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John 16:7—“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”

The disciples were overwhelmed with sorrow as Jesus spoke of His departure. They could not imagine how His leaving could possibly benefit them. Yet Christ assured them, “It is expedient for you that I go away”.  What appeared to be a painful loss was, in God's perfect plan, intended for their lasting spiritual gain. Christ's departure was not a loss to His church but the necessary means by which the blessings of His finished work would be effectually bestowed upon His people.

Jesus' departure referred to His death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation to the Father's right hand. His death secured atonement, His resurrection declared His victory over sin and death, and His ascension and exaltation inaugurated His heavenly reign as the Mediator and High Priest. From His exalted position, Christ would send the Holy Spirit, according to the Father's promise (John 15:26; Acts 2:33), to apply the redemption He had accomplished and to equip the church to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).

The Spirit was not absent from God's people before Christ's ascension, for He had long regenerated, sanctified, and empowered believers (Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:10-12). His coming at Pentecost inaugurated the fullness of His new covenant ministry, bringing illumination, sanctification, assurance, and spiritual gifts for the church's service.

The disciples naturally desired Christ's visible, bodily presence, yet the divine plan was that His church would be strengthened through the ministry of the unseen, yet present Holy Spirit in their lives. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but glorifies Christ (John 16:14) through the Word, producing conformity to His image. 

Believers, therefore, should never think themselves abandoned. Though Christ is now enthroned in heaven as our great High Priest and Advocate, He has not left His church comfortless and helpless. He has sent His Spirit to abide with us forever (John 14:16). Let us therefore walk daily in humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit who Christ has sent to us.

Matthew 3:11—“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

These are the words of John the Baptist, who was the humble forerunner of Christ. Though crowds came to John and many received his baptism, he did not seek honour for himself. He plainly confessed, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance”. His baptism was an outward sign accompanying the inward necessity of repentance. It testified that sinners must turn from sin and prepare to receive the promised Messiah. Yet John’s ministry, important as it was, could not cleanse the heart or impart new spiritual life.

Therefore, John directed all attention to Christ: “he that cometh after me is mightier than I”. Though Jesus began His public ministry after John, He infinitely surpassed him in person, authority, and power. John considered himself unworthy even to bear Christ’s shoes, a task belonging to the lowliest servant. Such humility is fitting before the eternal Son of God, the Lamb of God who alone taketh away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

John further declared, “he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire”. Christ alone gives the Holy Spirit, who regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, and empowers His people. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost visibly confirmed this promise (Acts 2:1–4). The accompanying reference to fire must be understood in the immediate context. Verse 12 speaks of Christ’s judgment, when He will gather His wheat but burn the chaff “with unquenchable fire”. Thus Christ comes both as the gracious Giver of the Spirit to regenerate, redeem and renew, and as the righteous Judge, who will cast the impenitent into the eternal fire. 

This verse calls us to look beyond every human messenger to Christ Himself. No ordinance, preacher, or religious activity can save apart from Him. Let us come to Him in humble repentance and faith, seeking the renewing work of His Spirit, knowing that He has also prepared a fiery judgment for those who would not repent and come to Him.

The hospitality of the church is a vital ministry through which the love of Christ is visibly manifested to believers and unbelievers alike. While individual members and families often participate in this work, biblical hospitality is required of the church as a whole, which is the household of God. Scripture exhorts local assemblies of Christians to receive, care for, and encourage God’s people so that the fellowship Christ has established among the redeemed is always cherished.

The very first New Testament church in Jerusalem was marked by such corporate hospitality. The believers in Jerusalem shared their resources and cared for one another so that no member was left destitute (cf. Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–35). Apostolic churches regularly welcomed travelling preachers, missionaries, and fellow believers. The apostle John commended the church’s support of faithful ministers, urging believers to receive them so that the church might become “fellowhelpers to the truth” (3 John 5–8). The churches of Macedonia also demonstrated generous hospitality by sacrificially providing for the needs of God’s people (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1–5).

Such hospitality strengthens the communion of the saints, encourages weary labourers, comforts the afflicted, and provides a powerful testimony to the watching world. Visitors should find in the church a place of worship and a spiritual family where Christ’s love is sincerely expressed. As members and families willingly contribute the use of their homes, resources, time, and service, they are not acting independently but supporting the church’s collective ministry of hospitality.

A hospitable church reflects the welcoming grace of God Himself. We who were once “strangers and foreigners” have been received into God’s household through Christ (Ephesians 2:19). Therefore, as a congregation, let us prayerfully cultivate a culture of gracious reception, loving care, generous provision, and warm fellowship (cf. 1 Peter 4:9; Hebrews 13:2). Such hospitality strengthens the unity of the body, promotes the work of Christ’s servants, and glorifies the Lord who has so graciously welcomed us into His eternal family.

Hospitality also guards the church against coldness, isolation, and selfishness. It nurtures mutual love and creates opportunities for discipleship across generations and borders. It is especially precious in welcoming visitors, encouraging new believers, supporting missionaries, and comforting those who are lonely or afflicted. Let us emulate the commendable practice of the churches of earlier generations, as well as faithful churches around us today, in practising Christ-centred hospitality.

Thanksgiving Letter from our Pangasinan Brethren

Greetings in the marvellous name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

By God’s grace, we arrived safely back here in Pangasinan with hearts full of joy and thanksgiving. We praise the Lord for the wonderful two weeks of fellowship, encouragement, and feasting on His Word that we experienced together with the brethren in Singapore.

On behalf of our group, I would like to sincerely express our heartfelt gratitude to you and all the brethren whom we met, both old friends and new acquaintances, for the warm fellowship, love, and kindness shown to us. We are especially thankful to brethren who opened their homes and welcomed us with such generous hospitality. Through those moments of fellowship, we truly experienced the love and unity of the body of Christ.

During our stay in Singapore and Malaysia, our dear sister personally shared with us how greatly she was encouraged by what she witnessed, especially the involvement of your youths in the ministry. She was blessed to see them faithfully participating in choir practices and serving in various ministries, not just on Sundays. What captivated her was seeing that the youths are not consumed by their phones or worldly distractions, but instead have a genuine desire for fellowship, worship, and service to the Lord. This is a great encouragement, particularly as we see our young people facing many challenges here in Pangasinan today.

She was also deeply encouraged to witness how a Christian family lives out their faith daily, particularly through the example of the Resuma family. Seeing the children devoted to reading and studying the Bible was a beautiful testimony of how God’s Word is being nurtured within the home.

We were also deeply touched by the brethren who took the time to take us to the airport and see us off despite their busy schedules. Their love and thoughtfulness were a meaningful expression of Christian fellowship. My wife, Olive, would also like to extend her heartfelt appreciation to those who lovingly cared for and assisted Timotheus during our time in Singapore and Malaysia. Their kindness and support were truly a blessing to our family.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the Board of Elders for giving us the opportunity to attend the church camp. It was indeed a great blessing and a source of encouragement to all of us. The teachings, fellowship, and reminders from the catechism classes refreshed our hearts and renewed our commitment to be mindful of the truths that we uphold.

As we eagerly look forward to our Sunday worship service, we are excited to share with our brethren here in Pangasinan the blessings and experiences God has allowed us to witness. We pray that our testimonies may encourage others and bring glory to God, who has graciously allowed us to experience the beauty of fellowship among His people.

Lastly, may we also humbly request your prayers for our church here in Pangasinan, that the Lord may raise up more faithful men who will dedicate themselves to the work of the ministry, and that our youths may develop a deeper passion to serve Christ and remain steadfast amidst the influences of this wicked world.

Once again, thank you very much for your love, prayers, and generosity. We give all glory and praise to our faithful God for bringing us together and allowing us to experience such precious fellowship in Christ.

May the Lord continue to bless you, your family, and the ministry He has entrusted to you.

In Christ,
Dn Jumar Balicao

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 6:1–7
Speaker: Preacher Cornelius Koshy
Date: 5th July 2026

Matthew 3:10—“And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

This verse records the solemn warning of John the Baptist: “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees”. John preached in the wilderness to prepare Israel for the appearing of the Messiah. Many came to him, including Pharisees and Sadducees, yet he discerned that outward religious profession could exist without inward repentance. Hence, he had already commanded, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (v. 8).

The “axe” laid at the root portrays God’s imminent and searching judgment. It is not merely directed at outward acts, but at the root of a person’s life, even at the heart, from which words, attitudes, and conduct proceed. A tree may possess leaves, height, and an impressive appearance; nevertheless, if it bears no good fruit, it is useless. So also, ancestry, religious privileges, church attendance, knowledge of Scripture, or a respectable reputation cannot substitute for a renewed heart.

The “good fruit” of which John speaks is not the meritorious cause of salvation. Sinners are justified only by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Yet true repentance and living faith inevitably produce a changed life. The believer learns to forsake sin, love righteousness, obey God’s Word, and show mercy and integrity. As the Lord Jesus later taught, “Every good tree bringeth forth good fruit” (Matthew 7:17).

The warning that the fruitless tree is “hewn down, and cast into the fire” declares the certainty and severity of divine judgment upon unrepentant sinners. God is patient, but His patience must never be mistaken for indifference. Therefore, each hearer should examine himself honestly. Have we rested in religious appearance, or have we turned unto Christ with a repentant heart? Let us flee from empty profession and seek the grace that produces fruit unto the glory of God.

Nehemiah 4:14—“Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall advanced, opposition intensified. Sanballat, Tobiah, and their allies mocked, threatened, and conspired to hinder the work (Neh. 4:7–8). Their hostility produced fear among the labourers, especially as reports of an approaching attack multiplied. Nehemiah did not ignore the danger. He stationed families in strategic places, armed them for defence, and addressed the nobles, rulers, and people with a word of faith.

His first command was, “Be not ye afraid of them”. This was not an exhortation to rash fearlessness, but a summons to steadfast trust and confidence in God. Fear magnifies the enemy and weakens the hands; faith remembers that the Lord is infinitely greater than every adversary. Hence, Nehemiah said, “remember the LORD, which is great and terrible.” The Lord is great in sovereign power, covenant faithfulness, and saving mercy. He is terrible, awesome and dreadful in His holy judgment against all who oppose His purposes and afflict His people. As Moses declared, “The LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible” (Deut. 10:17).

Remembering God gave the people courage to stand. They were also to fight for their brethren and households. Their defence was not motivated by personal ambition, but by love, duty, and the preservation of the covenant community. God’s people were to protect one another and labour together for the welfare of Jerusalem.

The church’s warfare today is chiefly spiritual: “we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12). Believers must not yield to fear when truth is opposed or when Christ’s church faces pressure. We must remember the Lord, put on the whole armour of God, pray earnestly, and stand together for the faith. The greatness of our God remains the sure ground of courage, perseverance, and holy service.

Nehemiah 2:18—“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.”

Having arrived in Jerusalem, Nehemiah first surveyed its broken walls quietly and carefully (Neh. 2:11–16). He did not rush into a public announcement, nor did he conceal the need when the proper time came. He plainly declared to the rulers, priests, nobles, and people, “Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste” (v. 17). Yet he did not leave them discouraged by the ruin. He testified of “the hand of my God which was good upon me”, and of the king’s favourable words.

Nehemiah’s account directed the people beyond human circumstances to the providence of God. Artaxerxes’ letters, protection, and provision of timber were evidence that the Lord had opened the way. The God of heaven had not forgotten His covenant people, though they had returned from exile to a distressed and reproachful condition. His gracious hand was now calling them to rebuild the city for His glory.

The people’s response was immediate and united: “Let us rise up and build.” Faith in God’s providence did not produce passivity, but willing labour. They “strengthened their hands”. In other words, they prepared themselves with courage, resolve, and mutual support for “this good work”. The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall was not merely a civic project; it concerned the safety, testimony, and ordered worship of God’s people.

The church likewise must not be paralysed by weakness, opposition, or unfinished duties. When God makes His will clear and grants means for His work, His people should respond with faith and readiness. Pastors and leaders ought to recount God’s goodness; the congregation ought to unite in prayerful service. Every task done for the preservation, edification, and witness of Christ’s church is a good work to be undertaken in humble dependence upon Him.

Nehemiah 2:8—“And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” 

Nehemiah’s success in obtaining the king’s approval was not the result of political skill or favourable circumstances alone. Before appearing before King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah had been fasting and praying to the Lord (Neh. 1:4; 2:1). His careful planning, respectful petition, and detailed requests for letters and timber (vv. 7–8) were all exercised in dependence upon God. Thus, when the king granted every request, Nehemiah did not praise his own wisdom or the king's generosity, but testified, “according to the good hand of my God upon me.”

The expression “the good hand of my God” is a recurring theme in Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 7:6, 9; 8:18; Neh. 2:18), emphasising God's gracious providence over His covenant people. The sovereign LORD who turns the king’s heart (Prov. 21:1) moved Artaxerxes to supply official protection, building materials, and authority for Jerusalem's restoration. God’s providence does not eliminate human responsibility; rather, it works through prayer, faith, diligence, and wise preparation to accomplish His purposes.

Believers today should likewise undertake every duty with prayerful dependence upon God. We may prepare carefully and labour faithfully, yet all success ultimately comes from His gracious hand (Ps. 127:1). When the Lord opens doors, provides resources, or grants favour beyond expectation, we must humbly acknowledge His sovereign goodness instead of taking credit for ourselves. Such gratitude glorifies God and strengthens our faith for future service. Those who rely upon the Lord can confidently persevere, knowing that His good hand is sufficient to provide every need for the work He has appointed them to do (Phil. 4:19).

1 Kings 18:21—“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD beGod, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.”

Elijah’s challenge on Mount Carmel came at a time of profound spiritual apostasy in Israel. Under the wicked king, Ahab, and his wicked wife Jezebel, the worship of Baal had spread throughout the nation, yet many Israelites still professed allegiance to the LORD. Rather than openly rejecting Jehovah, they attempted to combine the worship of the true God with idolatry. Elijah exposed this dangerous compromise by asking, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” The word “halt” conveys the idea of limping or wavering, portraying a divided heart unable to walk steadfastly with God.

The prophet's call was clear and uncompromising: “If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” The living God demands exclusive devotion. He will not share His glory with idols (Isa. 42:8), nor does He accept divided loyalty. God’s covenant people are called to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might (Deut. 6:5).

The people’s silence revealed the guilt of their consciences. They could not defend their compromise, yet neither were they prepared to repent. Spiritual indecision is itself a decision against wholehearted obedience.

This challenge remains relevant today. Modern idols may not be carved images but wealth, success, pleasure, popularity, or self. Whenever believers attempt to serve both Christ and the world, they repeat Israel’s error. Our Lord declared, “No man can serve two masters” (Matt. 6:24). Let us therefore examine our hearts and resolve, by God’s grace, to follow the Lord wholeheartedly, for He alone is the true and living God, worthy of our complete trust, worship, and obedience.

1 Kings 17:24—“And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.”

This was the confession of the widow of Zarephath. After witnessing the LORD’s miraculous preservation of her household through the unfailing supply of meal and oil during the famine (1 Kings 17:8–16), the widow’s joy was soon overshadowed by deep sorrow as her only son fell sick and died. Elijah earnestly interceded for the dead child. “The LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived” (v. 22). Overwhelmed by this undeniable display of God's power, the widow declared, “Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth.”

Her confession is significant because it affirms two inseparable realities. First, Elijah was indeed “a man of God”. This title in Scripture denotes one who is called, commissioned, and governed by God. Elijah’s authority did not arise from personal charisma or miraculous abilities but from his faithful service as God’s messenger. The miracle did not create his authority; rather, it confirmed that he truly spoke on God's behalf.

Second, and more importantly, the widow acknowledged that “the word of the LORD” in Elijah’s mouth “is truth”. The emphasis falls not merely on the prophet but on the divine message he proclaimed. Throughout this chapter, Elijah repeatedly spoke only what God had revealed, whether announcing the drought (17:1), directing the widow (17:13–14), or praying for the child’s restoration (17:20–22). Every word proved trustworthy because it originated from the God who cannot lie (Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2).

This passage reminds us that God authenticates His own Word. The miracles were not intended simply to display divine power; they served to confirm the divine authority and truthfulness of God’s revelation. Like the widow, believers often come to a deeper appreciation of God’s truth through His gracious dealings in times of trial. Affliction may test our faith, but God’s faithfulness strengthens our confidence in His Word.