people. With ushering in of the New Testament age, Christ, via the Great Commission, commanded baptism to be administered “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. 

Obligatory Practice of Baptism

All Christians are required to be baptised. While baptism is neither a means of salvation nor a meritorious rite that grants salvation, it is required of every Christian as an outward sign of repentance and faith in Christ. All who belong to Christ must obey the Lord’s command to be baptized. In fact, evidenced by command and example in the New Testament, this ecclesiastically obligatory practice of baptism (as stipulated in the Great Commission) extends to the baptism of the young children of those whom the apostles would disciple.

In the apostolic period, all those who believed in the Gospel preached by the apostolic team were baptized as they joined the church. We read in Scripture that “they that gladly received his (Peter’s) word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Earlier on that historic day of Gospel-preaching in Jerusalem, Peter had exhorted them to “Repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and [they] shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Undoubtedly, baptism not only signifies the remission of sins (through the atoning work of Christ), it also signifies our glad and personal acceptance of the atonement of Christ accomplished on the cross (cf. v. 41a). 

Covenantal Nature of Baptism

It is instructive to note that Peter further went on to affirm that “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). It is thus clear that this new covenantal promise of the Gospel—ratified by its outward sign of baptism—is (as asserted by Peter) offered to believers, including their children. Undeniably, baptism of the believers and their children was practised in the New Testament churches, as evidenced by the household baptisms recorded in Scripture—Cornelius and his family (cf. Acts 10:2, 48), Lydia and her family (cf. Acts 16:15), the Philippi jailor and his family (cf. Acts 16:32–33), Stephanas and his family (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:16). 

Just as circumcision is the covenant sign in the Old Testament, so baptism serves as the covenant sign in the New Testament. Both are symbols of God’s gracious gift of faith and salvation, administered under the two covenants respectively. What is noteworthy is that, like circumcision, baptism is also administered to households of believers, as corroborated by Scriptural evidence. This is a biblical fact not to be overlooked, which is affirmed by the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), stating, “Not only those that do actually profess faith in, and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized” (WCF, chapter 28, paragraph 4). 

Sermon Text: Psalm 136
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 24th May 2026

Hebrews 2:9—“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Though God originally made man to rule over creation, sin brought ruin, suffering, and death. Mankind has lost dominion and power under the curse of sin. The prior verse, verse 8, notes, “But now we see not yet all things put under him.” God originally ordained man to rule over creation; the full dominion and glory intended for mankind are not presently seen because sin has brought disorder, suffering, and death into the world. Human history is marked by disorder, sorrow, and mortality. Yet the writer immediately turns our eyes away from fallen man to the victorious Saviour: “But we see Jesus”.

This is the great comfort of the Gospel. When the world appears troubled, and man appears helpless, believers are called to fix their eyes upon Christ. He “was made a little lower than the angels” in His incarnation. The eternal Son of God willingly took upon Himself true humanity, entering our weakness and humiliation. Yet this lowering was not defeat, but divine purpose “for the suffering of death”.

Christ came to die at Calvary. He bore the penalty of sin as the substitute for sinners. The phrase “taste death for every man” speaks of His real experience of death in its bitterness and judgment so that all who come to him may have deliverance from the eternal judgment of their sins. Christ endured what sinners deserved, fully and completely, by “the grace of God”.

But the cross was not the end. The crucified Christ is now “crowned with glory and honour”. His resurrection and exaltation declare His triumph over sin, death, and Satan.

We now have Christ as our Saviour and Lord, to guide and keep us for the eternal glory He prepares for all who trust in Him. In suffering, temptation, fear, and uncertainty, our hope is not in ourselves, but in the crucified and exalted Redeemer who lovingly gave Himself for us.

Hebrews 2:3—“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”

This solemn warning follows the exhortation to “give the more earnest heed” to God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1). The writer argues from the lesser to the greater: if those who disobeyed the law given through angels were judged, how much more serious is the neglect of the salvation proclaimed by the Son of God Himself?

Notice that the danger mentioned is not merely rejecting salvation but neglecting it. Many perish not because they openly hate Christ, but because they treat the Gospel lightly. Spiritual neglect hardens the heart gradually. A soul may become occupied with earthly cares, pleasures, ambitions, and distractions while ignoring the eternal condition of the soul.

The salvation spoken of here is called “so great salvation” because of its glorious Author, wondrous accomplishment, and eternal blessings. It was “spoken by the Lord”, the very Son of God, who proclaimed it during His earthly ministry. The apostles, “them that heard him”, then confirmed this message faithfully to the church.

This salvation is great because it rescues sinners from divine wrath, reconciles them to God, forgives their sins, and grants eternal life through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.

Every hearer must give himself to serious self-examination. Have we merely heard the Gospel repeatedly while neglecting its claims upon our hearts? Eternal realities cannot safely be ignored. Today is the day to repent, believe, and cleave wholeheartedly to Christ, for there is no escape apart from Him.

Hebrews 2:1—“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

The opening word, “therefore”, points back to the great truths declared in Hebrews 1, where Christ is exalted as the eternal Son of God, far above the angels in His person, authority, and glory. Because God has spoken finally and fully through such a majestic Saviour, believers must not treat His Word lightly. Thus, Christianity involves far more than merely hearing divine truth; it requires a steadfast, reverent holding fast to it in faith and obedience.

The phrase “give the more earnest heed” speaks of deliberate attentiveness. God’s Word must not be treated casually. The believer is to cling to divine truth with seriousness, meditation, and submission. Spiritual decline often begins, not with open rebellion, but with neglect. A drifting ship rarely notices its movement at first. Likewise, hearts that cease to watch, pray, and attend o Scripture slowly drift from steadfastness.

The warning, “lest at any time we should let them slip”, conveys the danger of gradually drifting away from the truth through neglect and spiritual carelessness. Truth neglected becomes truth forgotten. Convictions ignored become weakened. Affections once warm toward Christ may gradually cool through spiritual carelessness.

This exhortation is especially urgent in a world full of distractions, false teachings, pleasures, and worldly anxieties. The believer must guard the soul diligently by continual attention to God’s Word.

We are exhorted here to renewed seriousness in hearing sermons, reading Scripture, attending worship, and obeying Christ. God has not spoken lightly to us through His Son. Therefore, let us not drift from the truth, but cleave steadfastly to Him who alone is able to keep our souls secure.

Genesis 1:2—“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

In the opening words of Scripture, a stark canvas of primordial chaos is presented, depicting the earth before God’s full creative order is revealed. The scene is one of emptiness, disorder, and darkness: “without form, and void”.

However, this verse establishes the profound truth that chaos is never outside the scope of divine sovereignty. In the midst of the darkness, “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” The Hebrew word for “moved” (rachaph) carries the imagery of a bird brooding over her nest, fluttering with protective, life-giving anticipation. Before light appeared, before the earth was formed and filled, the Spirit of God was already present, sovereignly preparing creation according to the will of God.

Here, we learn about the Holy Spirit's active ministry in creation itself. The Spirit is not merely a force, but the divine Person who gives life, order, beauty, and fruitfulness. Throughout Scripture, the Spirit continues this gracious work, not only in creation but also in the hearts of sinners. Just as the Spirit moved over the dark waters, He moves upon spiritually darkened hearts to bring conviction, life, renewal, and peace through Christ.

There are seasons when life appears disordered, empty, or overshadowed by sorrow. When our lives feel formless and empty, we can take comfort knowing that darkness is not a sign of God’s absence. The same Spirit that hovered over the deep resides within the believer, ready to transform our internal desolation into a scene of divine purpose. Let us recognise the blessedness of God’s presence even in life’s darkest moments, giving thanks that His Spirit is continually at work bringing spiritual and physical renewal into our lives.

Judges 2:1—“And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.”

This solemn yet comforting declaration was spoken during a time of spiritual decline in Israel. After entering the Promised Land, the people failed to fully obey the LORD. They compromised with the heathen nations around them and neglected God’s commands. Into this atmosphere of disobedience came “an angel of the LORD” from Gilgal to Bochim. This brief geographical note carries profound theological weight. Gilgal was the place associated with Israel’s early obedience, covenant remembrance, and victorious beginnings in Canaan. “Bochim”, meaning “weepers”, became a place of sorrow and rebuke. How tragic that God’s people had moved from victory to weeping because of compromise.

Yet amid His rebuke, the LORD reminded them of His covenant faithfulness: “I will never break my covenant with you”. Though Israel had failed repeatedly, God remained steadfast.  Men are often unfaithful, but the LORD remains true to His Word. God’s covenant is not contingent upon Israel’s perfection, but upon His own unchanging holiness. As Paul the Apostle later wrote, “if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

We often find ourselves travelling the road from Gilgal to Bochim, moving from the vibrant joy of first faith and commitment to God into the tearful consequences of spiritual compromise. What a comfort this is to believers who mourn over weakness and failure. While our sin brings discipline, His covenant love remains unbroken.

God’s covenant mercy in Christ does not rest upon human perfection, but upon His own faithfulness. Yet, His steadfast love should never encourage complacency. Rather, it should move us to repentance, renewed obedience, and grateful devotion. The God who faithfully keeps covenant deserves wholehearted trust and submission.

Philemon 1:6—“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

These words express Paul the Apostle’s joyful thanksgiving to God for Philemon’s genuine faith and the gracious influence it had on the lives of others. The word “communication” carries the idea of fellowship, sharing, or participation. Biblical faith is never intended to remain private or inactive. True faith manifests itself through deeds of love, encouragement, hospitality, forgiveness, and spiritual usefulness within the body of Christ.

Paul prays that Philemon’s faith would “become effectual”, that is, powerful, active, and fruitful. Faith becomes spiritually effective when believers increasingly recognise and embrace “every good thing” God has graciously worked within them through union with Christ. Many Christians remain spiritually weak because they fail to appreciate the riches of grace already bestowed upon them in Christ Jesus. A deeper acknowledgement of God’s work produces greater usefulness in God’s service.

This verse reminds us that every spiritual virtue originates “in Christ Jesus”. Apart from Him, there is no true goodness in us. Through Christ’s saving work, believers are renewed, equipped, and enabled to bless others. As Jesus taught, “For without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Pastorally, this verse challenges believers to ask: Is my faith strengthening others? Does my life communicate Christ’s grace? Living faith is not merely confessed with the lips but demonstrated through active fellowship, loving service, and spiritual encouragement that refreshes the saints and glorifies Christ.