Recent Posts

2 Kings 5:13—“And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do somegreat thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Naaman was angry because Elisha had instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of his leprosy. He had expected the prophet to perform an impressive ceremony and was offended that the rivers of Israel were preferred above those of Damascus. As he turned away in rage, his servants respectfully reasoned with him: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?”

Their words exposed Naaman’s pride. He was willing to accomplish some difficult or heroic task, but he resisted a simple command that required humble submission. The difficulty was not in washing in Jordan; it was in surrendering his own expectations and obeying God’s word through the prophet.

This incident demonstrates that divine grace cannot be earned by human greatness, wealth, or achievement. Naaman could neither purchase his cleansing nor merit it through some extraordinary deed. He had to receive God’s mercy in the way God Himself had appointed. His healing came only when he humbled himself, laid aside his pride, and submitted to the Lord in obedient faith.

The gospel likewise confronts human pride. Sinners often prefer religious achievements or personal merit, but God commands us to repent and believe in Christ. Salvation is not obtained by great works, but received through humble faith in the Saviour and His redemptive work.

The servants’ gentle counsel also teaches us to receive wise correction, even from those of lower position. God may use unexpected people to expose our folly. Let us not reject His Word because it appears simple or humbling. True faith submits to God’s command and discovers that His appointed way brings cleansing and life.

2 Kings 4:23—“And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.”

The Shunammite woman hurried to Elisha after the sudden death of her son. When Elisha saw her approaching, he sent Gehazi to ask, “Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child?” Her brief reply was remarkable: “It is well.”

She was not denying her grief or pretending that nothing had happened. Her distress became evident when she reached Elisha and “caught him by the feet” (v. 27). Rather, she withheld the matter from Gehazi because she was determined to bring her sorrow directly to the prophet through whom God had promised and given her the child. Her answer also displayed a faith that refused to surrender to despair before seeking the Lord’s help.

Her words remind us that God remains good and sovereign even when His providence is painful and mysterious. She did not yet know how the matter would end, but she knew where to carry her burden. Like Job, who worshipped amid devastating loss (Job 1:20–21), she submitted her anguish to God rather than turning away from Him.

Faith does not require us to conceal sorrow. Scripture permits lamentation, tears, and earnest pleading. Yet faith also confesses that our circumstances do not overthrow God’s wisdom, faithfulness, or power.

When unexpected grief enters our homes, we should bring it to the Lord honestly and urgently. “It is well” does not mean that everything feels pleasant; it means that the believer rests in the God who does all things well. Even before relief comes, faith must cling to Him.

“But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention” (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

The apostle Paul reminds the Thessalonian believers that the Gospel first reached them through faithful servants who refused to be silenced by suffering. Before arriving in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had been publicly beaten, unjustly imprisoned, and shamefully humiliated at Philippi (Acts 16:22–24). Humanly speaking, such cruel treatment would have been reason enough to abandon their mission. Instead, having been strengthened by the Lord, they pressed on to proclaim Christ with even greater resolve.

Paul writes, “we were bold in our God”. Their courage did not arise from natural bravery or self-confidence, but from an unwavering trust in the Lord. They knew that the God who had called them was also able to sustain them. Christian boldness is not the absence of fear but the presence of a steadfast faith that obeys Christ despite fear, hardship, or hostility.

Paul also says that they preached “the gospel of God with much contention”. Gospel ministry has always been accompanied by spiritual conflict. Satan fiercely opposes the advancement of God’s truth. Those who faithfully witness for Christ should not expect universal acceptance. Ridicule, misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution have often been the lot of God’s people throughout history. Yet none of these can hinder the saving power of the Gospel or frustrate the sovereign purposes of God.

As our church continues to fulfil the Great Commission, every member must remember that witnessing for Christ is not the responsibility of a few but the privilege and calling of all believers. Whether in our homes, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, or mission fields, we are Christ’s ambassadors. The world today desperately needs the unchanging Gospel, but many remain silent because of fear of rejection. Let us not allow such fears to rob us of opportunities to point sinners to the Saviour.

Beloved, let us pray earnestly for the same holy boldness that strengthened Paul and Silas. May we never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Let us lovingly, wisely, and faithfully bear witness to Him whenever He opens the door. Though opposition may come, our confidence rests not in ourselves but in our sovereign Lord, whose Word shall never return void. May He grant us courage to stand for His truth, and compassion to proclaim His saving grace until Christ comes again.

GBI, Vizag: Ministry Update and Prayer Requests

(The following report is sent by Pastor Sujith Samuel.)

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

We had the opening of our new semester this past Monday (27 July). This semester, the Lord has blessed us with six new students, five of whom are local pastors. They will be attending classes at our city campus. One is a residential student from Odisha and, God willing, he will arrive in Vizag this weekend.

Thank you for taking the time to teach Biblical Covenants and The Names of God on Mondays and Wednesdays through GBI, Singapore. Most of our students have enrolled in these subjects. In addition, several students have registered for FEBC’s online courses. This semester, I will be teaching Calvin’s Institutes and the Westminster Confession of Faith, while Pr Jonathan will be teaching Ancient Heresies and The Life of Christ. Please pray that the Lord will grant us wisdom, strength, and grace to prepare diligently and to teach His Word faithfully.

The renovation work at our city office is almost complete. We thank the Lord for providing additional space for Sunday worship services and GBI classes at our city campus. Our office rooms and bookroom have now been relocated to the middle floor of the building, making the facilities better suited for our ministry.

We are still waiting for permission from the city authorities for our permanent campus in the new airport area. Please pray that the Lord will help us to obtain the permits as soon as possible.

Thank you very much for your faithful prayers and the generous support of GBPC, Singapore, for the Lord’s work here. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in the Gospel.

Sermon Text: Psalm 140:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd August 2026

2 Kings 2:9—“And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

As Elijah’s earthly ministry drew to its close, he and Elisha crossed the Jordan together. Elijah then said, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.” Elisha’s answer revealed the deepest desire of his heart: “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.”

Elisha was not selfishly asking to become twice as powerful or famous as Elijah. The expression “double portion” recalls the inheritance of the firstborn son, who received a double share and succeeded his father in responsibility (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17). Elisha was asking to be recognised and equipped as Elijah’s prophetic successor. He desired the same God-given courage, faithfulness, and spiritual power necessary to continue the ministry entrusted to him.

The request also showed Elisha’s humility. He understood that prophetic service could not be carried out by natural ability. Elijah’s effectiveness had come from the Spirit of God, and Elisha knew that he likewise needed divine enabling. Those whom God calls must depend upon the strength that God supplies.

Elijah could not impart the Spirit’s power by his own authority alone. His words, “Thou hast asked a hard thing” (2 Kings 2:10), show that Elisha’s request was beyond human ability to grant. The appointed sign, Elisha seeing Elijah taken away, would confirm that God had chosen him as Elijah’s successor. Thus, Elijah could instruct and encourage Elisha, but only God could call, qualify, and empower him for prophetic ministry.

Elisha’s request challenges us to examine our desires. Do we seek comfort, recognition, and ease, or do we long to be made useful in God’s work? We should pray, not for another person’s position or reputation, but for grace, wisdom and power to serve faithfully. 

Romans 1:20—“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

In Romans 1, Paul explains why all humanity stands guilty before God. Before exposing mankind’s sinful rebellion, he establishes that God has not left Himself without a witness. Though God is invisible, being the eternal Spirit, His creation continually displays His “eternal power and Godhead”. The heavens, the earth, the order of nature, and the marvels of life all testify to the existence, wisdom, and majesty of their Creator (Psalm 19:1–4). Therefore, no one can honestly claim complete ignorance of God.

This verse teaches the doctrine of general revelation. Creation truly reveals God’s existence and glorious attributes, but it does not reveal the way of salvation. While nature can show us that there is a wise, powerful Creator, only the Gospel reveals Jesus Christ, through whom sinners are reconciled to God. Thus, creation leaves mankind “without excuse”, but only Scripture leads us to saving faith (2 Timothy 3:15).

The tragedy is not that people lack evidence of God, but that they suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). Instead of worshipping the Creator, they worship the creature. Their unbelief, therefore, stems not from a lack of evidence but from a wilful rejection of the truth.

Believers should cultivate eyes that behold God’s glory in creation and hearts that respond with worship, gratitude, and reverence. Every sunrise, every mountain, every flower, and every star silently proclaims the greatness of God. Let these daily testimonies strengthen your faith, deepen your praise, and move you to proclaim the Gospel, for only Christ can bring those who know God through creation into saving fellowship with Him.

Romans 1:17—“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 1:17 stands at the heart of Paul’s epistle, explaining why the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (v.16). In the Gospel, “the righteousness of God” is revealed. Gospel not only proclaims God’s perfect justice by which He judges sin, but also the righteous standing that He graciously provides through Jesus Christ to all who believe. Sinners cannot attain righteousness by their own works, for “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, God justifies the ungodly by imputing to them the righteousness of Christ, received through faith alone.

Paul says here that this righteousness is revealed “from faith to faith”, emphasising that the whole work of salvation, from beginning to end, is by faith. It is never earned by human merit, religious ceremonies, or moral achievement. To confirm this truth, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by faith.” In its original context, Habakkuk encouraged God’s people to trust Him while awaiting His righteous intervention. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies that principle to the Gospel: those whom God declares righteous continue to live by trusting Him.

This verse became a cornerstone of the Reformation, reminding the church that justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. It also teaches that faith is not merely the entrance into the Christian life but the manner in which believers daily walk with God. Therefore, let us rest confidently in Christ’s perfect righteousness, reject all confidence in ourselves, and persevere each day by faith, knowing that “the just shall live by faith”.

Romans 1:16—“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

The Apostle Paul penned these words as he prepared to visit Rome, the heart of the world’s greatest empire (vv.10–11,13, 15). Rome prized military power, philosophical wisdom, and political prestige, yet Paul was unashamed to proclaim a crucified Saviour. To many, the Gospel appeared weak and foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18–25), but Paul knew it to be God’s appointed means of saving sinners.

The phrase “the gospel of Christ” refers to the glad tidings concerning the person and saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation of His sinless life, atoning death, victorious resurrection, and exaltation. It is not merely good advice or a moral code but the divine message by which God brings salvation. Paul declares it to be “the power of God unto salvation”, for through the Gospel the Holy Spirit awakens spiritually dead sinners, grants them faith, justifies them by grace, and begins the work of sanctification. Human wisdom cannot save, but God’s Gospel transforms hearts and gives eternal life.

This saving power is offered “to every one that believeth”, whether Jew or Gentile, demonstrating God’s impartial grace to all who trust in Christ alone. Faith is not a meritorious work, but the God-given means of receiving His free gift of salvation.

In an age when biblical truth is often ridiculed, believers must not hide or dilute the Gospel. Instead, let us proclaim it with holy confidence, remembering that its effectiveness rests not upon our eloquence but upon God’s sovereign power. The Gospel that saved us is still God’s mighty power to save all who believe.

Luke 5:11—“And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

The miraculous catch of fish concluded not with celebration over newfound wealth but with wholehearted surrender to Christ. Peter, James, and John had just witnessed the Lord’s divine power and received His call to become fishers of men (Luke 5:1–10). Their response was immediate and decisive: they brought their boats ashore, “forsook all, and followed him”. The miracle had accomplished its true purpose. It led them not to treasure the gift but to devote themselves to the Giver.

The phrase “forsook all” does not suggest that every believer must abandon all possessions or family responsibilities. Rather, it signifies a complete transfer of allegiance. Christ became their supreme treasure and highest authority. Their occupations, possessions, and personal ambitions were willingly yielded to His sovereign call. They left behind not merely their fishing business but their former way of life to become His devoted disciples.

This verse illustrates the nature of saving faith. Christ’s call demands more than admiration or occasional obedience; it requires wholehearted commitment. Discipleship is marked by self-denial, submission, and a willingness to place Christ above every earthly attachment (Luke 9:23; 14:26–33). Such surrender is not the price of salvation but the fruit of hearts transformed by God’s grace.

Christ still calls His people to follow Him with undivided devotion. Though our circumstances differ from those of the first disciples, every believer must ask whether anything competes with Christ’s rightful lordship. Those who gladly surrender all to Him discover that no sacrifice compares with the privilege of walking with the Saviour and serving His eternal kingdom.

Luke 5:10—“And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.”

Peter had just fallen at Jesus’ knees, overwhelmed by the miraculous catch of fish and the realisation of his own sinfulness (Luke 5:8). Expecting condemnation, he instead heard words of divine comfort: “Fear not.” Christ did not cast away the repentant sinner; rather, He graciously called him into His service. This marks a turning point in Peter’s life, from a fisherman of the sea to a fisher of souls.

The phrase “from henceforth thou shalt catch men” signifies Peter’s new vocation. Just as he had once gathered fish into his nets, he would now proclaim the Gospel through which men and women would be brought into the kingdom of God. Unlike fish caught for death, those whom Peter would “catch” through the Gospel would be rescued from sin and brought to eternal life. This calling would be fulfilled powerfully after Pentecost, when thousands believed through his preaching (Acts 2:41).

The Lord does not choose men because they are worthy or capable; He equips those whom He graciously calls. Peter’s sense of unworthiness became the very setting in which Christ displayed His mercy and power. It is the sovereign grace of Christ that calls His servants into His salvation and ministry. 

Every believer should first hear Christ’s “Fear not” before undertaking His service. Effective ministry begins not with self-confidence but with humble dependence upon the Lord. Those who have experienced His forgiving grace are best prepared to proclaim His saving Gospel. Christ still calls His people to participate in His glorious work of bringing sinners to Himself through the faithful proclamation of His Word.