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Job 23:10—“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Job spoke these words in the midst of deep affliction. He could not understand why God seemed hidden from him. In the preceding verses, Job lamented that he could not find God whether he looked forward, backward, to the left, or to the right (vv. 8–9). Yet his inability to perceive God did not mean that God had lost sight of him. Thus, he confessed, “But he knoweth the way that I take”.

This is a precious truth for suffering believers. We may not always understand the path God appoints for us, but He knows it perfectly. He knows every trial, every tear, every unanswered question, and every step we take. His knowledge is not distant or indifferent; it is the knowledge of the sovereign God who governs the way of His people.

Job then adds, “When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” The imagery is that of refining precious metal by fire. The trial exposes and removes impurities so that the gold emerges purified. Job was not claiming sinless perfection. Rather, he expressed confidence that God's testing would ultimately vindicate his integrity.

Trials do not always indicate divine displeasure. God may use them to purify faith, deepen humility, strengthen perseverance, and detach our hearts from earthly dependence.

When God’s way is hidden, remember this: you may not know the way ahead, but He knows the way you take. Trust the Refiner. His purpose is wise, and His work is never wasted.

Job 19:26—“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”

Job’s words rise out of the darkest moments of his suffering. His body was diseased, his strength was failing, and death seemed near. Yet immediately after confessing, “I know that my redeemer liveth” (v. 25), Job expressed confidence that physical death would not end his hope.

He acknowledged the reality of bodily decay: “after my skin worms destroy this body”. Job did not minimise death. He knew that the grave would claim his present body. Yet he immediately added, “yet in my flesh shall I see God”. His hope therefore reached beyond death to a future, personal beholding of God.

The verse points to the hope of bodily resurrection. Job did not only expect his soul to survive death; he also anticipated seeing God in relation to renewed bodily existence. The next verse strengthens this confidence: “Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold” (v. 27).

As the rest of Scripture makes clear, Jesus Christ fulfils this hope. He is “the resurrection, and the life” (John 11:25). At His coming, the dead in Christ shall rise, and believers shall be transformed (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52–53).

For the believer, therefore, death is not final defeat. The body may return to dust, but God will raise His people. Suffering, sickness, and decay cannot cancel His promise. When the body weakens and death approaches, faith looks beyond the grave and says, as Job: “yet in my flesh shall I see God”.

Job 19:25—“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

Job spoke these words when almost everything around him seemed to testify against him. His health had collapsed, his family was gone, his acquaintances had withdrawn, and his friends had repeatedly accused him of hidden wickedness. Yet in the midst of such loneliness, Job expressed a remarkable confidence: “I know that my redeemer liveth”.

The word “redeemer” is the one who acts on behalf of another to vindicate, defend, and restore him. Job longed for One who would finally establish the truth concerning him. Human defenders had failed, but his Redeemer was living.

Job’s confidence looked beyond his present suffering. He declared that his Redeemer “shall stand at the latter day upon the earth”. Job’s hope rested in the certainty that God, whom he trusted as his Redeemer, would ultimately vindicate him. The following verses strengthen this expectation, for Job anticipated personally beholding God even beyond the destruction of his present body (vv. 26–27).

In the fuller light of Scripture, Job’s hope finds its fulfilment in Christ, the living Redeemer, who shall return bodily and visibly to this earth and “stand” upon it in triumph, vindicating His people and establishing His promised kingdom.

When earthly circumstances appear hopeless and human help fails, faith looks beyond the present. Our assurance rests not in the restoration of our circumstances but in the living Christ. Therefore, with Job, every believer may face suffering with this confidence: my Redeemer lives, and He will have the final word.

Written by Sis. Bernice Tan

Ten years ago, my family and I joined our Church’s first mission trip to Kuching, Malaysia. I was heartened to see the small congregation of Calvary Kuching Bible Presbyterian Church (CKBPC) labouring for God’s glory and the mission trip left a deep impression on me. Ten years later, when I heard that another mission trip was being organised to Kuching, the Lord moved my heart to join the team to not only encourage the brethren in CKBPC but also to share the Gospel with others.

For Mission Kuching 2026, 24 brethren from Gethsemane, 8 brethren from CKBPC, and a sister (Sis. Marilyn Nanta from Miri BPC) and her niece constituted the mission team. It was my prayer for each mission team member to use our God-given gifts for His glory for the benefit of those in Kuching: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).

Throughout the planning and execution of the mission trip, the team was duly reminded that serving the Lord is not an easy feat, as we were faced with several challenges, with plans constantly being revised and with the unhealthy haze levels in Kuching. Nevertheless, the Lord was good to grant wisdom to the Planning Committee to adapt the changing plans and even blessed us with the much-needed rain to lower the haze levels for our 4-day outreach, (Friday, 4 to Monday, 7 September 2026) in Kuching.

The theme for this mission is “The Believer’s Heavenly Compass”, which Pastor expounded in three seminar messages. The Lord moved him to remind us that God has provided us with the Bible which is a compass to direct our minds and steps and delight our hearts. The Word of God also serves as the light illuminating our paths in a world full of affliction and sin. God’s Word preserves us, sanctifies us, and captivates our hearts to stay in His righteous way. Indeed, may our faith remain steadfast in the divine revelations of God and never let culture, human philosophy, nor our own emotion contradict the Scriptures. The seminar messages truly put into perspective the lyrics from our mission theme song, “Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart”:

Thy Word have I hid in my heart,
that I might not sin against Thee.
That I might not sin, that I might not sin, 
Thy Word have I hid in my heart.

The special experience of this mission trip was undoubtedly the opportunity to visit an Iban community (Sis. Marilyn’s contact) in Kampung Bait, Lachau, a 2-hour coach drive away from Kuching, on Saturday. The Iban community is the largest indigenous ethnic group in Sarawak which after colonisation by Europeans, has largely been Christianised today. Most of the Iban community lead simple lives and continue to preserve their unique culture. Our host Iban brethren warmly welcomed us with handmade, beaded garland-necklaces in their “Long House”—a communal living facility for the few families living in the area. The Iban brethren who were able to join us were mostly older women—with most men away at work and most children attending boarding schools. Nonetheless, we praise God for providing three children with the opportunity to benefit from the children’s programme. It was our prayer that the souls of the unbelieving Ibans would be saved by the Lord, and that those who are already believers would be strengthened by God to share His Word with their family and friends.

Despite the language barrier we had with the Iban brethren, the praise of God transcended languages. This was evident in how both the team and the Iban brethren were mutually edified by their respective song presentations. The mission team presented our mission theme song as well as “Terlalu Manise” (translated as “This So Sweet”) by our 3 Indonesian team members (Pr Samson, Bro. Chris, and Sis. Stefanie), and the Iban brethren singing “Yesus Kawan Yang Sejati” (“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”). Likewise, the children were taught the song “Yesus Itulah Satu-Satunya” (“Jesus is the Only One”) which they joyfully sang along to. Psalm 119:111 reminded us: “Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” May both our host Iban community and the mission team continually rejoice in the Lord’s eternal truths!

In addition to the outreach in Kampung Bait, the mission team was also blessed with the opportunity to share the Gospel in two concurrent outreaches: the Sarawak Cheshire Home and the Sarawak Society for the Blind, as well as the Lions Nursing Home, on Monday.

The Sarawak Cheshire Home was a non-governmental organisation that was founded in the 1960s. Since its establishment, the Home has been providing care, training, and rehabilitation for residents with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The residents are a mix of Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists, aged 10 to 80 years old. We thank God that about 60 residents were able to participate in our outreach programme. Although many residents were mentally challenged, it was our fervent hope and prayer that the Lord would open their ears to hear the Word, preached by Pr Daniel, and that their hearts would be moved to understand and acknowledge His truths. Simultaneously, Pr Samson expounded the Word of God to 5 blind students from the Sarawak Society for the Blind. By the grace of God, all the blind students had been exposed to the Gospel and professed to be Christians. Nevertheless, as spiritual growth and doctrinal soundness were crucial for them, we prayed that the mission team’s gift of the Gospel of John booklet in Braille to the students, as well as the faithful teachings of the Word would aid them in their walk with the Lord.

The Lions Nursing Home was much like our Lions Home Ministry in Singapore, and about 20 elderly residents and 5 staff attended our outreach programme. Pr Jeremiah shared the Gospel in English and Bro. Simon Chung (a CKBPC brother) interpreted the message in Chinese and also shared his own testimony of salvation. To our joy, the residents were extremely enthusiastic in understanding the Gospel and in fellowshipping with our team members. It was our sincere prayer that the interest of residents in Scriptures continues to grow. May the Lord remove any hesitation or doubt they may have and quicken their spirits to believe and find eternal rest and peace in Him.

A small group of 15 team members were also deployed to minister to about 30 residents with physical and mental incapacities at Persatuan Kebajikan Kasih Sayang Kuching Sarawak (PKKS). Despite their disabilities, the Lord was gracious in allowing them to hear the Word expounded by Pr Samson and in the singing of “Yesus Itulah Satu-Satunya”, which they eagerly joined in. We committed these residents unto the hands of God, that their souls may be moved by the preaching of His Word and accept Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Saviour.

These outreaches serve as timely reminders that God’s kingdom does not discriminate. May God’s will be fulfilled and His chosen people be saved regardless of their age, physical and mental capabilities. Outreaches to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities are needful in the work of the Gospel.

While such communities benefit from our outreach efforts, we must not neglect the salvation and the faith of those near and dear to us. The Lord provided us with the opportunity for a home fellowship with Bro. Ho and Sis. Stefanie (brethren worshipping at CKBPC). The Lord had blessed them with a new home, into which they graciously welcomed us on Sunday evening. By God’s sovereign grace, invited relatives and friends (some of whom are Christians and others who are non-believers) came and heard the Gospel shared in both Chinese and English by Pr Daniel. We had a blessed time of fellowship and prayer for one another. We are prayerful that Sis. Stefanie (who studied at FEBC) will be used by the Lord to encourage and evangelise to her family, friends, and neighbours so that they may be saved. Similarly, it is our prayer for Bro. Ho to bear a good testimony for the Lord as a school teacher and to be given the opportunity to share the Gospel with the students.

CKBPC is a testament of God’s providence in Kuching, Sarawak. It gives Christians a place of worship in a Bible-believing, reformed church with faithful preaching of the Scriptures. It also declares God’s Word to the unbelieving. It is therefore important for this Gospel work to continue growing by God’s sustaining grace. We praise God for enabling Dn Jeremy Teo and his family to labour on in love and perseverance throughout their many years of service in CKBPC.

God has blessed Gethsemane BPC with many preachers who take turns travelling to Kuching to minister His Word to the brethren of CKBPC. This mission trip reiterated the urgent need for a faithful and God-fearing long-term minister in Kuching.  There is indeed much work to be done for the Lord in Kuching, Sarawak. May we continue to pray earnestly for the Lord of harvest to “send forth labourers into his harvest”.

Sermon Text: Psalm 145:14–21
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 20th September 2026

Genesis 32:26—“And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”

Jacob had spent the night wrestling with a mysterious “man” (v.24). Jacob’s own testimony, “I have seen God face to face” (v. 30), together with Hosea’s inspired commentary that he “had power over the angel” (Hosea 12:4), identifies the mysterious person with whom Jacob wrestled as a divine Angelic manifestation. He is commonly understood as the Angel of the LORD, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Exodus 3:2–6). Hence, the “man” was Christophany. 

Hosea 12:3–4 further explains that Jacob “had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him”. Thus Jacob’s prevailing was not the triumph of human strength over God, but the persistence of humbled faith pleading for divine favour.

Earlier Jacob had feared meeting Esau and had earnestly prayed for deliverance (vv. 9–12). Now, after the Lord touched the hollow of his thigh, Jacob could no longer depend upon his own strength. Yet in his weakness he clung to the Lord and cried, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”

Jacob had spent much of his life scheming to obtain advantage and blessing. At Peniel, God taught him that true blessing cannot finally be secured by human cleverness or strength. It must come from God. Jacob therefore clung to Him in helpless dependence.

There is an important lesson for prayer. Prevailing prayer is not an attempt to overpower an unwilling God. Rather, it is faith laying hold upon the gracious God who has invited His people to seek Him. Christ taught that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1).

When our own strength fails, let us cling more firmly to the Lord. Seek His blessing according to His promises, and do not abandon prayer when the answer seems delayed. Often God weakens our self-reliance so that we may learn to depend wholly upon Him.

Genesis 32:10—“I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.”

Jacob spoke these words while returning to Canaan and preparing to meet Esau. Fearful that his brother might attack him, Jacob turned to God in prayer. Yet before asking for deliverance, he confessed his unworthiness and remembered God’s abundant goodness.

“I am not worthy”, Jacob said. This was the language of humility. He did not approach God as one who deserved divine favour. He knew that all he possessed had come through mercy. Years earlier, he had crossed the Jordan with little more than his staff. Now he returned with such abundance that his household had become “two bands.” The contrast highlighted the abundance of God’s undeserved mercy toward Jacob.

Jacob also acknowledged “all the truth” God had shown him. Here “truth” points to God’s faithfulness. The Lord had kept His promises, guided Jacob, protected him, and prospered him. Jacob’s confidence in prayer therefore rested not in personal merit, but in God’s covenant faithfulness.

This is an important pattern for believers. Prayer should be accompanied by humble remembrance. When we consider what we truly deserve before a holy God, pride has no place. Every spiritual blessing, every provision, every preservation, and every answered prayer is mercy.

When fear presses upon us, let us remember God’s past faithfulness. The believer may say, “I am not worthy”, yet still pray boldly, because our confidence rests not in ourselves, but in the faithful God who has shown us mercy in Christ.

Matthew 7:24—“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.”

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a solemn image of two builders. Both hear His words, but only one obeys them. The difference between wisdom and foolishness is therefore not merely hearing Christ’s teaching but responding to it in obedient faith.

The word “therefore” links this illustration to all that Christ taught in the preceding chapters. His sayings on righteousness, prayer, forgiveness, purity, love, discernment, and entrance into the kingdom are not truths just to be admired. They must govern our lives.

The wise man “built his house upon a rock”. He deliberately chose a firm foundation. Likewise, the true disciple builds his life upon the authoritative words of Christ. This does not mean that obedience earns salvation. Scripture teaches that salvation is by grace through faith. Rather, obedience is the necessary fruit of genuine faith. Those who truly receive Christ will desire to keep His commandments. Their obedience proves their faith in Christ and His Word.

The strength of the foundation becomes evident when the storm comes. In the following verse, rain descends, floods rise, and winds beat upon the house, yet it does not fall. Trials may test our faith in this life, but Christ’s illustration also points solemnly to the final testing of every profession before God.

It is possible to hear sermons, read Scripture, and know much biblical truth without obeying it. Christ therefore asks us to examine our foundation. Are we hearers only, or are we doers of His Word?

True wisdom hears Christ, believes Christ, and obeys Christ.

Matthew 7:20—“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Jesus spoke these words while warning His disciples about false prophets: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). Such men may appear outwardly religious, but their true character will eventually be revealed. Christ therefore teaches His people to examine their “fruits”.

The illustration is simple. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit” (v. 18). A tree's nature is revealed by what it produces. Likewise, a person’s doctrine, conduct, attitudes, and influence disclose what is truly within him. Fine words, impressive appearances, and religious claims are not sufficient evidence of godliness.

This does not mean that Christians are saved by good works. Salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Yet genuine faith produces spiritual fruit. Those who belong to Christ will increasingly display obedience to God’s Word, love of righteousness, humility, repentance, and the fruit of the Spirit.

Christ’s words therefore call for discernment. We must not accept every teacher because he speaks persuasively or seems devout. We must test his teaching and life against Scripture. 1 John 4:1 says, “… try the spirits whether they are of God”.

But this verse also calls for personal examination. What kind of fruit does our own life bear? Our profession of faith must be accompanied by evidence of God’s transforming grace.

May we therefore pray that the Lord would make our lives fruitful for His glory, remembering that true spiritual fruit comes only from abiding in Christ.

Jonah 2:9—“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.”

Jonah’s prayer reaches its great confession in verse 9: “Salvation is of the LORD.” Having experienced the terror of the deep and his complete inability to rescue himself, Jonah acknowledges that deliverance belongs entirely to God. He could neither escape the sea nor free himself from the great fish. If he was to be saved, the LORD alone must save him.

His confession follows the contrast of verse 8: “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy”. When people act in disobedience according to their own thoughts, or worship and serve idols, they forsake God, who alone can mercifully provide salvation. Jonah himself had foolishly fled from the LORD, yet in his helplessness he learned afresh that God is sovereign and merciful in salvation.

Jonah therefore declares, “I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving”. Thanksgiving is the proper response to divine mercy. His promised sacrifice was not an attempt to purchase deliverance but an expression of gratitude to the God who had heard his prayer. Likewise, “I will pay that that I have vowed” expresses renewed consecration and determination to fulfil his obligations before God.

The declaration “Salvation is of the LORD” reaches far beyond Jonah’s physical deliverance. It expresses a great biblical truth: salvation in every true and ultimate sense originates with God, is accomplished by His power, and is bestowed according to His grace. “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD” (Psalm 3:8).

When God brings us face to face with our helplessness, let us abandon confidence in ourselves and look wholly to Him. His saving mercy should produce thanksgiving, obedience, and renewed devotion. Those who know that salvation is of the LORD should gladly live for His praise.