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READ:

Hebrews 10:23

²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised).

EXHORTATION:

The early Jewish Christians were under much pressure to give up their faith in Christ. It is apparent that the people to whom this epistle was written were under persecution (cf. Hebrews 12:4-15). They were also in great danger of being apostatised by the Judaizers and other early false teachers. The epistle taught the Hebrew Christians why they should not go back to the rituals of the old covenant, as Christ has fulfilled them all as their perfect High Priest and unblemished Lamb of God. Considering the hostility and enormous pressure that they were subjected to, the apostle exhorted them to hold fast the profession of their faith.

The Greek word for “profession” (homología) literally means “confession” or “saying the same thing”. The Greek word translated “faith” (elpídos) emphasises the hopeful or confident nature of our faith. We ought to speak boldly and assuredly of our faith. So, the exhortation to us Christians is that we ought to “hold fast” the profession of our faith. We should continually acknowledge and confess our solemn faith in Christ.

We Christians must lay hold of Christ and never let go (not even in the slightest) of our faith in Him. We are urged to hold firmly to the faith that we profess. We are also exhorted to be “without wavering”. Regardless of the attempts by the opponents of the Gospel of Christ (be they persecutors or false teachers), we must remain unswerving in our faith. Let not our faith be shaken by opposition, trials or false teachings!

The solemn profession of our Christian faith is not just an initial confession that we make, but also the way we continue in it by words and actions. The confession of our faith must be maintained all through our lives, regardless of difficulties and hindrances. We cannot halt, but must always progress in the profession of our faith. Many make a “confession of faith”, but fail to “hold fast” the same. It is easy for someone to avow that he is a Christian, but it is most difficult indeed to live the life of one.

We are given an additional encouragement (in parenthesis) to hold fast our profession of faith, i.e. the fact that He who has promised us salvation and blessings is faithful. God, who has promised eternal life to us, is faithful to all that He has said. Since God is so faithful to us, we ought to be faithful to Him.

Sermon Text: Psalm 96:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 8th December 2024

READ:

Hebrews 10:19

¹⁹ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.

EXHORTATION:

The believers have some very great privileges and rights as a people whose sins are remitted through the blood of Jesus Christ. One of their great privileges is discussed in the verse for today’s meditation – it is the boldness that they can have to enter into the holiest.

The word “holiest” here is taken from the “Holy of holies” in the temple (cf. Hebrews 9:3). However, it is here applied to heaven. The “holiest” of the temple was an earthly emblem of heaven. The entrance into the Most Holy Place was forbidden to all but the Jewish high priest once a year. The high priest entered the Holy of holies with the blood of bullocks and of rams. Hebrews 9:7 says, “But into the second (i.e. the Holy of holies) went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people”.

But Jesus Christ, by the shedding of His own blood on the cross, has procured our access to heaven. Christ, our Saviour, was the perfect, unblemished Lamb that God had prepared to take away our sins. His shed blood has become the means by which we have access to God. Hence, the access to the real “Holy of holies” (i.e. heaven) is now granted to all whose sins are remitted by the blood of Christ, who is the perfect Lamb of God.

All those who have believed on Christ and His atoning blood that He shed on the cross, can now have “boldness to enter into the holiest”. The Greek word for “boldness” (parr?sía) here denotes freedom or confidence, particularly in speaking. The “boldness to enter into the holiest” is not just about the Christian’s going to heaven at death or at the return of the Lord, it is also about our present access to God to offer our prayers and worship by faith. Under the old covenant, the Israelites were prevented from drawing nigh unto the Holy of holies to offer their worship and prayers. Even the Levites who served as priests of the temple were barred from the Holy of holies. But now the right has been accorded unto all who trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice to draw near unto His throne with their prayers and worship. We are admitted into a far nobler “Holy of holies” – the presence of God Himself – than that from which ancient Israel was excluded. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

The BOE has been prayerfully discussing and considering the appointment of new members to serve on the committees of our church’s various ministries and fellowships. By the Lord’s guidance and grace, the BOE has finalised the selection of committee members to serve for the next three years (2025–2027). These newly appointed committee members will assume their responsibilities for planning and organising programmes, in alignment with the instructions provided by the BOE from time to time, following their installation on the first Sunday of January 2025.

In the interim, the BOE directs all current committees to plan the meetings and activities for the first four months of 2025, as the newly assigned committees will be responsible for organising those activities starting in January 2025. We thank the Lord for the dedication and faithfulness of the brothers and sisters who have diligently served as committee members in their respective ministries and fellowships. Their wholehearted efforts and fervent commitment have been a blessing to the church. May the Lord richly reward each of them for their labour of love and faithful service in His kingdom.

Responsibilities of the Committees

Church committees advance the church’s mission through prayerful decision-making and a Christ-like attitude. To ensure that their service is consistent with our church’s biblical principles and goals, they should plan and organise all the activities according to the BOE’s directives. For this purpose, every committee functions under an Elder of the church who serves as an Advisor. All who serve in the committees need to be mindful that they ought to be submissive to the biblical authority of the Pastor and the BOE, as our church’s constitution stipulates: 

Article 12.2—The spiritual oversight of the Church in matters of doctrine, principles of government, church elections, admission and discipline of members and the administrative oversight of the Church shall be the specific responsibilities of the BOE. 

Article 15.7—The Lead Pastor shall be the ex-officio member and advisor of all committees connected with the Church, except that he may delegate such role to a Pastor or an Elder. 

May the Lord help all the new committee members to be diligent and servant-hearted to serve together in unity. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Committees must ensure their actions and policies align with biblical principles, avoiding compromise with worldly standards or practices. Committees should welcome input from church leaders, pastors, and other members to ensure well-rounded and informed choices. “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Decisions should always be guided by the Word of God. Hasty decisions can lead to mistakes. Committees should take time to seek God’s will, trusting His timing rather than reacting impulsively to circumstances. Every decision should be evaluated, based on whether it glorifies God. Committees exist not to promote personal agendas, but to advance God’s kingdom and honour His name.

Chinese Service
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Pr Daniel Lim
Eld. Alan Choy
Dn Gan Chin Hwi
Bro. Francis Tan

Filipino Fellowship (GFF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Dn Norefel Resuma
Bro. Anthony Evangelista
Bro. Jordan Ballega
Bro. Juffrey Balicao

Malayalam Fellowship
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Dn Benny Skariah
Dn Lijoy George
Bro. Joish Paul

Pastoral Visitation
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Eld. Ng Poh Kok
Eld. Lim Ah Sang
Dn Tan Eng Huat
Bro. David Tan

Evangelism Outreach (GEO)
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Pr Jeremiah Sim
Bro. Chan Tuck Whye
Bro. Gerry Lee

Seniors’ Ministry (GSM)
Eld. Mah Chin Kwang (Advisor)
Eld. Ng Poh Kok
Pr Jeremiah Sim
Pr Daniel Lim

Men’s Fellowship (GMF)
Eld. Lim Ah Sang (Advisor)
Dn Lijoy George
Bro. Benjamin Cho
Bro. Ignatius Law
Bro. James Chen
Bro. Jomart Tindaan

Ladies’ Fellowship (GLF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Sis. Julie Skariah
Sis. Lim Chow Lin
Sis. Low Hui Lin
Sis. Merisa Teong
Sis. Tan Beng Yan

Children’s Ministry (GCM)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Bro. Jordy Kay
Bro. Matthew Mah
Sis. Charlene Mae Abrena
Sis. Choy Luan Kheng
Sis. Rhodora Resuma

Adults’ Fellowship (GAF)
Eld. Francis Lee (Advisor)
Bro. Andrew Teong
Bro. Aron Ong
Bro. Lim Peng Kwang
Bro. Matthew Mah
Bro. Shaun Ng
Dn Benny Skariah (Mentor)

Youth Fellowship (GYF)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Pr Cornelius Koshy
Dns Diana Chan
Bro. Amoz Choy (Auxiliary)
Bro. Gideon Lee (Auxiliary)
Bro. Marcus Chee (Auxiliary)
Bro. Rayson Tan (Auxiliary)
Sis. Judy Chan (Auxiliary)

Young Adults’ Fellowship (GYAF)
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Bro. Andronicus Koshy
Bro. Benjamin Chong
Bro. Goh Yong Wei
Bro. Matthew Peh
Bro. Raphael Ko

Young Mothers’ Fellowship (GYM)
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Sis. Jenice Chee
Sis. Joey Peh
Sis. Law Sze Huey
Sis. Tan Hua See
Sis. Sophia Zhang (Mentor)
Sis. Tay Su Ling (Mentor)

Encouragers’ Ministry (GEM)
Eld. Mah Chin Kwang (Advisor)
Dn John Zhang
Dn Lijoy George
Dns Diana Chan
Bro. Edward Wong
Sis. Lee Kim Lei

Defenders’ Ministry (GDM)
Eld. Francis Lee (Advisor)
Pr Samson Hutagalung (Consultant)
Pr Cornelius Koshy
Dn John Zhang
Dn Tan Eng Huat
Bro. Jonathan Tay

Church Library
Pastor Koshy (Advisor)
Bro. John Peh
Sis. Chairine Chayadi
Sis. Chong Shu Mun
Sis. Jenice Chee
Sis. Ruby Seng
Sis. Yeo Geok Hien

Ushers’ Ministry
Eld. Low Boon Siang (Advisor)
Dn Benny Skariah (Overall IC)
Bro. Marcus Chee (2IC)
Bro. Matthew Peh (AV IC)
Bro. Cayson Chok (SingPost Store IC)
Sis. Sarah Yong (Sunday Slides IC)
Sis. Karen Quek (Sunday Refreshment IC)
Dn Norefel Resuma (Holy Communion Coordinator)
Sis. Yeo Geok Hien (Holy Communion Preparatory Team Leader)

READ:

1 Corinthians 15:53

⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

EXHORTATION:

A total change or re-making of our present earthly body is necessary before we enter heaven, whether by death and subsequent resurrection or by being taken up instantaneously during the Rapture of all the saints who are still alive at Christ’s second coming. A great change before we enter heaven is clearly taught in Scripture – “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).

We are told of a great contrast between what we are now and what we will be. Concerning the change, the apostle Paul says: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption”. Like putting on a new garment, the soul must be clothed with a new body. The Lord will furnish us with a body that will not corrupt, unlike our present earthly body which is corruptible.

In this verse and the next, the apostle used the same Greek word for “put on” four times. He wrote, “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (vv. 53-54).

This great change is necessary because “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption” (v. 50). Our present earthly bodies, which are liable to disease, pain and death, are composed of decaying particles. Hence they are not suitable for a life that is eternal in heaven. We must cease to be corruptible and mortal. Our bodies must become incorruptible and immortal, no less!

In death, our corruptible body is stripped off in order that we may be “clothed” with an incorruptible, immortal body on the day of resurrection at the coming of Christ. Death then is a mere “unclothing” of our present body. Soon, at Christ’s coming, our souls shall be “clothed” with a glorious, celestial, immortal body! The righteous who remain alive till the coming of Christ, shall be at once changed (as Enoch and Elijah were), with incorruption and immortality. The Lord “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:21).

READ:

1 Corinthians 15:55

⁵⁵ O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

EXHORTATION:

Two types of feelings about death are expressed in these rhetorical questions by the apostle Paul – the feelings of those who have not received the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and also of those who have received Him as their Saviour by faith.

People’s general sentiment about death portrays it as something with a “sting” that results in “victory” over us. The allusion seems to be the venomous sting of a vicious reptile which leaves a man in agony and dying. The reality of death renders some unbelievers totally numb with fear. Even the boldest of men cowers and turns pale in the face of death.

However, the apostle Paul, being confident of the believers’ victory in Christ Jesus over sin and condemnation, “taunts” death. Christ has disarmed death of its sting, which He achieved by removing the guilt of our sins and thus breaking its power. When we come under the Lord’s saving grace, sin loses its dominion over us. When the wrath of God against the guilt of our sin is appeased, there remains no more accusation and condemnation against us. Therefore, our fear of death and hell is exchanged for a blessed hope of immortality and joy. Oh, how death is disarmed of its sting and we are enabled to triumph over it!

Paul already spoke of the certainty of our victory in Christ earlier in this chapter. In verses 20-22, Paul affirmed: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

Likewise in Romans 5:14-15, Paul declared, “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” By dying, Christ conquered death and spoiled the grave. Through faith in Him, believers become sharers in His triumph. He now gives us a blessed hope of resurrection and eternal life; thus the dread of death is driven away from our hearts. Instead of being gripped with fear of death, we are henceforth filled with hope of resurrection and everlasting life with Christ!

READ:

1 Corinthians 15:58b

^58b Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

EXHORTATION:

Paul made this statement as an encouragement for all who would give of themselves to always abound in the work of the Lord (v. 58a). The work of the Lord is the Christian’s “labour”. The Greek word that Paul used for “labour” (kópos) denotes trouble and vexation. Indeed, serving the Lord often would require wearying effort from His servants. It is laborious in various aspects, such as the enormity and scope of the work, the diligence and exactness required, the hostile circumstances involved, and so on.

The apostle Paul knew how laborious the work of the Lord could be. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-30, he highlighted his labours for Christ. He wrote, “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.”

Even though the servant of the LORD has to endure such intense hardships, he is assured that his labour is “not in vain”. No real work for the Lord is in vain. Because of the hardships, one might be tempted to think that one has failed to be effective in the Lord’s work. Yet, because we are co-labourers with God, He will accomplish all His good purposes through us. Moreover, as we endure hardships in our labour for the Lord, our own character is being conformed to the Lord’s, others are blessed by our efforts in the Lord, and the Lord also is magnified. The resurrection day will prove the full measure of the fruit of our labour for our Master. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). Truly, “every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1 Corinthians 3:8b).

READ:

1 Corinthians 15:58a

^58a Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

EXHORTATION:

This earnest exhortation of Paul unto all believers was based on their thankfulness to God for the hope of victory over death and grave through the Lord Jesus Christ. He had just proclaimed in v. 57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. Our glorious hope of victory over death gives us the impetus to serve the Lord with perseverance and fervency.

When we serve the Lord, we do not do what we want to do, but the work that the Lord has given unto us. The believers’ work is the work that the Lord has given unto them. It is not doing what we feel like doing, but what the Lord wants us to do. We are not to do as or when we like. As Paul pointed out in Hebrews 13:21, our desire and prayer ought to be that the Lord will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

We are also exhorted concerning the manner in which we ought to carry out the Lord’s work. Firstly, we must be “steadfast” in the work of the Lord. The Greek word used here by the apostle suggests being steady and settled in our hearts to fulfil all that the Lord has bidden us to do. We must always be faithful in the service of the Lord.

Secondly, we must be “unmoveable” in the work of the Lord. Nothing should shake us from our commitment to serve the Lord with diligence. We must be firm and unshakeable in faith and devotion to the Lord as we persist in doing all the will of God.

Thirdly, we must be “always abounding in the work of the Lord”. We should not be disinterested or lethargic in doing all that God has commanded us to do. We must serve the Lord with fervour and zeal. Thoroughness and excellence must characterise our work for the Lord. We must be eager to know all His will and do all of them with total resolve. We must also eagerly embrace and seek out opportunities for doing His good will. We must esteem it as our privilege – not our hardship – to do the work of the Lord. Let us set no limit to our exertions. Let us not measure our attainments by those of others. Let us not sit down in sloth and carelessness, but press on to serve Him more and more.

READ:

Luke 1:78

⁷⁸ Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.

EXHORTATION:

These words were part of the prophecy of Zacharias, the father of John the Baptiser. The prediction includes the ministries of both the forerunner (namely John the Baptiser) and the Messiah (namely Jesus Christ). Both of their missions were to proclaim God’s mercy to sinners.

The phrase “the tender mercy of our God” denotes God’s infinitely gentle and gracious consideration of poor creatures like us, who are lost in our sins, without any hope of escape. It depicts the deep-seated affections of God to wretched creatures like us.

God has not merely pitied us from heaven, but has also sent us relief through Jesus Christ. It is God’s tender mercy that sent Jesus to bear our sins and rescue us from all the perils of our souls. By God’s mercy, Christ has “visited us” as “the dayspring from on high”. The great visit of God’s mercy to us is the incarnation of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The word “dayspring” depicts the morning light, the aurora, the rising of the sun. The beautiful imagery here is derived from the magnificence of a spectacular sunrise. Christ’s condescension is called “the dayspring from on high” visiting us. The light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ shines forth from heaven. God is its author and through His mercy, it shines on men.

The advent of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, being here pictured as a sunrise, was a favourite metaphor with the prophets. We see it in such prophecies as those of Isaiah and Malachi. “For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:2-3). A similar prophecy was pronounced in Malachi 4:2 – “unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings”.

The proclamation of the Gospel to any individual is a visit of God’s mercy. The “visits” of God are like the dayspring, because they end our darkness. Our night is ended once and for all when we behold God visiting us in Christ Jesus. Christ’s coming into the world is as the morning light. He is the Light “which lighteth every man” (John 1:9). Christ’s coming is as the dayspring because He brings us hope of greater glory yet to come.

READ:

Luke 1:47

⁴⁷ And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

EXHORTATION:

Mary, in her song of praise, called God “my Saviour”. Thus, she acknowledged the reality of sin that had held her in the shackles of guilt and dread. She was like all other sinners in great need of a saviour. Now God has graciously provided a Saviour – through her – for herself and for all sinners who would come to Him in repentance and faith. Her joyful spirit that moved her to sing praises to God is an indication of how greatly she valued the gift of the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

More than being a mother to Christ, she rejoiced in that He would be born as her Saviour. He was Mary’s Saviour, as He would die to deliver her from eternal death and thereby to give her eternal life. She sought to take no glory in being chosen to be the mother of the Saviour. She was too overwhelmed with joy that her God has come to be her Saviour!

Mary’s joy was a deep-seated elation. She exclaimed, “my spirit hath rejoiced”. It was no superficial, transient pleasure, but a joy lodged deeply within her. It filled her soul. She could not have experienced any greater gladness than the joy of having a great Saviour!

Mary’s joy was the joy of a sinner who had found her salvation. The greatest joy that can fill the heart of a sinner is that God has become his Saviour. Like Mary, all of us must exult in that a mighty divine Saviour has come for us. Her song of joy in the divine Saviour is the grandest and purest joy which all the saints of God in all ages have experienced. David attested, “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation” (Psalm 35:9). Isaiah exulted, “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). The prophet Zechariah proclaimed, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).

Praise flowing out of a saved sinner is indeed wonderful. The joy of a once ruined soul that is now restored, coupled with thanksgiving and song unto God, is most heavenly. Like that of Mary’s, his joy is not about his own glory, but about God who has saved him. Acceptable worship before the Lord is that of a sinner who has found his salvation and joy in his God.