Sermon Text: Psalm 105:1–7
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd March 2025
Sermon Text: Psalm 105:1–7
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd March 2025
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
What is depicted here is the real prospect of a genuine Christian, i.e. any man who is in Christ. His relation to Christ is so entrenched that he is portrayed to “be in Christ”. He is united to Christ, just as the branch is to the vine. The Christian is one who abides in Christ. So Jesus said to His disciples, “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).
Being in Christ or being so united to Christ, a Christian “is a new creature”. While the word “new” marks the beginning of something, the word “creature” carries the idea of a life created. In Galatians 6:15, Paul referred to the Christian as a “new creature”. The genuine Christian, who is in Christ, will certainly be a new man. In Ephesians 4:24, the apostle Paul described the Christian as “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Being in union with Christ, a Christian is given the life of Christ, which is a life of righteousness and holiness. Now being a new creature, the Christian is moved to live with holy aspirations, and is empowered to live a renewed life.
As Paul continued to depict the nature of a genuine Christian, he said, “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The “old things” refer to the ungodly, sin-plagued life which a Christian led before he came to Christ. All kinds of Christ-less thinking, beliefs, speech, customs and conduct that once existed in his life are now passed away. There has been a decisive break with the old way of life since he came to Christ. The passing away of the old Christ-less way of life, and the arrival of the newness of life in Christ, even a sanctified life, are fundamental facets of being in Christ or being a genuine Christian.
Furthermore, it is said about a genuine Christian that “behold, all things are become new.” Being in Christ will bring about spiritual and moral renewal that will affect the entire life of the Christian. “All things” point to all aspects of the converted man’s life – the passions and feelings of his heart, the principles for his decisions and actions, the motivation and purpose in doing all things, etc. His friendships and pursuits in life would be realigned. His habits, interests, perspectives in life would also change for the glory of Jesus Christ. Everything in a Christian’s life changes when he abides in Christ. And as he lives for Christ, all of his life will be Christ’s.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
What should God’s people think of Him all the time? Oh, let them remember that the Lord is good, full of mercy and ever-faithful. Herein, we have a very concise and yet comprehensive declaration concerning an infinite God whose attributes are unfathomable.
The very first declaration in our text is that “the LORD is good”. The statement that “the LORD is good” reminds us of the absolute goodness of His divine nature. According to Exodus 34:6, the LORD is “abundant in goodness”. In Psalm 145:7, the psalmist speaks of the memory of the LORD’s “great goodness”. The Bible further affirms that “the goodness of God endureth continually” (Psalm 52:1).
The declaration that the LORD is good also emphasises the fact that He is a benevolent God. In other words, the LORD is not only good, He also always “doest good” (cf. Psalm 119:68). Psalm 145:9 says, “The LORD is good to all”. Psalm 33:5 records that “the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD”. He shows His goodness even to those who are evil, for Jesus said in Matthew 5:45 that “he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Through Jeremiah the prophet, the LORD promised: “my people shall be satisfied with my goodness” (Jeremiah 31:14).
Believers of yesteryear could not have lived a victorious and fruitful life unless, as Psalm 27:13 says, they “had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living”. So when they forged a renewed strength and made significant progress, they confessed, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee” (Psalm 31:19)!
Because the LORD is good, “his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations”. Wherever the LORD shows His goodness, His mercy shall also be found continually. Where His goodness is bountiful, His mercy is also plentiful. So just like David, we also can say, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6). These truths about our LORD God are the same in all generations, for our text assures us that “his truth endureth to all generations”. We also can say, with unwavering certainty, that He who has been good to Abraham, Moses, David and Daniel shall also be good to me.
4b Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
To be thankful to God is the Christians’ great moral and spiritual duty. Just as in Psalm 100:4, the apostle Paul also encourages us in Colossians 3:15 to “be ye thankful”. Paul further says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).
Thankfulness to God is composed of many holy emotions towards God. In thankful hearts, there are lively feelings of pure joy for the gifts they have received, and fervent love for their benevolent Giver. Those stirrings of holy sentiments will gush out in songs of thankful praise, and their strong feelings of indebtedness will be manifested in joyful service.
Every genuinely thankful heart is irrepressible and ebullient when it comes to the worship of and service to God. They rejoice to be with all those who hasten their way to praise Him in the courts of His house. They raise their voices to sing hymns of praise unto the LORD.
Thankfulness leads to praise of God. Thankful people will bless His name. We bless the LORD by acknowledging that He is the One who blesses us with salvation, forgiveness, spiritual joys, grace, peace, wisdom, strength and all spiritual and material blessings, as well as by ascribing praise to God for all that we have received from Him. To God we give thanks, for He gives us all things richly to enjoy. We bless Him because His goodness is freely bestowed on us.
Thankful hearts will be stirred to contemplate the ways and works of God deeply, for He has been their greatest Benefactor. When we consider the favours we have received from Him, we will be compelled to think of His person and nature.
Profound gratitude must always fill our hearts in such a way that constant praise may be raised unto Him. We must praise God for every blessing that He adds to us. It must be our souls’ habitual exercise to bless His name. Paul says in Ephesians 5:20, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. We should never cease to give thanks to our God. Just as Hebrews 13:15 reminds us, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
4a Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise.
First of all, here we have an invitation to come to the place of God’s worship. Secondly, here we also have an instruction on how we should enter His place of worship.
The verb “enter” is a strong imperative, commanding all His people to be in the place of worship. It is not merely a suggestion that it is good to be in the church, though that statement is wholly true. The divine intention of this command, unquestionably, is that every believer ought to gather together in the appointed place of worship to praise Him.
The words “gates” and “courts” evoke strong memories of the temple of the LORD. While “gates” denote the entrances to the compound of the LORD’s temple, “courts” refer to the open spaces which surrounded the temple, where the people of God would gather to worship God. Only the priests were allowed to enter the temple proper; thus the “courts” denote the places around the temple marked out for the gathering worshippers. The courts of the tabernacle and the temple were the most yearned-after place of the saints. In Psalm 84:2, the saint of God says, “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Similarly in another place, a saint of the LORD says, “I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD” (Psalm 116:18-19). They knew that there are special blessings attached to those who delight in the public worship of God in the courts of His house. Psalm 92:13 declares, “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.”
Attached to the LORD’s invitation to His house of worship is the clear instruction to come with “thanksgiving” and “praise”. No other disposition of heart is better suited for His worship than thanksgiving. The praise of the LORD proceeds from thankful people. The offer of praise is the most befitting thanksgiving to God. Let us be eager to enter His house to praise Him with songs and prayers of thanksgiving. Let His praise fill your heart and be upon your tongue. It is the common heritage of God’s people to praise Him in His house. May it be our greatest pleasure to be found in His presence with all of God’s people. Let us also encourage others, and be an example in the matter of public worship of our God.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
In a local congregation of believers, a variety of experiences may be found at a given time. While some people experience severe afflictions, others are presented with reasons for jubilation. It is also true that all alike are subject to afflictions and happiness. Both those types of experiences can be in different persons or in the same individuals at the same time. And sometimes, change from one extreme to the other can happen suddenly.
Extreme circumstances, if they occur to people whom we love earnestly, can affect our thinking. With varying events, our emotions will also rise and fall accordingly. Such divergent experiences in our congregations would make us wonder who we should attend to and how we should respond to those situations. As a matter of fact, such extreme situations can happen simultaneously or successively in our church or personal lives.
Christians are urged to carry out their corresponding duties in those varying circumstances. Appropriate spiritual responsibilities, which are mentioned in our text, have to be discharged readily. If we readily carry out our biblical duties, we can minister to people in varying circumstances in the most befitting manner.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in trying circumstances? The apostle James advises us to pray. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” We should pray, asking God for the wisdom we need to understand the situation and manage it to bring glory to His name (cf. James 1:5). We can pray for His grace to endure troubles (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10). We can also pray, if it is His will, that He will remove the troubles. Through prayer we not only communicate to God our needs, but also commune with Him. One of the major divine purposes of our afflictions is that we may draw closer to Him in prayer.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in a situation of joy and gladness. James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Psalms are thanksgiving, worshipful songs to the Lord. Singing psalms to the Lord is the most preferred way of praising and worshipping God for all His benefits in our lives. Joyful experiences are given to us so that a worshipful spirit may be built up within us. While afflictions are sent to teach us to pray, happiness is bestowed that we may learn to praise Him.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
For some Christians, life on earth is filled with trials. Hostility, ridicule, oppression, persecution, etc. are their daily experiences. In the preceding context of our verse, the apostle James wrote about the exploitation of the poor and needy. To be ridiculed and exploited when you are already poor and suffering is very excruciating. Certain biblical saints who have been in such circumstances have prayed that God would shorten their lives (1 Kings 19:1-4). Some cried, “O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?” (Psalm 74:10).
We should not expect to have everything easy and comfortable in this present life. Jesus has told us that “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul told the early believers “that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Christians must be ready for hardships and heartaches.
James’ first advice to the suffering Christians is that they be patient. Bearing the wrongs done to them, without murmuring and retaliation, is the Christians’ high calling in the Lord. The essence of James’ exhortation is that suffering Christians ought to be longsuffering. When our oppressions and suffering seem prolonged, let our patience be enduring. Let not our forbearance and courage be short-lived. Let them continue as long as there is a need to be patient.
James also exhorts the suffering Christians to “stablish your hearts”. The word “stablish” (stērízō) conveys the ideas of confirming and strengthening. In its appearances in the New Testament, the Greek word for “stablish” is found mentioned as the outcome of the ministry of the Word (Romans 16:25), and prayer (Luke 22:32; 1 Thessalonians 3:13). In our most agonising moments, let us turn to His Word and prayer for wisdom and strength to patiently endure our trials.
Till the Lord comes again, Christians must endure adversities thrown at them along life’s journey. Soon Christ shall come, and we shall be delivered from all our trials and tears. He will then wipe away our tears (Revelation 7:17; 21:4). Then we shall also be rewarded for enduring our trials and for glorifying Him with our humble labours.
Sermon Text: Psalm 104
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd February 2025
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
The preceding context of this verse (vv. 1, 7) suggests that the anger is provoked by the unchecked actions of the wicked. The wicked was also prospering, causing much unhappiness and trouble to the man of God. So the godly man was advised, in verse 7, not to be overwhelmed by his frustration with the wicked – “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Nonetheless, his patience was wearing thin. The unhindered progress of the wicked had filled him with displeasure and vexation. Because he had not paid attention to his own feelings, his angry heart was further inflamed. When anger is not checked, even within a godly man’s heart, it will produce evil thoughts and emotions. So Scripture advises us, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
The first advice in our passage is to “cease from anger”. When anger rages within us, we must warn ourselves that we are entering a very perilous arena, strewn with many evils. Anger will engender disorderly conduct, disrespectful and hurtful words, dangerous and violent actions, and many other shameful and destructive evils. Proverbs 14:17 warns us that “He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly”. Proverbs 29:22 further admonishes us that “An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” Proverbs 27:4 also reminds us that “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Likewise, James 1:20 teaches us that “the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” So we must not feed our anger, but cease from it.
Secondly, we are advised to “forsake wrath”. We are not only to stop nursing the anger that we feel against others, but also to totally abandon it. We would rather shun and avoid anger than quietly harbour it in our hearts. So Paul said in Ephesians 4:31, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.” The final advice given to us is: “fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” An uncontrolled, enraged mind will soon indulge in harsh and malicious remarks, or undesirable and deplorable actions. So as Paul says, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
This year’s church camp (2nd–6th June 2025) will have two series of messages. Rev. Mark Kim (Principal of Bible College of East Africa) will preach the first series on “Churches & Missions”. I will preach the second series on the theme: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.
Rev. & Mrs Kim have been serving the Lord for 35 years in East Africa. They serve in BCEA Nairobi, Kenya, providing theological and practical training for individuals engaged in Gospel ministry. The Nairobi campus is home to a vibrant church, community outreach initiatives, and a kindergarten programme. In 2006, BCEA expanded to Tanzania to train men and women for Christian ministry, and in 2017, a campus was established in Rwanda. It will be a special joy to hear Rev. Kim sharing precious biblical lessons that God has taught him in the mission fields of Africa. May the Lord use His servant to illumine us to shine even more brilliantly for His glory.
An extreme shift in the cultural and spiritual landscapes has occurred in recent years. This phenomenon reflects a growing departure from Biblical truth, luring many into a web of deception. We are witnessing the rising seduction of the last days, as prophesied in the Scriptures – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).
The rising seduction of the last days poses a significant threat to the church, individual believers, and their families. We must analyse and understand these increasing deceptions and how they occur, so that we may guard ourselves against these perils.
The perilous traits of the last days, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, paint a picture of a society characterised by moral decay, self-centredness, and a departure from Biblical values – “… in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.
In the light of the Biblical depiction of the last days, we perceive more ominous signs of deception – (1) an increase in false teachings, (2) distortion of the Gospel message, (3) religious pluralism, (4) moral decline and acceptance of sin, (5) spiritual complacency, (6) cultural pressure to conform, (7) persecution of true believers, and more.
We can no longer ignore the warnings of last days’ deceptions, as the signs of our times increasingly align with Biblical prophecies. They have infiltrated both the secular and religious spheres. No church shall be spared from their influence. Many are already swayed by their enticing messages within the church and worldwide. Christians must recognise such subtle invasion and resist these deceptive influences!
With Biblical warnings echoing through the ages, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word, be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be steadfast in our commitment to live by the Biblical counsels. Only by doing so can we withstand the tides of deception and uphold the faith, ensuring that we remain faithful amidst the challenges of these perilous times.
Amidst a world that increasingly embraces the seduction of the last days, we need to be equipped with the insights the Bible provides to safeguard believers living in these perilous times. Let us prepare for this year’s church camp with prayer and enthusiasm, to learn to “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.
This year’s church camp (2nd–6th June 2025) will have two series of messages. Rev. Mark Kim (Principal of Bible College of East Africa) will preach the first series on “Churches & Missions”. I will preach the second series on the theme: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.
Rev. & Mrs Kim have been serving the Lord for 35 years in East Africa. They serve in BCEA Nairobi, Kenya, providing theological and practical training for individuals engaged in Gospel ministry. The Nairobi campus is home to a vibrant church, community outreach initiatives, and a kindergarten programme. In 2006, BCEA expanded to Tanzania to train men and women for Christian ministry, and in 2017, a campus was established in Rwanda. It will be a special joy to hear Rev. Kim sharing precious biblical lessons that God has taught him in the mission fields of Africa. May the Lord use His servant to illumine us to shine even more brilliantly for His glory.
An extreme shift in the cultural and spiritual landscapes has occurred in recent years. This phenomenon reflects a growing departure from Biblical truth, luring many into a web of deception. We are witnessing the rising seduction of the last days, as prophesied in the Scriptures – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).
The rising seduction of the last days poses a significant threat to the church, individual believers, and their families. We must analyse and understand these increasing deceptions and how they occur, so that we may guard ourselves against these perils.
The perilous traits of the last days, described in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, paint a picture of a society characterised by moral decay, self-centredness, and a departure from Biblical values – “… in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”.
In the light of the Biblical depiction of the last days, we perceive more ominous signs of deception – (1) an increase in false teachings, (2) distortion of the Gospel message, (3) religious pluralism, (4) moral decline and acceptance of sin, (5) spiritual complacency, (6) cultural pressure to conform, (7) persecution of true believers, and more.
We can no longer ignore the warnings of last days’ deceptions, as the signs of our times increasingly align with Biblical prophecies. They have infiltrated both the secular and religious spheres. No church shall be spared from their influence. Many are already swayed by their enticing messages within the church and worldwide. Christians must recognise such subtle invasion and resist these deceptive influences!
With Biblical warnings echoing through the ages, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word, be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and be steadfast in our commitment to live by the Biblical counsels. Only by doing so can we withstand the tides of deception and uphold the faith, ensuring that we remain faithful amidst the challenges of these perilous times.
Amidst a world that increasingly embraces the seduction of the last days, we need to be equipped with the insights the Bible provides to safeguard believers living in these perilous times. Let us prepare for this year’s church camp with prayer and enthusiasm, to learn to “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Seduction”.