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Before baptism is administered, our church carefully instructs baptismal candidates in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith. This practice of catechetical instruction is rooted in Christ’s Great Commission itself, wherein He commanded the church not only to baptise, but also to “teach all nations” and to instruct disciples “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, baptism must be accompanied by biblical instruction, understanding, and discipleship.

Catechism classes serve this vital purpose. Through systematic teaching of the basic doctrines of Scripture, candidates are grounded in the truths of the Gospel and helped to understand the significance of baptism and church membership. Such instruction guards against shallow profession, doctrinal confusion, and careless participation in the holy ordinances of Christ.

The classes generally cover essential biblical teachings concerning: the existence and attributes of God, the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit and His works, the authority, inspiration, infallibility and preservation of Holy Scripture, the sinfulness of man, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, repentance and faith, the church and its ordinances, Christian obedience and holy living, doctrine of the last days, etc.

Catechetical instruction is especially important in an age marked by widespread biblical ignorance and doctrinal instability. The church must ensure that those seeking baptism possess a credible understanding of the Christian faith and a sincere desire to follow Christ in obedience.

Furthermore, catechism classes provide opportunities for pastors and elders to know the candidates personally, answer spiritual questions, clarify doctrinal matters, and lovingly guide them towards a faithful church life.

For children born to Christian parents who received infant baptism, such instruction also serves to strengthen and confirm them in the faith and truths of God’s Word that they have been taught from their childhood.

Thus, catechism classes are not mere formalities, but an important pastoral and spiritual preparation for those who desire to receive the covenant sign of baptism and publicly identify themselves with Christ and His church.

Baptizing Them

Authority for Baptism

Baptism is one of the evident and emphatic elements of the Great Commission that Christ has given to His church. With the absolute authority He has over everything “in heaven and in earth”, Christ stipulates that all who respond in faith and obedience to the preaching of the Gospel of Christ and become His disciples, ought to be baptized. For He has declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…” (Matthew 28:18–19). 

By virtue of His shed blood in His death on the cross to redeem His people and His resurrection from the grave, Jesus now wields full authority from the Father to institute baptism as a sign of the new covenant He has made with His redeemed people. With ushering in of the New Testament age, Christ, via the Great Commission, commanded baptism to be administered “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. 

Obligatory Practice of Baptism

All Christians are required to be baptised. While baptism is neither a means of salvation nor a meritorious rite that grants salvation, it is required of every Christian as an outward sign of repentance and faith in Christ. All who belong to Christ must obey the Lord’s command to be baptized. In fact, evidenced by command and example in the New Testament, this ecclesiastically obligatory practice of baptism (as stipulated in the Great Commission) extends to the baptism of the young children of those whom the apostles would disciple.

In the apostolic period, all those who believed in the Gospel preached by the apostolic team were baptized as they joined the church. We read in Scripture that “they that gladly received his (Peter’s) word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Earlier on that historic day of Gospel-preaching in Jerusalem, Peter had exhorted them to “Repent and be baptized … in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and [they] shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Undoubtedly, baptism not only signifies the remission of sins (through the atoning work of Christ), it also signifies our glad and personal acceptance of the atonement of Christ accomplished on the cross (cf. v. 41a). 

Covenantal Nature of Baptism

It is instructive to note that Peter further went on to affirm that “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). It is thus clear that this new covenantal promise of the Gospel—ratified by its outward sign of baptism—is (as asserted by Peter) offered to believers, including their children. Undeniably, baptism of the believers and their children was practised in the New Testament churches, as evidenced by the household baptisms recorded in Scripture—Cornelius and his family (cf. Acts 10:2, 48), Lydia and her family (cf. Acts 16:15), the Philippi jailor and his family (cf. Acts 16:32–33), Stephanas and his family (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:16). 

Just as circumcision is the covenant sign in the Old Testament, so baptism serves as the covenant sign in the New Testament. Both are symbols of God’s gracious gift of faith and salvation, administered under the two covenants respectively. What is noteworthy is that, like circumcision, baptism is also administered to households of believers, as corroborated by Scriptural evidence. This is a biblical fact not to be overlooked, which is affirmed by the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), stating, “Not only those that do actually profess faith in, and obedience unto Christ, but also the infants of one or both believing parents are to be baptized” (WCF, chapter 28, paragraph 4). 

Sermon Text: Psalm 136
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 24th May 2026

Hebrews 2:9—“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

Though God originally made man to rule over creation, sin brought ruin, suffering, and death. Mankind has lost dominion and power under the curse of sin. The prior verse, verse 8, notes, “But now we see not yet all things put under him.” God originally ordained man to rule over creation; the full dominion and glory intended for mankind are not presently seen because sin has brought disorder, suffering, and death into the world. Human history is marked by disorder, sorrow, and mortality. Yet the writer immediately turns our eyes away from fallen man to the victorious Saviour: “But we see Jesus”.

This is the great comfort of the Gospel. When the world appears troubled, and man appears helpless, believers are called to fix their eyes upon Christ. He “was made a little lower than the angels” in His incarnation. The eternal Son of God willingly took upon Himself true humanity, entering our weakness and humiliation. Yet this lowering was not defeat, but divine purpose “for the suffering of death”.

Christ came to die at Calvary. He bore the penalty of sin as the substitute for sinners. The phrase “taste death for every man” speaks of His real experience of death in its bitterness and judgment so that all who come to him may have deliverance from the eternal judgment of their sins. Christ endured what sinners deserved, fully and completely, by “the grace of God”.

But the cross was not the end. The crucified Christ is now “crowned with glory and honour”. His resurrection and exaltation declare His triumph over sin, death, and Satan.

We now have Christ as our Saviour and Lord, to guide and keep us for the eternal glory He prepares for all who trust in Him. In suffering, temptation, fear, and uncertainty, our hope is not in ourselves, but in the crucified and exalted Redeemer who lovingly gave Himself for us.

Hebrews 2:3—“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.”

This solemn warning follows the exhortation to “give the more earnest heed” to God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1). The writer argues from the lesser to the greater: if those who disobeyed the law given through angels were judged, how much more serious is the neglect of the salvation proclaimed by the Son of God Himself?

Notice that the danger mentioned is not merely rejecting salvation but neglecting it. Many perish not because they openly hate Christ, but because they treat the Gospel lightly. Spiritual neglect hardens the heart gradually. A soul may become occupied with earthly cares, pleasures, ambitions, and distractions while ignoring the eternal condition of the soul.

The salvation spoken of here is called “so great salvation” because of its glorious Author, wondrous accomplishment, and eternal blessings. It was “spoken by the Lord”, the very Son of God, who proclaimed it during His earthly ministry. The apostles, “them that heard him”, then confirmed this message faithfully to the church.

This salvation is great because it rescues sinners from divine wrath, reconciles them to God, forgives their sins, and grants eternal life through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection.

Every hearer must give himself to serious self-examination. Have we merely heard the Gospel repeatedly while neglecting its claims upon our hearts? Eternal realities cannot safely be ignored. Today is the day to repent, believe, and cleave wholeheartedly to Christ, for there is no escape apart from Him.

Hebrews 2:1—“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

The opening word, “therefore”, points back to the great truths declared in Hebrews 1, where Christ is exalted as the eternal Son of God, far above the angels in His person, authority, and glory. Because God has spoken finally and fully through such a majestic Saviour, believers must not treat His Word lightly. Thus, Christianity involves far more than merely hearing divine truth; it requires a steadfast, reverent holding fast to it in faith and obedience.

The phrase “give the more earnest heed” speaks of deliberate attentiveness. God’s Word must not be treated casually. The believer is to cling to divine truth with seriousness, meditation, and submission. Spiritual decline often begins, not with open rebellion, but with neglect. A drifting ship rarely notices its movement at first. Likewise, hearts that cease to watch, pray, and attend o Scripture slowly drift from steadfastness.

The warning, “lest at any time we should let them slip”, conveys the danger of gradually drifting away from the truth through neglect and spiritual carelessness. Truth neglected becomes truth forgotten. Convictions ignored become weakened. Affections once warm toward Christ may gradually cool through spiritual carelessness.

This exhortation is especially urgent in a world full of distractions, false teachings, pleasures, and worldly anxieties. The believer must guard the soul diligently by continual attention to God’s Word.

We are exhorted here to renewed seriousness in hearing sermons, reading Scripture, attending worship, and obeying Christ. God has not spoken lightly to us through His Son. Therefore, let us not drift from the truth, but cleave steadfastly to Him who alone is able to keep our souls secure.

Genesis 1:2—“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

In the opening words of Scripture, a stark canvas of primordial chaos is presented, depicting the earth before God’s full creative order is revealed. The scene is one of emptiness, disorder, and darkness: “without form, and void”.

However, this verse establishes the profound truth that chaos is never outside the scope of divine sovereignty. In the midst of the darkness, “the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” The Hebrew word for “moved” (rachaph) carries the imagery of a bird brooding over her nest, fluttering with protective, life-giving anticipation. Before light appeared, before the earth was formed and filled, the Spirit of God was already present, sovereignly preparing creation according to the will of God.

Here, we learn about the Holy Spirit's active ministry in creation itself. The Spirit is not merely a force, but the divine Person who gives life, order, beauty, and fruitfulness. Throughout Scripture, the Spirit continues this gracious work, not only in creation but also in the hearts of sinners. Just as the Spirit moved over the dark waters, He moves upon spiritually darkened hearts to bring conviction, life, renewal, and peace through Christ.

There are seasons when life appears disordered, empty, or overshadowed by sorrow. When our lives feel formless and empty, we can take comfort knowing that darkness is not a sign of God’s absence. The same Spirit that hovered over the deep resides within the believer, ready to transform our internal desolation into a scene of divine purpose. Let us recognise the blessedness of God’s presence even in life’s darkest moments, giving thanks that His Spirit is continually at work bringing spiritual and physical renewal into our lives.

Judges 2:1—“And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you.”

This solemn yet comforting declaration was spoken during a time of spiritual decline in Israel. After entering the Promised Land, the people failed to fully obey the LORD. They compromised with the heathen nations around them and neglected God’s commands. Into this atmosphere of disobedience came “an angel of the LORD” from Gilgal to Bochim. This brief geographical note carries profound theological weight. Gilgal was the place associated with Israel’s early obedience, covenant remembrance, and victorious beginnings in Canaan. “Bochim”, meaning “weepers”, became a place of sorrow and rebuke. How tragic that God’s people had moved from victory to weeping because of compromise.

Yet amid His rebuke, the LORD reminded them of His covenant faithfulness: “I will never break my covenant with you”. Though Israel had failed repeatedly, God remained steadfast.  Men are often unfaithful, but the LORD remains true to His Word. God’s covenant is not contingent upon Israel’s perfection, but upon His own unchanging holiness. As Paul the Apostle later wrote, “if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

We often find ourselves travelling the road from Gilgal to Bochim, moving from the vibrant joy of first faith and commitment to God into the tearful consequences of spiritual compromise. What a comfort this is to believers who mourn over weakness and failure. While our sin brings discipline, His covenant love remains unbroken.

God’s covenant mercy in Christ does not rest upon human perfection, but upon His own faithfulness. Yet, His steadfast love should never encourage complacency. Rather, it should move us to repentance, renewed obedience, and grateful devotion. The God who faithfully keeps covenant deserves wholehearted trust and submission.

Philemon 1:6—“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

These words express Paul the Apostle’s joyful thanksgiving to God for Philemon’s genuine faith and the gracious influence it had on the lives of others. The word “communication” carries the idea of fellowship, sharing, or participation. Biblical faith is never intended to remain private or inactive. True faith manifests itself through deeds of love, encouragement, hospitality, forgiveness, and spiritual usefulness within the body of Christ.

Paul prays that Philemon’s faith would “become effectual”, that is, powerful, active, and fruitful. Faith becomes spiritually effective when believers increasingly recognise and embrace “every good thing” God has graciously worked within them through union with Christ. Many Christians remain spiritually weak because they fail to appreciate the riches of grace already bestowed upon them in Christ Jesus. A deeper acknowledgement of God’s work produces greater usefulness in God’s service.

This verse reminds us that every spiritual virtue originates “in Christ Jesus”. Apart from Him, there is no true goodness in us. Through Christ’s saving work, believers are renewed, equipped, and enabled to bless others. As Jesus taught, “For without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Pastorally, this verse challenges believers to ask: Is my faith strengthening others? Does my life communicate Christ’s grace? Living faith is not merely confessed with the lips but demonstrated through active fellowship, loving service, and spiritual encouragement that refreshes the saints and glorifies Christ.

Philemon 1:4—“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers”.

This brief statement reveals the tender pastoral heart of the Apostle Paul. Though writing concerning the delicate matter of Onesimus, who fled from Philemon’s household, Paul does not begin with rebuke or demand, but with thanksgiving and prayer. Before addressing what is required of Philemon, Paul acknowledges God’s grace already at work in him. Such a beginning reflects the spirit of Christlike ministry.

The words “I thank my God” show that Paul viewed every evidence of spiritual maturity in believers as the work of divine grace. He did not flatter men; he glorified God for what God had accomplished in them. True Christian gratitude recognises that faith, love, hospitality, and steadfastness are fruits of God’s merciful operation in the soul. As Paul says in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Paul also says, “making mention of thee always in my prayers.” Philemon continually occupied a place in Paul’s thankful prayers before God. Genuine pastoral affection expresses itself in persevering intercession. Prayer is one of the greatest acts of Christian love. Many speak about others, but few consistently speak to God on behalf of others.

This verse challenges believers to cultivate thankful hearts toward fellow saints instead of critical spirits. Do we rejoice in God’s grace seen in others? Do we regularly pray for brethren by name? We honour the grace of God by acknowledging the faith and virtues of His people, thanking Him for the unique ways His providence and peace are channelled through their hands to the rest of the Body. A praying church becomes a loving, unified, and spiritually strengthened church, where thanksgiving replaces envy and intercession overcomes selfishness.

GBI, Alem Gena, Ethiopia

Pastor Ephrem Chiracho

Greetings in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:1–2).

We are pleased to inform you that 13 trainees will graduate from GBI Ethiopia on 31 May 2026, the day we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Gethsemane BPC, Ethiopia. God willing, we will have three membership transfers and one infant baptism on the same occasion. 

We praise the LORD for His unfailing love, mercy, goodness and faithfulness in providing for all His works in Ethiopia through the sacrificial giving of Gethsemaneans in Singapore. We praise God for using your wisdom, prayer, labour and support to accomplish the work of the Gospel in Ethiopia, through unworthy and weak vessels who are working in God’s vineyards in this land.

By God’s enabling grace, we have been proclaiming the Reformed biblical truths taught by our spiritual fathers, so that we may commit the same to the next generation (2 Timothy 2:2). God has been our present Help in all the trials of life and ministry thus far. And He has graciously provided for all the needs of the church ministries, including GBI, Ethiopia. We join the psalmist to acknowledge and publish God’s goodness: “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul… Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me” (Psalm 66:16–20). All glory and praise to the living and true God. 

Pastor, during your recent visit to Ethiopia, we discussed the desire to start a degree programme at GBI in Ethiopia to thoroughly equip former GBI graduates who are in the ministry and to reach more evangelical churches with the sound doctrine of the Reformed faith. By God’s grace, you had promised that you would help us offer the degree programme in cooperation with FEBC… If it be God’s will, we are planning to start the programme at the beginning of October 2026…

Please continue to pray for us, that God may help us hold the fort faithfully and valiantly until Christ our King comes. 

Please convey our heartiest greetings and gratitude to Gethsemane B-P Church’s leaders and the whole congregation.

GBI, Vizag, India

Pastor Sujith Samuel

We thank God for the conclusion of yet another academic year in GBI, India. Two students (Bro. Kynsai and Bro. Khraw from Shillong, Meghalaya) finished their studies and graduated last week. Bro. Khraw is preparing to continue his studies at Far Eastern Bible College in Singapore. He is now working on his application form and supporting documents. Please pray that he can enrol for studies in FEBC in the upcoming semester. 

We are much encouraged by Pastor Koshy’s visit and his ministering of God’s Word at the graduation service held on Wednesday, 6th May 2026. Likewise, we are grateful for the labour of Pastor Koshy and Pr Cornelius in teaching online over the last semester. The subjects offered from Singapore through GBI International cater to our GBI students here in Vizag. We look forward to the teaching of new subjects from both of you next semester. 

One of our teachers, Bro. Seraph, is preparing to move back to his home in Dehradun next month. He is called to serve in the Presbyterian Seminary, Dehradun. After Seraph’s departure this June, Pr Jonathan Hendricks and I will have to labour more to teach in the upcoming semester. Please pray for our preparation of the lectures for the next semester. In addition to the courses we offer, our students will continue to register for some selected online courses offered by FEBC.

Please continue to pray for permission to build our new campus. We had submitted the required documents and are awaiting a response from the city authorities. As for the land, we have already filled it with soil to level it. We also plan to put a fence around the land soon.

We are regularly praying for Gethsemane BPC and mission stations around the world. We are praying especially for Pr Ho Kee How and Rev. Reggor Galarpe. May the Lord strengthen His servants and family in this time of affliction.