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Numbers 10:35–36—"And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel."

Here we witness a sacred rhythm in Israel’s wilderness journey. Whether advancing or abiding, in conflict or in calm, every step of Israel’s journey was ordered and governed by the presence of the LORD. Whenever the ark set forward, Moses prayed, “Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered”. And when it rested, he pleaded, “Return, O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel”.

These brief prayers reveal a profound theology of dependence. Israel did not move presumptuously; they moved only when God led. The ark symbolised the LORD’s presence among His people, and Moses understood that victory over enemies was not due to Israel’s strength, but God’s rising. This echoes the truth of Psalm 68:1, later drawn from this very passage, affirming that God Himself scatters His enemies. “God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.” 

Contextually, Israel stood at the threshold of uncertainty. The wilderness was hostile, enemies were real, and the future was unknown. Yet Moses anchors the people not in strategy, but in supplication. Every advance begins with “Rise up, LORD”, and every rest concludes with “Return, O LORD”. Their entire journey is framed by divine presence.

Theologically, this reminds us of Christ, God dwelling with His people (cf. John 1:14). We are not alone in our battles with sin, fear, and the world. Jesus goes before us, giving us victory (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:57), and in His presence we find true rest (cf. Matthew 11:28).

This passage calls us to live in conscious dependence upon God. Let every endeavour begin with a plea for His guiding power, and every day close with a longing for His abiding presence. Whether moving forward or resting, let our hearts echo the prayer of Moses: "Rise up, LORD. Return, O LORD".

1 Thessalonians 4:1—“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”

Addressing believers in Thessalonica, Paul affirms that they have already been taught a pattern of life that pleases God. Though they have received the godly instructions, the Apostle does not permit them to settle into complacency; instead, he exhorts them to continual growth.

The phrase “how ye ought to walk” speaks of a daily, habitual conduct shaped by the gospel of Christ. The Christian life is not merely a matter of profession, but of a transformed way of living. To “please God” is every Christian’s ultimate aim. Not seeking to please men, but to delight the heart of God. Not for the praise of men, but for the approval of God. The Christian life is a pursuit of holiness, both a divine calling and a continual process, rooted in our relationship with Christ and carried forward by the Spirit's empowerment.

Importantly, Paul urges them to “abound more and more”. Spiritual maturity is not static. Even faithful believers must press onward, growing in holiness, obedience, and love. There is always further progress to be made in conforming to Christ.

Let us examine our spiritual walk. Are we content with past growth, or are we pursuing greater conformity to God’s will? The Christian life is one of continual advancement. Having learned how to live for God, we must now strive to excel still more. Let us, therefore, walk diligently, seeking in all things to please Him, and abound increasingly in a life that reflects His grace and truth.

1 Thessalonians 1:8—“For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.”

Though the Thessalonian church is a newly established, young church and is surrounded by opposition, it has become a powerful instrument for the spread of the gospel.

The phrase “sounded out” conveys a clear, resounding proclamation of the Gospel, like the ringing of a clear, resonant bell echoing across regions. The Word of the Lord did not remain confined within their assembly; it reverberated outward into Macedonia, Achaia, and beyond. Their witness was both verbal and visible. Not only did they declare the gospel, but their lives bore unmistakable evidence of its transforming power.

Significantly, Paul notes that their “faith to God-ward is spread abroad”. Their reputation for genuine faith had reached far places, so much so that the apostles “need not to speak anything”. Their lives had become a testimony that preceded the preacher. This reflects a vital theological truth: the gospel is authenticated not only by proclamation, but by the visible fruit of faith in the lives of believers.

Today, we often rely on complex strategies to spread our message. Yet, this passage reminds us that the most effective "broadcast" is a life lived toward God (God-ward). When our faith and commitment to the Word are deep and steadfast, its echo is naturally wide, reaching far beyond our city limits.

Does our faith resound beyond our immediate context? Is our life so shaped by the gospel that it speaks even before we do? The Thessalonians remind us that every believer and every church is called to be a living echo of God’s Word, sounding forth His truth to the world. In our homes, workplaces, and communities, may our faith "sound out" with such clarity and beauty that the world cannot help but stop and listen.

In the life of the church, every gathering around the Word of God is a means of grace. While the Lord’s Day morning service remains central, the Sunday Evening Teaching Service offers a unique and vital opportunity for deeper spiritual growth.

In a time when many are content with minimal spiritual intake, the call of Scripture is clear that we should grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The evening service provides a setting for this growth. It is a time to return, not out of a sense of duty alone, but out of a desire to hear more of God’s Word, to strengthen our faith, and to encourage one another.

Let us also remember that gathering together is not merely for personal benefit. Our presence strengthens the body. When we assemble, we testify that God’s Word is our delight and priority. We encourage fellow believers simply by being there.

During Sunday Evening Service, as parents sit under the teaching of God’s Word, our children, too, are being shaped and grounded in the faith in the special classes conducted for them by Pr Cornelius Koshy. In this way, there is yet another opportunity for the whole family to grow together, learning, worshipping, and being strengthened in the Lord.

A New Series: Lessons from the Book of Daniel

We are beginning a new teaching series next Lord’s Day (April 19th) from the Book of Daniel during our Sunday Evening Teaching Service. The Book of Daniel speaks powerfully to believers living in challenging times. It presents the account of God’s people called to remain faithful in a culture that does not honour God while in exile. Through Daniel’s life and visions, we will learn about steadfast faith and courage under pressure. These truths are deeply relevant for us today as we seek to live faithfully in a world that often opposes God’s ways.

The prophetic passages in the Book of Daniel form one of the most remarkable sections of Scripture, unveiling God’s sovereign plan over the rise and fall of kingdoms. Through visions and dreams, Daniel is given insight into future empires, the coming of God’s everlasting kingdom, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. These prophecies remind us that history is not random but directed by the hand of God. Even in times of uncertainty and turmoil, the Lord reigns, and His purposes cannot fail.

We warmly invite all members to come, to learn, and to grow together. Let us gather with expectation, ready to hear what the Lord will teach us through His Word. Invite your friends too!

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Greetings Received!

Reggor Galarpe, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu, the Philippines

Dear Pastor, the Board of Elders, Deacons and our Beloved Brethren at Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore,

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).

It is with much joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I greet all of you on behalf of the church here in Cebu City, the Philippines, a “Blessed 38th Anniversary!”

Like the apostle Paul’s threefold commendation to the Thessalonians, we rejoice in the Lord as we remember the areas that you are thriving in:

Work of Faith—By the grace of God, I have been with the church since the year 2000 and have witnessed how the church, under the leadership of Pastor Koshy and the Board of Elders, has exercised faith every step of the way. I remember those times when the church would take on challenges one after another, for instance, the transfer of the place of worship from YMCA in Geylang to SingPost Centre; the publication of the Bible Witness Magazine and thereafter the media ministry comprising the web radio and then the web TV; the acquisition of church office previously at Sunflower and then later at the present GMC; the purchase of another church van; the active pursuit of missions and the establishment of mission churches. These were all great burdens back then, but it pleased the Lord to bless the church as it continues to walk by faith.

Labour of Love—This is one quality that is evident among those who are serving, not that “they need to” or “they have to”, but because “they love to” serve! Service that is motivated by love for God is best expressed in your labours in the ministry, if not support and prayers for the Lord’s work. And it has long been translated into your practical love for the brethren, not only at the home front but also in the mission field! Yes, please know that your thoughts about us have been a great encouragement, especially in times of affliction and great distress.

Patience of Hope—Faced with many challenges, the church has, by the grace of God, endured and persevered. Even as we think of the personal and individual struggles, take comfort that they are nothing “compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

No doubt, you have been a testimony and witness for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ! Praise and glory be to God for all that He has done and is doing among you and through you, such that we are bound to give thanks unto Him.

Again, “Blessed 38th Anniversary!”

Ephrem Chiracho, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Alem Gena, Ethiopia

Our heartiest Easter greetings in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!

Praise the LORD for granting Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, 38 fruitful and blessed years of Gospel ministry. May God bless the Pastor, the Elders, the Deacons, the Preachers, the full-time staff and all the members that you may abound in His work till Christ comes back. 

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all...  it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:3-6, 10).

May our Saviour fill our hearts with the joy of His redemptive death and triumphant resurrection as we worship and serve Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King!

Blessed 38th Anniversary on behalf of Gethsemane BPC and GBI, Ethiopia.

Hien Nguyen, Pastor of Brisbane BPC, Australia

Dear Rev Koshy and Sis Carolyn,

We remember you in our prayers and thank God for granting you a blessed Bible Witness Retreat, and for mercies on your journey back home. 

May the Lord strengthen and richly bless you and the Gethsemane BPC’s 38th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.

Donald dela Cruz, Pastor of Gethsemane BPC, Pangasinan, the Philippines

Dear Pastor Koshy,

Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan, gives thanks to God for your 38th Anniversary.  Praise the Lord for sustaining the church and giving you grace to support many mission stations. May the Lord continue to uphold the church and strengthen you in the face of any struggle.

Sermon Text: Psalm 131
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 12th April 2026

1 Thessalonians 1:3—“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”

True Christianity cannot remain hidden; it reveals itself in the texture of everyday life. In our text, Paul recalls with gratitude a church whose life with Christ overflowed into visible reality. Their faith was active, their love lavish, and their hope steadfast. Such a life stands as both an encouragement and a searching challenge to every believer.

First, he speaks of the “work of faith”. True faith is never idle; it produces tangible obedience. It is not faith alone as mere assent, but faith that works, expressing itself in a life transformed by trust in Christ. While we are not saved by works, we are saved by faith that works. This is the root of the Christian life, proving that what we believe is best measured by our actions.

Second, the “labour of love” highlights love that is costly and sacrificial. The word "labour" suggests a toil that costs something. Christian love is not sentiment but service, willing to expend itself for the good of others, even when it is difficult. 

Third, the “patience of hope” points to steadfast endurance rooted in the certainty of Christ’s return. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation that sustains believers through trials.

These three virtues, faith, love, and hope, are anchored “in our Lord Jesus Christ” and lived out “in the sight of God and our Father”. The Christian life is Godward; it is lived before Him, for His glory, and by His grace.

Does our faith produce works? Does our love labour? Does our hope endure? Where these marks are present, there is evidence of genuine grace at work in the believer’s life.

Luke 15:20—“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

In the Gospel of Luke 15:20, the parable of the prodigal son reaches its most sacred and tender moment. This verse reveals the very heart of God toward repentant sinners. The son returns in brokenness, having squandered his inheritance and resolved only to seek the status of a servant. Yet the father’s response far exceeds expectation.

The father “saw him” while he was still afar off, suggesting anticipation and readiness. This is not the posture of a reluctant judge, but of a loving father who longs for the return of his child. His compassion moves him to action—he runs, embraces, and kisses the son. In the cultural context, a dignified patriarch would not run; yet love compels him to cast aside strict societal expectations.

This portrays God’s initiative in restoration. His grace toward a repenting sinner is not delayed or measured; rather, it is eager and overflowing. The repentance of the prodigal son is real (“he arose, and came”); and it is met and welcomed by divine mercy. God does not receive sinners grudgingly but joyfully.

Through this parable, Jesus promised every returning sinner, no matter how far one has wandered, that God’s compassion is greater still. The way back is opened by grace. Therefore, arise and return. You will not meet condemnation at the door, but compassion, embrace, and restoration in the Father’s house.

Hosea 6:3—“Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.” 

The prophet Hosea moves from the call to return in verse 1 to the pursuit of deeper knowledge. So he said, “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD”. This knowing is not mere intellectual awareness but covenantal intimacy. It is relational, experiential, and progressive. The phrase “follow on” suggests perseverance; knowing God is not a momentary act but a lifelong pursuit marked by devotion and obedience.

Hosea addresses a situation in which Israel’s repentance was superficial and short-lived. Yet here, the Spirit directs them toward a true path of steadfast pursuit of God Himself. The promise He gives is certain: “his going forth is prepared as the morning”. Just as the dawn is certain after the night, so God’s self-revelation is dependable. He is not hiding from His people; He is ready to be known by those who earnestly seek Him.

Moreover, God “shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth”. In an agrarian society, rain meant life, fruitfulness, and renewal. So, it is spiritually. When God comes, He refreshes dry hearts, restores fruitfulness, and sustains life.

As believers, we must move beyond superficial faith into a diligent pursuit of God. Do not be content with occasional devotion; press on to know Him. In times of spiritual dryness, remember that His coming is as sure as the dawn breaking the night, and as powerful and life-giving as the rain that revives the parched earth. Seek Him earnestly, and you will find that He meets you with renewing grace.

Hosea 6:1—“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.”

This is a tender yet urgent call to repentance amid covenant unfaithfulness. Like an unfaithful wife, northern Israel (Ephraim) has forsaken the LORD and pursued the idols of the nations. Through the prophet Hosea, the Lord exposes Israel’s spiritual adultery, yet He also reveals His heart: “Come, and let us return unto the LORD.” This is not merely an individual appeal but a corporate summons to all of Ephraim to return. It emphasises the need for both personal and communal repentance, calling God’s people back into covenant fellowship.

The phrase “he hath torn, and he will heal us” reflects the divine discipline that flows from His covenant love. Like a faithful physician, He wounds to heal; He smites to bind up. This reflects the wider testimony of Scripture that God’s discipline is intentional, designed to restore rather than to destroy.

Yet Hosea’s context also warns us: repentance must be genuine. Just a few verses later, Israel’s return is exposed as shallow and fleeting. Thus, Hosea 6:1 invites us beyond mere words into heartfelt turning. It is not enough to acknowledge God in times of crisis; we must seek Him in truth.

This verse comforts all broken people of God who are marred by their sins. If God has allowed affliction, it is not to abandon but to restore. The same hand that wounds is the hand that heals. Therefore, do not flee from Him when he chastens, but return to Him while you endure His chastening. His mercy surpasses all our wandering, and His covenant love assures that restoration remains open to all who truly return.

Exodus 19:4—“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.”

These words are spoken at Mount Sinai, just before God gives His law. They are a reminder of grace. Before Israel is called to obey, they are reminded of what God has already done for them.

First, God says, “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians”. Their deliverance was not by their strength, but by God’s mighty hand. The plagues, the Passover, and the Red Sea all testified that salvation belongs to the Lord. Israel contributed nothing to their rescue; they were redeemed entirely by divine power.

Then comes the tender image: “I bare you on eagles’ wings”. This speaks of God’s care, strength, and protection. An eagle teaches its young to fly by stirring up the nest, then catching them if they fall (cf. Deuteronomy 32:11). The young are not left to themselves, for they are carried, guided, and protected by the parent. As an eagle carries its young above danger, so the Lord carried His people safely through the wilderness. Their journey was sustained not by their ability but by His faithful provision.

Finally, God declares His purpose: “and brought you unto myself”. Israel was not rescued from Egypt merely to be free from oppression; they were delivered in order to belong to God. Redemption was not an end in itself, but it was the means to a relationship with God. God took them out of Egypt to draw them near to Himself. So, at Sinai, He enters into a covenant fellowship with them.

Theologically, this reflects the pattern of salvation. God delivers first, then calls His people into covenant. In Christ, we too are redeemed not by works, but by grace, and brought into fellowship with God. So, we must look back and remember God’s saving work. He has carried us, preserved us, and drawn us to Himself. Let us rest in His grace and respond with grateful obedience.