Sermon Text: Psalm 110:1–7
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 22nd June 2025
Sermon Text: Psalm 110:1–7
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 22nd June 2025
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.
Believers are exhorted to “glory” in the LORD’s holy name. The Hebrew word rendered “glory” is the same word from which we get the word “hallelujah” (meaning “praise ye the LORD”). It denotes praise. The special subject mentioned for believers’ praise is the holy name of their God. In other words, the fact that the LORD is holy should help them to rejoice and praise Him from their hearts.
The very fact that the LORD is holy gives us confidence to trust Him and believe all that He has promised. The LORD’s holiness guarantees us that He is good and perfect, and that He will show unto us His goodness, love, mercy, truth and grace. Because He is holy, He shall be faithful in all His promises which He has given us in His Word. Therefore, we can trust Him at all times, and rest in His goodness and love.
So without hesitation, we glory in His holy name. We rejoice and praise Him for His holiness. The Lord’s holiness is something to exult in. There is nothing whatsoever to be ashamed about our God. We only have reason to rejoice and be glad that the LORD our God is perfectly holy.
We rejoice that we are forgiven and brought into a close relationship with Him who is infinitely holy. We are glad that we are given the most wonderful privilege to trust and follow the Holy One. We rejoice that we can commune with Him. We rejoice that our holy God leads us daily in His paths of righteousness. As we walk with Him in His righteous ways, we praise Him for the honour and blessings which He grants to us.
Thus the psalmist says, “let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.” We who seek the Lord exult in the opportunities that we have daily to seek Him. How wonderful it is that we can love Him, learn His Word, know His will, walk in His ways, and seek Him without fear! Worldly men may rejoice and glory in the wealth, luxuries and pleasures of this world, but we rather rejoice in that we can seek the Lord who is holy. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, the LORD exhorts us, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” Let us truly rejoice and glory in the holiness of our God.
25b Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The whole verse says, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
This saving ability of Christ rests upon not only His death and resurrection, but also on the fact of His ever living to make intercession for those who come to God by Him. Unlike the Levitical priests whose intercessions were interrupted by their deaths, Christ lives for ever as the Intercessor for those who come to God through Him. His intercession for His people is uninterrupted as He lives forever in heaven before the Father.
If Christ had not resurrected from the grave and ascended to heaven to intercede for us, His death alone could not have saved us. The reason He can save us to the uttermost is that He lives for ever as our perfect Priest. He can take us all the way to heaven because His Priesthood is eternal. Other priests fell short, because they died. But Christ’s Priesthood is uninterrupted, unchanging, unending, and hence He alone is able to save us to the uttermost.
Some Christians, when they fall into sin, become very concerned that they would lose their salvation. However, the apostle John tells us, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). So, if we come to God by confessing our sins and believing in our Saviour’s abiding intercession for us, we can be assured of His forgiveness of our sins and our sanctification. Because Jesus lives for ever to intercede for us, we have the guarantee that our salvation cannot be lost. He secures us by His perpetual life and intercession before the Father.
God the Father needs no persuasion to look upon us with compassion, other than to have Jesus, who died for us, living before Him forever as our Advocate. True, our sins cry out for God’s vengeance, but the voice of His Son, who has shed His blood for us on the cross, cries still louder for His mercy and pardon. And His plea for us is offered endlessly before God!
Christ’s plea for us shall not fail for it is based on His atoning death on our behalf. Christ is an Advocate who will not fail. So, everyone who trusts in Christ can be comforted and assured of their eternal salvation.
25a Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him.
The Lord Jesus Christ “is able to save”. He is mighty to save, for He is our divine Saviour. Titus 2:13 refers to Him as “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (cf. Titus 2:10; 1 Timothy 1:1). Jude 1:25 refers to Jesus Christ as “the only wise God our Saviour”, to whom belongs “glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever”. As the omnipotent God, Jesus Christ has immeasurable power to save sinners from their sins and eternal condemnation. In Isaiah 45:22, He says, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” The Lord Jesus “is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42).
Moreover, the Lord Jesus has made the perfect sacrifice for our sins, so that He may be our great Saviour. Concerning Christ and His sacrifice for sin, Hebrews 9:26 says that “he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” In Ephesians 5:2, we read that “Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Christ’s sacrifice was the most pleasing and acceptable sin-offering to God for the redemption of sinners. So Hebrews 10:12 says, “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God”. The Lord Jesus Christ is now seated on the right hand of God the Father, for there is no more need for Him to stand to offer any further sacrifice for our salvation.
Therefore, He “is able also to save (us) to the uttermost”. The Greek word “uttermost” means completely, wholly, entirely. He is able to save us fully and eternally from all our sins and damnation. By this statement, we understand that even the “uttermost” extent of guilt is not beyond the power of the Saviour. Our sins might be innumerable, but our Lord Jesus is able to save us from all of them “to the uttermost”. As someone has aptly put it, “He is able to save us from the guttermost to the uttermost”.
Who can receive this great salvation? How can we inherit this perfect salvation? According to our text, anyone “that come unto God by him” shall be saved to the uttermost. Everyone who comes to God through the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved to the uttermost. One only needs to repent from one’s sins and trust in Jesus Christ as the Saviour in order to be saved to the uttermost. Oh, what a great Saviour is Jesus Christ our Lord!
12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
E]veryone in the church is admonished to see to it that he has no evil heart. It is with brotherly love that such an admonition is given. The writer of Hebrews addressed them as “brethren” to show that his admonition is given not out of any hard feelings or distrust or jealousy, but rather, out of a loving care for their spiritual safety.
What does “an evil heart of unbelief” imply? It implies negligence and rejection of divine truths while pursuing sin. Such a heart would not submit to the claims of the Gospel of Christ. Indifference to the grace exhibited in the Gospel would be apparent. It would refuse the application of the Gospel truths to itself. That is the ultimate sign of unbelief. Just as it is by faith that a person receives Christ as his Saviour and Lord, it must also be asserted that it is a vivid manifestation of unbelief if one rejects Him. As submission to Christ’s righteousness is the greatest act of faith, rejection of His righteousness is conversely the greatest act of unbelief.
Some openly reject Christ and scorn His Word. Others do so secretly by merely paying lip service in their profession of faith. Their profession of faith is employed only as a cloak for their sins. While they claim to have given their hearts to Christ, they continue to yield themselves to hidden lusts lurking in their hearts. Their natural inclination is to sin, as sin reigns in them. It is impossible for unrestrained love for sin and faith in the Saviour to thrive in the same heart. While faith in Christ leads to sanctification, unbelief paves the way to more sins.
In an evil heart of unbelief, love for the world and for its pleasures, riches, honours always supersede the eternal things of God’s kingdom. In such a heart of unbelief, spiritual matters are deemed unworthy of its pursuit. Loss of material gain or comfort for Christ’s sake will not be tolerated, as it glories in the things of the world more than the things of Christ.
Such an evil, unbelieving heart will inevitably depart from the living God. Apostasy (or departure from God) first exists in one’s heart, and then is manifested in one’s life. Apostasy finally exposes the prideful, selfwilled heart of an individual. Such departing from the living God is an immense evil and the greatest insult to God! It is the worst tragedy one can bring upon oneself. So brethren, be vigilant against the apostasy of your hearts.
6b For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
A person who approaches God in worship and prayer is aptly described as “he that cometh to God”. Such a person must believe the existence of the living and true God as He has revealed Himself to us in His Word. It is not sufficient to believe in some supernatural, powerful force or energy that some would vaguely refer to as “God”. One must believe that He is the God whom He Himself has revealed through His Word. And for us, that means to believe in the God who is also one with Jesus Christ. To believe in anything other than what He has revealed Himself to be, would mean that the true God is not at all worshipped and sought after.
The one who truly believes in God as He Himself has revealed about Himself, will love to come to His presence. Such a person will draw nigh unto Him constantly and will walk with God as Enoch did. A true believer comes to Him not only during occasions of worship and prayer, but at all times – every day and every moment! His life is a longing “march” towards Him. A true believer is not an occasional visitor to God, but one who always abides and communes with God.
We must not only believe that God is, but also that He is the rewarder of them that seek after Him. Everyone who approaches God must also believe in His goodness and faithfulness to answer prayers and bestow blessings upon all who come to Him in faith. When a sinner seeks Him in repentance and faith, the Lord will bestow upon him His salvation. No one can ever commend himself to God, for he has nothing to offer to God. He must approach God with a humble and sincere faith, trusting that He is gracious to bless him with peace and joy.
In fact, God is a lavish rewarder. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Ephesians 3:20 tells us that He “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us”. He abundantly pardons and grants us eternal life. He gives His Holy Spirit to those who believe and blesses them “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. God will see that those who diligently seek Him in faith shall have all His bountiful blessings. Most of all, God Himself is the Reward of all those who seek Him.
6a But without faith it is impossible to please him.
Let us consider what faith is all about. Faith needs to have the knowledge concerning God. In other words, one needs to take heed to what God has revealed about Himself and His will. Only by hearing the Word of God can one come to know God, His plan of salvation, His commandments, promises, etc.
However, a man’s mere knowledge of the Scriptures does not necessarily prove that he has faith. A man may know some Scriptural doctrine and yet not have faith. Granted, knowledge of God’s Word can lead to mental assent or agreement to all it says. Still, a man may not have true faith. He must receive it wholeheartedly for himself as the truth whereby he can be saved, and must willingly submit to live by its truths.
So, genuine faith is relying or leaning on the truth, saying, “I will trust God and His Word. I will trust the Gospel of Jesus Christ that it declares unto me. I will trust it for my salvation and take it as my guide all the days of my life.” Such a faith will be accompanied by repentance from sins and submission to obey God’s Word.
We read that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. No man has ever pleased God without faith. If a man is without faith, he will remain a sinner alienated from God. Faith is necessary to salvation because we are told in Scripture that works cannot save.
Without faith, no one will consent to God’s truth and declare it. When a man is without faith, he will reject the truth of God and promote falsehood by what he says and what he does. It is most displeasing to God that a man would embrace falsehood against the truth of His Word.
If a man is without faith, he will reject God’s warning about his sins and unbelief and continue in his unholy ways, which are displeasing to God. Faith makes one to submit oneself to God’s will and please Him.
Faith causes us to examine our life and see whether we live in a manner pleasing to God. Faith aims at God’s glory. Of Abraham, it is recorded that he “was strong in faith, giving glory to God” (Romans 4:20). How essential it is then that each of us examine himself diligently and make sure that he has faith. See to it that your life is conducted in faith lest you displease the Lord and incur His wrath.
10b I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
A threefold commitment from the LORD God to His people is found in God’s “I will’s” — I will, I will, I will — in this portion of Isaiah 41:10. Oh, the certainty of the promise! His assurance to His people speaks of His foreknowledge and readiness to help them in the midst of their troubles. In its context, the Lord revealed to them the great troubles that the nation of Israel and the world around them would face. However, the Lord wanted them to know that He remained committed to them as their unchanging and unfailing God. He had already said in the early part of this verse, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God”. The LORD God is not like those who abandon us in the hour of our need. He is a God who remains faithful to His people as their true companion. He wants His people to always remember, particularly in times of adversity, that they can count on Him to aid them.
Firstly, the LORD promised: “I will strengthen thee”. The Hebrew word for “strengthen” has the idea of making firm something that is exhausted and weakened, or emboldening a discouraged and distressed heart. In the earlier chapter, the LORD spoke illustratively about His strengthening ¬– “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Secondly, the LORD promised: “yea, I will help thee”. Now in this chapter of Isaiah, the LORD graphically portrayed His help – “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:13-14).
Thirdly, the LORD promised: “yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” The word “uphold” has the idea of laying hold of something to support it. The word “right hand” denotes strength and action. His right hand will never act unjustly, but always according to His everlasting righteousness. Just as He has promised, He will uphold us. All His words to us are a well-guaranteed promise. Let us rest in His promises.
Dear Rev. Koshy, Board of Elders, deacons, preachers, and members of Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore,
Heartfelt greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
As we praise the LORD for His faithfulness and goodness towards Gethsemane BPC for 19 years of ministry in the Church and for 13 years of service in GBI, here is a brief report on what the living and true God has been doing in our midst. Through God’s mighty Hand working in us and through your constant prayer and support for the cause of Jesus Christ, God’s work in Gethsemane B-P Churches (Alem Gena / Addis Ababa) and GBI, Ethiopia, are progressing well.
By God’s infinite mercy, the two churches are serving the LORD in their various weekly programmes. Currently, there are 15 brethren (including teens) in the Addis congregation and there are 50 brethren (including children and teens) in the Alem Gena congregation worshipping God, besides a few regular worshippers. Moreover, out of our GBI students, 17 trainees are joining us in the weekly services and evangelism outreach into our community. Currently, two new converts (a young man and a woman) are attending catechism class in preparation for baptism. All the brethren are joyfully serving the LORD according to their several gifts and abilities. Praise God for the unity of heart among the Gospel ministers and the members, in standing firmly for the Reformed Faith.
In our Gethsemane Children’s Ministry, we have 100 children learning in the pre-school programmes in 5 sections. These children come from major religious groups. We have 8 teachers and 2 helpers, with Pr Bedada leading the work. This ministry has been an effective way to reach out to our community with the Gospel. Every Saturday, the children have a short worship service, whereby they sing praises to God, hear the preaching of the Gospel, and memorise Bible verses. Moreover, during the quarterly parents’ meeting, the Gospel is preached to the family members. Some of the parents who came to faith in Christ through this ministry are worshipping God with us, while others joined other evangelical churches.
By God’s grace, GBI Ethiopia, has graduated 11 trainees during the Church’s 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service held on 1st June 2025. This new term, we have 18 trainees in the full-time programme and 4 in the part-time programme receiving sound theological, biblical and ministerial trainings. Through this ministry, Gethsemane BPC is able to spread the Bible-Presbyterian teachings of the Reformed Faith to the Evangelical Churches in Ethiopia.
Once again, praise the LORD for your continued prayer and support towards God’s work in Ethiopia. May the Almighty God bless Gethsemane BPC for the works of love she has been doing for His name’s sake. Our continual hope and prayer to the LORD is that He may bless all His works here in Ethiopia and bring more sinners into faith in Christ, and prepare more labourers for the work of the Gospel.
Please convey our regards to all Gethsemaneans and friends in Singapore and beyond.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem Chiracho
(On behalf of Gethsemane B-P Churches and GBI, Ethiopia)
[3rd June 2025]
Graduating students of GBI Ethiopia with Pastor Ephrem, Pr Engida and Pr Imane
Sermon Text: Ruth 1:1–18
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 15th June 2025