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READ:

1 John 2:1a

^1a My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.

EXHORTATION:

John’s salutation of his readers, “My little children”, expresses God’s love for His people. Divine love that flowed through the exhortation of the apostle sought sanctity in the lives of His people; hence he tenderly commanded them not to commit sin.

Would God’s children be bent on pursuing sin, knowing that it would grieve their loving Father? His dear children should say, “Oh, I will not grieve my God, who is so kind and good to me. Oh, how could I again grieve my God who has forgiven my sins?” If every child of God is grateful for the immense love that God has bestowed on him, he will not want to defy and dishonour God with his sins. Sincere appreciation for divine love and mercy will be a powerful incentive in the heart of God’s children to forsake besetting sins in their lives.

So, under the full force of God’s love towards us, John exhorts us: “these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.” He has just mentioned in the previous chapter about the divine commitment to forgive us. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The reason why he highlighted God’s unreserved commitment to pardon those who confess their sins, is not to encourage them to continue in their sins, but rather to persuade them not to live in sin again. Having been divinely forgiven, how can we callously live in sin still? Jesus died to rid us from all uncleanness, so we are indebted to please Him and not to vex His gracious heart.

This is not an exhortation to claim that Christians will be perfectly sinless, but to rouse them to decisive action against any propensity towards sin. They should not entertain sin within their hearts. They should not yield to temptations of sin. Their love for their holy God should kindle in them a strong aversion to sin. They must sturdily detest sins, which their God hates. Instead of succumbing to the downward pull of sin, they should yield to God’s loving call unto purity.

Beloved Christians, you should neither justify nor excuse your sins. You also should not feel proud of your sins. Rather, you must repent of your sins in shame and godly sorrow. Neither think of sin with pleasure nor recollect past sins to dwell on them. Instead, pray and deliberate on how to avoid sins, and then act on the plan to avoid or flee from them.

READ:

1 John 5:21

²¹ Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle John begins his final exhortation of his first epistle by addressing believers as “Little children”. This is his characteristic affectionate term in addressing believers. In this epistle, John used the salutation “little children” at least 8 times (1 John 2:1, 12-13, 18, 28; 3:7, 18; 4:4; 5:21). With tender affection, the apostle here warned believers concerning the danger of “idols”.

What are those “idols” against which the writer is warning? The Greek word eidolon, rendered here as “idols”, denotes an image or figure or anything that is set up to be acknowledged as representing God. In the New Testament, the word “idols” has been used for the heathen gods. Many of the early Christians were people who “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). However, there was a great danger of them being tempted to return to idolatry because the communities among whom they lived were greatly influenced by idolatrous practices. So the apostle Paul warned the Christians in 1 Corinthians 10:14, “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.” Then he continued, “What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (1 Corinthians 10:19-22). Likewise, in 2 Corinthians 6:16-17, Paul admonished, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”.

The word “idol” has also been used in the New Testament to represent anything which occupies the place that is due to God. In Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5, covetousness is referred to as idolatry; thus we are commanded to mortify our tendencies to be covetous. The exhortation to keep ourselves away from idols entails our duty to love and serve our living and true God always, and our consecration to be separated from all things that distract us from Him and His truth.

READ:

1 John 5:15

¹⁵ And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

EXHORTATION:

The scope of our prayers is found in two phrases of this verse: “whatsoever we ask” and “the petitions that we desired of him”. Together, these 2 God-sanctioned “perimeters” instruct us that as long as we are asking according to His will (v. 14) and are sure that He will hear us or attend to our prayers, there is no limit as to what we can ask. We can ask whatever we would, as long as His will permits.

Some people seem to be disheartened by their unfounded thinking that if they are only allowed to ask within God’s will, they will somehow miss the best things in this life. Such a notion is far from the truth! Nothing is greater or better than God’s will. No human mind can ever imagine or grasp all that God has planned for His people. The apostle Paul quotes from Isaiah 64:4, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Paul further assures us that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Consider also the promise of Psalm 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

What an assurance that we (who pray according to His will) have – “we have the petitions that we desired of him”! The apostle John had already taught this truth in 1 John 3:22 – “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

It is not enough for us to merely desire to achieve great things by prayer. We must believe in the Lord and His promises, and go to Him in prayer, submitting our petitions that are according to His will. Only then will we have what we desired, and more.

Prayer is the means of access to God in order to procure all His great and wonderful blessings. God is our inexhaustible source of grace, wisdom, strength and all good provisions. Through the ages, His people have bowed down in prayer to drink from the living stream of His blessings. Let us not foolishly neglect this open channel of blessing to all His people.

READ:

1 John 5:14

¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle John began his exhortation on prayer with an advice on the proper attitude of prayer. He tells us of “the confidence that we have in him” when we pray. The pronoun “him” refers to “the Son of God” found at the end of the preceding verse. Hence the phrase “confidence … in him” is a reference to the full assurance of faith in Christ. Prayer in itself is an expression of our confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is this “confidence” that should characterise us when we pray? The word “confidence” in the original Greek language of the Bible is parrēsia, which indicates “freedom in speaking” or “unreservedness in speech”. It denotes the liberty of access and speech. Our prayers must indicate our faith’s absolute assurance that God has received us in Christ and therefore, it is our privilege to come before Him to ask for His help in our needs and troubles. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:19-23). Hebrews 4:16 also exhorts us to boldness in prayer: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Christians’ prayers do not emerge from confidence in their own merit, but from the confidence in the merit of the Son of God whom they have believed. Christians who pray with fear and doubt belittle Christ’s atoning death, and unwittingly dishonour God by their distrust. All of God’s children must have the attitude exhorted by Paul in Ephesians 3:12 – “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

Let us also learn to pray according to His revealed will in the Scriptures. Let us not desire or pursue anything that is contrary to His will, nor vainly utter them before God. As His children, we must solely be committed to seek and do His will. If, in doing God’s will, we ask whatever we need to accomplish His will, He will provide.

Bible Witness Media Ministry (BWMM) is an outreach arm of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church in Singapore. Since its inception, BWMM has sought to proclaim the truths of God’s Word through multichannel media, for evangelising the unregenerated and equipping Christians to live faithfully in their daily lives.

Media as a Ministry Channel

At the core of BWMM’s mission is a commitment to proclaiming God’s Word globally through modern media, aligned with Christ’s call to be the witness of His Good News: “…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

BWMM has a multi-format platform — print, video, web radio, Web TV and more. They are our practical response to Christ’s commission, ensuring that His message reaches diverse audiences with clarity and theological fidelity.

Scope of its Ministries

Publications

BWMM publishes the Bible Witness Magazine, a bi-monthly resource available in print and digital formats, as well as other sound Christian literature, for the advancement of biblical truth. 

The Bible Witness Magazine, our flagship publication, has been in circulation since 2001. Each issue presents doctrinally rich and practical articles designed to promote Reformed theology and uphold the integrity of the King James Bible. We have been releasing six issues annually of BW Magazine, each issue centred on biblical themes designed to edify believers and strengthen their spiritual understanding. 

The magazine features writings by pastors and teachers who are committed to biblical fidelity. Topics range from expositions of Scripture to themes like holiness, prayer, family life, missions, and Christian character. The articles are rooted in biblical teaching and are easily accessible to laypeople, making them a valuable discipleship tool.

In addition to the magazine, BWMM also publishes devotional books, sermon transcripts, children’s Bible materials, and evangelistic and theological pamphlets, extending the ministry’s reach beyond the pulpit. These materials have been reaching a broad audience, both domestically and internationally. 

To expand our reach and bring God’s Word to more people globally, some of our printed resources, such as Gospel tracts, devotional booklets, and basic discipleship materials, are being translated into various languages. This initiative allows believers in different cultural and linguistic contexts to access biblically faithful content in their own tongue. We prayerfully seek to do more in the years ahead, if the Lord permits, to ensure that the truth of Scripture is made accessible to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6). 

Audiovisual Outreach

Through Bible Witness Web Radio (BWWR) and Bible Witness TV (BWTV), a specialised media channel under BWMM, the ministry produces audio and video content aimed at all ages. 

Bible Witness Web Radio, launched in 2007, is designed to provide round-the-clock biblical programming. This online radio station broadcasts a rich variety of spiritually edifying content, including Scripture readings, doctrinal sermons, gospel messages, and traditional hymns that uphold biblical truth. The music selections and teachings are carefully curated to support devotional growth and theological soundness. Available globally via internet streaming, the station serves as a spiritual companion for believers at home, at work, or on the move, fulfilling the call to “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

Bible Witness TV is committed to proclaiming God’s Word through edifying video content. It features spiritually enriching programmes for adults, including Bible teachings, doctrinal studies, and devotional reflections. It also includes sacred songs and traditional hymns that reinforce biblical truths and uplift souls, complementing its teaching segments with heartfelt praise and reverent worship. Another key highlight of BWTV is its dedicated children’s segment, BW Kids, which presents engaging Bible lessons, Scripture memory verses, sing-alongs, animated stories, and hands-on activities. It is explicitly designed to nurture faith in young hearts. BW Kids helps children grow in biblical knowledge and godly character. It aims to support Christian families in raising the next generation in the fear of the Lord.

Bible Witness Retreats by BWMM

Such retreats are spiritually enriching, family-oriented gatherings held biannually, typically during March and September. These retreats feature themed Bible programmes tailored for adults and children alike. For instance, the 25th Retreat (September 4–6, 2024) drew 71 adults and 17 children to fellowship and learn together; while the 26th Retreat (March 19–21, 2025), which focused on the theme “Heaven”, had 70 adults and 19 children participating. The participants often expressed in their testimonies their appreciation for the doctrinal depth and spiritual encouragement received through these retreats.

Furthermore, Bible Witness Media Ministry occasionally organises spiritually enriching Bible Land Study Tours to key locations in Israel, Greece, and Turkey. These guided tours offer believers first-hand exposure to biblical history, tracing the footsteps of Christ, the Apostles, and the early Church. From Jerusalem to Corinth and Ephesus, participants grow in faith as Scripture comes alive through historical context and reflection of biblical passages. The tours are thoughtfully planned to combine biblical learning, Christian fellowship, and more profound devotion to God’s Word.

Conclusion

Bible Witness Media Ministry is a strategically designed media outreach rooted in biblical fidelity and hospitality, with a modern digital reach. Through magazine, broadcast platforms, and audiovisual resources, BWMM continues to equip the Church, affirming that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Please continue to support generously through your prayers, participation and giving.

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:1–16
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 31st August 2025

READ:

1 John 5:12

¹² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

EXHORTATION:

Possessing Christ, the Son of God, is to possess life eternal. Conversely, rejection of Christ means to live under the sentence of death, without having the eternal life that Christ alone offers. The Son of God Himself proclaimed in John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” He again said in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

There is no reason to doubt if those who have Christ, the Son of God, have possession of eternal life. Those who have Christ are those who live by faith in Christ. Their lives show that they do possess Christ by faith. They do not behave like those who reject or have no knowledge of Christ. Their faith in Christ will be evident in their lives. If they ever fail to express their faith, being overcome with temptations, they will repent and renew their faith and walk again in the ways of Christ. Their repentance and renewal will prove their possession of life which the Son of God has given to them.

Those who have Christ will have the life that He gives, not the life that the world and the devil have prepared for those who seek to possess the world. The present lives of those who have Christ will certainly manifest all the characteristics of the life that is in Him.

The apostle John has given us much evidence of the spiritual life possessed by those who possess Christ. Let us consider some of the proofs mentioned by John. The first proof is that they obey His commandments (cf. 1 John 2:3-4). Secondly, they live a righteous life (cf. 1 John 2:29). Thirdly, they do not habitually commit sin (cf. 1 John 3:9; 5:18). Fourthly, they love the brethren (1 John 3:14; 4:7). The fifth, and by no means the last, proof is that they overcome the world (1 John 5:4).

The life that Christ gives to those who receive Him is not just life in heaven, but also a present life of Christ-likeness. While a Christ-like life proves that one has Christ, a worldly life demonstrates that one has rejected Christ. Let us delight in the life which Christ gives and dismiss the deadness of worldliness and sin.

READ:

1 John 5:11

¹¹ And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

EXHORTATION:

In the previous verses, the apostle John wrote about several records or witnesses concerning Christ and His gift of eternal life. In verse 7, the apostle mentioned a set of three heavenly witnesses – “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” Those witnesses are the three Persons of the Trinity. John here referred to the Triune God Himself as the heavenly witness.

In verse 8, he mentioned the second set of three witnesses on earth – “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” These witnesses are: first, the Holy Spirit’s witness, whether at Christ’s baptism or through His miracles or by His resurrection; second, the water baptism of Christ by John the Baptizer; and third, Christ’s own blood shed in His death.

Those two sets of witnesses are divine witnesses, and hence the firmest and most faithful witnesses concerning Christ and His gift of eternal life. Referring to those divine witnesses, John said in verse 9, “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.” If man’s testimony can be accepted when adequately attested to (Deuteronomy 19:15), God’s testimony, being greater, must be accepted without hesitation! In other words, to spurn the testimony of God is to reject His mercy and redemption that He has sent to us through Jesus Christ.

In addition to all those witnesses, according to verse 10, there is also a witness within every believer concerning the gift of eternal life – “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself”. As a result of believing all the witnesses of God concerning Christ and His gift, one will receive assurance within oneself. The external witnesses of God, when faithfully accepted, become internal assurance.

These witnesses of God are immutable and everlasting. Nothing else can be a greater witness than those that John had already mentioned. If we have accepted the testimony of God and believed on Jesus Christ, His Son, we have eternal life. Christ Himself is life eternal. God has appointed no other but Christ to give us eternal life.

READ:

John 11:27

²⁷ She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

EXHORTATION:

Martha, the bereaved sister of Lazarus, spoke those words to the Lord Jesus. Though word was sent to Jesus about Lazarus’ sickness, He arrived only four days after Lazarus’ death and burial. When the Lord arrived at their home in Bethany, Martha expressed profound faith in Him. She expressed neither bitterness nor sadness that Jesus did not prevent her brother’s death. She only affirmed her faith in the Lord Jesus, saying, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee” (John 11:21-22). Yet it is apparent that she did not perceive that Jesus had come to raise her brother, despite Jesus saying unto her: “Thy brother shall rise again” (v. 23). She could only respond, saying, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (v. 24). Martha could not see that Jesus had come to raise her brother from the grave. Oh, how we need to pray that the Spirit of God will illumine our minds to perceive His assurances in His Word for our daily needs and troubles!

Jesus then affirmed His power to bring the dead to life, and also His power to give eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. He said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (vv. 25-26). It is in response to this assertion of Christ that Martha said, “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (v. 27). Martha fully concurred with what Christ has said of His power to give life to the dead, whether physical or spiritual.

Martha also readily and resolutely confessed that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.” She accepted Jesus as God’s Messiah whom He has promised in the Old Testament Scriptures. Martha’s confident persuasion concerning who Jesus is led her to such solemn confession of Him as the Son of God. Will you not, like Martha, also make your own bold confession of faith in Christ? If you steadfastly believe in Christ, you will be able to grow in your understanding and knowledge of His person and power more and more. As you pursue Christ by faith and confess your allegiance to Him, you would find yourself, like Martha, being led to know His greatness more and more.

READ:

John 6:68b

^68b Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

EXHORTATION:

These were the words of Simon Peter to the Lord Jesus Christ at a time when “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” (John 6:66). The Lord Jesus then confronted the twelve: “Will ye also go away” (John 6:67)? It is in answer to this query that Peter, with his characteristic fervour and promptness, declared: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

Many followers of Christ had been offended at His doctrine. They used their own feeble sense, without the aid of the Holy Spirit, to judge His wondrous words of life. So they ended up saying, “This is a hard saying; who can hear it?” (John 6:60). They were not saying that His saying was hard to understand, but that it was hard for them to agree with or accept. His words were displeasing to their unbelieving hearts. They took offence at His statement: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life, in you” (John 6:53). They misrepresented His doctrine by critically looking at the “letter” of His profound saying, without perceiving the “spirit” of His words. How rash and foolish of them to choose to leave Him immediately! If only they had a little more patience to tarry with Christ!

Upon their departure, Jesus turned His attention to the twelve. The sudden departure of the multitude must have troubled the disciples. However, Jesus asked the bewildered disciples a probing question: “Will ye also go away?” He tested the genuineness of their decision to stay with Him. He wanted them to affirm their faith in Him and renew their allegiance to Him. The Lord compelled none to remain with Him against their will. He wanted each of them to make his choice whether to follow Him or not. Yet even among the twelve, there was one who would leave the Lord in order to betray Him (cf. John 6:70, 71).

When faced with the departures and betrayals of nominal Christians, we should not be unduly alarmed. Like Peter, we should seize the opportunity to reaffirm our faith and commitment to Christ. We too must boldly make our confession: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” Let us also have a firm resolution to adhere to Christ, our only Saviour and Lord. We ought to follow our Lord even when others leave Him. We seek no other companion more than our Saviour and Lord.