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Revelation 2:10—“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” 

The Lord Jesus addresses the church at Smyrna with a message of urgent preparation. It was a small, impoverished flock faced with intense waves of Roman persecution and local hostility. Christ does not promise them an easy escape; rather, He explicitly warns them of impending imprisonment and a severe, yet divinely limited, period of “tribulation ten days”.

Christ’s solemn and comforting words to the suffering church in Smyrna are also recorded: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer… be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Unlike some churches addressed in Revelation, Smyrna received no rebuke. They were poor, afflicted, and persecuted, yet spiritually rich before God.

Christ also warned the church plainly about the reality of suffering: “the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried”. Behind earthly opposition stood a spiritual adversary seeking to intimidate and weaken believers. Yet Satan’s activity remained under God’s sovereign control. Even their “tribulation ten days” reveals that suffering would be measured, limited, and governed by divine purpose.

In times of suffering, our flesh naturally trembles before pain and fears the unknown. Yet, Christ commands, “Fear none of those things”.  The Lord who foretold their affliction also promised His sustaining grace through it. We can face hardship with courage because our Saviour has already conquered death. 

He does not demand that we be successful or prosperous in the eyes of the world, only that we remain “faithful unto death”. By fixing our gaze on the eternal prize, we are granted the enduring grace to withstand the sharpest trials, confident that our present suffering is brief compared to the weight of glory awaiting us.

Trials are not evidence of God’s abandonment. Sometimes the most faithful believers endure the greatest hardships. Christ does not promise immediate deliverance but enduring grace and eternal reward: “I will give thee a crown of life”. Suffering does not signify defeat, nor does earthly comfort measure success; the true mark of victorious Christianity is an unyielding faithfulness in the furnace of affliction.

James 1:5—“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 

This promise appears in the context of trials and testing. After calling believers to endure hardships with joy (James 1:2–4), James anticipates a pressing need of all who are undergoing trials of life. It is wisdom. Trials often leave believers asking, “What should I do? How should I respond? What is God teaching me?”

For the scattered, suffering believers of the first century, navigating persecution required more than human cleverness; it demanded a heavenly perspective to understand how God uses affliction to produce endurance. Recognising that hardship often exposes our human weakness and limitations, James points the struggling soul to the ultimate source of help.

Biblical wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence. It is the God-given ability to understand life from God’s perspective and apply His truth rightly. In seasons of suffering, believers often need wisdom more than immediate relief. God may not always remove trials quickly, but He promises wisdom for enduring them faithfully and joyfully.

Notice God’s gracious character in this verse. He “giveth to all men liberally.” God is not reluctant or stingy in granting wisdom to His children. Furthermore, He “upbraideth not.” He does not rebuke or shame believers for their weakness, ignorance, or repeated need. Earthly people may grow impatient when asked repeatedly for help, but our heavenly Father invites continual dependence.

During our trials, our human insufficiency will be met with divine sufficiency. Our inability is not a barrier to God’s blessing; it is often the pathway to it. God delights when His people acknowledge their need and seek His help.

When confusion, suffering, or difficult decisions arise, believers should first seek God rather than depend merely on human reasoning. The God who permits trials is also the God who generously provides wisdom for them.

James 1:2–3—“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” 

Writing to scattered Jewish Christians facing hardships, persecution, and uncertainty, James addresses suffering not as an exception to Christian life but as an expected reality. James does not minimise their suffering with empty words. Rather, he teaches them to endure their trials with patience.

The phrase “divers temptations” refers to various trials and tests. These believers were experiencing pressures from many directions: social rejection, poverty, persecution, and personal struggles. God uses these seasons of trials as a crucible to refine the believer. 

For this reason, James commands them to “count it all joy”. This does not mean believers rejoice in pain itself, nor deny sorrow. Rather, Christian joy rests in knowing that God is sovereignly working through trials for spiritual good.

In verse 3, James emphasises the reason for our trials: “the trying of your faith worketh patience”. Trials expose whether faith is genuine and strengthen believers through endurance. Just as gold is refined through fire, faith matures through testing. God often uses difficulties to remove self-dependence and deepen trust in Him. Patience here speaks of steadfast endurance, a grace that enables believers to remain faithful under pressure.

These verses remind us that suffering in the believer’s life is purposeful, not random. God sanctifies His people through trials. As Scripture declares elsewhere, “tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3).

When trials come, believers should resist bitterness and despair. Instead, we should ask: What is God teaching me through this? Trials may shake our comforts, but they also strengthen our faith. The God who appoints trials also sustains His people through them.

Philemon 1:25—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” 

Though short, this final sentence is a benediction that gathers together the epistle’s central message: “grace”. Paul had appealed for forgiveness, reconciliation, restoration, and Christian love between Philemon and Onesimus. Now he ends by directing both their hearts to the sustaining grace of Christ.

A reconciliation is never easy. Human pride resists forgiveness, old wounds linger, and relationships often remain fractured. Therefore, Paul points Philemon to the only sufficient resource for Christian living: “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Grace is more than God’s favour at conversion; it is the continual divine provision believers need for every aspect of their spiritual and physical life to fulfil God’s will and pleasure. Christian conduct and relationships are entirely dependent upon divine empowerment. 

Paul does not merely say, “Grace be with you”, but specifically, “be with your spirit”. True transformation begins inwardly. Outward obedience, forgiveness, humility, and love flow from hearts strengthened by Christ’s grace. As Paul testified elsewhere, “by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Believers must remember that Christian relationships, ministry responsibilities, family life, and personal holiness cannot be sustained by human effort alone. When we are faced with the gruelling tasks of extending forgiveness, restoring broken relationships, or enduring personal hardship, our natural human strength quickly fails.  The flesh grows weary and bitter. So, we constantly need Christ’s grace. Let us therefore seek daily communion with Him, asking that His grace strengthen our spirits, soften our hearts, and enable us to live in ways that honour Him. Grace began our Christian life, and grace must sustain it.

Philemon 1:21—“Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.”

These words appear near the close of Paul’s tender appeal concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave of Philemon, a wealthy believer.  Onesimus had become a believer through Paul’s ministry in the Roman prison. Rather than wielding his apostolic authority to demand compliance, Paul lovingly appeals for reconciliation, trusting that Philemon's Christian obedience would transcend mere obligation.

The context highlights the beauty of Gospel-transformed relationships. Paul had urged Philemon to receive Onesimus “not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved” (Philemon 16). Now Paul expresses confidence that Philemon’s obedience would exceed even what had been requested. This confidence was not rooted in mere friendship, but in the sanctifying work of Christ within Philemon’s life.

Here we are reminded that true obedience flows from a renewed heart. Gospel obedience is not cold compliance or reluctant duty. It is willing, joyful, and abundant. Scripture teaches, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Scriptural compliance produced by the grace of God is not a grudging adherence to the bare minimum of the law, but a joyful, overflowing expression of Christian love.

Believers should ask whether their obedience to God is merely sufficient or sacrificial. The flesh often asks, “What is the absolute minimum required of me?” Yet, the grace of God calls us to a higher standard of generosity and reconciliation. 

Do we do only what is demanded, or do we willingly abound in love, forgiveness, generosity, and service? Mature Christianity seeks not the lowest standard possible but the highest expression of Christlike love. May our obedience be such that others, too, can have confidence that we will “do more than” is expected for Christ’s sake.

1 Kings 3:9—“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”

Young Solomon stands before the LORD at the beginning of his reign and prays these words. Faced with the immense responsibility of governing Israel, Solomon recognised his inadequacy. Rather than asking for wealth, power, or long life, he sought wisdom from God.

The context magnifies the beauty of this request. Solomon had inherited a united kingdom, yet he also inherited great responsibilities. Human ability alone was insufficient. His prayer reveals humility for he acknowledges his own frailty. Confronted with the staggering task of governing a massive, chosen nation, he pleads for the supernatural capacity to rule justly.

He called himself “thy servant” and acknowledged that God’s people were “thy people.” Good leadership begins with knowing that He is called to do God’s work among God’s people as God would have him to do. It requires submission to God and dependence upon Him.

This verse also teaches that true wisdom in leadership is a divine gift. “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Solomon specifically desired “an understanding heart”, not mere intelligence, but spiritual discernment to distinguish “between good and bad.” Godly discernment is essential because human judgment is often clouded by pride, emotions, and self-interest.

True spiritual maturity begins with an admission of inadequacy: “Who is able?” We must approach the throne of grace with humility, begging the Lord for a heart that listens to God to have divine discernment that will preserve us from moral blindness and foolish choices.

Solomon’s prayer should become ours. Parents, pastors, teachers, church leaders, and believers making daily decisions all need wisdom beyond themselves. The responsibilities God gives us are often greater than our natural strength. Therefore, let us humbly seek the Lord who “giveth to all men liberally” (James 1:5). Those who acknowledge their insufficiency are often the ones most prepared to receive God’s wisdom.

Our annual church camp begins tomorrow. Let us remember that it is far more than a scheduled gathering or a brief retreat from our daily routine. It is a gracious provision of God whereby His people gather together for worship, spiritual instruction, prayer, fellowship, and renewed consecration unto Him. Therefore, preparation for camp ought not to begin with the packing of bags, but with preparing our hearts.

Prepare prayerfully. Pray that the Lord would grant all the brethren journey mercies and gather us safely at the Courtyard by Marriott, Kuala Lumpur South, for a season of reverent worship, blessed fellowship, and edifying communion of saints. Pray for the preachers, chairmen, musicians, organisers, media workers, and all who labour behind the scenes. Above all, pray for the Holy Spirit’s working, for unless the Lord blesses, all our planning and effort will be in vain (cf. Psalm 127:1).

Prepare spiritually. Come to hear God’s Word and understand sound doctrines of His Word. The Lord wants us to be equipped with His Word, “henceforth (we) be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Ephesians 4:14).

James 1:21 exhorts us, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” Lay aside distractions, worldly concerns, unresolved conflicts, and spiritual complacency. Samuel exhorted Israel, “prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only” (1 Samuel 7:3). A prepared heart profits most from God’s Word.

Prepare practically. Arrange your responsibilities early, come punctually, bring your Bible and necessary materials, and plan to participate wholeheartedly in all sessions. Resist the temptation to treat camp casually or selectively (cf. Luke 8:18).

Prepare relationally. Determine to encourage fellow believers, show patience, practise kindness, and seek unity. Church camp is not only about receiving blessings personally, but also about strengthening one another in Christ (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-22).

May our church camp be a season of spiritual growth and lasting fruit for His glory.

Pastor’s Report on Visit to Ethiopia

The recent opportunity to visit our mission stations in Ethiopia was altogether a joyous and thanksgiving-filled experience. As announced earlier, Sis. Cheng Han, and Bro. Enosh More from India joined my wife, Carolyn, and me on this journey. While Carolyn and Sis. Cheng Han ministered to the children, I was engaged in teaching the GBI students. Though Bro. Enosh initially joined us as an observer, God graciously used him in a most providential way. As a medical doctor, he provided much-needed medical care and assistance during my debilitating struggles with altitude sickness.

We thank God for His preserving and prospering hand upon the Gethsemane BPC congregations in Addis Ababa and Alem Gena. Our Gospel outreach in Ethiopia began twenty years ago through Pastor Ephrem Chiracho, and it is humbling to witness how the Lord has sustained and enlarged this ministry over the years. Presently, Pastor Ephrem is assisted by four faithful full-time preachers—Engida, Imane, Bayera and Bedada—who labour together in shepherding both congregations and teaching the GBI students.

Currently, ten full-time students are undergoing theological training through GBI. In addition, the children’s ministry continues to be a fruitful Gospel outreach, receiving about one hundred children daily from the surrounding neighbourhood. This ministry has opened many doors for the Gospel, reaching not just children but also their parents and relatives.

We were especially thankful to be part of the 20th Anniversary Thanksgiving of our Ethiopian Gospel Mission, as well as the GBI graduation service. Truly, the Lord has done great things for us; whereof we are glad (Psalm 126:3). All praise and glory be unto our faithful God.

Sermon Text: Psalm 137
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 7th June 2026

1 Kings 2:2—“I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man.” 

The aged David speaks his final recorded words to Solomon. King David is on his deathbed, delivering his final charge to his young son and successor, Solomon. The aged monarch recognises his own mortality and acknowledges that even a king like him must walk “the way of all the earth”.

David’s acknowledgement, “I go the way of all the earth”, is a sober confession that no one escapes death. Kings, shepherds, rich, poor, young, and old alike must eventually leave this world. Scripture reminds us, “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27). David’s words call us to live mindful of life’s brevity and eternity’s certainty.

Yet David’s concern is not merely about dying but about faithful living. He charges Solomon, “be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man”. Biblical manhood is not defined by physical age, strength, worldly success, or self-assertion. The next verse explains what David meant: “Keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes” (1 Kings 2:3). Strength is displayed through obedience, reverence, steadfastness, and submission to God.

This exhortation was especially important because Solomon would soon bear the responsibilities of leadership. Godly courage would be necessary amidst temptation, opposition, and personal weakness. True strength does not mean self-sufficiency, but rather the fortitude to stand firm in righteousness when godly leaders of a previous generation pass away.

These words speak beyond Solomon to all believers. Whether young or old, leaders or followers, we are called to face life’s brevity with courage and faithfulness. Since we too are “the way of all the earth”, let us live steadfastly, obey God wholeheartedly, and leave behind a testimony of faithful obedience.

Leviticus 19:34—“But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” 

God instructs His covenant people not only on how to worship Him but also on how to treat those who live among them. Having established the standard of mutual affection among the children of Israel, the holiness code of Leviticus expands its horizon outward. 

Contextually, a “stranger” (ger) was a vulnerable foreigner living under Israel’s protection, lacking ancestral land and tribal safety nets. God demands that Israel dismantle the natural human wall between native and outsider: the immigrant must be treated with the exact same legal and relational dignity as a home-born citizen.

The command is striking: “thou shalt love him as thyself”. The standard of care shown to one’s own people was to extend also to outsiders dwelling among them. The theological foundation appears in the remainder of the verse: “for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God”. God calls His people to remember His redeeming mercy. Having experienced God’s compassion in their own helplessness, they were to reflect that same mercy toward others. Gratitude for redemption must produce compassion.

This principle continues throughout Scripture. God’s people are called to “use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9). Christ Himself welcomed sinners and strangers into His kingdom. True godly love is inherently hospitable, crossing cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries. It forbids passive indifference to those who are different or displaced.

Therefore, let us examine our hearts. Do we ignore, fear, or avoid those who are different from us? Biblical holiness requires more than sound doctrine. It requires love that welcomes, serves, and reflects the gracious heart of God.